Free Meal???

Question

Any seasoned investor(s) in Southern California wanna help out a new investor? Ill buy lunch. I just wanna collect as much information about the Southern California market as I can before I pull the trigger. Thanks...

Jacob Villalobos · Answer

@brandon Turner

@Joshua Dorkin

Just wanted to say thanks. I have been listening the last month to every single podcast. I'm learning a ton and I am gonna pull the trigger soon. Thanks for your work.

Bill Gulley · Answer

I didn't see him mention an $8 limit, and for many, they'd be overpaid.

It's a fine offer. I've met with many and received nothing. If I knew I had a week to live, no RE investor could afford my time. Time is one thing, knowledge is another.

I'd say meet other in the business, an REI meeting would probably be the best place to meet others. OTH, I'd not suggest you seek just anyone out there to seek advice from, the chances of getting really good advice would probably be slim. :)

Kyle B. · Answer

@Jacob Villalobos

I am neither a seasoned investor nor from SoCal... I'd take you up on your offer if I were though. Nothing wrong with using this approach. I've used it myself in meeting with people I hope to learn from. Definitely go to that meetup mentioned in one of the posts. Nothing wrong with asking on a website, but you will make a much stronger impression if you come across face to face with someone as well spoken with a strong desire. If you connect well with someone in person, then I think they'd be much more willing to be taken out for a free lunch. It's all about networking, and the most effective way to do this is in person.

Hope this helps.

Aaron Mazzrillo · Answer

Maybe in Colorado or Missouri it's a fair deal, but here in CA, I don't know any successful investor willing to meet for lunch so you can eat their brain (that's what I instinctively here when someone says 'pick your brain'. I detest that saying.)

You need to offer up value if you're looking for a 1 on 1. I've had many lunches with other investors, but it was typically because one of us had a house for sale and the other was looking to buy it.

There is a weekly lunch at Sizzlin' Skillets Steak House, 275 E Foothill Blvd in Upland. It is an old Sizzler so it has the same format; you buy your own lunch then go sit down. They meet in the front room to the right as you walk in. It is informally hosted by Mic. He's a very seasoned investor that used to control about 100 houses or so and now he loves to spend his time with new investors asking uncomfortable questions like, "What'd you buy this week?"

If you want a place you can network with other investors without being sold something, that is the place I highly recommend and sometimes attend and you won't have to bring anything to the table.

Aaron Mazzrillo · Answer

You'd probably get a response if you valued others time more than your own. Try offering something significant instead of an $8 meal.

Will Barnard · Answer

I rarely have time for lunch, but I do make time for people to ask me their questions before, during, and after local RE meetings I attend, usually over a few beers. That is the best place to catch me live. I speak at the FIBI in Manhattan Beach March 11, and regularly attend Investclub in Studio City on the third Tuesdays of each month. And yes, the price of a few beers makes me highly underpaid Bill.

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

@Jacob Villalobos - Thanks for listening. Otherwise, keep asking questions, keep connecting, and keep making it happen.  You'll get there!

Jacob Villalobos · Answer

thanks guys...Aaron, I'm gonna check out that place. My teaching schedule changed this semister so I have time to go. This post was a bit old and I did find a few people to talk to. Thanks for all the help...

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

@Jacob Villalobos - I think it is a fine offer.  Do you have time to volunteer your time as well?  If so, I'm sure there are plenty in SoCal who may be looking for some extra hands.  Know anyone, @Will Barnard ?

Rolanda Eldridge · Answer

@Jacob Villalobos ...Try networking with local REI.   I met a couple buying/rehabbing  apartments at a local meeting and offered lunch.  They spent 2 hours with me.  They brought their laptop with pics, prices, etc..It was very informative.(they didn't pitch anything)  You can find someone, but you have to make the connection.  Although, I haven't purchased an apartment yet, it's a tool for future use....Reciprocity(like BP) does work....keep trying!!

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