All Forum Posts by: Josue Guzman

"My Tracks" records your path as you're driving. I used this a couple of days ago to avoid driving by the same block more than once and it worked well. And I understand those miles can be useful for IRS purposes. I haven't verified that, though. 

Right now I had some down time at work so I actually figured out how to plan a route while I'm here. 

I created a route with http://www.bikemap.net and moved it to my phone. Then I found an app that actually navigates through that predetermined route called "Track Navigator". I'll be testing it in about an hour. 

Hello, Ashleigh. Welcome to BP. I'm trying to get started in this giant city as well. I'm actually going to start mailing letters today. 

Is there a specific area of Houston (or surrounding areas) you're interested in?

For some reason people tend to forget that there is more to Houston than oil.

I'm with Michele. If I was in the situation the seller is in, I wouldn't want to be reminded by a stranger.

On my letters I juts mention I'm an investor looking for properties in the area and ask them to give me a call if they're interested in selling. I don't mention their personal circumstances. 

I don't know if my input is very relevant since I haven't made a deal yet, but here's what I've noticed so far. 

Some people end up being mentors without labeling themselves mentors or even planning to be mentors. After I started reaching out to several people, I met two local investors and we got along quite well. Now, they're helping me out by teaching me the ropes and in return I'll split my first deals with them as a way to thank them. To me that's fair because they're teaching me something that will last a lifetime. 

Look for mentors, but focus on actually getting to know people in the business and perhaps even partner with them. What I've also noticed form hearing others talk about their real estate business, is that they do much better forming relationships. Look for relationships, not just teachers. Even if you do find someone that mentors you, I'm sure you will end up helping each other out somehow in the future. 

BP is a great way to reach out. Figure out what you want to start doing and look for people doing that and message them. Once they know what you do and your skills, you might even leverage each other and do business together. "Partner" and "mentor" are not mutually exclusive characteristics. A person can be both. 

Good luck!

That's actually how I'm getting started. To my understanding, you just put both names on the contract but I haven't done a deal yet. 

Since you said you've already done one deal, I will assume you already have a go-to title company. I would call them and ask what to do. 

Good luck. 

Hey Yuliana, 

Welcome to BP. There is a monthly meetup set up by @Charles Nguyen. This is the information for the one happening this month. It's next Thursday.
http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/186...

I missed last month's but I went in February. Everyone is nice and welcoming and you will find all experience levels represented. It's nothing formal. Just getting to know other people in the business over a few drinks, and networking. 

To find out about future events, you can subscribe to the Events & Happenings forum and set up your alerts on your profile. 

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and...

-Josue

Thanks to everyone for their input!

I didn't think I would get this many replies. 

Thanks guys. 

@James Wise: As of now, a 1/1, 896 sq ft starts at $1,170.

@Jerry Ta. I didn't think so. I've lived in apartments pretty much my entire life and when it comes to commercial multifamily properties, they always do everything in their power to keep any deposits so I just consider them lost as well.