Newbie in Alameda CA (East Bay SF)

[Jonathan Roszkowski]

Hello, Bigger Pockets!!

I am currently an IT professional and have been for roughly 8 years after leaving the USCG (Avionics Electrical Technician). I have wanted to delve into REI for a while and finally determined it is time to do so. I have spent enough time waiting and not enough time doing. I have read through a few Rich Dad Poor Dad books and have also begun listening to the Bigger Pockets Podcasts with a new book from a recent episode on the way as well.

I love the information inside of the podcasts and they have been a great inspiration. I can say that I am not really interested in real estate investing in the Bay Area as I feel the market is extremely overpriced for what is here and do not feel it would be best suited for me. I would like to get into rental properties specifically of the multifamily nature (quads would be ideal for me). 

I currently do not own a home and rent myself so I see the benefits of locally purchasing a multifamily unit to use as my primary residence and REI. I do not plan on being the landlord and will be using a management company when I begin my investment journey.

What else about me? I feel that the market here is inflated and that has definitely swayed me away from investing here. 

While not at work I can be found running in the Oakland hills or actively racing in various trail runs around the bay area. During the winter I make trips up to Tahoe to go snowboarding and also enjoy some mountain biking throughout the year. I have just started reading some more, listen to the Bigger Pockets podcasts on my way too and from work and try to listen to at least 1 motivational speech of some type throughout the day. 

My ultimate end goal is to gain financial freedom through real estate rental properties. I currently do not have a circle of friends who are interested in or currently involved in real estate. However, my schedule is tight during the week with how early I can get home since I work in SF and I have not found a group that meets on the weekend. I have also been struggling with some other things in my life which have made it difficult to find comfort around other people and tend to stay by myself. 

Anyways, I think that is enough about me. Feel free to ask me any questions. I hope to meet some of you in time. I love the content on this site and the podcasts are amazing and insightful.