New Investor from Houston (and College Station), Texas

[Chase Smolik]

Hello BiggerPockets!

Intro

My name is Chase Smolik and I'm a new investor from Houston, Texas. Currently, I work in educational technology sales. I've been fortunate with my success here and am looking to build my portfolio and pursue my dream of REI. Hobbies include cars, camping, hiking with my dog (Kona), and consider myself a 'foodie'. Alongside my long-term goal of becoming a full-time Investor, my current goal is to visit all 50 states by my birthday in July 2020. I'm 7 states away and have trips planned!

Background

My background in real estate comes from a pure interest in housing, a desire to be financially 'free', and a goal to retire from corporate America early. I have been a lurker for BiggerPockets for quite some time, but just upgraded to Pro, as I'm am finally ready (both mentally and financially) to make a move on my dream. After reading the Ultimate Beginner's Guide here on BiggerPockets, my niche/interest is to focus on SFR and short-term rentals.

Currently

I've spent time writing my mission statement, setting my goals, planning my long-term goal, and running data (thank you, BiggerPockets Pro Calculators!) on several different properties, and have now stumbled across one that is of sincere interest that fits my criteria, almost perfectly. At this point, I feel I may be hitting a little "analysis paralysis". I do plan to share the report with the group for any and all feedback. 

I look forward to connecting with everyone here on BiggerPockets. 

-Chase

[Joel O'Leary]

Hi Chase,

Congrats on making the jump from lurker to serious! It’s time to DO IT!!

I have several multi-fam rentals in College Station and would be happy to chat about my experience. I quit my job about 14 months ago and am *almost* financially free. Same goal as you.. leaving corporate America. 

Let me know if I can help you analyze or chat through the property you’re excited about. I’m free all week just send me a message and we can chat. 

Cheers,

Joel