All Forum Posts by: Rj D.

Hey @Mike Kehoe!!!

I have a contact for you! He is deep in the trades in San Antonio. He doesn't currently invest but is a good contact for neighborhoods and boots on the ground. I'm going to link you guys up! Try to get him to invest!! Haha he runs one of the largest commercial roofing crews in San Antonio.

@Luis Sotelo everyone makes great points so I will not repeat the same information. 

What I do want you to be aware of is that not all Vinyl is created equal. Don't be lured by the cost of cheap vinyl. It will create the same problems for you, early replacement. Nucor (Floor and Decor) and Lifeproof (Home Depot) are two great brands.

Not all vinyl is waterproof. Not all vinyl has the same life expectancy. Not all vinyl has the same face thickness and forget about relying on a manufacturer's warranty for replacement. They will find any excuse in the book to not payout (similar to insurance companies).

Hey @Michael Nowakowski,

Welcome to the world of investing. It can definitely feel overwhelming. My best advice would be to start attending meetups and networking with people who are operating in the space. One large mistake is looking for support in the wrong areas, meaning your current social circles. Often times your friends and family do not understand real estate and do not have the same passion. Often times they are also not as educated in real estate so they don't have the same enthusiasm or feel as strongly as someone who understands your goals.

Start attending local meetups, networking events, and continue to network as you are on forums like bigger pockets. Reach out to me if you have questions (I am way more active on Facebook) and best of luck!

Hey @Christian Padilla,

Everyone on this thread makes a terrific point and they are all well qualified to give this advice. I am more than happy to talk through it if you'd like. I will PM you.

Hey Pedro,

My company, EJC Partners, can help. What specifically are you looking for? Do you have a property in need of rehab now?

Thanks @John Warren! Good to see you again @Ronan M., I just messaged you.

and thanks @Mark Ainley for the information you gave Nicky! Hope to see you around soon.

Are there any owners here that have buildings in the Grand Crossing area? I am looking for "boots on the ground" experience with rentals near the Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative.

Thanks!

Please keep us in mind for future projects, EJC Partners. You can find us through google or FB. We do 203k projects but our schedules wont free up until EOY.

Happy Hunting!

Hey Daniel,

Welcome to REI and BP. My suggestion is to get out and start attending REI meetups. There are many great meetups in Chicago that will accelerate your passion, knowledge and education x 10 (no should out to Grant). Meeting successful investors face to face will allow you to build a rapport that is NOT obtainable through forums.

Get out there and really network. This is the only way you will truly be prepared before you acquire your first investment. (also no one is ever 100% prepared for their first).

Good luck!

@Matt Michaels

Everyone brings up great points. 

• What areas are you interested in
• What type of returns do you need to see
• What's your timeline
• What's your pricepoint / What can you afford

Chicagoland is difficult and the microeconomic and block/block nuances make a huge difference. You are doing the right thing by asking questions and preparing yourself before the move. 

My advice is:

• Find a broker with Multifamily experience and has investments themselves
• Make sure your broker is educated in the areas you are looking in
• Build your team BEFORE you are ready (i.e. Broker, Lender, Contractors, Attorney)
• Join / Attend meetup groups in Chicago ANY chance you get
• Network with as many people that are successful in the asset class and unit count range you are looking for

Good luck with your search!