Hi from Southern CA

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Hi BP members - I've been lurking here and decided to de-lurk and introduce myself.

My name is John and I'm an REI noob - I own a home, but that's the extent of my past experience. I became interested in RE a couple of months ago and started educating myself, and I've fleshed out a preliminary plan.

I'm in Southern CA right now, but I will most likely be moving back East/South in the next 2-3 years (WV, OH, KY and NC/SC are possibilities at this time), so holding property long-term in this area doesn't make sense right now. That being the case, I'm going to start by wholesaling.

I've checked out the local REIAs and will attend a few before I join (I've heard horror stories about some, so I want to make sure they're clubs that fit my needs) and network as much as possible, build up a buyers' list while I'm looking for deals - I've probably looked at 65 houses and can pretty much tell you what homes go for in a particular area when I hear or see the address.

Once I move, I can look at buying properties to rehab and/or hold. Obviously, the prices will be much lower (relative to CA) when I relocate.

Ideally, I'd like to connect with a successful investor in my area and see about setting up an arrangement where I offer my services as a bird-dog in exchange for a step-by-step education in the process.

I don't plan on quitting my 'day job' right away, but I don't mind putting in long hours.

Sorry for the long-winded intro - any suggestions?

Thanks in advance, and thanks to everyone who contributes here. This is an invaluable resource for aspiring investors.