Southwest Louisiana

[Joe Ward]

Hey ! 

 I'm looking to start investing in real estate around home. I'm wondering how some of you guys got started and if anyone might be able to point me in the right direction. I'm out of lake Charles, Louisiana. Thanks in advance

[Linval T.]

@Joe Ward

Welcome to the vibrant BP community, where you will find like minded individuals committed to REI and also helping others succeed.

Your time on this social media site will be well spent.

You have taken the 1st step by announcing your readiness and commitment to embark on a REI career.

Whether you pursue, wholesale, rehab & fIip or buy and hold it's up to you to decide.

The bottom line is that you must take action to start.

You never mentioned which niche interests you, but, while you wait for feedback from local BPers, below are some links to review as you embark on your REI career

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)

Don't get bogged down with analysis paralysis. You must take risks, but, ensure that they are calculated risks.

Below are some links to get you started.

• http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere
• http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet
• Setting up Keyword Alerts
• How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets
• https://www.biggerpockets.com/rules
• https://www.biggerpockets.com/invites

https://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)

https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)

REI books suggested by BPers

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?utm_source=search&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=books (books recommended by BPers)

Before making your 1st REI purchase please visit the link below for some useful tips

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/

Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.

Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars

Lastly, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.