Making connections in the Philadelphia area

[Eric Lerman]

Happy New Year to everyone! I am fairly new to Bigger Pockets, but have heard some great things about the community here. So I wanted to introduce myself and let you know that I am looking forward to making some lifelong connections.

I've been interested in Real Estate since about 1999 when I started realizing the potential it has. However, I let many opportunities pass by because I was uneducated and afraid to take the first step. Not only that, but I had family and friends holding me back because they didn't believe in investing in Real Estate because it was "too risky" and "too hard to make money." So, I went the more "traditional" route and finished college and got a "regular" job. I've had a few "regular" jobs over the years, but Real Estate Investing has ALWAYS been in the back of my mind. I now believe it is my passion, (well, that and traveling) and purpose, and what I'm meant to do in life. So, over the past 6 or 7 years, I've been educating myself, and investing my money in other peoples' deals and ventures.

Now, in 2017, and beyond, I want to be the one finding the deals and making things happen. I want other people investing in me, instead of me investing in them. Of course, with that being said, I won't turn down a good opportunity to make money. I'd still be happy having my money grow by helping other people. But, primarily, I want to take on Real Estate Investing as my full time career. I want to build, flip properties, and add more rentals to my portfolio. I am also taking accelerated classes to become a licensed Real Estate Agent in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

I'm interested in meeting other investors, wholesalers, flippers, developers, builders, contractors, mortgage brokers, title companies, private money lenders, attorneys, etc. I'd also be interested in forming partnerships, jv's, and equity participation relationships. I live in the Philadelphia area and have been actively seeking properties in and around the Philadelphia area for rehab or new construction. I am currently working with someone who has about 30 years of experience in the field. Although he has many contacts of his own, I don't want to have to rely fully on him, and want to be able to "pull my own weight" and participate equally by bringing things to the table, making suggestions, and adding value when it comes time. I believe that people are more likely to do business with people they know and trust. So, I look forward to meeting you and making some connections!