All Forum Posts by: Martha Chavarria

Emmanuel Russell, Karen Margrave

Welcome Emmanuel to BP! I too, am new and from the Bronx area. I must say that I have had the opportunity to take some minor classes in REI and what's great about that is that it helps to take you in the beginning steps of.

I agree with Karen, I wouldn't start in commercial just yet, if you are that new. It takes a bit of progression. You start from the basics (depending where you are comfortable and your financial situation) and that will lead you to other investing opportunities. Keep in mind, that in order to climb the flight of stairs, it takes one step at a time to reach to the top.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes...this is why you are here This is an amazing community willing to give you some sound advice. Take advantage of this opportunity.

Good luck!

Robyn Roberts Hi Robin, I'm a contractor in NYC...a bit different in cost estimates. I must say that in NYC, we have to have licences for home improvement. Since most of the properties in this area are handled by either a property manager, or a property management company, it can be difficult to the owner to be part of every detail of their property and their tenants.

Sad to say, that it is true (though illegal) property managers do get a commission at the coat of the owner.

Since I don't support or encourage those practices as a contractor, I find that I sometimes, get the short end of the stick in NOT being awarded some home improvement jobs. The owners in this town are so busy, when they hear from me about the situation, they think I'm soliciting, when in fact, I'm trying to save them from overpaying unnecessary home improvement costs.

The only legal way that property owners bid on a job, if it exceeds $20k, and the owner has to approve it. I know I'm getting off course with the actual forum per se, but sometimes, it needs to be known, that some contractors (the honest ones like me) can also be a victim to property managers.

Whew...said a lot. Anyway, I encourage you to meet and talk directly with roof contractors...ask them questions, really get to know them and their expertise. They will see how interested you are in their work...and I would also tell them the projects you will be working on in the future (that is if you are purchasing property) that may require their services. Perhaps, they might even work with you on a good price.

Good luck. :-)

@Brandon Turner Thanks Brandon! I'll be all over the member blogs for sure.

@John Giamundo Read your story. Awesome!!! I think that's why we are all here.

@Ned Carey Thanks for the extra encouragement.

Vib Baker Have you considered NYC. Since I target the Bronx, Queens and Yonkers, there may be quite a few multi-family duplexes. Brooklyn is great, but right now, everyone including their aunts are hunting that part of town...plus you may want to have a min of $400k for that one.

James Vermillion Thanks so much! You know...I did forget to mention my goals. So here there are:
30 wholesale deals for the 1st year and start at least 2 rehab projects. Since I love being a GC anyway, this is up my alley.

Michael Carbonare...you just made me want to hit Arthur Ave for lunch today! :-)

Yes, NYC....so much to see and do! If you guys are ever up here, let me know. There's nothing better than " REI brainstorming" over happy hour!

Thanks!

Good morning BP,
My name is Martha from Bronx, NY and I couldn't more excited to be part of this amazing group! I recently came back from VA and have been living there for the past 7 years. My real home is here in NY. The people that I love the most are here...mi familia.

To keep this is as brief as possible and I won't go to much detail, but I believe that for me, to be in this place in my life is no accident. I have gone through an amazing life journey, one I hope to share with you someday.

I'm an Interior Designer by trade and own a home improvement business. Since I have only been here less than 2 months, the business is still in the start-up phase. However, I received an email from my brother (and little did he know what it was), an invitation to attend a Rich Dad seminar, an introduction to Real Estate. Little did I realize, that a simple email would lead me right here. During the 3-day class, I have met some wonderful students and we've teamed up to motivate, encourage and hold accountability towards each other. In fact, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here in the BP community. From here, I can only imagine where it would take me from here on out. I realize, no matter how determined or motivated you are on your own, you need people in your life to help you get where you want to be.

The seminar happened about 3 weeks ago. Since then, I've been doing my own research and learning what I could and creating an action plan of my own. As most newbie's, my interest lies in wholesaling. I have read "Biggerpockets, The Ultimate Beginner's guide", I think twice. Read through forums and listened to podcasts. I am a true sponge. :-) Though, I read and do my own research, I actually do take action and as long as I"m prepared.

One thing though, I really wish I had a mentor just to take me through my 1st deal. But, if not, that won't hinder me from moving forward. Being part of the BP community, I feel I'm among professionals I can learn from. Thanks so much! Looking forward to participating in the forums.

Martha