Newbie from Northern Indiana (Fort Wayne/Indy)

[Eric Kartman]

Hello, bigger pockets.

My name is Eric Kartman, I am 21, and I'm from Fort Wayne, IN. Recently over the last month or so been listening to the bp podcast religiously, reading up on the beginners guide/blog/forums, and scouring the internet for valuable information. Also, I have been going to the library to find books to read. I have been expanding my mind with new and exciting information to take the plunge.

Currently, I'm on summer break from college and I have been working just a summer job to pay for basic college expenses. I am studying business finance and I play intercollegiate baseball (pitcher). I am a very active person trying to keep in shape both physically and mentally.

I am interested in wholesaling in fix and flipping because, in my opinion, they seem to be the earliest entry to jump in. Ideally, I'm open to anyone's thoughts and willing to adapt to other's opinions.

My goal is to be on track to be financially free after college. I commented to colleagues of mine from college that I wanted to be financially free before the age of 40. Every person I talked to said "That's impossible. 65 is more plausible." I smiled and kept going about my business. I believe that investing in real estate Is a tool to reach my goals.

A couple questions i have are:
Is there anyone around the fort wayne/ northern indiana area that would guide me through to start?
What are the challenges that most people see in their first couple months in real estate?
Are there any particular books that you recommend?

I appreciate your replies.

Thanks,
Eric

[Shannon S.]

Hello @Eric Kartman,

While I'm new to BP also and only a few properties under my belt, I'd like to pass on a great tip I first got for this site right when I joined.

I got it from @Brandon Turner on my first posting and want to pass it on.

"If you haven't yet- be sure to setup some "Keyword Alerts."

I added a few things like "Indianapolis", "Indiana" and "I just won the lottery and looking to fund new REI out there", etc...

Sadly not all of them have triggered as well as I'd hoped :)

Hope you find the info here as useful as I have, and welcome to BP.