Cedar Rapids, Iowa REI Groups?

Question

Cedar Rapids/Eastern Iowa folks, anyone been involved in an REI group that would recommend it. What are the pluses/minuses? As a novice building a team of people, is this a good path? I haven't heard of many REI groups around so I'm not sure what to expect.

Thanks all! -Chris

Rob Donovan · Answer

Dubuque has a meeting the second Tuesday of each month. Usually we have a speaker at each meeting. We work closely with the City of Dubuque on issues that we have different opinions on. The city manager and housing and community development people stop in to talk to us on a somewhat regular basis. Very good meeting, lots of good information keeping us up to date on the things going on in Dubuque and around our area. No sales pitches from anyone, just a good informational meeting with a chance to network with other area landlords. If you would like more information, let me know or check out dubuquelandlords online.

Chris Buesing · Answer

Thanks @Dan Jones and @Thomas Fosnaugh.  I will follow @Matthew Pinkston's advice and get to a meeting, or two or three.  Much Thanks!  .

Thomas Fosnaugh · Answer

Landlords of Linn County has a monthly meeting.  Lots of good landlording forms and there are always local vendors and landlords at the meetings.

Dan Jones · Answer

Julie Freeman*

Typo correction

Dan Jones · Answer

Hi Chris,

There is an Iowa City/Cedar rapids REI group that meets the third Wednesday of every month.  Their meet up link can be found here... http://www.meetup.com/Iowa-City-Area-Real-Estate-I...  .  The next meeting is on the 17th for them.

There is also a Cedar Rapids REI group that is meeting on the 16th this month.  To get into contact with them you can reach out to Julie Freemon.   This will be my first time going to either meeting so I'm sorry that I don't have more info but that should get you started.

Matthew Pinkston · Answer

I wish I had joined a REI group when I was still in Iowa, but even now that I'm in Japan (and still focusing on investing in Iowa), joining a REI group has made a huge difference. Hearing new strategies, getting contact info for lenders/attorneys, etc., networking.. I consider it invaluable.

I know there is a group that meets fairly regularly in Iowa City, and I've heard mentions of at least one in Cedar Rapids as well. I know they're out there, and I'd highly recommend going to at least one meeting. In fact, I should probably hunt them down and make more connections myself.