New Member from Chicago / Milwaukee Eager to learn & network

[Thomas Connolly]

Hi All,

My name is Tom Connolly, and I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, about equidistant from Chicago & Milwaukee.  

I am employed full time in software sales, and my wife is full time employed in Digital Marketing. 

We are interested in beginning a real estate career as a part time job.  I am working on putting together a business plan now, and the reason why we would like to invest, is to at some point have complete financial freedom by owning our own business.  

Goal/Vision (currently) - Knowing this may shift as I get more into the real estate community:

1) Find great mentors! Continue to read and self-educated on real estate investing

2) Buy first property by April 2017

3) Build a plan to acquire and rent 50 rental properties comprised of Town homes, Single Family Homes, and possible Duplex-Quadplex properties

3) Start soon, start small - I understand all of the 'tools' in real estate investing, and I am trying to not boil the ocean.  I'd like to get very good at buy/hold, and expand when I feel more comfortable with other strategies such as commercial renting, wholesaling, etc.

Excited to connect with anyone on the forum, especially those located near Chicago IL & Milwaukee WI for advice.  I'm not sure what benefit I can contribute initially, but I'll find a way.  Big believer in Karma & Paying it forward!

Cheers!
Tom Connolly