New guy - St. Louis, MO

[Ardie Mansouri]

Hi all! I've listened to about 20 podcasts, and I am finally giving in and joining the forums! I'm a 28 year old Structural Engineer living in St. Louis, Missouri and am starting to get very interested in REI. I'm hoping to help contribute to the community with my knowledge of structural engineering (I am emphasize in building design) but also take away as much information as possible as I look for my first (but hopefully not last) investment property. I will say that I am very happy to offer my opinion on structural issues, but in the cases that you need official structural analysis you should always hire and pay for a local structural engineer that will sign off on reports/improvements.

My hobbies are rehabbing vintage motorcycles, house improvements, and playing music.  If any of you have ever heard of the Phantom Regiment drum and bugle corps, I played trumpet for them for three years ('05-'07 specifically)!  I also just acquired my professional engineers license in the state of Missouri!  Hope to talk with all of you soon!

[Ardie Mansouri]

@Matt Inman  I would like to focus on south city area as that is where I live, but I am not ruling anything out at the moment as I know that isn't a great reason to choose an area on.  

@Joe McCall Hello to the fellow engineer! Hope your vacation is going splendidly! That is great that you have been able to make REI your primary job. I know the day to day of engineering can wear on a person after a while!

@Ronald Perich I'm right there with you... I had to drive to louisville for work about 2 weeks ago and I listened to the podcasts the entire drive there and back!  I'm sure we will be talking in the future, good luck to you!

Thank you all for the warm welcome! I look forward to talking more with all of you as I get a better feel for how I want to get into this business.