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.

[Chad Rocke]

Hey @Jason Dunnett!

Welcome to BiggerPockets! You have hit the JACKPOT of resources for real estate investors. You can literally find answers to all of your questions within the confines of this site. What’s the best way to get started using BiggerPockets?

1.Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts

2.Attend the FREE WEBINARS

3.Attend a Meetup in Your Area / virtual meet ups

4.Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy if you havent already read them, sounds like you might have.

5.Peruse the forums! Ask questions! Answer Questions! If you are consistent with learning real estate over the next 4-6 months, you’ll be ready to purchase your first (or next) property in NO TIME!

Good luck,

Chad