Newbie Bird Dogger, Philadelphia, PA

[Essie Dodson]

My name is Essie Dodson, I am a mother of 4 children. I was born and raised in Philadelphia. My background in real estate is just gaining bits and pieces of knowledge on real estate investing and going in debt to a few scams doing so, but that brought me to where I am now in my understanding of different areas of real estate investing so i'm ok with that. I've decided to put all my focus on one area of real estate for now and then gradually move on from there, Bird Dogging is where I decided to begin. 

Currently i'm going for my associates degree in Early Childhood Education and I work part time at my Aunt's  daycare (she has been in business for 22 years) i'm very proud of her. Seeing her become an entrepreneur is what sparked my interest in being my own boss. Throughout the years I have tried many different avenues to obtain this goal but I always end up seeing that real estate is the best return on profit and gives you more freedom and options. 

I'm blessed to have found this BiggerPockets network. I have found my first investor through this medium of whom I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet but with his brilliant apprentice system I am well on my way to embark on my real estate investment business. Remember my name because I will have a success story! 

Best wishes to all in everything you do :-) 

[Paul Timmins]

@Essie Dodson

Welcome. Fill in the foundation below.

Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

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

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.

Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info. Here you will meet wholesalers who provide deals and rehabbers (cash buyers).

Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.

Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10. Real Estate Rewind Starting over

http://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-book

Good Luck

Paul