Hello from Pasadena, Texas!

[Wayne Cook]

I have been interested in getting into real estate for some time now...since I read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" a few years back. I watched the Carlton Sheets infomercials with great intensity, wondering how much was really true. I found the ENTIRE set of his stuff at the Goodwill store for $12. That purchase saved me almost $300 additional cost.

Other than owning a home (paying the mortgage, taxes, insurance and lawn care), I am a complete novice when it comes to real estate. I am thinking about investing in my hometown of Pasadena, Texas. Yes, THAT Pasadena...home of the Urban Cowboy and Gilley's. A lot has changed since that movie (I can show you the home that Bud's uncle lived in!)

My family moved here when I was 5 years old. It saddens me to see areas that were vibrant and bustling when I was a child turned into used tire shops, or simply abandoned. I want to improve my city by helping to bring business and new members to my community.

Pasadena has a population of approximately 152,000, making it second only to Houston in Harris County. This makes my hometown the 17th largest in the State of Texas. The petrochemical industry is still king here, but I feel that we have become to industrial, and need to diversify.

I look forward to connecting with you and learning.

[Ashish J.]

Welcome to BP Wayne!

You've found an excellent resource as you begin your investing career. Trying to revitalize your community is an extremely respectable goal. Good luck!

Best from Minnesota,

A. Joshi

[Wayne Cook]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Thanks for your encouraging words!

[David Edgerton]

Welcome to BP Wayne Cook ! What I like about BP is that it's free. If you spend some time each day on the site, like reading the forums, using the tools and links, and listening to the podcasts, you will quickly gain a ton of knowledge.
I appreciate hearing you say that you want to help improve Pasadena! Investors and Landlords do a lot of good for the community. I've been watching Deer Park, but there is probably less expensive entry to Pasadena. You will hear about hundreds of strategies in real estate, but if you have a plan and stick to it, chances are you will be successful.

[Brandon Turner]

Hey @Wayne Cook Welcome! You've definitely come to the right place to learn more about investing. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing and The BiggerPockets Podcast. They are both great at learning the fundamentals.

Oh - and don't forget to set up your Keyword Alerts!

See you around the site!

[Account Closed]

@Wayne Cook Welcome Wayne! Just starting out in Real Estate myself. Im out of Houston, my uncle owns lots of houses in Pasadena and a few apartment complexes. Lots of money out there! You should look into joining Rich Club, our local rea. I have learned a lot from going to their seminars and of course BP forums and podcasts are very valuable! Best of Luck.

[Terry Giancaterino]

I feel the same way about Channelview. I mean the SAME EXACT way. The oil and gas in this area SHOULD make this a community with high-end properties but it has been more neglected that Pasadena. I live in a home that's been in the family since 1934. Houses were well made back then, custom, in fact, every board in the house was cut to fit and I'm not talking 2-4s, I'm talking walnut and oak 2x6s with hardwoods throughout of normal size. It came with 5 acres of land and you are, at least, 1/2 acre from your neighbor's front door. But then you have the "other" homes, a lot of which are mobile homes. I want to makeover this city, one house at a time.

[Mark Nolan]

@Wayne Cook

Welcome to Bigger Pockets community. Be sure to check out “Learn” for all kinds of useful resources and free how to guides.