TOTAL NEWBIE FROM ALTADENA (LOS ANGELES COUNTY), CALIFORNIA

[Chris Sparrow]

Hello All, I’ve been lurking for a few days and listening to the podcasts, but I thought I’d go ahead and introduce myself!

My husband, an Apprentice Electrician, and I, an entertainment industry professional, are both Los Angeles County natives and total "newbies" to the REI world. Early this year we closed on our first primary residence and are in the process of renovating it ourselves. I've been on the lookout for years for a financial endeavor that could provide us a secure future and provide for our daughter once we are gone (morbid I know). After going through this first purchase, I realized how much I love real estate. My husband has always dreamed of owning multiple properties, but now I'm on board too. He has an extensive background in machining/heavy equipment operating/handyman/and now electrical work, and I love design (I studied Research Psychology and Fine Art for my BA). I love traveling, researching, learning, and budgeting (I have a spreadsheet for everything...even my vacations).

We are here to learn and develop a strategy to enter the market by learning from the many successful investors that have gone before us. Specifically, I'd love to learn what areas in Southern California would be worth investing in and how to identify and fund good deals (currently leaning towards single and small multi-family rentals). From what I've observed so far, it seems that most REIs are very social, outgoing people. Even though I was voted Class Clown in high school, both my husband and I are naturally a bit introverted, so the networking part of this biz will be a challenge I'm sure---I'm not so funny when you first meet me. As such, I want to learn how to push past this personality hurdle to truly take advantage of all that this REI collective has to provide.

The time isn't right yet, as we have much to learn and funds to save, but we want to build a foundation to be mentally, emotionally, and financially ready for when opportunity knocks. We are in it for the long game!

Thanks in advance for all the wisdom and guidance that I know I will garner from BP.

[Doug Peters]

@Chris Sparrow  Welcome to BP!

I feel like a newbie myself still too.  Tho I have invested OOS (out of state) with partners and found BP just about a year ago. 

Have you gone to any meet ups or BP REI events? I know you are a little further away but I know of some near DTLA. I attend the South LA one on 3rd Saturdays when I can.
But those are great places to get info and friends as well.