Newbie from Southern California

[Lisa Tolan]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Lisa Tolan and I am just getting starting in real estate investing.

It's always been something I have been interested in, so my husband and I recently attended a Flipping Formula 3-day program. I wouldn't say it was a total waste, I did learn a lot, but their implication (aka upsell) is that you need to take it to the next level with another course for an ASTRONOMICAL fee. They give you a lot of info in the 3-day program, but it's JUST enough to leave you wanting more. We're both smart and not afraid of the hard work it's going to take to reach our goals, so here I am!

For starters, have purchased some bandit signs, mailed some yellow letters out to pre-foreclosures and properties that we found "driving for dollars," and placed ads online. So far, the only responses we have received are from our online ads from people looking to lease with option to purchase.

I'm open to trying any part of real estate investing .... wholesaling, flipping, cash flow properties, etc. I know I will learn just as much or more here than I would shelling out my yearly salary for a course. I am also looking forward to networking, learning and securing my future through real estate :-)

[Bradley De comarmond]

Welcome to Bigger Pockets @Lisa Tolan

BP is loaded with all the information you will need to succeed in whatever niche of real estate investing you wish to pursue and the community is filled with knowledgeable investors and professionals to learn from and connect with. No need to spend hundreds or thousands on any "gurus."

BP is what you make it. The more you put in, the more you will get out of it!

Listen to the podcast for extra inspiration and investing advice and post in the forum for any questions you have. Members here are really eager to help. We're all working to succeed together.

Also, check the "networking events" tab under "Community" and go out there and meet people. That's the way to build powerful relationships.

Like you, I am living in CA (Los Angeles), but I focus on investing out of state for the 3x cash flow and reasonable cost of real estate. Florida is my state of choice.

P.S. - Two of the best books you can read (and re-read) are Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The 4-Hour Workweek. Both have been mentioned numerous times by guests on the Bigger Pockets podcast and I have detailed notes to both books. If you would like a copy, just let me know and I'll send them over. (but it's still highly worth buying the books.)