Should I join an investment group?

[Martin B.]

So, I'm a new investor.  My wife and I bought our first condo at the end of 2017.  It's rented with great tenants.  It's not cash flowing much, but it's paying for itself.  I'm looking to buy another property and get more serious about our real estate investing.  I was thinking about joining the Chicago Area Real Estate Investors Association or the Northwest Indiana Creative Investors Association, or both.  Does anyone have any feedback on these groups?  Or know of better groups to join?  Or have general opinions on joining groups such as these?  I feel the need for mentor(s) and contacts to guide me along and increase my education.  I live just southwest of Chicago.

[Mihir Bhimaraju]

@Martin B. I'm not familiar with the 2 groups you mentioned but I went through a similar situation when I got started. There were paid groups in the region and there are benefits to that. You get to network and meet investors and grow your circle and knowledge. I had the option of attending a free group and also help my own meetups ( on meetup app) to get together a group of folks. You can try that or network with individuals and get coffee and see what they'd recommend. You might find a different or a better option.  Meetup app has quite a few real estate related events going on. Check it out if you haven't already. 

As for mentors and coaching, it's up to you. I've personally not found anyone I'd sign up with but if you're comfortable with the idea then I'd recommend researching the person and what they have to offer before signing up. I'd also think about what value you can bring to them.