What to ask the pros in front of you

[Chris R.]

I hope this is posted in the right place.

This is my position last night:
At my very first REIA meeting, not sure what to expect. First of all, it's surprising how friendly people are at this meeting. Several people approached me to introduce themselves, told me how many properties they owned and said that, at my age, I'm doing the best thing possible.

Fast forward a bit. I have a mission to find a seat as close to the front as possible and I manage to get one at the table right in front of the panel (It was an "ask the expert" night). Next to me is a gentleman very far along in his investing career that owns SFH all across the States. Before the meeting starts he asks me where I am in my investing career, advises me that he got to where he is by renting quality homes to quality people, and then the meeting starts.

After the meeting, the same gentleman asks to look over the notes I took! He went over my notes, line by line, and congratulated me on taking good notes. His next question was, "what are you going to do when you leave here tonight"?

After speaking with him for a few minutes, another gentleman at the table told me he buys houses, fixes them up and sells to investors looking to rent. We spoke for 30 minutes about the business.

I gathered more information than I ever imagined (all for only $25!!).

The dilemma is this: both of the gentleman I spoke to asked me if I had any questions. Investors that are successful, in my area, asking if I have any questions. I think all newbies can learn from this: If someone is willing to provide guidance and answer your questions, what do you ask so that you gain the most without wasting their time?