Long time lurker from Knoville, TN

[Josh Sicotte]

Hello BP Community!

First, I’d like to say a big THANKS to everyone in the BP community who’s been involved and contributed such a wealth of knowledge through the forums, blogs, etc.. I can’t even begin to say how much knowledge I’ve gained through you all. Josh and Brandon, you guys are seriously my heroes! I’ve listened to every one of your podcasts at least 2-3 times. Not only are they SO informative, but your passion for real estate truly shows through with your enthusiasm. You guys make them so fun to listen to that even a “boring” topic is made exciting and I always take away something new from every podcast you do. Oh, and please don’t ever stop the shenanigans! 

Anyway, back to me. I’ve been a long time lurker of this site and realized it’s time I stop just listening and reading (yes, freeloading may be a better term) and get more involved with the community. I live in Seymour, TN which borders Knoxville. I feel like this area is great location for investing due to the opportunities and overall growth I see the area going through which is why I’m narrowing in my prospective market to the Knox/Sevier/Blount county areas.

I have limited “real estate investing” experience, but am committed to changing that. I worked as a property manager when I lived in Los Angeles briefly. After I saw the potential of what real estate can offer I was hooked and have wanted to invest ever since. I’ve got a degree in electrical engineering and I currently work as a maintenance/engineering technician for a national coffee company in Knoxville. I’ve got an amazing wife who is in the process of obtaining her real estate license and 2 incredible kids, 1 and 8.

I'm looking to network with other local investors/professionals who know the market while expanding my knowledge of the area. Looking to work with local wholesalers and agents who can help me find my first amazing deal or other investors who are looking for a partner. I'm mostly interested in finding a solid buy and hold property (SFH or multi) in the Knox/Sevier/Blount county areas in a location that would rent well. Also very interested in finding a property that would make a good vacation rental in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area.

While my capital for investing is somewhat limited, I've got excellent credit and a crazy strong drive to succeed. Also, my parents are very interested in partnering/funding me in in a GREAT deal. My goals are to creatively structure/finance my first investment buy and hold property within the next year. After that, I believe I'm taking BRRRR road. Any local investors or professionals who'd like to help me reach that goal, feel free to get in touch!

Thanks again everybody for being truly amazing!