Real Estate Agent and Investor · VA · Member since 2016 · 16 posts · 9 votes
I went to the Rappahannock REIA meeting in Fredericksburg, VA tonight and it was amazing! There were about 25 folks from all walks of REI who were more than happy to share their expertise with others. There was even someone who hadn't yet heard of BP but I suspect she'll be heading this way!
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous going in, not knowing what to expect or what sort of reception I would get. If you are on the fence about going or can't decide if it's worth your time...do it!! Not only do I have pages of notes and a stack of business cards, but 2 dozen real estate investors in my area now know who I am. That alone was worth the price of admission!
Investor/Landlord · Farmington Hills, MI · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
@Wynn L., you have found a way to make whatever path you choose in real estate investing much easier. I was a landlord for ~5 years before I heard about REIAs. Then it took a couple more years before I attended a meeting. I was reluctant to share my secrets with my competition. As soon as I realized I didn't have any secrets and that even if I bought everything I could imagine I wouldn't affect the market one iota, as soon as I started discussing situations with other investors, helping when I could this game got much much easier. People now bring me deals that they think may be appropriate for me or that I might be interested in and I forward deals that are exactly what I am looking for to others for whom I know they may be a good fit. They often help me solve my issues with a single conversation or point me to the person who can. They are no longer competitors--they are colleagues. Helping someone solve an issue may not return anything at all or it may be the first step in creating a partner a ways down the road with whom you may do many deals. Best wishes to you.
Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
Baldwin Locher congrats on attending your first REIA. The key now is to become a regular and attend each month. You'll make great contacts and you'll be amazed at how just being around other investors keeps you recharged and focused.
Real Estate Agent and Investor · VA · Member since 2016 · 16 posts · 9 votes
10y
@Jeff Rabinowitz: It's funny you mention your reservations with sharing your "secrets!" I've had similar trepidations about others knowing what I'm doing and stealing my ideas. But you're absolutely right, there is plenty of product that I couldn't possibly capitalize on and even if I could, not every deal or scenario is right for me.
The experience base in my REIA is amazing and the networking capabilities are unmatchable and I'm going to venture to nearby markets because of the potential for learning and meeting new people!
Real Estate Agent and Investor · VA · Member since 2016 · 16 posts · 9 votes
10y
@John Casmon: I definitely plan to go to all our monthly meetings and I want to branch out to nearby markets because I know so little about them. There was so much knowledge and energy in the room and I had such a positive vibe afterwards, that I had a hard time falling asleep! I can't wait for our July meeting :)
Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
@Wynn L. that's great to hear, but don't wait for the July meeting. Invite some of those contacts you made to coffee or lunch and keep the momentum going through the rest of the month.