Boston REI Assocation - Which one???

Question

I'm looking to get involved in the REI community in the Boston area, and it has come to my attention that there are two popular REI associations; one of which is part of the National REIA, and the other of which is not. There also seems to be a lot of bad blood between them.

https://www.bostonrealestateinvestorsassociation.com/about-us/dont-be-fooled-by-other-groups-calling-themselves-boston-reia/

https://bostonareia.com/which-boston-real-estate-investors-association-should-you-join/

I'm hoping local investors can comment on their experiences with one or both, what led them in which direction, etc.

Let me know what you think please. I want to make the right choice!

I'm hoping local investors can comment on their experiences with one or both, what led them in which direction, etc.

Let me know what you think please. I want to make the right choice!

Jonathan Bombaci · Answer

Hi @Max K. we host free meetup events on the northshore (Woburn, Lowell, Salem MA). It's not a "REI" but it is a great community of newer investors looking to get started or looking to keep the momentum going. With everything going on we have cancelled all of our meetups until at least June but we're doing a virtual meetup tonight where we will talk about what we're seeing in the marketplace so far with Covid-19.

Hope you're able to make it. Normally we provide food and drinks at the events but tonight is BYOB https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/820307-pints-and-properties-virtual-meetup?page=1#p4824557

Best, Jon

Jeremy Wirths · Answer

@Max K. I am a regular attendee of Jon's Lowell event and it is a fun time every month. It's a casual meet up, good mix of seasoned and new investors. There is always presenter there to share some great knowledge and speaking of such, @Ann Bellamy is one such person. I have not attended one of her events but have heard her speak a couple times in person and learn something each time.

Kyle Curtin · Answer

Hi Max,

I am newer into the game, but so far I have attended one Black Diamond meetup in Burlington a few months ago and could not speak any more highly of it. (Thank you @Ann Belamy ) :) It was really a game changer for me and one of the first real estate meetups that I have been to and the atmosphere was incredible.

There was a nice period to network and there were many different people from private lenders to contractors to agents and everyone in between. There was also a few speakers that showed some of the local deals from BIllerica and a few other towns and it was really informative for everyone!

I am excited to attend @Jonathan Bombaci 's virtual meetup tonight and would love to meet you there!

Thank you,

Kyle

John Vickers · Answer

If I was forced to pick one, it would be Black Diamond. The most energetic, active and diverse that I’ve attended. Prior to the current shutdown they alternated between Burlington and Worcester which translates into a bigger network.

That being said, who ever said you can only join one?  For me New England REIA is second choice mostly because their former Chelmsford location is close to home. There is overlap with Black Diamond, I see Ann Bellamy at both. Not sure where NEREIA will meet when things resume. The hotel in Chelmsford is being remodeled.

Welcome.

Brian Lucier · Answer

@Ann Bellamy = RE ROCK STAR!!! I'm just sayin...

Beth Mulholland · Answer

Agree with the recommendations for Black Diamond - the most educational/least sales-y that I have been to! I have also heard great things about Willie Mandrell's Wealth Builders and plan to attend once in person events resume! I don't know anything personally about BostonAREIA but I have been to the Dedham Boston REIA events - worth checking out when there is a topic of interest to you. Personally I am a big fan of the smaller local meetups - those tend to be more about personal relationships/ supporting each other. Depends on what you are looking for really!

Ann Bellamy · Answer

Aw, golly gee, @brian lucier!  Thanks for the kind words, back at you!  And to think we didn't even pay each other for this. 😁

Howard Herrington · Answer

@Max K. I am a member of both the Bostonareia and the Boston real estate investors association. I can say that they are both great clubs to network with and to get your name out there.  The Bostonareia which is run by Bernadette Trafton is usually in different locations whereas the Investors Association is held in Dedham at the Hilton.  I would say that both are educational as well.  I have not yet attended a Black Diamond event but plan to very soon.

Boston REI Assocation - Which one???

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