Hello Birmingham

[Matthew Harper]

Hi all,

I am a newbie from Birmingham, AL and just wanted to introduce myself.  Here goes:

I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Master's in Geography, focusing on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). For the past four years, I have worked in Alabama Power Company's (APC) Corporate Real Estate department as a GIS Project Specialist in Land Management and most recently as a Real Estate Specialist in Shoreline Management, focusing on APC's ownership and FERC license compliance along its eleven reservoirs throughout the state, accounting for more than 3,400 miles of managed shoreline.

Real estate has always been at the heart of what drives me both professionally and personally. I thrive on the challenge to solve problems and discover creative solutions. It is this desire that has led me to delve into the world of real estate investing.

I currently have 7 years of experience in GIS and five years working in Alabama Power Company's Corporate Real Estate department. I have had a real estate license for the past six months, closing a few deals along the way, but focusing mainly on learning the investment side of the business.

It is my goal to locate properties for new construction in Mountain Brook, AL, find motivated sellers throughout Birmingham, AL, to find creative solutions for both parties to benefit. Long term, I am seeking smaller and eventually larger multifamily projects in which to invest and hold.  I am also interested in rent to own situations in lieu of straight rentals, though I am still wrapping my head around this concept.

From the little time I have spent on this site, I have gained more knowledge per minute than I could possibly find anywhere else.  I'm a huge proponent of the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) and this site definitely fits the 20!

I look forward to continuing to learn from you all and hope to one day provide insight of my own from which you can benefit.

Thanks