New investor in Denver and Chicago

[Rick Fowler]

Hello BP,

I've considered REI since 2002 and have a 2-flat in Chicago that I bought in 2006 to live in and rent the other unit. Now I live in Evergreen, Colorado, just outside Denver and still have the Chicago 2-flat - can't afford to get rid of it yet.

My background includes an MBA from University of Chicago, software engineering for mobile phones, web site development, information technology consulting, and business coaching. I am a certified professional coach with the International Coach Federation.

Why REI? Why now? I'm creating my own freedom through self-reliance. I work my *** off, and now I will do that for myself instead of an ungrateful employer.

I am building my business plan now, which means I'm learning as much as I can from BP, and I'm starting my networking and market research. I expect to mix buy-fix-hold and flip, but I am still doing research to determine the best strategy for me and the markets where I am.

Biggest areas for me to learn:

- how to do deals even though I have little capital of my own

- how to determine what strategy I should use for my market

Looking forward to connecting with you all.

Rick