Hello from Maryland

[David Cornett]

Hi all!

I've been listening to the podcast for a couple of months now, and it's good to finally be on the forums.  

I'm based in Bethesda, MD and am working in an unrelated field.  Unlike many, I'm fortunate to actually like my job, and where my career is going, but I want to start building wealth, and become financially independent before retirement.  I don't care about becoming "rich," I just want the freedom.  To work only because I want to.

I *think* that rental properties will be my focus. Self-managed for the first few units, and transitioned to a property manager when the economy of scale is better.  It would be great to find a partner at some point in the future.  I am very numbers-oriented and an obessive planner, but obviously have no deal experience yet.

My next steps are to check out local REIA groups to meet like-minded folks and. I also want to narrow down geographic areas to focus on. My understanding that the immediate DC area cashflows poorly, so I'm thinking of areas like Frederick, MD, Lorton, VA or even Richmond, VA (it's a couple hour drive, but most of my family is there).

I would appreciate any advice/thoughts.  Thanks for having me!