Newbie from Boston, MA area

[Derek Gilbert]

Hi All,

I'm a long time podcast lurker, first time joining and posting in the forums. I thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce myself. 

About me: 

I currently reside in Wakefield, MA. A small suburb 20 minutes north of Boston and conveniently located next door to the Woburn meet-up that I've read about! I work as a "consultant" (a formal term for overworked software developer with decent communication skills) for a marketing services company in Boston.

Experience: 

I have limited "accidental" experience with a condo I purchased in 2007 in East Boston as my primary residence which I've been renting out for ~2 years now. The unit is generating positive cash flow and the overall experience has been extremely positive *knock on wood*.

How I found BP:

The above mentioned unit has led me to spend countless nights running tons of calculations on cash flow, returns and generally just getting excited about the bottom line and other numerous benefits of real estate investing. Naturally I stumbled upon BP articles and subsequently the pod-casts as part of my research.

Goals:

I'm hoping to put some of my cash to work and leverage a few other friends in similar financial standing as myself to invest in properties which generate cash flow. I *think* I'm pretty handy but would be looking for a turn key investment as a first deal but I would manage the leasing and all minor repairs myself. I've spent way too much time browsing listings and trying to find potential online but have been very gun shy to date.

Hoping to learn a lot and maybe pull the trigger in the next year or so!!!

-Derek

[Elizabeth Colegrove]

Welcome to Bigger Pockets!

We are buy and hold investors. We got started buy buying a foreclosure and fixing it up. we rented it out when we were transferred. I don't do Turn Key because I enjoy getting a below market house through Short Sales. I also like putting tenants in the house that screened. Our goal is for early retirement in 15 years :)

You will love the diverse community and all the resources. So a great place is to look around the blogs, forums and listen to the podcasts for different niches. If you see a post you enjoy check out the persons signature. Many of us including myself talk about our strategies, styles, niches and business model on our website. So definitely check that out as it is an amazing additional resource. For example, my blog is about while working full time, buy and hold investing, 0% Down Rentals, Personal Properties turned rentals, Long distancing investing, self-managing 3,000+ miles away. Definitely list your blog or website in your signature, if you have one. Its a great additional networking source.

Look forward to seeing and connecting with you around!