REI in training in Urbana Champaign, IL

[Max Pike]

Good Evening All,

In keeping with the theme I'd like to introduce myself. I'm originally from California, but I moved to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois about a year and a half ago after living in New Zealand for two and a half years.

I have an engineering background and work for an applied research organization studying how buildings use energy. I'm new to REI but I'm building my network and will be making my first purchase in the next three months. I look forward to learning from and contributing to the BP community.

[Dariusz Chlopecki]

Welcome @Max Pike

[Anthony Hornbeck]

Welcome @Max Pike !

I, too, am an engineer and live in Urbana. I am also working to learn REI. I just bought my first duplex last summer, and I'm slowly but surely planning to add more properties to my lonely portfolio.

As I mentioned, I'm fairly new to investing myself, but feel free to reach out!

Sounds like your job could be pretty interesting too! I find the "green energy" sector interesting, and started a little biodiesel business right out of college. We just turn waste vege oil from restaurants into biodiesel on a small scale, but it's been quite the experience!

Anyways, welcome!

[Paul Timmins]

@Max Pike

Welcome. Look forward to some excellent posts by you. Fill in the foundation below.

Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.

Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice. And you get the benefit of having 60 past ones to catch up on.

Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info. Here you will meet wholesalers who provide deals and rehabbers.

Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.

You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing. Rents can be 2-4 times more. Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10. Real Estate Rewind Starting over

http://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-book

Good Luck

Paul

[Marshall Ryan]

Well hi neighbor, we are a newbie here too! Central Illinois is a great place for real estate I think.

[Max Pike]

Thanks for the warm welcomes everyone!

Account Closed

@Anthony Hornbeck, is your duplex in the CU area? I'd like very much to buy you a beer and chat about your experience, as a duplex or triplex is what I'm looking for as well.

[Anthony Hornbeck]

@Max Pike Yes, my duplex is in Urbana, not far from Philo Road and Windsor intersection. It's a quiet neighborhood with older modest single family homes, with duplexes sprinkled in.

I'd be happy to get together and chat sometime. My experience is limited, but it's growing each day!

[Jeremy Lamb]

Welcome!

Champaign-Urbana is a great place. I've been working with real estate in town for the best several years!

[Brandon Turner]

Hey @Max Pike Thanks for introducing yourself! It's great to have you here! Don't miss The BiggerPockets Podcast - they are great for learning how others are finding success.

Oh - and be sure to set up some Keyword Alerts- especially for "Urbana" so you'll be notified when people mention it here in the forums.

Thanks again for introducing yourself!