Recommendations for which real estate group to join?

Question

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation on a real estate group/meetup to join. I know of Milwaukee REIA, AASEW, brew city meetup. Any opinions on which is most beneficial? I most likely would not be able to join all.

Thanks,

Brad

Benjamin Holt · Answer

@Brad W.MKE REIA was good. This particular one was mostly about wholesaling, which is something I'm not personally into so I ended up leaving a little early but I can see the potential of the organization as a whole. I'm going to continue going to the events

Dawn Anastasi · Answer

I just want to clarify some misunderstandings about the AASEW (Apartment Association of Southeastern WI).1. This group is not just for people who have been real estate investors for a long time. People who are thinking of becoming rental property investors or who only own one or two properties can get a lot of value from this organization. There is a "Landlord Bootcamp" held periodically by an attorney to help landlords get up to speed on landlord/tenant law.2. This is not just a group for apartment complex owners. Even those who own single family homes, duplexes, and condos for rent can join and get value from the meetings.3. Yes, there are "older" members (aka "veterans) but it's a helpful group of members of all ages and experiences.The next meeting is March 20th at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee West. 5pm - 6pm is for networking which includes appetizers and 6pm is the actual meeting which is about Investing in Real Estate using Self-Directed IRAs. This is a great opportunity to network with other investors, possibly some that have money sitting around in a self-directed IRA that they can use to invest in your projects!Note: if anyone wants to skip the $25 fee for the next meeting, please let me know and come see me at the meeting. I'm a AASEW board member, so I can get you in for one free meeting.

Account Closed · Answer

This is all very helpful! Thanks everyone. I'm new as well and was wondering the same thing. After listening to the first 150 podcasts in the last 5 months the last thing I want to walk into is a high pressure "pitchfest" of people trying to me sell me something. My first live in flip is currently on the market and as soon as it's sold I'm picking up a few rentals. Let the networking begin. :-)-Chris

Elbert D. · Answer

Just to let you guys know there is a pretty awesome group near Chicago called WRCT. They are by far the best REIA group I been to. They don't try to sell programs and it's more educational and deal presenting than selling you on something. If any of you are close. I'll suggest coming down sometimes. I actually would love to network more with Milwaukee investors.

Dean Wells · Answer

I am very new to real estate investing, I have attended 1 Milwaukee REIA and 1 Wisconsin REIA meeting. I liked the Milwaukee REIA meeting and am planing on joining that one, it was larger and very well organized.

Brad W. · Answer

Congratulations Chris! I attended the Milwaukee REIA on 3/28, learned quite a bit and also met some very nice people. It was definitely not a pitchfest. Good luck with your flip!Brad

Shawn Ackerman · Answer

@Brad W. I'd recommend Brew City Meet Up!

Brad W. · Answer

@Pat Parrillo Good idea about trying to attend a meeting from each group. I plan on trying to make it to the MKE REIA on the 28th and attend others going forward. Thanks!

Brad W. · Answer

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm excited by the idea of real estate but definitely have to educate myself first.@Benjamin Holt thanks, and please let me know how the meeting goes.@Daniel Hanson thanks, I will have to check out the Brew City facebook page@Michael Henry thanks for differentiating the different organizations, Brew City and the MKE REIA sound like they would be more beneficial for me.@Rebecca Holmes I never thought of the neighborhood and city meetings, that would be a good idea once I nail down where I want to invest. Thanks for the info!

Pat Parrillo · Answer

@Brad W.I would recommend attending one meeting at each group and see what you like. Brew City is currently free to attend and REIA and AASEW you can pay the one time attendance fee (I think it's like $30, but don't quote me on that) and if you like it I believe you can apply that to your annual membership if you decide to join. I have been a member of all three groups and currently am a member of AASEW and attend the Brew City Meet-ups. I no longer attend the REIA's. Here is my take on each. They all have a similar structure with networking before and after with a speaker on different topics for each meeting. Brew City - best atmosphere for networking which is the most valuable in my opinion with a great mix of newbies and veterans as well as buy and hold, flippers, SFR, Multi-Family investors etc. so most well rounded group to network with. AASEW - Are primarily multifamily investors and the majority of the members are veterans who've been in the REI game for a while. I'm focused on Multi's so I like this. REIA - Largest attendance. You'll find many flippers and wholesalers as well as many folks just getting into investing with a mix of veterans.They all bring their unique value and I would say try them each out and stick with the ones that most closely align with your goals. Hope this helps and hope to see you at a future event!