Novice from Ogden, UT

[Darin Draper]

Howdy,

I am new to investing in general. I really wish I had gotten started 15 years ago, but better late than never.

I have been doing lots of research before jumping in to see what style would it me best.

My plan so far is to start with fix and flip options or wholesaleing. I would like to flip the first few properties so I can get a larger cash base to work with. I would like to get to a point where I can have at least three properties, (not necesarily at the same time, but the funds to aquire them) then I can start working on keeping some to rent/lease.

I am quite handy in remodeling and fixing most everything, so I can do most of the labor myself, (at least at first) to save money. But I also know some jobs are best left to the official professionals. 

When fixing properties, I do not want to just fix bare minimum. I want to make the properties are livable, but also desirable. I would rather spend more to make sure it is quality and build my reputation as a quality seller, rather than use the cheapest options.

The main opstacles I face are starting funds and where to start in general. I found BiggerPockets through my research and am loving this place. So much info.  I have looked into some seminars but was quite skeptical when they said, "We'll show you how it's all done, just pay us $4995." I'd rather spend the $4995 on a down payment or remodel.

Any help towards my plan, or thoughts about it are appreciated. I am going through the tutorials here on BP and am learning lots.

Thanks for being here.

[Tobias Falzone]

Welcome, The seminars and meetings that are 'free' or cost more than $20 I do not find are worthwhile. There are no secrets in real estate. All the information in $1000 seminars is going to be available in some form around BP or from people you network with locally. There is a local Ogden REIA group that is excellent (nureia.org) if you are sticking closer to home, and there are a few larger groups in the salt lake area as well.

Be careful about over-improving properties.  There are a lot of upgrades that in some areas buyers want but won't pay you for.  Make sure to network with flippers or at least go to see their houses when they come up for sale to get a better idea of what works locally.