When you get into this business of real estate investing, one of the best things you can do is to join your local Real Estate Investors Association (REIA). To find group(s) close to you, visit www.nationalreia.com, click on “Find A REIA” on the left, click on your state and then find the group(s) closest to you. There are costs to join, for example my REIA group is $150 to join, $99 renewable after that. Add a spouse for $25. Visitors pay $15 and that can be applied to a membership if you join that night.
REIA groups offer a chance for you to network with other investors and visit with vendors to see what they have to offer. Some REIAs have a deal table where other investors bring deals they have to offer to other investors. REIAs also offer education and this is probably the main reason for their monthly meetings. This education can come in many forms, local members may talk about lease options one month, a mortgage broker may talk about different lending options available to investors, the next month may be 1031 exchanges and the next month may be a real estate expert. My REIA group has a lending library. We can check out courses, like Carleton Sheets “No Money Down” course, Bill Twyford’s NLP course and several of Ron Legrand’s courses, all at no cost just – one of the many benefits of being a member.
You may find another investor to partner with on some deals, perhaps someone who can mentor you through your first few deals. Get to know these people, they can help you be successful.
Networking and education are two of the main reasons to join a REIA. It is well worth the investment.
Filed under: investing, real estate | Tagged: 1031 exchange, Bill Twyford, Carleton Sheets, education, networking, REIA, Ron Legrand
