Newbie Trying To Get Started On My Journey

Newbie Trying To Get Started On My Journey

Member since 2025 · 1 post · 2 votes
How’s it going Bigger Pockets community, I’m Karlos from Chicago and I’m looking forward to getting started on my Real Estate Investing career. As I young teenager I was introduced to real estate investing from my football coach who at the time was heavily invested throughout the Chicago area and with doing so was able to leave his job as a Chicago Police officer. After listening to him explain how real estate had help him secure financial freedom and if we wanted the same the he would be willing to show me. Unfortunately before that could happen he had to unexpectedly move to Texas and me learning was put on hold. The passion is still there for me to still want to learn even after all these years. As I drive through the Chicago area I see so many opportunities with properties that can be rehabbed or land that can be developed with the right team that it still excites me to move forward and learn as much from this community as I possibly can. Just from browsing the properties that are listed on B.P. Site in the Chicago area alone has me wanting to get started asap. If anyone from the Chicago area that knows someone(I.e. land developers, investors,)who has know probably with someone seeking knowledge and really wants to learn as much as possible maybe even shadow them, I would like to love to connect with them. Thanks B.P. Community Karlos
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Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10mo

Karlos - welcome! I'd recommend going to local real estate meetups to meet other investors as well as follow@Paul De Luca's comments above

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  • Michael K GallagherBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus OH · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    @Karlos Long welcome to BP, these forums are very powerful.  I know there is a great group from chicagoland on here that can provide much insight to the market.  If you aren't listening to the "straight up chicago investor" podcast yet its a pretty good listen (even for someone not in the market but I have to imagine for someone in the market its even better).

  • Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    @Karlos Long

    Welcome! The first step to getting started is to set your goals for buying your first property, develop your buying criteria (buy box), and then connect with an agent & lender to see what you qualify for.

  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo

    Karlos - welcome! I'd recommend going to local real estate meetups to meet other investors as well as follow@Paul De Luca's comments above

  • Specialist · Member since 2025 · 483 posts · 270 votes
    10mo

    Karlos, love the drive—seeing opportunity and wanting to learn by doing is the right start. Two quick moves: pick one lane for deal one (light rehab or small buy‑and‑hold) and tighten a Chicago buy box so you can underwrite a few listings each week; then meet two investor‑friendly agents and a GC to sanity‑check scope, rents, and neighborhoods.

    Which part of the city are you most drawn to, and are you leaning toward a light flip or a rental for your first play?

  • Eudith VacioPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Chicago & NWI · Member since 2015 · 860 posts · 521 votes
    10mo

    Hey @Karlos Long

    I love that your football coach was the one who introduced you to real estate — sometimes the most unexpected people end up being the ones who change our path.  Honestly, if you want to connect with someone, the biggest thing now is simply to start taking action and getting yourself out there. Attend networking events as they've mentioned on here and offering your help to others and the events can also give you more insight on getting started yourself in real estate investing..hope that helps and best of luck! 

  • Real Estate Coach · Chicago, IL · Member since 2020 · 171 posts · 64 votes
    10mo

    Hey Karlos! Welcome.  You're already starting off on the right foot by asking for help. Just shot you a DM 

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