New guy in Orange County CA

[Kurt K.]

Hello folks! I've been listening to the BP podcasts all this week and have learned a lot, but feel there is so much more before I do my first deal. About me: 44, no debt, full time self employed with large chunks of time off between work trips (part of my reasoning for getting into this). My goal is to quit my profession within 5-7 years and live off rental income. Currently renting a condo. I am reading Rich Dad and Retire Rich with Rentals and really excited to get this all started. I'm very debt-averse after already giving banks way too much interest in the past, so my preference would be to purchase a SFR as my first property with all cash or limited financing, but this would be tough it seems here in SoCal with the insane prices. Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope to meet others and share and contribute and learn! Cheers, Kurt

[Ali Boone]

Welcome Kurt! I live just north of you up in LA (Venice). I got started with Rich Dad too and thanks to all those books, I got into rentals! Love me some passive income :)

What do you currently do for work?

[Larry Fried]

@Kurt K. Hi and welcome to BP! SoCal is difficult for REI unless you have a lot of capital and invest for appreciation (risky). Where I live in Oregon making good cash flow with minimal risk and effort (ie: passive) took me to invest out of state in turnkey properties. Have you considered that option?

[Joe Homs]

@Kurt K. Welcome to BP. There is a monthly BP meet up in Lake Forest that you should check out. If you ever want to get a cup of coffee and talk investing let me know. Been at this game for over 30 years. 

[Edward Synicky]

@Kurt K. 

Welcome to Bigger Pockets! As a real estate investor for over 40 years I can attest that there has never been a more valuable resource available for the newbie or the initiated. I have made many mistakes in my life and if I or others on the site can help you avoid our mistakes our time will be well spent. All you need to do is read the blogs or post a question and the responses will be educating and gratifying.

All the best!

[Andy Beattie]

Welcome to the BP Nation!

[Paul Timmins]

@Kurt K. 

Welcome. 

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 over 100 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 (cash buyers).

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

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

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 

[Dave Visaya]

Hey @Kurt K. welcome to BiggerPockets! This is certainly a great community and it is also a perfect place to learn more about REI. Feel free to jump in and never hesitate to ask your questions. See you around!

[Christopher Hunter]

@Kurt keys Welcome to BP

[Brandon Turner]

Hey @Kurt K. welcome to BP! I'm glad you're enjoying the podcast. You should definitely start jumping right in the forums! Also, if you haven't yet, try to setup some "Keyword Alerts." It's great for getting into local conversations.

See you around the site!

[Kurt K.]

Wow what a nice welcome.  Thanks everyone!

I am a corporate pilot, and my time off can unpredictable, but I would really look forward to meeting some of you soon.

[Ruben Parra]

@Kurt K.

Welcome to the site! I'm just down the road from you in Lake Forest and have similar investing goals as described in your intro. I'm a newbie to the site myself and would agree with @Joe Homs to come checkout the Lake Forest meetup. I attended my first one this month.