BiggerPockets

If you don't already have some, get some business cards. Even just buy a package of those cards you print on your own printer. You simply cannot go to REIA's without cards. Makes you look very unprepared.

Keep your conversations short and simple. Learn how to exit a conversation with an individual. There are certainly individuals there can and will talk your ear off if you let them. If you need to exit a conversation, just look over the other person's shoulder and tell them "Excuse me, but I just saw an individual I have been meaning to speak with".

You need to go to the REIA with a goal. Upon arriving, you need to know what you are looking for at the REIA. Going to just meet people is not necessarily a waste of time, but it defiantly doesn't help.

Since you're looking to start in wholesaling, you should probably be seeking out these individuals:

- RE agent (so that you can get comps on your contracted properties)
- RE savvy attorney
- RE title agent that does double closings and is familiar and comfortable doing contract assignments
- Other wholesalers
- Investment buyers that purchase with cash or have fast access to cash.

If any of the individuals you meet are not the individuals that I have listed above, ask them for a referral to those people that are active in your area.

Lastly, look for the people that appear to be regulars. Also seek out the president of the association and ask him/her for referrals to the people you are seeking out. Talk to the people you see the president/leader speaking to and know by first name. If the leader knows them by first name, you know they are not a newbie like yourself. I wasted my first couple REIA meetings talking to nothing but other newbies, which isn't in itself bad, but you want to network with experienced individuals more.

Arrive early.

Don't be shy or timid. I still have a little bit of a problem with that. Just approach individuals with an outstretched hand. Everybody at the REIA is there to meet people, so don't think you're bothering anybody.

I hope this info has helped.

You can also bring a buyers list questionaire so you can start creating your buyers list.

The questionaire will capture their personal information, where they buy, what they buy, how often they buy, who many deals they have done, how much cash they have to purchase in 10 days or less and whatever other info you would like to capture.