Newbie (Detroit Electrician)

[Tim Vander Ploeg]

Hello my name is Tim

As the Title says I am an electrician (apprentice 4 years) in the Detroit area (Dearborn). I have had an interest in real estate investing for a while, and have done some work with new construction and flipping houses. I was talking about my interest in real estate with a co-worker and he referred me to this site for a good starting point to begin doing some real research on how to get into the game. 

I have just begun to read the beginners guide, and know I have a lot of research to do before jumping in, but wanted to introduce my self and see if anyone could point me in a good direction to begin (even if that advice is wait, or don't do it).

So my financial state is currently is not great but I am working on building up available cash... At the moment I have about 2k cash, another 10k i can borrow against my annuity, or possibly borrow money from family ( but am trying to avoid that, if possible) 

What I am hoping to hear back would be either 

1. A good starting point for me

2. Good books, or articles to read

3. Good places to find flip house. (realtor.com doesn't seem to be full of good deals...) 

I may be able to help with electrical questions, especially if you are in the Detroit area (Code will be the same, and if need me I can look at it)

That being said thank you in advance for your help and information

[Robert Graham]

Welcome @Tim Vander Ploeg it is great that you are working hard and learning!

1. There are so many different ways to getting going and sometimes that can be a blessing and sometimes a curse. If you have a goal that you want to fix and flip, then let's figure out a gameplan and have you attack that goal. You may want a turn-key rental that you get owner financed? You may want to buy a duplex and live in one and rent the other ( also referred to as house hacking) So, we need to figure out a goal so you can know what to go after!?

2. You are at the best website here at Bigger Pockets. Refer to #1 and there are plenty of things to read on whatever avenue you decide to pursue.

3. You can drive around neighborhoods that interest you, you can find properties here, you can search zillow, county records.. again there are tons of ways to approach this.

Great job! Happy to help.. I'm in Detroit, too.

Robert