Newbie from Woodbridge, Virginia (DMV)

[Brian Chadwick]

Hello BiggerPockets,

My name is Brian Chadwick. I live in Woodbridge Virginia with my beautiful Wife and Daughter. I'm currently an IT Professional with experience in retail management. I love family time, music, horror movies, and learning about real estate investing.

I read Rich Dad Poor Dad in 2008 and decided the rat race wasn't for me. This newfound view on life led me to join a commercial cleaning franchise later that year. I ran it part time while transitioning from Retail Store Manager to IT Systems Engineer. I quit the franchise when I started my bachelor's degree program. I now have my degree and a wall full of IT certifications, it's time to invest!

My brother and I went to a Guru seminar a couple of months ago. I wasn't feeling the 35K they wanted so I looked for alternatives. That's when I found BiggerPockets. My only experience in real estate is buying my primary residence in 2010, and refinancing a couple of months ago. I started a small REI study group consisting of friends and family. The majority of our study material is from BP. So far I've gotten through the UBG, The Book on Flipping Houses, The No Money Book, and some webinars/podcasts.

I'm interested in Flipping and Buy & Hold. I'm primarily looking to invest in northern Virginia, but I will consider DC and Maryland If I don't see much opportunity in my back yard. If anyone can recommend some meetups that would be great. I plan on being a part-time investor until my passive income matches my day job. I look forward to engaging with the wonderful BP community!

Keywords: Prince William County DMV Alexandria Arlington Manassas Stafford Fredericksburg Dale City Lorton Springfield Fairfax Triangle Chantilly Herndon Winchester Leesburg Dumfries

[Carson Sweezy]

@Brian Chadwick welcome to BP! I love the idea of an REI study group, sounds great.

For groups, I like Capital REI, there is no upselling, and it's filled with vast experience levels.I have not tired either of these but a lot of people recommend the CAZA, and Traction REI groups. Research them all a bit, and you will find what you are looking for (there are several others on meetup.com).

See you around the site.

P.S. I would love to come to a study group session some time if you allow outsiders to attend, haha.