Newbie in Pleasant Grove, Utah

[John Phippen]

Hi, I'm John.  And I'm new here.  And I'm working on finding a profile picture.

I'm an architectural designer working for an architect in Sugarhouse.  I'm taking my AREs to become a licensed architect, and when I'm done, I'll be licensed in the great state of Wisconsin.  I'll then need to work on reciprocity with the state of Utah before I can be licensed here.  My research tells me that it's a 5 year process (unless NCARB changes their rules on the BEA).  So, my goal is to buy a variety of buildings (homes, apartments, and small commercial properties) where I can create plans for a renovation of some sort.  I'll then renovate and either flip or rent.  I will need to do work in Wisconsin, but some closer states to Utah will give me immediate reciprocity and I'll do work in those states, too.

I'm looking to start, however, closer to home so that I can make all the mistakes locally instead of 1000s of miles away.  Plus, I'll need capital, so a few cash flowing properties close to home will facilitate expanding.

Ultimately, I want to design places for people to vacation in.  Most of the places will be for me to rent out so that I can vacation there, too--um, I mean hold business meetings there, too (you know, so that I can deduct it).