Southern California Real Estate Investing - Where to Start
When I first learned about the word of real estate investing I wasn’t really sure where to begin. There is a lot of education offered online but unfortunately a lot of it is aimed at making you spend money for recycled information that is often outdated or incorrect.
To help guide you in the right direction I’ve created a list of the very best resources available to a new investor in Southern California. Below is a breakdown of several local clubs and online resources that I use day in and day out to help my business succeed.
The goal here is to show you there is education out there that won’t cost you a fortune, is relevant to the current market and is operated by real investors who I can personally vouch for. Additionally, if I can be of any help to you please don't hesitate to contact me personally.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so what are you waiting for?
Bigger pockets is a forum & podcast dedicated to real estate investing. It is by far the largest resource for real estate investing on the internet. There are forums, articles, blogs and a podcast that are updated instantly by input from members on the forum who provide content, advice and articles for the forum with the goal of helping other investors.
The podcast is amazing, typically a weekly event Brandon Turner and Josh Dorkin interview members of the Bigger Pockets forum in their area of expertise. The hour long podcasts have covered just about every subject out there and provide a great way to get more information on a specific field of interest.
The forum is the place to go with your specific questions and you can encounter some of the best in the business who will pop in and answer questions, offer guidance and help you on your journey in the world of real estate investing.
The blog and member blogs are one of my favorite ways to pass time and get motivated. I’ll read up on some recent experiences of other investors, or dial it in on specific subjects I am looking to educate myself on.
One of the best things about Bigger Pockets is that you can do this all from the comfort of your home, still face to face is where the relationships really begin to develop and that is why it’s so important to visit your local real estate investment clubs. Here are the best of the best in San Diego and Southern California.
Quick Tip: The podcast Is amazing and covers so many different subjects, be sure to check it out!
North San Diego Real Estate Investors Association (NSDREI)
When: Meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the El Camino County Club 3202 Vista Way Oceanside, CA 92056
NSDREI is my “home” club, it’s in Oceanside a short drive from my house and by far has some of the most friendly and approachable group of investors around. Most meetings begin with a one hour “happy hour” style setting where investors can mingle and get introduced to each other. This is a great way to get to know your local colleagues and begin some new friendships. There are people I met here at my first meeting three years ago who I still see on a regular basis and consider very close friends.
The content for the meetings will vary depending on the keynote speaker, although there are some parts to the meeting that consistently appear such as the market update, deal profile and haves and wants.
Quick Tip: One of the best parts to NSDREI is that there is a bar on site at the country club!
San Diego Creative Investors Association
When: Meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Scottish Rite Center 1895 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108
SDCIA is the oldest and largest real estate investing club in Southern California. It is an institution at this point. It meets in a massive hall at the Scottish Rite Center and the sheer volume of investors in attendance can be overwhelming, in a good way. The club is run by Bill Tan, a veteran investor who is friendly and enthusiastic about guiding new investors towards the best resources to succeed.
Some of the biggest names in real estate investing will make appearances at SDCIA and the best part is that you can approach them easily and introduce yourself. This was the very first meeting I ever attended and the experience was life changing. They have a great “newcomers” section where you can sign in and get a tour of the meeting and get introduced to some of the key members of SDCIA who make it happen.
Quick Tip: Many members meet for food prior to the meeting at the nearby Marie Calendars
When: The third Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday of every month. Meetings take place in Cerritos, Tustin and Glendale.
Contrary to its name, Investclub for Women welcomes all genders. Club founder Iris Veneracion created investclub to allow a more friendly environment for all investors. She has practically trademarked the ability to create amazing ENERGY at their events. This club is very dear to me as I was a member of their “60 Day Challenge” and have found more support, guidance and comradery at this club than anywhere else in my investing career.
Their events have some of the best experts in the industry and they took it to the next level by offering three meetings a month throughout Los Angeles and Orange County to allow members throughout Southern California the opportunity to have a meeting nearby.
By far the most enthusiastic and friendly club in Southern California you will feel welcome here to network, learn and participate. Investclub has done a wonderful job getting new investors into action through their education, events and encouragement.
Quick Tip: They have “members only” meetings once a month at recent flip projects, they include drum circles, singing, dancing and libations!
FIBI San Diego - Meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Hilton Hotel 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd Del Mar, CA 92014
FIBI Orange County - Meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Hilton Irvine 18800 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA
FIBI Long Beach - Meets the last Thursday of every month at The Grand Long Beach Event Center 4101 East Willow Street, Long Beach, CA, 90815
FIBI (For investors by investors) originated in Long Beach although they now have meetings throughout Southern California. Since I’m a San Diego native I have highlighted that venue but there are events in Orange County and Los Angeles as well.
The event begins with a happy hour at the bar in the Hilton Del Mar, you can enjoy a drink while getting introduced to some of the best in the business. The central location to San Diego allows for a wide range of attendees, you never know who you’ll encounter at the event.
Recently taken over by Kucan & Clark partners Darrel and Imran the meeting has a new energy to it with the addition of deal profiles to the monthly event it has been great fun to see local investors show case their wins in the local market.
Quick Tip: Members stay after the meeting for drinks at the bar, this is where deals go down!
House Flipping HQ Podcast & Mastermind
Newest on the scene is Justin Williams and his House Flipping HQ Podcast, after recently celebrating its one year anniversary the podcast has taken on a life of its own. Justin who is an active rehabber in Southern California and a few other markets began this podcast to help educate, motivate and document his quest to flip 150 houses in 2014.
Since its start the response has been amazing, Justin’s ability to be himself on the podcast and not only entertain but also educate is the key reason why this is one of my favorite podcasts to tune into. I’m especially a fan of his singing!
Each week Justin interviews an expert or discusses different methods used to be successful in real estate investing. The podcast has done a great job of finding a huge variety of investors to come on the show and explain what it is they do and how they do it.
Due to the success of the podcast Justin then followed up by creating a mastermind to help new investors. Justin himself was the victim of expensive real estate training that left him wanting more out of education. So he took matters into his own hands and created one of the best masterminds out there. It is still in its infancy but he has held several successful events in Southern California and has plans for much more out of this mastermind. I’m excited to see what is in store over at House Flipping HQ.
Quick Tip: Justin’s podcasts usually begin with him singing, if you can make it past this you will find some of the most informational and motivating discussions in real estate. This man loves to pump people up and get them excited to start in real estate investing.
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