A Big Hello from Santa Rosa, California

[Justin Thompson]

Hi BiggerPockets,

I live in California's beautiful North Bay aka California's Wine Country. I grew up in Southern California (mostly Encinitas) and I've spent most of my adult life in Northern California. I'm new to REI. My experience in real estate goes back over a decade when I was living in the East Bay (Oakland). I took a job as the "on-site resident manager" in a 24 unit apartment building. At the time I felt like I wasn't getting a good deal but a discount on the rent was something at least. Now, I know I was getting nowhere near the 8-12% property managers charge. I was getting 1% and I was skimming the pool. After my lease was up, I moved into another rental thinking property management wasn't for me. Even though I didn't mind the work it just didn't pay enough. If only I'd read Rich Dad, Poor Dad then!

Fast-forward to today and I’m reading, listening, learning and starting to the make connections, so I can make my first deal. Since I live in a particularly expensive part of California I’m looking out of my home state for investments. After researching several areas in the midwest and south I decided on MIlwaukee, Wisconsin! So, say hello if you’d like to connect.

Thanks,

Justin

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I’ll be posting updates here as things progress. 

[Jonathan Roberts]

Hey Justin!

Awesome that you are getting into investing now! I am also from California and investing in a few midwest areas (including MKE). Would be happy to connect and hear why you choose Milwaukee. 

Jonathan