Newbie from Austin, TX (Investing in Lafayette, LA)

[Michael Camden]

Good afternoon BP, I am a new RE investor (Austin, TX resident) analyzing Lafayette, LA with my partner (Lafayette resident) to develop a strong buy-and-hold portfolio over the next 20 years. We are seeking tips about lenders, attorneys, and miscellaneous info in the area. We appreciate your comments and advice. I wish you all a happy new year and prosperous 2015. Best Regards, Michael Camden

[H. Duplechain]

Welcome @Michael Camden! I agree with @Paul Timmins and @Jake Landry. Start building a list of property managers and real estate agents in the area you want to invest in. I am interested in REO properties so I am also building a list of RE Attorneys that handle foreclosures. And listen to all the podcasts that you can. I learn something and get motivated each time I listen to an episode. I've spent years helping other people in different aspects of real estate and investing in preparation to invest for myself, but have been reluctant. This site has given me the knowledge, confidence and motivation to finally jump on in. Oh, and someone else usualy advises to set up keyword alerts for the area you are interested in. That has been helpful. Also, do a search on "Lafayette" and see if there have been past conversations discussing the topics you mentioned. I found several posts that listed attorneys, closing companies, real estate agents, ect in my area.

Good luck!