Motivated Newbie In Milwaukee, WI

Motivated Newbie In Milwaukee, WI

Marty JohnstonPro Member
Lender · Wauwatosa, WI · Member since 2016 · 571 posts · 204 votes

Good Morning Everyone,

Thought I'd quickly introduce myself. Brand new to real estate investing, but totally amped about it. Have always loved real estate and homes and working on them, but have zero experience professionally (and very limited unprofessionally as well). I'm a young 23 and motivated to learn and discover all the in and outs, and have several books on the way to begin self-educating.

I just discovered Bigger Pockets in the past several weeks and have been listening to the podcasts nonstop. I think BP is a truly wonderful and encouraging place to come for guys like me, who are just learning the ropes, and have access to thousands of people more educated than me to answer all my questions! Just amazing...

I'm at a point where I've recently gotten married, am currently in school, but feel that real estate is really the (broad) career that I want to move in towards. Soon I'd like to start a family with my wife and be able to have steady and comfortable income so she can be a full-time stay-home mom without worrying about making ends meat. That's the goal.

I'm extremely interested in learning rehab - all aspects - from framing to dry wall to electrical to plumbing, flooring, cabinetry etc. I know this will come slowly, and I want to learn it right, to build skills in each area in a very professional manner. Eventually I hope to find what I enjoy doing the most and focus on it. Ideally, my plan is to find a job in carpentry full-time, while doing buy and holds, fix and flips, and perhaps some wholesaling to earn extra side cash flow, but don't think I want to jump into investing full-time at this point. Landlording is where my highest interest rests right now.

I can't wait to start building a network with those in the area, to learn from you guys on the forum who are experienced and who don't mind assisting a young guy on his journey! Looking forward to meeting you all.

Marty Johnston

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Rebecca KnoxBusiness Member
Specialist · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y

Good Luck Marty!! The Milwaukee REIA general meeting is tonight at 6pm and it's a great way to connect with other investors.

Captain Save-A-Home LLC
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  • Dawn AnastasiPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    10y

    @Marty Johnston Welcome to the site!

  • Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2015 · 345 posts · 138 votes
    10y

    Welcome to BP! I started on BP last year at 23 and now I own a duplex so anything can happen because of this awesome website!  I learned all I know from here, (tons to learn still) Real Estate can be very broad and it sounds like you have a focus to attack and grow from which will really help.  Congrats on the marriage and have all the fun you can before that family comes along ; ) 

    Anyway, about the rehabbing, maybe volunteer at home building places for the needy or groups that build sheds or things for the city.  They are always looking for help. My Uncle learned that way.  He helped build homes for the Red Cross etc... They show you and are right by your side so you don't make a mistake.  This is something I would like to do to learnt he ins and outs of simple repairs and updates.

    Good luck sir!

    Cody B

  • Rebecca KnoxBusiness Member
    Specialist · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    Good Luck Marty!! The Milwaukee REIA general meeting is tonight at 6pm and it's a great way to connect with other investors.

    Captain Save-A-Home LLC
  • Marty JohnstonPro Member
    OP
    Lender · Wauwatosa, WI · Member since 2016 · 571 posts · 204 votes
    10y

    Thanks for the encouragement! Glad to hear there are other young investors out there like me. Its great you've managed to acquire a duplex in your first year. And its a great tip for volunteer work in the area, I'll definitely be looking into that.

    I wish I wouldn't have looked into the Milwaukee REIA meeting being held tonight because the presentation topics are EXACTLY the kinds I'm interested in learning about... Unfortunately I can't make it tonight. But it looks like these are held every month? Did I read that correctly?

  • Rebecca KnoxBusiness Member
    Specialist · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    Yes, the general meeting is held the 2nd Tuesday of each month and that is the largest of the meetups; however, they do have other round table discussions throughout the month as well.  

    Captain Save-A-Home LLC
  • Real Estate Broker · Tipton, IN · Member since 2014 · 436 posts · 39 votes
    10y

    Welcome to the BP community @Marty Johnston!! 

    I am confident that you will find this is an awesome place to learn about all things real estate, make a few friends along the way and in the process achieve your real estate goals. 

    While you’re at it don't forget to set up keyword alerts for topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

    Best of luck in your real estate ventures, see you around the site! 

  • Solo 401k Expert · Anaheim Hills, CA · Member since 2012 · 18k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    10y

    @Marty Johnston

    Welcome to the BP family! You came to the right place to learn all about real estate investing! Here are some recommendations for you: 

    Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet
    Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing

    If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box. He or she will be notified of being tagged so that the conversation will continue.

    Wishing you the best!

  • Marty JohnstonPro Member
    OP
    Lender · Wauwatosa, WI · Member since 2016 · 571 posts · 204 votes
    10y

    Thanks @Rebecca Knox for that. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for one I'm able to attend. It sounds like a great way way to meet and start building a network

  • Specialist · Rockland, MA · Member since 2010 · 7k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    @Marty Johnston

    Welcome. You might consider getting an entry level property management position. The good companies provide training. My buddies say AIMCO does alot of training. Fill in the foundation below.

    Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

    Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info. Here you will meet wholesalers who provide deals and rehabbers (cash buyers). You can Google to locate them and go to meetup.com

    Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

    Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.

    You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing. Rents can be 2-4 times more. Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

    Flipping resources House

    http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/09/28/best-biggerpockets-house-flipping/

    Step by Step Guide to Flipping

    http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/

    Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10. Real Estate Rewind Starting over

    http://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-book

    Good Luck

    Paul 

  • Real Estate Broker · Windsor, CT · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 268 votes
    10y

    Welcome to biggerpockets!

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