Atlanta REIA or Georgia REIA or other???

[Paul Montaperto]

Hello all....I am wondering how the experienced investors out there weigh in on joining local REIA organizations. I have attended a few meetings at both Atlanta REIA and Georgia REIA. Some were worth the time, while other meetings were not. Any guidance from local Atlanta investors out there where a beginning investor will get best acquainted with quality networking and connections and increased education and resources to help get a real estate investing business off the ground? Thanks!

[AC Cooley]

I am a member of both Georgia REIA and Atlanta REIA. As far as education I wouldn't buy multiple courses and products from the monthly speakers that come. if you feel you need training on a subject, find one course from a reputable coach and stick with it. Don't chase the new shiny object every month. You can also get education by going to the sub-groups. Find a sub-group with a topic that you are interested in. There are subgroups where you can ask the group to analyze your deal and you will get advice from seasoned investors. This month I saw this new guy get free advice in 15 minutes that was easily worth more than the one year membership fee.

Also volunteer with the REIAs, find out who are really doing deals, get to know people. And when you get to know people don't just do it with a mindset of "what is in it for me". Let people know how you can them.  If you are natural and real then people will eventually see you are sincere and will provide free advice and even eventually send opportunities your way.  Some people may think because they are new they have nothing to offer but that's not true. A lady offered to go take photos of vacant houses for me for free because she wanted to know how I analyzed deals before I put them under contract. I offered to pay her but she said she wanted the experience and advice instead. 

I hope you have many blessings during your investing endeavors! Let us know how it goes!