Newb in Maryland looking to invest in and around Baltimore

[Joe Roberts]

Hello everyone, my name is Joe Roberts and I have been lurking around BP for a while.  I find this site extremely helpful so I though it was time to introduce myself.

I am 42 yrs old and a lifelong resident of Maryland who lives in Frederick.  I became interested in RE when I was a young adult and saw that my dad held our landlord in high esteem.  He had 10 properties around Montgomery County and my dad helped maintain them for him.  Around 1999, and after some years as an office worker, I decided to get my RE license and pursue that career.  It worked out good for a while.  I sold RE, purchased my own home, acquired two rentals and did two paint and carpet flips successfully.  I was burning the candle at both ends though, and to be honest, I was not that great of a salesperson either.  So I decided to work for Countrywide Home loans as a mortgage processor, which lasted until 2008.  (I sold my rentals in Aug 2005 -WHEW)

After some time off to obtain a degree in Healthcare, I find myself interested in RE again.  This time however, I am a little wiser about myself and what it takes to succeed.  I am also better capitalized for a good foundation.

I've read the books found on 123Flip.com -Ultimate flipping and Estimate Rehab Costs Like a Pro. I've been pouring over Craigslist searching for properties in Baltimore. I also recently passed the RE Salesperson exam and I am looking for an investor friendly broker where I can hang my license. I plan to attend 3 REIA meetings like everyone suggests to do. I am also hoping to connect with some locals in Baltimore who will help me stay out of the quicksand. My immediate goal is to purchase two, maybe three, rentals that cash flow and then perhaps do some flips and repeat the process.

I truly look forward to getting down to business and meeting some of you at the meetups and such.

PS:  I could not get my profile photo to upload