Looking for Deals in Chicago

Larry has a point here. You're trying to do business with professional people. In order to get past people's first worry- is this guy legit? - you need to convince them that you are.

Protecting yourself with a fake name is a HUGE red flag for me and I'm sure, most others as well.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:47AM

Joshua Dorkin, BiggerPockets, Inc.
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Fake Guy

· CA

21 posts
54 Influence
1 Award

Icon_minipost Sep 02 '08, 02:37 AM

I am looking to buy primarily in Chicago. I don't know what the red flag could be as I am just looking to buy properties.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:49AM

Jon Holdman

Real Estate Investor · Denver, Colorado

11859 posts
75547 Influence
15 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 02 '08, 02:45 AM

You might be taken more seriously if you put your real name in your profile and posts.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:49AM

Jon Holdman, Flying Phoenix LLC

Tony Tomasek

Real Estate Investor · Henderson, Nevada

161 posts
893 Influence
4 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 07 '08, 07:04 AM

The red flag is you want people to work for you but you hide your identity. Why should I flip hard earned leads to you, or consider it if I cant trust you to pay me? What areas of Chicago by the way?

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:51AM

Carl Courtright

Accountant · Chicago, IL

6 posts

Icon_minipost Sep 08 '08, 06:55 PM

Do you have any parameters, other than 3bd and in Chicago? If so, send me a PM and I'll help you find some houses.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:52AM

Donte Aka GetSmart

Real Estate Investor · Charlotte, North Carolina

189 posts
277 Influence
3 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 09 '08, 06:19 AM

for those looking in this area, contact me i would be willing to work with you, i have a few contacts in the area.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:52AM

Fake Guy

· CA

21 posts
54 Influence
1 Award

Icon_minipost Sep 15 '08, 09:17 PM

I am looking in ZIP codes 60619 & 60620 anyone have anything in those areas? I need SFR only prefer 3+ bed but may do 2+ bed

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:55AM

Tony Tomasek

Real Estate Investor · Henderson, Nevada

161 posts
893 Influence
4 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 16 '08, 06:05 AM

What parameters, ie price range, amount of rehab etc do you have?

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:55AM

Fake Guy

· CA

21 posts
54 Influence
1 Award

Icon_minipost Sep 16 '08, 07:59 AM

I am looking up to 40K can be complete gut rehab.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:56AM

Fake Guy

· CA

21 posts
54 Influence
1 Award

Icon_minipost Sep 16 '08, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by Joshua Dorkin

Larry has a point here. You're trying to do business with professional people. In order to get past people's first worry- is this guy legit? - you need to convince them that you are.

Protecting yourself with a fake name is a HUGE red flag for me and I'm sure, most others as well.

I keep it confidential online because I have been a victim of identity theft. But obviously in real estate, you will know my name if I am dealing with you in real life. Otherwise, how will the contracts be written up?

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:56AM

Joshua Dorkin

BiggerPockets Founder · Denver, Colorado

10630 posts
46531 Influence
24 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 17 '08, 12:55 AM

If you're not willing to use your full name, you'd probably get more people taking you seriously if you used your first name and last initial or first initial and last name.

Thoughts?

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:56AM

Fake Guy

· CA

21 posts
54 Influence
1 Award

Icon_minipost Sep 17 '08, 03:16 AM

Originally posted by Joshua Dorkin

If you're not willing to use your full name, you'd probably get more people taking you seriously if you used your first name and last initial or first initial and last name.

Thoughts?

Usually on online forums, there is usage of screen names, not real names. That is what I have found at nearly all forums I have visited, so its kind of weird for a site to use first and last names of people who post. I have no problems with screen names, and dealing with people with screen names. This forum would be a bit different as if I were to do a transaction with someone, it wouldn't be on here, it would be handled offline and I would be dealing with the person directly either via phone or in person. I guess I am cautious based upon my own experiences and prefer screen names online rather than real names.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:56AM

Joshua Dorkin

BiggerPockets Founder · Denver, Colorado

10630 posts
46531 Influence
24 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 17 '08, 10:24 AM

This is not a hobby site. People are doing real business on BiggerPockets every day. We're not like other forums, real estate or not - while some people are here to chat or learn, those people who are making moves use their name.

Sounds like we're coming from different places. I'll never do business with anyone who goes by Fake Guy or any other handle when soliciting business. Nothing personal. If I was on a hobby forum or one where I wasn't dealing with people on a professional level, I might use a handle, but not otherwise.

Swing by LinkedIn or any other professional site and you'll see that people are using their real names. If they aren't, they at least use their real first name.

You're welcome to use a handle, but I know that a lot of people will simply not consider working with you for that reason alone.

Just stating facts.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 05:56AM