Long Time Listener, First Time Poster

[Jason Dunnett]

Hi All – My first post..fair warning, this may be long. I wanted to start by saying I really appreciate all of the questions and honest feedback that I have seen in this community. It is shocking to see so many individuals (who may even be competing for the same business) try and lend a helping hand for nothing in return. I knew very quickly that Bigger Pockets is something that I would like to be involved with as I start my own RE investing journey.

My Background: I am a CPA with 15 years of J-O-B experience in public accounting, banking, finance, and operations roles. I have a beautiful wife and two boys at home (the boys own the responsibility for my continued hair loss), and believe I finally have the right pieces in place to stabilize life for my family (retirement planning, expense control, etc), so I can now begin part 2 of my journey by jumping into RE investing.

While I am new to RE Investing (aside from the books I read by Brandon, David, Scott & some of the other Bigger Pockets team), I have been around investing for the last 20 years (mainly investing in stocks, but also some fancy derivative trading when I am feeling bold). As I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, in my mid-to-late 20’s, Personal Finance became a passion of mine (my money working to make me more money… who doesn’t love that concept). I do a lot of budget coaching and financial guidance on the side, but never for money (probably the reason Bigger Pockets seemed like my kind of platform).

I am currently in the capital building stage for my first purchase, but I want to get involved in the community and start to build/become part of a team. I loved reading about the ‘core 4' that David talks about in BRRRR investing, and hope to replicate a lot of the strategies that I believe would fit my personality. I am looking to get started in Illinois or Michigan, but am not limited to location (I lived in 30 cities before I turned 30, so zip codes don't scare me).

I am a bit of a sponge with information, and love to network. Although we are in a covid crazed world, I would love to begin to speak with other newbies to bounce ideas around. If any of the experienced crew are willing to offer up some thoughts in exchange for a coffee or 3, I would love to hear your war stories and suggestions. I am extremely ambitious, and have never worked on a one-way street, so if someone lifts a finger to help provide me with guidance, you better believe there will be something coming back in return.