Hello all, 

I have been slowly buying rental houses in the NW Indiana area, though slowly. My first rental house had been purchased in 2005, and most recent October of 2015. Between my wife and I we now have 4 rental properties, 3 in NW indiana, and 1 in China. 

In the past I had managed my properties myself, and with all the trouble I had with a few tenants, over time came to realize that for me at least, property management makes a lot of sense. I gave me back my evenings and weekends, as before it seemed like I was always either chasing after some tenant issue, or had something to repair. I saw a lot of that as valuable though, because without experiencing some of this, I don't think I'd have as much respect for what my property manager I currently have does for me. 

So, what brings me to BiggerPockets. I had been listening to the podcasts, and it seemed like I should try to reach out and try to place myself into places where I can be exposed to new ideas, and where I can learn from people who may have some experience I don't. over the past few years I've also joined my local RIA (which some members seem to promote bigger pockets as well), and have been to a few real estate expos (the most recent being one in Dallas, TX back in Feb.)

Dave