How and when did you find BiggerPockets?

Question

When I started investing, I would spend hours at Barnes and Noble reading every book I could find on real estate investing (my poor wife).  I didn't attend any REI groups because the few times I went I felt like someone was trying to sell me something to help me get rich quick, at an insane cost (both rub me the wrong way).  So there I was, a lone wolf in the wilderness.  Until I found BiggerPockets.

In 2016 I was doing some research online for a flip we were considering and came across a post in one of the forums on BiggerPockets.  I couldn't quite figure it out at first because it was so novel to me.  A platform with the largest source of REI information I've ever seen, no get rich quick gimmicks, and it's free?!  The unicorn of real estate investing!  The information and connections I've gained since 2016 have been invaluable.

What's your story?

Brian Garrett · Answer

My story is pretty simple.

In 2017 I typed "real estate investing" into Google and BP was right there - Great SEO presence ;)

Been here ever since!

Tony Wooldridge · Answer

@Isi Nau, as I was reading your post its as if you were capturing the exact feelings I had when I first discovered BP back in 2016.  However, it appears that you have been in the game a lot longer than myself!  I've known for 20 years that RE was a business that I wanted to be a part of but as with most things in life the timing of it all has to align so that it makes sense.

I have a background in construction and always saw the value that was involved in RE when working in it but never had the money/time (or at least at that time my mindset thought that I didn't) to take advantage of it.  However, in 2013 I took a stab at trying to wholesale in my farming community to only fail as I once again didn't have the right mindset/motivation to truly make this work.  Then in 2015-2016 I got serious about wanting to change mine and my families future.  In that time frame (2015-2016), I proceeded to get my financial house in order so I could focus my attention and money on REI.  Additionally, that is when I was reading EVERYTHING RE related.  While on-line researching how to start a Flipping business I came upon BP NATION and boy has it changed my life.

We didn't have any meet-ups in my area so I attended the next closes one in Spokane which is about a 2 hour drive from my place.  Since I drive a pretty good distance every day for my J.O.B. during the week and now driving to Spokane 2 hours on the weekends I needed to change that and start my own.  So last year I started my own meet up here in WW.  However, I need to report that I have not done a very good job of having the meetups as regular as I should (between normal work, rehabbing my BRRRR's, but all excuses in the end).  This is a goal for 2020 to turn my meetup into priority not only for myself so much but rather more so for the folks that it could provide the spring board for them to change their lives as well!

I see you are in Hawaii.  My son is finishing up his two year at Spokane Falls CC and has aspirations of attending UofH.  As a matter fact, he just toured the campus last month.  I am extremely excited for him if it all works out (and especially excited to come visit him, as often as I can!) but I know the living situation is fairly expensive over there.  If you don't mind I would love to reach out as I want to make sure I have a better understanding of that market from a renters perspective for him as he is still 19 and doesn't full appreciate what it really takes to live somewhere on your own let alone an island out in the middle of ocean with no support group in the immediate area!

BP has changed my life and since finding it I have tried to introduce it to others so that if they have the same desires as US that are on here it may change theirs as well.  Thanks for posting this thread and allowing me to share my story.  Here is to wishing you nothing but the best and GR8 success in your 2020 REI ventures and beyond!  Thanks again.

Dawn Brenengen · Answer

@Isi Nau I was on the Bogleheads forums learning everything there is to know about index fund investing. Bigger Pockets was repeatedly mentioned there, so one day I decided to check it out.  I was already lightly investing in RE, and I was already a RE broker, but I really went down the rabbit hole when I found BP

Kevin Steel · Answer

My dad bought his first rental property (duplex house hack) in 1994, which was my first exposure to real estate investing. I watched him flip dozens of properties, and hold onto several rentals over the years.

I have known since I was a kid that real estate investing would be a great financial path and have set out with the intent to purchase an investment property multiple times over the past 15 years, but never jumped in.  Mostly a lack of education and poor financial management (lack of education on finding money) is the reason I never took action. I’m cautious around what I don’t know, and even though my dad has always steered me into investing and is really good at “educating” me, he makes real estate sound overly simple, and I’ve watched him struggle with different flipping and tenant issues that has just added to my fear.

I found bigger pockets 3 months ago, and have learned more in 3 months that I have in the previous 20 years about real estate investing! I have read several bigger pockets guides, which let me to read half a dozen books, and I’ve listened to about 100 podcast episodes.

For the fist time I feel like I have the knowledge to be comfortable and confident in taking action, and I have a better understating in all the investing perks of real estate, it’s only made me more hungry to do this.  I’ve been analyzing deals daily and getting a good understanding of our market, my financing approval is finishing up this week, and I will be starting putting offers in next week.

My goal is at least 2 properties and 3 doors by the end of the year, which is easily doable. Without bigger pockets I’d still be sitting on the sidelines with no clue.

Kevin Steel · Answer

@Tony Wooldridge your boy is my weekend jump buddy. We got our skydive licenses together, I think we did about 50-60 jumps together this year.  Small world indeed.

Isi Nau · Answer

@Dawn Brenengen a rabbit hole is a perfect description!  I'm amazed at the depth and breadth of content.  I'd be surprised if there was a REI niche that hasn't been explored and discussed here.

Kevin Steel · Answer

@Tony Wooldridge is your son Hayden?

Isi Nau · Answer

Thanks @Tony Wooldridge for sharing!  Great story that I think many could relate to.  BP provides a wealth of information, but also an invaluable social connection.  For example your son moving to Hawaii.  Just like that, you have a source in Hawaii to discuss and bounce ideas around with.  Something Barnes and Noble never provided me with!    ;)

Isi Nau · Answer

@Brian Garrett crazy how it seems to have appeared out of no where, but yet been around for so long!  I'm just bummed I didn't find the party earlier!

Tony Wooldridge · Answer

@Kevin Steel, yes he is!  Small world huh?  How do you know him?  I see that you are fairly new to the REI business, how is it going thus far?

How and when did you find BiggerPockets?

Most Popular Reply