Newbie from Norwalk, Connecticut

[Courtney Araujo]

Hi Everyone! 

I've been lurking on BP for a while now. I listen to multiple podcasts a week (I'm addicted!), have watched a few webinars, have read quite a few of the recommended REI books, and have a laundry list of others to read. I'm currently almost finished listening to Rich Dad, Poor Dad on audio - that's what kicked me in the butt to get moving.

My story is probably similar to many. I work for Corporate America. Hard work isn’t valued or recognized and my blood, sweat, and tears make someone else richer while I don’t see any of it. No. Thank. You. I am an actuary, so to me “risk is opportunity” (that’s my org’s slogan). Managing risk is what I do, so why not stop working for somebody else and start minding my own business.

I have lived in Norwalk for a little over 2 years now, my boyfriend for 7. Both of us are originally from Litchfield County, Connecticut (Torrington/Harwinton) specifically. My plan is to eventually get my real estate license, but right now my boyfriend’s Aunt is a real estate agent and his mom works for her part time, so we plan to use that connection. We’re unsure of where we want to start investing (i.e. Norwalk or back home in T-Town). The end goal is to build up a portfolio of rental properties to create income producing assets, using flips as a means to fund new buy and hold purchases. BUT, I have about a million plans in my head. Maybe it’s because I’m an actuary, but I might be running models in my brain depending on how the market could turn and as I continually learn more from what I read and hear on podcasts.

We just renovated our current home. It was a great learning experience dealing with contractors, going through a major renovation, and playing with design. We didn't have any plans of selling the house in the near future. But who knows… At the current moment I think we should sell it and start building our REI portfolio.

As you can tell I'm passionate, analytic, and kind of a fireball (maybe crazy?). I'm ready to get going with REI. Thank you BP for all the wealth of knowledge you provide!

Courtney