All Forum Posts by: Will Raetz

Kanise, that's a great point! I haven't actually lived here long enough to really get a grasp on the lay of the land yet--even Richmond or Norfolk would be pretty close. I'll take a look in those areas...on that note--do you have any advice for ways to research markets? I'm really starting from square one on that front.

Wow! Thank you to everyone for replying!

Mr. Turner, thank you for the encouragement! I'm sure I'll have questions for you later--I am using your plan, after all.

Maxine, I'd love to sit down and talk about markets, plans, and rehabbing whenever you have time. Just let me know!

Therese, it IS crazy expensive here. I noticed that you're considering Chicago! I know nothing about the city, but I'm travelling there in about 3 weeks--if you know anyone I can talk to while I'm in the city, please let me know! Also, if you or your husband want to talk about the Chicago market or your progress, I'm all ears!

Hello everyone!

I'm a recent graduate from JHU (Engineering), and I've been lurking on the site for just a few weeks. I live in Northern Virginia, though with an average home listing price approaching $1M in my county, I'm focused on finding a good market to start out somewhere outside of the 'DMV'. Right now I'm considering something like Savannah, GA, or maybe Chicago. Though to be honest I don't know much about those markets yet. I'm comfortable living a distance from where I invest--I'm prepared to invest plenty of time finding the right investment.

To begin, I'm trying to lay a solid foundation in Real Estate knowledge--I've particularly enjoyed @Brandon Turner's Real estate in your twenties blog, as I am in my twenties.

At this point, I want to put together a 10 year plan, and begin to do research on good areas to invest in. I have enough to put some skin in the game--just not in Arlington!

My goals for the immediate future are: Complete a basic education in real estate investing, make friends and contacts with people who know more than I do, and begin doing some market research.

Long term, right now I aim to purchase a duplex/quad somewhere outside of the DC/Metro area, force 10% appreciation, and begin renting it (with a positive cash flow!) within a year of today.

I'll admit that right now I'm out of my depth--if anyone has any advice/criticism/questions, I'm all ears and ready to learn. Also, for members in NoVA/DC, I have a standing invitation--I will buy you lunch. Doesn't matter if you're inexperienced, I'm not searching out a guru or a mentor, just want to sit down and talk real estate for a while.

I'll be posting on the forums from time to time, probably asking questions, so I look forward to hearing from you all!

Regards,
Will