Hi I'm a new member in the Baltimore MD area

[Mindy Pearmon]

Hi all I'm Mindy! I'm really excited about this site it seems like there is ALOT of information to sift through and learn. If anyone has any pointers on how to obtain your first property I'm all ears! All so what was your first mistake? And how could you have avoided it?

[Nicole A.]

Hi Mindy! Lots of good deals to be found in the Baltimore area.

My first mistake was not buying my first rental sooner. Instead I just thought about it for 2 years.

Next, I highly suggest you go to one of the local real estate investors associations (REIAs). I'm a member of the Baltimore REIA:

http://www.baltimorereia.com/

I met lots of smart people there and that's how I found my first two deals....met a landlord who's selling off most his portfolio. There are some great speakers who come as well as our own members who speak. Sometimes, "programs" and "boot camps" are pitched, but you definitely are not pushed into it and you still learn something from their speech. They have other types of meetings throughout the month that are more intimate, such as members sharing their deals and getting everyone's feedback on what to do about it.

Oh, and if you'll be a landlord, you must be tough and give no breaks. If you give a tenant a break or believe their word of "check is in the mail", then you'll never get paid. Be tough, but fair. Friendly, but not friends.

Welcome!