All Forum Posts by: Harry Metzinger

Hi @Richard Adams, welcome to BiggerPockets!  You've come to the right place.  I was just in Williamstown yesterday checking out a couple properties.  I would recommend checking out the BiggerPockets podcasts...Josh Dorkin and Brandon Turner do a fantastic job hosting a podcast each week that is educational and entertaining.  A variety of real estate investing topics are covered, with the show tailored to the experiences of their guest, who is successful in their own right.  I download podcast episodes to my phone and listen to them in my car to/from work. 

Hi @Jennifer Vincent, welcome to BiggerPockets!  My lender is Jason Knee with Citizens Bank.  Jason has been a tremendous resource over the years.  I got my primary residence mortgage through Jason and I'll definitely be going with him once I land my first investment property.  Not sure if I can give out an email or phone number directly on the BP forums, so I would say check out jknee-citizens.mortgagewebcenter.com for Jason's info.

Hi @Matt Blumenstein, welcome to BiggerPockets!  This is a great real estate investing community.  Plenty of information and resources to help you build your business.  I definitely recommend checking out the BP Podcasts; I download episodes on my phone and listen to them in my car on the way to/from work.  @Brandon Turner and Josh put together an educational and entertaining show each week with a successful real estate investor as their guest.  If you're busy like me, it's great to learn on the go.  Think about joining SJREIA too.  @Tom Dagney is the current president of SJREIA.  Lots of local meetings each month on a variety of topics.  Joining SJREIA offers numerous networking opportunities too.

@Jassem A., what I like about the properties on Williams & Williams as opposed to courthouse auctions is that 1) since they already went through the sheriff sale process, the buyer is assured of the property being released of any and all liens, 2) you have an opportunity to tour and inspect the property before bidding, and 3) you have 30 days to close, which allows you time to line up financing.  Courthouse auctions can be very risky and should not be undertaken by a beginning investor.  I don't know if #1, #2 & #3 apply to auction.com since I have never pursued any property on there.

Hi BP, does anyone have any experience buying a property at auction (either an in-person auction or online auction) from Williams & Williams?  If so, what can you share about your experience?  In hindsight, what do you wish you knew before you bid?  What did you learn along the way?  Thanks in advance for sharing.

Congrats @Allie Bloyd! There are certainly opportunities on HUD properties if you look hard enough. Keep us posted on your progress.

Congratulations @Bernie Huckestein!  It is never too late to start...or start again.  Sounds like a good local bank you've found as well.  Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi @Tod Foltyn, welcome to BP!  I would challenge you - rather than say I am looking for a mentor - think about how you can benefit another investor.  What makes it worth his or her time to help you learn the ropes?  This is a great community.  Become engaged.  Welcome other new members.  Contribute your knowledge.  We can all contribute something, even though we may be at different points in our real estate investing journeys.  

I definitely recommend listening to Josh & Brandon's podcasts.  They are educational, entertaining, and inspiring.  I listen to 2-3 podcasts per week on my way to/from work...always something new to learn.

Hi @Joseph Kenney, welcome to BP!  You've come to the right place.  If you have time, I definitely recommend you listen to Josh & Brandon's podcasts...they are educational, entertaining, and inspiring.  Podcast #47 & #156 are two podcasts that touch on commercial real estate investing.  Would be curious to hear your thoughts after listening to them.  Smart move getting your license as well.  I got my NJ real estate license in the fall and have found that the ability to see properties on my own and make offers will greatly benefit me in the long run.

@Fabrice Eliacin, www.homepath.com is another site to check out. They have Fannie Mae REO properties. Chances are though, just about everything you see on Homepath or HUDHomestore will be on the MLS. I noticed one property today on HUD Homestore that wasn't on the MLS, so they are out there, but expect plenty of competition regardless. Driving for dollars is a great strategy! Keep it up and eventually you will see the fruits of your labor, but you have to be persistent and consistent!