Investor in Savannah, GA

[James P. Hill]

I am currently looking for a real estate investing club and meet up in the Savannah, Georgia area. I recently moved here from Hawaii and would like to network with others who have experience in the local Savannah area market. 

[Richard Balsam]

@James P. Hill After a ten year break from a large REIA up here in Atlanta, I decided to attend a few meetings of another, smaller REIA where the emphasis is more on their smaller sub-groups. Very interesting, and it has more people that are actually doing - rather than just selling courses. Yes- there is the one guru type per monthly main meeting- but I also learn a ton from their pitch - because some of it is informational in nature ( the rest is on their course - which I usually leave the room and network with others outside the room). I also know the courses contribute to the expense of running the REIA - or the dues would increase quite a bit.

That said, real estate can be difficult to break into- especially if you don't know the real "players" . Most of them belong to a REIA. Why do they pay to belong? - Because that's where they network with others, do deals, sell their wholesale deals, and keep their fingers on the pulse of what's happening in town, house values, hot locations, etc. Not saying every meeting of every REIA is worth it...but don't exclude one based on cost - if they have activity going on. Save $100 per year on dues- and lose out of 1-2-3 deals per year? If you're serious about becoming a success - you might find it the best money you ever spent. Of course, pay the money and don't attend, or don't network and don't go to the sub-groups all over town - and it's a waste of money and time.

For me- it's not the cost of dues - it's the time I need to get to the sub-groups - in Atlanta at 6-7pm - it can be tough at times! But - I've met a lot of real people - and have spoken with a few investors with serious experience and contacts.