Why do you contribute on BiggerPockets? Share a tidbit

Question

Hey regular BP contributors and followers! I am simply curious why you contribute to postings on BP? I do so simply because I like this "sharing economy" we live in and I'm just a firm believer in giving - it just feels good. If I can help just one person gain just a little help from my own experiences then that's a great thing. I have gained some valuable insight from you all these past couple of years- so thanks and lets keep on sharing!

Here's my tidbit: Find, read, and follow a mentor. Mine is Adam Grant - brilliant mind, great writer and posts great information.

Here's my tidbit:  Find, read, and follow a mentor.  Mine is Adam Grant - brilliant mind, great writer and posts great information.

John Underwood · Answer

I enjoy reading the posts. Sometimes I learn something. Sometimes I have something to offer. I don't comment on evrything I see, but it seems some people try to do this wether they have something valuable to say or not.

Many different valuable insights from many different areas and markets.

Bill F. · Answer

I agree with @John Underwood Learning.

I came here to fill in the massive gaps in my REI knowledge base after listening to the podcast.

I started posting in basic threads and it grew from there.  The community is really something special. I still read about 10 posts for everyone I write, so the learning is still occurring with no end in sight. Getting to read about problems everyone else has and the solutions folks have is like a free Masters in REI.

Selfishly, posting also helps me flesh out my ideas. I have to write out my thoughts on a topic and more often than not the in the act of typing I gain a better understanding . Then once the idea is out there it is challenged by a lot of smart and accomplished folks. If I have missed something or not thought through an idea all the way, the community will let me know.

Tidbit: Read about more than just REI. If all you have is a hammer, then everything looks like a nail. Understanding the basics law, biology, psychology, math, history ect... can make you a better investor.

Russell Brazil · Answer

For many of us, it builds our stature and respect in the real estate business community. With a greater voice and more respect comes more deals, more clients, cheaper borrowing terms.  So basically posting here makes me rich.

There are plenty of ways I can lead generate, or network and achieve the same goal. This way though is funner than other avenues.

Luke Carl · Answer

When I first started I couldn’t find anyone to help me or even anyone who knew how to help me. I sent hundreds of messages and hundreds of phone calls and finally found one host in our market that was self managing and she was willing to talk to us. If that moment hadn’t happened my life would not be nearly as good as it is now. I do my best to pay it forward here in the forum.

Mostly I just get frustrated with people asking the wrong questions and never getting started. But I still enjoy it. It’s gone from what seemed like just Paul a few years ago, to quite a little community. Even just in the past few weeks I’ve noticed significantly more posting on the STR forum and the same faces coming back more often. I’m a regular here and I go to the Landlord forum when I have a LTR question I need help with. Or I just email @John Underwood

And like @paulsandhu I am on the radio with my “job” every day with 3 computer screens in front of me. When I’m not helping out guests or fighting tenants for rent, I’m on here for fun. Social media is lame so I hang here.

Jon Crosby · Answer

I'm right there with @John Underwood, I feel I often learn at least as much, if not more than I'm able to give the group.

Hearing the different challenges and solutions from different markets, demographics and business models has been valuable in keeping an open mind to my own STR business strategies.

I also pick up good questions to ask my CPA, insurance and attorney from time to time.  :)

Thanks for the good question @Michael Greenberg!

Happy New Year

Aaron Stuiber · Answer

Love the question. At the beginning of my real estate career I didn't contribute at all and I only read up on what other investors were doing to make their fortunes. As a young entrepreneur it was awesome to see how easy it could be broken down and explained.

Now as an agent, I post on BiggerPockets to connect with new investors worldwide and to add value to anyone interested in investing in Milwaukee.

Richard Lee · Answer

Since the early days of interweb, I've enjoyed reading and posting on forums tied to my interests.. gaming, hiking, coffee nerds, etc.    Now I found a forum that also helps me build wealth and security for my family. Win win.

I found BP researching ways to handle nightmare LTR tenants - and thankfully they're gone but BP insights continue.

Teachers are learners, and learners go on (ideally) to return the favor and keep the cycle going.

Paul Sandhu · Answer

My official day job is doing pre-employment drug screens.  I sit at a desk and surf the net when I'm not away doing something with an STR.  Once I'm done with the forums related to duck hunting, shotgun reloading, MIG welding, heavy equipment work (dozer & skidsteer) and weightlifting; I go to this forum for STRs.

I mainly like to share my horror stories...someone overdosing, entering a vacant STR when there is an intruder inside, watching another intruder break in a house live on a security camera, tenants having affairs with other tenants spouses, disconnecting utilities to encourage problem tenants to leave, etc.

Why do you contribute on BiggerPockets? Share a tidbit

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