Newbie from North Shore, MA

[Janine Solheim]

Hello everyone,

My name is Janine, and I am very excited to be a part of the BiggerPockets community! I have done months of research on real estate investing- Bigger Pockets Podcasts and blog posts, as well as tons of articles and ebooks. I am very grateful that I didn't pay a penny for my real estate education. 

I want a better life for my daughter and I, and real estate is the way to do it! I have a significant background in business administration and marketing, and I look forward to using that in my growth as an investor. Thank you to everyone for their support and knowledge. :)

[Peter MacKercher]

Welcome to Biggerpockets Janine. I am in STL please let me know if you need anything. 

In the meantime here are 9 tips to help you grow your business using BP:

1. New to BP? http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

2. Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.

3. Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice. And you get the benefit of having over 100 past ones to catch up on.

4. Develop your own business strategy. -- Don’t just be a “jack-of-all-trades" Even though I am.

5. Grow your business by developing your business plan. - Remember there is a difference between goals and a plan. http://www.biggerpockets.com/files

6. Locate and attend several different local REIAs as they’re great opportunities to network and meet wholesalers, lenders, and contractors.

7. Stay away from the “guru” sales-pitch events - they rarely increase your investment knowledge, they merely empty your wallet!

8. Spend some time every day on Bigger Pockets by connecting with “colleagues,” perusing blogs and videos, and engaging with others on the forums: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet

9. Set yourself up to receive free alerts to be notified of subjects that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts