Young Contractor Looking For Guidance From Experienced Investor

[Nathan Gornto]

Hello everyone at BP! I want to start out by saying what a great site this is, I have spent many hours reading and listening to the podcasts, webinars, etc... I have been interested in Real Estate since I was very little, as long as I've had a computer I knew how to look up properties. I grew up around my father's residential repair business, and learned enough skills from working for him and other contractors that I started my own full service painting contracting company at 21.  Working as a contractor and taking on new challenges has made me learn a few very useful skills such as managing, estimating, budgeting, scheduling, quality control, etc. This January I plan to make my first painter, and currently project manager my partner to decrease my personal workload so I can expand our business. I understand that when investing in RE, your first few deals can really make or break you, which is why I am looking to BP for guidance. Long term, I would like to have enough capital to build a diverse portfolio of rental property with someone from my company managing them, and spending most of my time developing my own projects in transitioning neighborhoods. Short term I am open to suggestions! I feel competent enough to manage a short live-in flip project,  I could help a wholesaler find properties, or I can see myself being interested in a JV deal or two before I really strike out on my own. Are there any experienced investors out there that are willing to offer any advice or mentoring? I currently live in Athens, GA, but I am considering branching out to some of the larger metro areas in the US. There are plenty of local investment opportunities here in North East Georgia but my network in the RE industry is limited and would love to have someone show me the ropes. I would be happy to offer any help I can be scouting RE, creating budgets, estimates, labor, anything. Looking forward to start a career putting my entrepreneurial spirit and my love for buildings together!