From Book to Buy in Cleveland Ohio - New Investor

[Justin May]

Hello BiggerPockets People!

I'm Justin May, a college university police officer that does not want to rely on government programs for student loan forgiveness and retirement funding! I enjoy public service and the benefits are great, but I also recognize there is not the same short-term income growth potential as positions in the sales and corporate worlds. If only there was a semi-passive investment strategy I could do on the side that would supplement my monthly income and build net worth.................

After college I realized with my garage full of toys, no money in the bank, and student loan debt I was probably not doing the money thing right. Rich Dad started the real estate bug, and Ramsey convinced me to get my personal finances in order. Over the last year I sold toys, reduced debts, sewed the holes in my wallet/pockets, improved my credit, and saved money while learning everything I could about real estate through books and podcasts. I am in the Cleveland area and have decided an owner-occupied 2-3 unit property will be a great way to dive into the investment world. 

While not completely ruling out other strategies, I have decided buy and hold investments are where I will focus my efforts due to the potential for cashflow, appreciation, amortization, and tax benefits. I have lived as a tenant in six places over the last 10 years. I have seen good and bad property management. I have dealt with all kinds of landlords. I am looking forward to experiencing the rental world from the other side, and serving as a firm but fair and honest landlord that provides quality housing to quality tenants. I plan to self-manage for the experience, but as the number of units increase and/or my available free time decreases, I will eventually turn the units over to a property manager and plan to account for that while analyzing deals. 

I also love finding good deals, and hope that will transition into real estate. I know what ground beef typically runs in the store, so when I see it listed for $1.99 a pound I freak and buy it all! I'm looking forward to the excitement of finding a great  property at a great price, and also the day where I understand the housing markets like I do hamburgers. 

I am looking forward to interacting with you all here in the forums, and hope to see the locals at the monthly meet-ups! I brew and drink coffee, beer, and coffee beer so feel free to reach out; I'm happy to meet for any of the three between the Cleveland and Kent areas!