Newbie from Atlanta, GA

[Marcus Cannady]

Greetings all! My name is, Marcus Cannady, and while I'm originally from Cincinnati, Ohio; I've called Atlanta home for the last 11 years. I've landed here at BiggerPockets' forum after consuming ~10 podcasts over the last few days while running. After 'taking' so much from those I thought it appropriate to participate in the forums. Hopefully I can add value for someone.

My experience with REI comes from my 2nd job out of college - I worked for a Mortgage brokerage for 4 years. Due to the ability to offer anything from conventional on down to sub-prime loans, and some commercial I was able to help fund deals for REIs. Along the way I purchased a duplex and managed to live for just about free. That was back in Cincy, so its been a while since I've been a homeowner.

After trying and eventually failing to successfully grow a tech startup for a few years I've returned to the marketplace as an employee with a company I love to work for -- MailChimp. Since i'm extremely happy with my job I don't have the objective to become a REI so that i can quit my 9-5. Instead I'm looking to complement my 9-5 income through rentals.

More specifically, my 'why' is founded in my interest in becoming more involved in the re-investment in the in town neighborhoods on the Westside of ATL. I want to put skin in the game of community redevelopment. I've lived on the Eastside of ATL as it's rapidly developed and gentrified. I'd like to wrap my efforts in a brand that I build that's based on doing profitable (i am an investor after all), yet quality work in turning around the underdeveloped in town 'hoods.

Anywho, I'm interested in connecting with other REIs who can help me with this journey. For any ATL-based REIs who also have an interest in 'hoods such as, Vine City, Washington Park, Ashview Heights, West End, Adair Park, Pittsburgh, and Mechanicsville, I offer a level of awareness as I've been mindful of impending developments in those areas for the last few years. Furthermore, I can offer insights on email marketing REIs may use to market themeselves - thanks in large part to my experience with MailChimp. 

Thanks for reading!