I'm in downers grove so if you want to exchange ideas or meet for coffee, shoot me a PM.

This journey started in March, there were times when I wanted to give up but every time I would read a blog or listen to a podcast I would get this renew sense of purposeIt took  me going to a local REI and meeting a newbie agent to kick off this dream.

That's very different that "renting" to dysfunctional family members who are unable to meet their housing needs on their own.I consider the fact that I have a very close relative who lives in one of my properties part of my success. 

More than happy to share my experiences and thoughts if you'd like to chat, PM me to schedule.

Search for meetups in Westchester and the Bronx to start meeting people in this business.

You might meet a nice young lady and decide to start a family, who knows.  

Rent * 75% is not the correct calculation here, you will know you found someone probably doing it right when you see them perusing your Schedule E, leases, and mortgage statements. 

Hi Lynne,There's an active group in Ottawa that meets monthly.

I was wondering if there is anyone on here who meets up now and then because we would love to come along and meet other investors and learn from you.

Here are some good places to start: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet- find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts - Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.And, of course thehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums - ask any question about real estate!