Starting from scratch

[George Argyris]

Been going through the Ultimate Beginner's guide and am almost finished!

Thanks for putting that together, btw. I can always appreciate altruistic contributions for the new crowd.

And although it has given me some good ideas, what seems to be hard about using a forum, is that I keep getting lead down rabbit trails of different advise and strategies. Information overload seems to be my problem.

I guess that's what makes some gurus packages so attractive (specifically Sean Terry's Fip2Freedom Academy) because it seems more step-by-step and comprehensive than a forum. However, after reading through the forums and blogs, I know you guys (and gals) don't highly recommend paying for any service, but then that leads me to sifting through what is valuable, applicable, and action oriented.

Just a little about myself:

My name is George Argyris. I am currently residing in Murrieta, CA, and I am taking the next step to becoming a professional REI. I am 26 years old, graduated from San Diego State University, and am currently a Manager at the local Chick-fil-a here.

I have my Series 7 and 66 licenses (I had a short training stint with Edward Jones, only to quit the company because I wasn't comfortable with cold-calling, knocking on doors, and hard selling...) and I still have a strong passion for the markets. Nothing would be more exciting than getting into real estate and building long term wealth, as well as doing this full-time.

One thing that is handcuffing me, is my lack of capital to trade with (I have about 6000 dollars to invest, but properties here in California can be quite expensive). I can see why wholesaling is attractive for this reason, but I'm open to other methods and it would be nice to speak to someone who is/was in my shoes in the SoCal market. I have been looking for education programs, which lead me to this site on BiggerPockets.

I have a strong financial acumen, but I am brand spanking new to real estate. I don't come to you with confidence because I think I know everything...I definitely don't. But what I do bring is a self-awareness that I do have a lot to learn, and my tireless work ethic and willingness to lose sleep to balance various responsibilities is what I bring to the table. I am a sponge and I'm looking to soak up the training nectar dripping from the minds of those who know way more than I do. Haha

I'm just looking for some guidance in order to focus my efforts in the right direction. I have been reading a few books on the subject, but I have yet to find anything comprehensive. I know there are some valuable insights on this forum, but again, so much information, I don't know how to sift through it.

I have no doubt that I can eventually become a profitable investor. I put myself through college with no scholarship, grants, or parents' money, and graduated with ZERO debt while working full time and commuting an hour to school. I will work hard, I will reach my potential.

I hope that you can help me with my journey into becoming REI. The real estate market is something that has intrigued me and is something that I'll have a passion for the rest of my life. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sorry for the long winded post, but I wanted you to know where I was coming from :)

Best Regards BP Community,

George Argyris

[Cory Rogers]

George,
Welcome to BP. I am in the San Bernardino area. I found an REI which has meetings in Corona every last Tuesday of the month. I just found them. I have not visited them yet. They charge $25 for each meeting or $197 a year for all of their meetings. We are in the same situation. I have some knowledge from reading and following some gurus, but it isn't enough. I strive to continue learning everyday. I get 6 hours of sleep a night and balance many responsibilities. I love real estate and I know I will make it, but it definitely takes persistence, an open mind, and the ability to get through some trials. I own a tri-plex. That's it. I just started marketing for wholesaling using bandit signs. My next jump is direct mail. I also just finished a real estate course and will be scheduling my test with the DRE. I just felt like that was the right thing to do. No need to worry about gurus and whether their information is true or workable, but I felt like gaining the facts was more important to me. Plus it will give me access to the MLS. Finally, I'm looking to get immersed up to my neck in real estate. The best way to do it in my opinion is to just do it. Even that can be difficult, but withy license I can get mentoring from a real estate office, continued education (free) and I should get my immersion when I'm doing the agent thing full time.

That is the just of it. We should get together. Email me. [email protected]