REI groups in the Pacific Northwest

[Gary Waldron]

There are two REIA groups I am interested in joining, REIA, the Real Estate Investors Association of Washington and The Real Estate Association of Puget Sound (REAPS). Has anyone had any experience with either of these groups? I am considering taking classes from each group to get a feel for how they operate. If anyone has some first hand experience that would be great!

[Patrick Britton]

I would suggest going to both as many times as you can until you get a since of appreciation of the benefits of each. From personal experience, I have learned more at the REIA meetings and from REIA people than anywhere else, including bigger pockets. REAPS has satellite networking events which are quite good from my experience but I would probably avoid the larger, guru based events as there is only 30 to 45 minutes worth of networking before having to listen to a salesman talk about their $20,000 coaching program. And while any program they offer is of considerable value, whether it's worth $20,000 or not is another matter.

REIA has a wholesaling class that is second to none, period, end of discussion. It is because of that class that I landed my first deal and made over five figures. They have other classes but I have not attended them.

In terms of member benefits however, I would make the case that REAPS is a better provider, especially because of the deal with Home Depot.