All Forum Posts by: Marc Evans

This is a common question for people getting into RE. Look for your local REIA group and go to a meeting, you should be able to get in as a guest until you decide if you like it or not. Then network with investors. You will quickly learn different RE niches and you then can offer to find properties for them for a fee, is they close on your deals. This is all done for free. crawl before you walk, then look at other CREI techniques and strat to grow your business.

Anthony I agree with J. Lamar. to add if your working with an investor who needs an attorney to close a deal, suggest they specifically use a real estate attorney who has closed deals with investors. There are many RE cookie cutter attorney's out there that don't understand creative real estate deals. These attorneys are easy to find, you just have to ask.

If I didn't respond to this post, some might think I am ill and away from the boards!

Wannabetrump

How you get started in RE is of course ultimately dependant on what your planned overall outcome is. Are you looking for quick cash, do you want to hold properties, do you want multi unit, or apartment buildings, are you interested in commercial, do you just want to buy and sell with no hold..? What is your goal?

I think that no matter what your goal, you should start learning as much as you can about the various methods of RE Investing (starting by reading every post here is a good)

Then you might consider becoming a BirdDog (or Property Locator) for other investors. It's the easiest, most low risk way to get started in CREI and you can grow your career in any direction you'd like to once you have the basics mastered. You can also do it part time. Make your own hours and put in as much work as YOU want to.

Best of luck

IMHO
At this point in your career it "might" be wiser to think about becoming a BirdDog for other investors, or becomeing a wholesaler. it's a great way to learn the biz before jumping into bed with an HML. As there is very little risk and requires the least amount of money.

HML money is expensive and your numbers had better be good and every (and I mean every) problem must be accounted for.

I am not sure what your level of expertise is, but it sounds as if you are just starting out.. so just something to think about.

I wish I was smart enough to get started at your age! Unfortunately I found out about beer. :)

I agree with you that birddogging is indeed the best way to get started... but then, I am a little biased! :)

Realize that there is CREI happening in EVERY market. Detroit included.. we recently helped move 15 properties in Detroit.. (albiet for an average price of 12k) :( but they were purchased cheaper and moved just the same.

guru_wanna_be's idea of doing it backwords is a good one too.

Visit your local REA group and find out who the deal makers are, what their critria is and that should give you an idea of where to start looking.

The most important thing is to take an action.

Welcome Calan,

It's great that you're getting a head start! Ahhh... if only I knew then what I know now!

We train Property Locators (we call 'em BirdDogZ) all over the country and feel that having a "mentor" in the business is absolutely a great thing.
That being said, I will agree with Ryan's suggestion that you start your learning process now to get a genral grasp of Real Estate Investing so that you can ask quality questions of your mentor.

You must also understand that the people that actually wake up everyday and do the business of Creative Real Estate Investing are asked
e v e r y d a y to be someone's mentor. My partner and I are asked at least once a day. We've said yes a couple of times only to watch the "mentee" NOT do what they need to do everyday to become successful in the business. Lot's of people talk, few do.

I would suggest that you find out what REIA groups (Real Estate Investment Groups or Associations) are in your area and join the biggest one. Go the the meetings and.... sit down and shutup. Listen... keep your eyes and your ears open to find out who the "players" are.. who are the ones that are "doing" the biz not just talking about it.

You'll learn much by doing so and you will have no problem striking up a conversation with those that are working the business. Most will be very helpful to you by giving you their buying criteria and a few pointers on how to get your start.

Then, once you find a possible proeprty bring it to them and see how quickly they are williing to help you futher!

Good luck!

Thanks Wesley.

WE look forward to providing whatever help we can to members here.
There already seem to be some very knowledgable contributors here, so I look forward to learning as well!

LS

Greetings All!

We are new here and looking forward to becoming a valuable member of thsi community. We've noticed quite a few people visiting our site that have been referred to us from BiggerPockets Forums and we are GRATEFUL for that.

For the past 3.5 years, we've been training people to become property locators. Our Website and Training is Completely F.R.E.E. We benefit when you submit a property for us (or one of our participating investors)
to purchase.

Thanks!