New Guy from Northern California (Mendocino County)

[Orion Walker]

Hi Folks,

What a great site. Glad to have stumbled upon it a few weeks ago. Here's a bit about me:

I live in the hills outside of a little town called Ukiah, about 2 hours north of San Francisco. I grew up here, and moved back about ten years ago with my wife to build a green/natural house and raise a family. We now have a nice little house on a beautiful plot of land and two great kiddos. I have a BA in Environmental Studies and an MBA with a focus on sustainable/green business. I work at the local community college where I started a sustainability/construction/renewable energy/energy efficiency program and teach some courses. I know a fair bit about green building, solar, renewables, energy efficiency, eco-development...

As for real estate, we bought a triplex (now 4 plex) in Fort Bragg in 2012. I knew very little about real estate but I knew enough to see that prices were at historic lows, interests rates were at historic lows, rents were still strong, and it seemed like things were beginning to turn around. I think we did pretty good on the place. I've been enjoying fixing it up and getting a feel for being a landlord. Now I'm hooked. Looking to figure out a next buy, educating myself as much/quickly as I can, networking, and working on getting my real estate license as a way to get more knowledgeable and perhaps open some additional doors (I think I found BG googling pros and cons of getting a license as a way to progress as an investor). At this point I'd say I'm a buy/fix and holder, but looking to learn about other avenues and interested in national/international as well as local. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I look forward to being a part of this community. 

-Orion

[Orion Walker]

Thanks for the welcome @J Martin just checked out/signed up on the bay area meet up site. Yeah, Mendo certainly has a reputation in that regard. Makes for some interesting challenges in the buying/renting arena. I'd prefer to be known for our beautiful coastline, cute old towns and amazing redwoods myself. We are getting there. Recently voted in the top three places to visit world wide in a New York Times article. Anyhow, thanks for the welcome, glad to be here learning and connecting. 

-Orion