Introduction/looking to network

Chicago, Illinois
Starting Out
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Introduction/looking to network

Luis Quintero
Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 5 votes

Hi everyone! My name is Luis, and I'm 24 years old. I recently moved to Chicago from California about 7 months ago. I work in Commercial Real Estate Valuation, appraising all property types across the U.S., and I also have prior experience in CRE acquisitions.

I've been around residential real estate from a young age, helping my father with rental properties and tenants, and my older brother who is also active in both commercial and residential real estate.

I am looking to grow my own residential portfolio but don't have the necessary capital. I am eager to learn the best ways to connect with investors and form strategic partnerships. I'm open to deals across the country, with a focus on California and Illinois. Look forward to hearing all of your insights and advice. 

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Elealeh Fulmaran
Specialist · Member since 2025 · 483 posts · 270 votes
11mo

Luis, lead with credibility you already have: publish a simple one‑pager story, your valuation skillset, and a tight buy box, then share weekly micro‑case studies of real deals you’ve underwritten to attract investor conversations; offer value first by bringing vetted opportunities or handling due diligence/PM ops in exchange for a fair split; stack warm intros at Chicago meetups and online investor groups, ask for two referrals per call, and keep a consistent update cadence; next step today: pick one market, underwrite five live listings, post your numbers for feedback, and DM three potential partners with your one‑pager and those deals.

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  • Elealeh Fulmaran
    Specialist · Member since 2025 · 483 posts · 270 votes
    11mo

    Luis, lead with credibility you already have: publish a simple one‑pager story, your valuation skillset, and a tight buy box, then share weekly micro‑case studies of real deals you’ve underwritten to attract investor conversations; offer value first by bringing vetted opportunities or handling due diligence/PM ops in exchange for a fair split; stack warm intros at Chicago meetups and online investor groups, ask for two referrals per call, and keep a consistent update cadence; next step today: pick one market, underwrite five live listings, post your numbers for feedback, and DM three potential partners with your one‑pager and those deals.

    1Reply
    • Luis Quintero
      OP
      Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 5 votes
      11mo

      @Elealeh Fulmaran Appreciate the feedback! I will definitely utilize this advice and start compiling the one pager story and listings to underwrite. 

      0Reply
  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    Welcome!

    How long do you think it  would take to save up $30-40k to buy a house hack in Chicago? We have 25% of our housing stock being 2-4 units so we're an ideal market. 

    To start, I would read set for life and rich dad poor dad to hone in on personal finance and to understand the importance of building something for yourself.

    id recommend going to local meetups, Chicago multifamily club, any NBOA event, Windy City REI. There's a lot more that I'm leaving out as there's quite a number of them. From there, you can meet lenders, realtors, and other valuable contacts to add to your network.

    I would listen to the straight up Chicago investor podcast for local market knowledge and reach out to various guests that you think you'd connect well with. 

    [email protected]
    Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
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    1Reply
    • Luis Quintero
      OP
      Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 5 votes
      11mo

      @Aaron Zimmerman Thank you for the response! I have read Rich Dad Poor Dad a few years ago and it was a great book. As a kid and to this day I still read books about finance and listen to podcasts, which has enhanced my understanding of personal finance/investments. I believe I can be at the $30-40k mark to buy a house hack by end of 2026. I will start looking more into local meet ups in order to build a network. I do believe writing a detailed summary of my background could help strengthen the success of reaching out to people. 

      0Reply
    • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
      Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      11mo

      @Luis Quintero that's great that you've read the books and listened to the podcasts. Definitely a good base to jump from. 

      I know it's tempting to get into real estate but having adequate cash reserves is super important. However, if you're determined to get a deal, I'd recommend doing a lot of the sweat equity and contributing a meaningful monthly amount to show your commitment to the partnership 

      [email protected]
      Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      0Reply
  • Paul De Luca
    Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    @Luis Quintero

    Sounds like you have a solid background in real estate which will be advantageous for helping you build your own portfolio!

    Build up your capital/cash reserves, buy your first 2-4 building to house hack (3.5-5% down), rinse and repeat.

    You're in the right place to connect with local investors and you can also attend meet ups.

    0Reply
    • Luis Quintero
      OP
      Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 5 votes
      11mo

      @Paul De Luca Great, thanks for the advice. I have already started accumulating cash reserves to be able to fund any real estate/investment projects. I have it in a savings account so it can compound. What is the best way to approach local meetups ? 

      0Reply
  • Eudith VacioPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Chicago & NWI · Member since 2015 · 860 posts · 521 votes
    11mo

    Hey @Luis Quintero

    Welcome to BiggerPockets — love seeing new investors jumping in!

    If you’re serious about getting started, I’d really encourage you to start networking locally. There are so many great real estate meetups, investor groups, and community events happening every month — both in person and online. You’ll meet agents, lenders, contractors, and other investors who can really help accelerate your learning and deal flow.

    Getting around like-minded people early on is honestly one of the best moves you can make. The more you connect, the faster the opportunities start to show up.

    Keep going — you’re on the right track! here is the link to our meetups: 

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...

    0Reply
  • Jarret Jarvis
    Real Estate Agent · Chicago · Member since 2021 · 170 posts · 64 votes
    11mo

    Hey Luis, welcome to Chicago! Sounds like you’ve already built a really solid foundation between valuation, acquisitions, and your family’s experience.

    If you’re looking to start partnering on deals or grow your residential portfolio here, I’d be happy to connect and walk through a few creative ways investors are structuring partnerships and getting into properties with limited upfront capital. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have a ton of great entry points depending on your goals.

    Shoot me a message if you’d like to chat strategy or look at a few examples of what’s working right now.

    Jarret

    0Reply
    • Luis Quintero
      OP
      Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 5 votes
      11mo

      @Jarret Jarvis Hey Jarret, appreciate the message and the warm welcome! That sounds great. I'll send over a direct message so we can connect and chat more about it.  

      0Reply
  • Keyona Taylor
    Real Estate Broker · Member since 2019 · 77 posts · 19 votes
    11mo

    Welcome to BP, Luis. With your background, you’ve already got a strong grasp on what makes a deal work. Partnering with investors who need that kind of analysis could be a great way to start building your own portfolio.

    0Reply
    • Luis Quintero
      OP
      Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 5 votes
      11mo

      @Keyona Taylor I will definitely try to leverage my analytical experience. The main thing is figuring out how I am going to showcase my analysis to potential partners 

      0Reply
  • Jonathan KlemmBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Contractor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    11mo

    Hi There @Luis Quintero - You have a great job to help you get going in the real estate space!

    Welcome to Chicago!  You'll find the BP community here is strong, friendly, and a great resource for you to connect with awesome investors and real estate professionals.

    Highly suggest checking out some of the local Chicago meetups, here is a list of some on BP: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...

    Also, I've got a much bigger list I will share with you as well.

    Are you looking to house hack, or what's your plan to get into the game here?

    [email protected]
    Quality Builders4.966 Reviews
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    1Reply
    • Luis Quintero
      OP
      Member since 2021 · 8 posts · 5 votes
      11mo

      @Jonathan Klemm If you have a bigger list of local meetups that'll be great. I am open to different opportunities but house hacking is definitely a strategy that's on the table for me. I would say the main goal with the currrent real estate market is finding medium to long term rentals in order to build a good cash flow foundation. 

      0Reply
  • Benjamin AakerPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Brandon, SD · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo
    Hi Luis, and welcome to the forums!
    0Reply
  • Joseph TadresPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 184 posts · 179 votes
    11mo

    Hey Luis! Welcome to BP! Looking forward to connecting! 

    1Reply
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