New Member from Cincinnati

[Sean Winfield]

Hello Biggerpockets Members!

I'm excited to be a member of the Biggerpockets community!  Long ago, I called myself trying to start working as a real estate investor, but was not successful.   The reason was commitment...I just "tried".   Now, about a decade later, I've learned a lot...I've learned that a "try" is nothing but a prolonged failure!  

I've been working in my career field (IT) for quite some time.  In fact, it seems I'm one of the few in my generation that have a job in the same filed in which I studied!  I love my career because it's more than a J.O.B. ...only in the sense that I love what I do.  I have fun at it.  But now, I believe it's time to secure a more solid financial future, and more importantly help others in the process.  

I've been through foreclosure and it was not fun at all.  I've seen first hand what the mortgage companies can do to you financially...(along with bad choices on my part)...  But I want to now educate myself and prevent others from going through the terrible times I went through.  

In regards to what I've done so far as a real estate investor...I'm a part of my local REIA and attending any sub-group meetings, I'm reading a LOT of material and working to find my first deal. It was unclear to me if I should build a buyer's list, find a mentor, or educate myself more. I'm like a sponge right now, so any and all feedback is appreciated. I plan on finding a buyer or two, finding out what they want, and then going out and finding the deal that they want. I'm thinking I'll educate myself as I go, while also building my team.

If you have any tips on getting to my first deal within the next 30 days, let me know.  I've read some articles, but I'd like to know your thoughts as well.