New Member Introduction

[Carolina Selva]

Hello BiggerPockets Peeps! I'm a new "investor" (can I call myself that just yet?) in Portland, Oregon - finally joining in the conversation after weeks of "eavesdropping."  I'm a corporate management consultant and leadership/management trainer with some great clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  I also teach business, management and entrepreneurship courses at various higher ed institutions.  Now - it's time to get into real estate.

I'm interested in getting started with my first deal!  My tentative plan is to accumulate (over the next 3-5 years)

-3-5 light/cosmetic flips

-3-5 hold/buy rentals

-1 vacation property (beach or mountain)

I'm considering driving for dollars, marketing to owners of neglected properties and using other methods to help folks that need to unload properties GET OUT and then turning around and creating quality housing opportunities that are (hopefully) more affordable for families than much of what's currently available in this market.  Is this too optimistic?  Oh yeah, and make some money too. :o)

I'm interested to hear any thoughts on this or to see if this approach has worked for others, and interested to connect with you all.  If ever I can be of service or assistance, please holler!

[Jacob Wathen]

Hello Carolina! Welcome to Bigger Pockets! I am a realtor up in Portland, OR. I do not think that your plan is too optimistic. I will say that the majority of the people that you interact with (when driving for dollars) are upset because they think that you are trying to take advantage of their situation. No matter how nice you put it they will likely find issue with it. I did that down in Eugene, OR and I really had to develop some thick skin! It sounds like you have great intentions though! Hopefully that will help you push through :)