Should I pay to join a local REI group?

[Jack Perfett]

I’m looking to get active in a local real estate group in Pittsburgh Pa. I’m struggling to find some and I stumbled upon a couple, however they are charging a yearly membership fee. From my understanding I thought most of these groups were free. Should I pay for this group? Also any suggestions of groups in the area would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Dave Poeppelmeier]

This falls into the "You get what you pay for" category. By joining an organized local group, a REIA or other organization, you'll be getting more formal organized activities, monthly meetings/education, chances to meet people, etc. One thing I would make sure is to make sure it's not an organization that's just trying to sell you the speaker's weekend seminar that following weekend, marketing programs, etc. Most groups will let you come to a meeting or two to see if you like it. Now, at the same time, I love having a beer with MeetUp-type settings (prior to Covid of course) and just casual chatting about RE with over investors. I would do both to learn more about RE in general. Have fun with it!