The First Tuesday of the Month.

     This was not the usual venue for this REIA. It wasn’t in Detroit, but a few miles north—into the suburbs. It was only 5 miles or so from the usual venue, maybe a 10-15 minute longer drive for those coming from the North. It did cross the County line and that changes the perception—attracts some from the northern suburbs who might think Detroit is too far, perhaps too dangerous. (There are parts of Detroit where one would not want to have a meeting but the usual site for this REIA is not one of them.) This was a large room inside a large restaurant. The game was on in the background. It was loud but there were over 70 investors in the room and we were louder.

     There is no formal speaker at this monthly event but the meeting is formatted—it is recorded and streamed over the interwebs. Jeremy, the founder of the group, tried his best to keep the meeting on track (he actually did quite a good job) but the proverbial cat herder’s task is an easier one. Most of the people attending were active investors. Many were full time investors; some still have day jobs. They work for themselves on their own time and their own terms. They were there to work on deals, meet others they didn’t know, to connect with those they heard might be a good fit for their business. They knew there was a program being recorded and most participated in it but the chance to talk real estate with the others in the room was compelling. The noise level rose. It was hard to refrain from conversation. I could not really hear the program—(I may listen to part of it later (it is recorded)—that made catching up with those sitting near me even more compelling. Besides, I have never been all that great at following directions—it isn’t that I can’t, it is that I rarely wish to. (The more success I have, the less I feel compelled to follow arbitrary directions.)

     There were flippers, wholesalers, lenders, syndicators, and landlords in attendance, as well as some who wished to pursue those avenues. There were those who were looking for properties in certain areas and those who had deals under contract they wished to flip. There was energy, positive energy, in the room. These are people who are actively working to better their lives. They have different motivations but they are motivated—they showed up. They are also a lot of fun. They revel in the success of their colleagues. They know if they can find ways to help others in the room that they will be rewarded for their efforts—maybe not every time, for every specific action, but eventually, and well beyond their expectations. This is one of the four REIA meetings I attend regularly (all of them have different aspects I find valuable). I have expanded my business and my perception of what is possible through attending this meeting. (Jeremy is the one who records my weekly podcast—a most unexpected development.) It is rare that there is not a partner in attendance who can provide a face to face update on a current project (there were a couple last night).

      If there is a REIA meeting in your area look for it and attend if you can. Look for ways to be of assistance, to make the meeting better. If there isn’t a regular meeting, consider forming one. What else are you doing on the first Tuesday of the month that can have a better influence on your life?