New Member from Orlando, Florida

[Jeff Ashton]

Hello BP Community,

I'm new to the forum and am currently searching for my first property to officially begin my real estate investing journey. While absorbing as much knowledge as possible early on via books and podcasts, my wife and I have already started searching, analyzing, and viewing properties. We've expanded our search from Orlando to Jacksonville (where we've both previously lived) and in ideal world would like to find a small apartment complex. Currently, we're in the process of looking for a good agent in both areas, which has been comedic at times, but we never expected it to be easy. We're looking to network with other investors and become more active within the BP community. If you're local or interested in sharing some knowledge it would be great to hear from you.

-Jeff

[Andrew Fredrickson]

@Jeff Ashton

I'm not local, but wanted to say welcome to BP! You've joined the best REI community in the world (IMHO)!

All the best!

[Charlie Pioli]

@Jeff Ashton

Hi. I'm based in East Orlando, and started my real estate investing journey a month ago by purchasing my first house hack. I've been exposed to the market long enough, where I definitely can provide you with some recommendations. If you're interested in getting coffee this long 3-day weekend let me know. Best, Charlie

[Dmitriy Fomichenko]

@Jeff Ashton

Welcome to the BP family! Great that you joined the site! Here are some recommendations for you:

Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet
Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts
Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing
Check out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/

If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box. He or she will be notified of being tagged so that the conversation will continue.

Wishing you the best!

[Giuseppe Pavone]

@Jeff Ashton welcome, and best of luck! 

[David Baier]

Welcome Jeff, I also love connecting with other local investors. I'm sure you've seen for yourself how competitive the market here is through your searching. When you say a small apartment complex, ideally how many units are you looking for?

[George Blower]

@Jeff Ashton

Welcome to Bigger Pockets.

[Brandon L.]

Hello! @Jeff Ashton

Welcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.

I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing. Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.

First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp

The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciated

The last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent. There are many agents out there, but it’s important to choose the right one.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52724-im-new-to-investing-how-do-i-find-an-investor-friendly-agent

I love answering questions if you have any! Good Luck :)