New Member from Buffalo, NY

[Josh Smith]

Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I own 2 restaurants in Buffalo, NY and am new to the real estate business. My wife, and Executive Chef at our restaurants, lived in Japan for 13 years together before moving back to Buffalo about 3 years ago. Buffalo is really experiencing a growth like I've never scene and it feels great to be a part of it. 

We are only renting the 2 locations and that is sort of what got me interested in RE, wanting to be the guy on the other side of those leases. I've always been interested in researching locations, demographics etc. so it sort of lead me to studying up on all of the RE lingo and diverse investing niches. After talking with a few other restaurateurs they seem to be suggesting that they wouldn't survive on the margins if they weren't investing in real-estate on the side. 

One of the owners also owns 18 student rental properties in the University Heights area and he has got me really excited about student rental as well. I also lecture part-time at Buffalo State College so I feel like I can still talk to students and wouldn't have a problem dealing with them. 

From the restaurants comes an interest in commercial RE and student housing, although I am still looking into SFHs and MFHs. I am looking at long term investments and the tax benefits but am also attracted to the up front money involved in flipping.

Sorry if I'm all over the place, just excited to be here. Looking forward to learning from everyone's mistakes and successes. Thank you.