New in Des Moines, IA

[William Sackett]

Hello BiggerPockets

My name is William Sackett and I'm new to BiggerPockets but maybe not so new to other things.  I've been investing in real estate for about 10 -12 yrs. now, buying and selling homes using a lease purchase or a sandwich lease option strategy.  I have also done a couple of wholesale deals and bought some rentals the old traditional way with bank loans.  Not my favorite way.  I took early retirement from a major airline 1 1/2yrs  ago, at the age of 55, where I was a A&P mechanic for 24 yrs and now run/own a remodeling company in the Des Moines area.  Mostly bathrooms, decks and garages.  I have done a few fix-n-flip's and this is where I get the most enjoyment.  Taking an old home and bringing it back to life and handing over the keys to the new owner who is smiling from ear to ear.  That's fun.  After moving here form OK and getting our feet on the ground it is time to ramp up the fix-n-flip end of the business. I haven't used social media much but my wife tells me I need to so here goes. 

[Hattie Dizmond]

Hey there! You may be new to BP, but you're definitely up on me for the REI part. Ignore the stuff below you already know about and take the rest for what it is.

Welcome to BP!

Here are my Quick Tips (If you're listening to the Podcasts, you'll understand the reference. If not...see Tip #2!!!)

1. Get involved in the forums. Offer what you can and absorb what everyone else offers.

2. Listen to as many Podcasts as you can. I am listening to all of them, some of them more than once. There has not been a single broadcast that has not provided me value or that I felt was a waste of my time. Great content!!

3. Download and read the free How-to-Guides, starting with the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing. You could pay thousands of dollars for this information BP offers free. (I almost did!)

4. Follow @Dmitriy Fomichenko 's advice and set up some keyword alerts. It will keep you engaged in valuable discussions, while you're getting plugged in.

5. Get involved with your local REIA's. Real Estate is, as I'm learning, all about relationships and networking. Make it work for you!

The BP community is awesome, and you've taken a great first step!