Inspired by podcast, first-time investor

[Matthew Schwenke]

Found the podcast while looking to for resources to learn more about real estate investment. Have listened to probably more than half the episodes at this point and have a read a few books along the way which have both been extremely helpful. I've also been reading the forums for a while and recently decided to start participating more. 

Looking to learn everything I can from the other members with experience, and hopefully meet other folks in real estate near me. I know its a rough market to get involved in real estate, especially in southern California, but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to find a place in or near Ventura County for my fiance and I to buy, fix up, live in and rent out the other rooms/units as a first step in the journey. 

[Jim S.]

Awesome! I'd recommend you keep cashflow in mind - if you can find a property there that cash flows then great.

If not - look to out of state investing as many of your fellow CA'ers do. Most financed CA properties won't cashflow, middle of the country has hundreds of towns/cities that will however.