Hello From Greenville, SC!

[John Gambone]

Hi Everyone!

My Name is John and I live in Greenville, South Carolina. I am brand new to REI with an open sponge like mind and an endless amount to learn. I am looking to start purchasing properties in the Upstate area and become a buy-and-hold investor, while doing a few flips when the opportunities present themselves.

For years now I have been telling myself that I need to stop my "what-if's" when it comes to wealth and my families future. Finally this year I made a resolution to do something about it. I picked up a book which is kind of obscure and I'm not sure if you guys have ever heard of called 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' (Sarcasm) and even though it's not a perfect book, it flipped the necessary switch in my head. It lit a fire in me to start reading and listening to everything I could get my hands on in regards to REI. I found BP and have entrenched myself in the Beginners Guide and the Podcasts. I just want to say thank you so very very much to @Joshua Dorkin and @Brandon Turner for the great entertaining and educational information they provide the BP community.

I have tried my best to follow the advice of BP for newbies… I got off my duff! I joined my local REIA club and have attended all the meetings and seminars they have had this year. I am still on the lookout for the elusive mentor and I am hoping by networking at the REIA events I can find someone to take me under their wing, all while knowing I must provide them value. I know there are no such things as a free ride! I'm just the type of person who likes to pick the minds of people who have come before me to hear their best practices.

Right now even though I am more knowledgeable, I am still stuck in the analysis paralysis. I have found properties that I think are underpriced (make money when you buy, right?!), but I do not know what exactly to offer on these properties. Without someone who knows these things, I just read more… and more… and more… and now it’s going to be March. This is my blessing  and this is my curse...  I got to where I am in life by crossing all my t’s and doting all my i’s, but this isn't the best trait for someone who just needs to jump in.

My goals for the next 3 weeks are:

-Meet with Real Estate Attorney and setup my LLC (podcast 109!)

-Meet with Accountant recommended by REIA group

-Interview local banks to see who will best the best fit for my needs

-STOP THE ANALYSIS AND ACT

Anyway... enough about me! Thanks for reading and I hope to become a solid contributing member of BP. I hope one day soon I can offer knowledge to the new members of the community!

Best Regards,

John Gambone

[Jason Burr]

@John Gambone Welcome to the site.  My first deal was probably the worst deal I have made. However, I wouldn't not have done a thing differently! Jump in the game and learn as you go.  Each additional deal gets easier. I noticed that your goals didn't include making any offers.  You've got to make offers to be an investor.  Don't get too caught up in paying professions (CPAs and Lawyers) when you don't have any income and own no properties. Spend the money buying something.  It's a very slow road. The guys who fail are the ones who quit. 

Are you a member of Upstate Creia?