Orlando Networking Thread

[Ben Morand]

Hey BP community!

My name is Ben Morand and I am a new investor based out of the Orlando area, as well as a licensed agent in the Gainesville area. A little about myself: I am 21 years old and I am currently a marketing student at the University of Florida, with a minor in economics. I have had a part-time job for a few years now, but haven't yet dove into real estate as much as I would like. Over the past year, I have read 20+ real estate/entrepreneurial/mindset books, listened to hours of podcasts, obtained my real estate license, and ultimately researched far more than I can cite. But here I am, still with no major action taken. I realized that I have the education part down (at least enough to get started, there's always more to be learned), but what I am missing is the networking aspect. 

I am really starting to realize how important relationships are in the real estate world, and I am very interested in connecting with local investors. So if you would like to connect with each other, feel free to include your current portfolio, your long-term goal, your investing strategy, and your big WHY, and we can connect and network together! I'll start:

Current portfolio: 0 units (working to add 5 this year)

Long-term goal: 75 units

Investing strategy: 5-20 unit "sweet spot" commercial properties; implementing the stack to buy 5 units, then add 10, then add 20, then add 40, year after year to reach my target 75 unit goal

Big WHY: both my parents work in K-12 public education and my family has always been locked in the traditional way of working. I obtained my real estate license and quickly learned how much I love the industry, and especially the investing side of things. I see others my age hurdling any roadblocks and achieving success in the industry and I want to make that happen for myself. I see no reason why I can't create the life I want.

I am excited to connect with you all and I hope everyone has a great week!

[Kim Meredith Hampton]

@Ben Morand so excited for you on your investment journey and getting your real estate license. Agree on the networking part, it is essential, as well as being part of a strong real estate brokerage. 

We actually have an investor group we started several years ago here in the Orlando area from some of us that met here on BiggerPockets. Reach out to me and I will get you set up in our group. We meet once a month with a speaker or topic of discussion based on real estate. There are people in our group that have done deals together, network and have become friends. Best of luck on your goals