Hello From Long Island, NY!

Hi my name is Todd and I'm new to investing and to this incredible site. Wow what a great resource! I've been reading posts here for about a month and this is a one stop shop. All the information anyone would need if your just starting out or an expierenced investor. I do have a 9-5 job that is paying the bills and gives my family a comfortable life but I want more, alot more. I never liked working for someone else and being told what I'm worth so I'm finally taking control of my life and I have a 3 year plan to be J.O.B free! I've recentely joined my local REIA and will start taking the real estate classes in january towards my license. My plans are to start wholesaleing and build up some cash reserves to start buying and holding properties for the long term. I very excited about this new chapter in my life and I know it's gonna be tough at times, but I will never quit and will give it my all because I've got a lovely wife and 3 beautiful children that are counting on me! Thanks!

Ted Harris

Real Estate Investor · Portland, Oregon

660 posts
15 awards
59 influence

Dec 11 '10, 01:34 PM

Welcome to BP Nation Todd!!

Mehran Kamari

Real Estate Investor · Northridge, California

47 posts
2 awards
50 influence

Dec 11 '10, 01:40 PM

Todd, Welcome aboard! I'm on the same boat. This site is awesome isn't it?

Charles Perkins

Landlord · Seattle, Washington

2,986 posts
18 awards
83 influence

Dec 11 '10, 02:04 PM

Welcome to BP,

There are lots of great resources here. Feel free to take advantage of all of them. The information is great but it is only part of the great resources here.

Joshua Dorkin

BiggerPockets Founder · Denver, Colorado

Donor Pro

11,044 posts
24 awards
92 influence

Dec 11 '10, 02:33 PM

Todd - Welcome to the site from one native Long Islander to another.

Joshua Dorkin, BiggerPockets, Inc.
E-Mail: webmaster@biggerpockets.com
Telephone: 877-831-4704
Website: http://www.biggerpockets.com
Be sure to check out the BiggerPockets Blog at http://www.BiggerPockets.com/renewsblog/

Dale Osborn

Mobile Home Investor · Spanaway, Washington

1,307 posts
16 awards
61 influence

Dec 11 '10, 03:20 PM

Welcome to BP. Would also like to suggest that you save you money for licensing and use it for investing instead. Keep up the self education from all sources - much can be learned from this site.

Jackie Patterson

Real Estate Investor · Kalamazoo, Michigan

666 posts
8 awards
50 influence

Dec 12 '10, 03:38 AM

Welcome, Todd.
I think your plan to get a real estate license is a good one. My husband and I are short sale investors, but we have also been licensed agents for many years, and have found it to be an advantage. It gives us credibility when dealing with other real estate agents, title companies and lenders......even in other parts of the country. You will learn alot while getting your license, and having access to your local MLS is a definite advantage. Even if the property you are considering is not listed, the MLS is very useful to determine market value. While you are taking classes, you might consider birddogging for a wholesaler or short sale investor. This is another way to gain experience and knowledge, make contacts, and provide another revenue stream. Good luck!

Todd R.

SFR Investor · New York

6 posts
1 award
50 influence

Dec 12 '10, 08:33 AM

Thank You everyone for such a warm welcome!

Ted...Thanks glad to be here!

Mehran...this site is awesome, nice to meet you!

Charles...Thanks I'm gonna check them all out!

Joshua...Congrats to you for providing such a valuable resource and where you from on Long Island?

Realtyman...Thanks for the info, 1st goal to get my license though.

Jackie...Great advice,that's what I've been told by a few agent friends.

Audrey C.

Real Estate Investor · Lake Mary, Florida

35 posts
1 award
50 influence

Dec 12 '10, 09:48 AM

Welcome Todd...This is an awesome site. I'm also new to the site as well as a new investor, and all the information is right here at your finger tips. Just read on for a few and you will be up and running in no time.

Todd R.

SFR Investor · New York

6 posts
1 award
50 influence

Dec 12 '10, 10:55 AM

Thanks Audrey...yeah this site is great, so much info. It's like a good book I can't put it down!

David Beatty

· Gilbert, Arizona

10 posts
50 influence

Dec 14 '10, 12:41 AM

Hey Todd,

I am new to site too. And definitely share your views and wanting to leave the J.O.B., and the great resource that this site is, I am addicted to it already!

Welcome to BP,

Dave