New member from Eastern Iowa

[Chris Jensen]

Hello BP community, my name is Chris Jensen from Bettendorf, IA.  I discovered BP several weeks ago... started with the podcast and then the site.  I've been so impressed with what I've seen that I decided to join.  The feeling of BP reminds me of the alumni network of Notre Dame (where I completed my EMBA) - everyone is passionate about connecting with and helping others, it's great.  And I can't wait to connect with many of you!

I'm an accounting/finance professional, and my wife and I decided 3 years ago to take the plunge into real estate investing.  We have 2 SF homes in Bettendorf, which are doing very well.  We're feeling prompted to take our little business to the next level and shift focus to multi-family.

Our ultimate goal in going down the REI path is to fund our daughters' (we have 6 of them!) college and wedding expenses, and then at some point be able to retire. Haven't decided yet if income replacement is a goal, but having the option would sure be nice!

My immediate needs with BP are to learn the most effective ways to identify leads and obtain financing, along with tips and tricks on buying and managing MF property outside my local market - this is a big desire but also a big concern, not having done it before.  Our target markets are Mid-West (e.g. states bordering Iowa) and Mountain West (e.g. Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and Nevada).

One way I hope to give back is to provide insights and perspective to outside interested parties on my local market the Quad Cities (Davenport IA, Bettendorf IA, Rock Island IL, and Moline IL).

Thanks all!