Hungry Cleveland Investor Looking to Build Network

[Joe Coyne]

Hey All,

I first joined BiggerPockets after stumbling upon it while researching real estate investing.  I've been looking to get into the business for years.  I've always had a love for real estate and recently left my job with a Big Four Accounting firm to join a real estate developer in their management accounting group.  The idea here is to learn all I can in this group before moving on to a finance position or perhaps even a development position.  That is my goal and I plan to achieve it. 

As for investing in real estate, I'm not entirely new, as I did purchase a duplex back in April that I'm also living in.  I've made some improvements and am closing on a home improvement loan currently that I will use to flip the remainder of my side of the house. 

I've spent the last month or so reading articles (a lot on here), listening to podcasts (also on here), and reading close to a dozen books from the likes of Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump, and even Brandon from Bigger Pockets.  I think I'm ready to get the ball rolling on my investment career.

My goal is to close my first investment deal (second if you include the duplex I live in) in early-2017.  I've been looking at anywhere between a duplex and 10 unit buildings.  I would also like for it to be a local property (west side of Cleveland, north of 90 or just south of it).  What does the community think of my plan, is a 10 unit building overly aggressive for my first deal? How would you structure financing if you were in my shoes? I will have partners on the first deal, so I should be able to commit at least a 10% down payment.  Any other advice for my first deal?

I look forward to sharing ideas and potentially doing business with some of you in the future!

- JC