New member in Chicago

[Scott Stelzer]

Hello Bigger Pockets community!

I'm a new Chicago-based member, currently trying to come up with a realistic set of investing goals for myself and a strategy to get there.  I have a great career in IT right now, but I'd like to start a new career in real estate investment to secure a better, earlier retirement.

I've always been a little stubborn about going it alone on most of my personal projects, but I've recently come to learn how valuable it is in real estate investing to collaborate with a community of specialists, experts and mentors.

I'm going to stick around here and soak up information, and attend some local REIA meetings as well. I hope to meet some of you there!

[Elizabeth Colegrove]

Welcome to Biggerpockets!

Check out the blogs, podcasts and forums. There is tons of great information on here in the forums and blogs if you are unable to listen to all of the podcast.  Definitely set up key ward alters for your area and use the search button it the top right to find other topics about your area.

We are buy and hold realtors. We got started with our first personal property in Virignia Beach. We gutted the house and rented it out when we were transferred. 

The great thing about this website is everyone has been very successful with their own niche, so their are TONS of different perspectives. Their is wholesaling, Birddogging, Buy and hold, Developer, Multi-family, etc. Definitely check out of people's who comments you like signature. Everyone has a different a "niche" and many people list their perspective on their signature.

My blog/website is about self-mangment, buy class A properties and rent long distance. We don't follow the 1%, 2%, or 50% rules but have been very successful following the southwest airlines model. Functioning with smaller margins but also smaller expenses.