BiggerPockets

Aaron,

Welcome aboard Bigger Pockets. This is a tremendous resource, and I am sure you will learn many amazing things here.

As to local resources, look for a GROUP, here on Bigger Pockets for NY Investing, Also, check to see if there are any REI Clubs near you, I am sure there are:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investment-clubs.html

Hope that helps some! Good luck, and keep coming back to Bigger Pockets!

Thank you both for your kind replies. I am definitely looking for some networking groups in my area. I have so many questions, but I have found quite a few answers on this site without too much digging. So far this website has been a real blessing.

Aaron,

Welcome aboard here. I am sure your experience will be invaluable to new individuals here on Bigger Pockets. Also I am sure you will gain not only a powerful network, but also amazing information here

Welcome Aaron,

I am also working in the New York City Market. currently I am at the point of doing my due diligence on potential properties and getting LOI's from lenders for my offers.

I was looking into taking that Professional Certificate program at NYU but also looking into Baruch's master's or mba program or NYU's master's program. I feel there is always something new to learn. What light can you shed on the NYU program?

I am looking into heading to two REI meetups in the coming months and will give you the heads up.

Hello to Delia, Kim, Joshua, Jon and Ali!

I hadn't checked this in a little while and was very happy to read your replies.

First to Jon, I don't have a huge amount of knowledge of the NYU program beyond the 2 classes I have taken thus far, however my experience has been positive. My current instructor, Ciro Trotta is really on the ball, and actually quite a bit of fun. The other benefit (to me) of the NYU program is the schedule. I can find classes that I'm interested in at times that I can commit to.

What benefit the certificate program offers compared to the masters isn't clear to me; I'm not pursuing either at the moment. But for some investors, a degree or certificate might be a professional asset beyond the knowledge you gain. Another benefit of an education can be the contacts you make. I wouldn't know how to estimate whether Baruch or NYU would offer you more in that regard, but would guess there are talented people at both with whom you would have long and fruitful relationships.

I would love to hear anything about your experience that you would care to share. What has the lending environment been like for commercial properties? What has your experience been in searching for potential properties? It sounds like you are close to doing one or more deals, so I would also be interested in hearing of your progress.

Now to Ali, I am thrilled to hear of your experience. I am definitely looking to do deals in and around NYC, including NJ. I have heard suggestions about going to other parts of the country but that always struck me as disadvantageous. I wouldn't know this for certain, but it seems like I would be harder understand the marketplace dynamics in a place I don't live or know well. NJ, however seems like a decent move. It's close and the market forces are similar. Plus, it was my understanding that the laws in NJ are a little less tenant-advantageous than those in NY. I'm on the UWS, so NJ would be a cinch to get to. I'm also very attracted to Brooklyn and am starting to do some homework on the Bronx.

You offered advice about how you managed to make it work and I would be grateful for any you see fit to pass along. I have yet to find time to attend any meetups, but perhaps we could meet at one of these?

Now, finally, to my questions to Ali and Jon:
1. What types of properties are have you done or are you doing?
2. Have either of you worked on deals with more than one investor?

Finally, thanks to everyone for making this a productive, positive place to exchange ideas.