Hello from Northern Virginia

[Aaron F]

Hello, my name is Aaron and I have been reading forums and articles (good stuff) on this site for a week and decided it's time to join.

As stated in the topic, I am currently residing in Northern Virginia (3 years and going). Originally from Southern Louisiana (Cajun Country, notice the crawfish!), I moved up here to chase my fiancée (wife now).

I work as a Civil/Structural Engineer (non-residential) and have been reading books and monitoring the real estate market for the past five years. I purchased my first home (current residence) in late 2008 as a bank owned foreclosure. It wasn't the greatest deal, but my wife said "That's the one!" and wouldn't budge, haha.

We have managed to just about replenish our savings to the level before our first home purchase, which brings me here. I don't like having too much cash in savings accounts with the ultra-low interest rates. I'd like to put my money to "work" and shoot for the long term rewards while (hopefully) making some small profits in along the way. Rental properties seem to meet this criteria.

I've learned much from the forums so far and look to learn more and contribute as much as I can. I'm glad to see that the forums actually have technical details on properties instead of talking in platitudes like our favorite gurus! What can I say, I'm a technical detail-oriented guy.

Thanks for having me.