New Member Introductions
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
![](http://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/assets/forums/sponsors/hospitable-deef083b895516ce26951b0ca48cf8f170861d742d4a4cb6cf5d19396b5eaac6.png)
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
![](http://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/assets/forums/sponsors/equity_trust-2bcce80d03411a9e99a3cbcf4201c034562e18a3fc6eecd3fd22ecd5350c3aa5.avif)
![](http://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/assets/forums/sponsors/equity_1031_exchange-96bbcda3f8ad2d724c0ac759709c7e295979badd52e428240d6eaad5c8eff385.avif)
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback
Updated over 10 years ago on . Most recent reply
![Ben Wilson's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/213202/1621433659-avatar-br_wilson.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/cover=128x128&v=2)
New Chicago Investor
Hello Bigger Pockets Community,
Just a quick note to introduce myself: I'm a new investor in the Chicago area, and I'm eager to connect with folks on BP, learn from the forums, and jump into the world of real estate investment.
Looking forward to interacting!
Ben
Most Popular Reply
![Andrew Cordle's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/198677/1621432649-avatar-andrewcordle.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/crop=950x950@0x0/cover=128x128&v=2)
Hello "BP Newbie" and welcome to Bigger Pockets. I really think you will like it here. I have found so many connections and help in my business. I do a lot of flipping in Chicago and NWI, let me know if I can help with anything.
In the meantime here are 7 tips to help you grow your business using BP:
1. New to BP?
2. Develop your own business strategy. -- Don’t just be a “jack-of-all-trades"
3. Grow your business by developing your business plan. - Remember there is a difference between goals and a plan.
4. Locate and attend several different local REIAs as they’re great opportunities to network and meet wholesalers, lenders, and contractors.
5. Stay away from the “guru” sales-pitch events - they rarely increase your investment knowledge, they merely empty your wallet!
6. Spend 30 minutes a day on Bigger Pockets by connecting with “colleagues,” perusing blogs and videos, and engaging with others on the forums:
7. Set yourself up to receive free alerts to be notified of subjects that interest you:
Andrew