@Aaron Staley
You can attend the local REIA, but leave your wallet at home. I have yet to attend a REIA event where someone did not want money in exchange for something else. That is the beauty of Bigger Pockets. You don't need to go to the REIA, most are dying off as a result of a bad model (Psssst, they make money off the members buying the latest "guru's" Get Rich Quick Scheme). Best for you to learn at BP, listen to the FREE, did I say FREE audio they feature and put in a search for "Jacksonville" anytime someone posts something about our great city, you will be notified. I do not have the time with my current stuff going on, but I can help in an email, if you need something.
Not a big fan of the REIA model, it preys on the weak, who are looking for information, thinking that the local REIA MUST be where all the successful investors are located. Sometimes. Not always.
Best of luck to you!
