New potential investor in Phoenix area

[Fritz Mahnke]

Hi everyone, I discovered Bigger Pockets several months ago and have gone through the beginner guide, read many blog posts, listened to many of the podcasts, and so on. This is my first forum post.

I live in Tempe, AZ and work full-time as a software engineer, also in Tempe. After learning some of the basics, I am interested in real estate for a few reasons: 1) reduce my own living expenses to free up more cash for investing and entrepreneurship, 2) build passive income, 3) tax advantages, 4) investment diversification

Thanks to the Bigger Pockets community, I'm now ready to do my first deal. The plan for now is to start by doing the typical FHA financed owner-occupied duplex or 4 plex deal. I've arranged the financing and am now actively looking for this deal in the Tempe/Mesa area.

I'd like to connect with other members in the area and would like to learn about meetup events here as well. Looking forward to getting to know everyone!