Newbie from Raeford, North Carolina

[Justin Melendez]

Hello BP Community, 

My name is Justin and I've been silently roaming around BP for about a year now. I am a military member, stationed in the Fayetteville area of North Carolina. My day job includes IT, and other military communications specialties. My spare time is mostly spent catching up with the wife and kid, studying up on new tech, and recently researching/reading about real-estate investing. 

I currently own 2 properties (not free and clear) in Raeford, NC. One is my starter home which is now rented out (~130K), and the other is my primary residence (~$240k). Both homes are single-family, and not really optimal investment properties since I wasn't enlightened before purchasing them. I am looking to learn, participate, and eventually assist others in real-estate investing. 

A couple of years ago I met a gentleman at a gathering who mentioned the BP community after I told him I was planning on renting out my first home. I went home that night, downloaded the app and immediately started sifting through some of the discussions on the forums. I have to admit I was overwhelmed by the amount of information and experience located in this community. Fast-forward a couple of years later and I find myself listening to eBooks, podcasts, and socializing among friends about options for a better retirement. 

From the little I've learned, I realize that real-estate can be a great investment vehicle for providing or supplementing a retirement plan. As of now, my goal is to make enough investment income to supplement my military pension in 10 years. If I am successful, then I will not need to work an undesirable 9-5 after military retirement. If I am not successful, then I will use my IT skills to provide for my family and continue to build upon traditional retirement. 

I welcome any questions, and advice. I look forward to being a part of the BP community!

Respectfully, 

Justin Melendez

Note: Having issues uploading a profile photo.

[Dmitriy Fomichenko]

@Justin Melendez

Welcome to the BP family! Glad you joined the best real estate investing website! 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/

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Wishing you the best!