Need a mentor and help

Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes

I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..

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Matthew Bernal

Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 497 posts · 127 votes

9mo

You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way, a lot of people start out without a strong real estate circle. Milwaukee actually has some solid opportunities if you’re working through a project already.

I am curious, what type of project are you working on right now? Happy to exchange notes and learn together.

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Marcus Auerbach
Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
9mo
Not sure what your question is?
0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
  
  Not sure what your question.
  Looking for help...on steps to follow once I finish my project
  0 Reply
Jaycee GreenePro Member
Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
9mo
Quote from @Joe Soto:

I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..

Hey @Joe Soto, welcome to the BP Forum! What kind of project are you working on? Is it a SFR, 2-4 MF, or 5+ MF? How much did it cost and are you doing new construction or rehab? What's your exit strategy? Are you looking to sell soon? Or be a landlord and sell in the future?
[email protected]
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- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..
  
  Hey @Joe Soto, welcome to the BP Forum! What kind of project are you working on? Is it a SFR, 2-4 MF, or 5+ MF? How much did it cost and are you doing new construction or rehab? What's your exit strategy? Are you looking to sell soon? Or be a landlord and sell in the future?
  
  Single family ...paid 135 thousand...have it gutted...new electrical and plumbing... added a bedroom ...and small rec room in attic...new roof and gutters...so practically everything new im currently 20 thousand in construction....n my exit strategy is cash out refinance ...its a conventional loan...but I want to hold it ...not in it for fast money...I do alot of the construction myself
  1 Reply
- Jaycee GreenePro Member
  Real Estate Consultant · St. Louis MSA · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 727 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..
  
  Hey @Joe Soto, welcome to the BP Forum! What kind of project are you working on? Is it a SFR, 2-4 MF, or 5+ MF? How much did it cost and are you doing new construction or rehab? What's your exit strategy? Are you looking to sell soon? Or be a landlord and sell in the future?
  
  Single family ...paid 135 thousand...have it gutted...new electrical and plumbing... added a bedroom ...and small rec room in attic...new roof and gutters...so practically everything new im currently 20 thousand in construction....n my exit strategy is cash out refinance ...its a conventional loan...but I want to hold it ...not in it for fast money...I do alot of the construction myself
  
  @Joe Soto How much will total rehab cost? What's the ARV and projected rent?
  [email protected]
  0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Jaycee Greene:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..
  
  Hey @Joe Soto, welcome to the BP Forum! What kind of project are you working on? Is it a SFR, 2-4 MF, or 5+ MF? How much did it cost and are you doing new construction or rehab? What's your exit strategy? Are you looking to sell soon? Or be a landlord and sell in the future?
  
  Single family ...paid 135 thousand...have it gutted...new electrical and plumbing... added a bedroom ...and small rec room in attic...new roof and gutters...so practically everything new im currently 20 thousand in construction....n my exit strategy is cash out refinance ...its a conventional loan...but I want to hold it ...not in it for fast money...I do alot of the construction myself
  
  @Joe Soto How much will total rehab cost? What's the ARV and projected rent?
  
  Rehab about 30 to 35 thousand...Im hoping ARV will be between 220 thousand we want to project the rent at 1600 a month
  0 Reply
Shiloh LundahlPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9mo
@Joe Soto give us some more information so that we can help you more. What type of project are you doing? What are the numbers that you have gathered so far? And what would you like help with?
480-206-1209 Podcast Guest on Show #287
0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Joe Soto give us some more information so that we can help you more. What type of project are you doing? What are the numbers that you have gathered so far? And what would you like help with?
  
  Hi. Single family house complete reno. Purchased for $130,000. We have about $20,000 into it so far. YA kind of sucks but it's part of the game. Still not finished but it's getting there. We also put down 20% on the purchase. Our plan is to keep the house and try to rent it out. So, I guess where I need help is what next? We finish it and rent it out cash out refinance and try to purchase another property but I typically run into dti problems so I'm just trying to find a mentor in my area to put me to work so i can learn the ropes.
  0 Reply
- Shiloh LundahlPro Member
  Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
  9mo
  @Joe Soto I understand wanting to have somebody show you the ropes. I felt the same way when I got started. Luckily, I had a buddy that had done a lot of investing but that had lost everything during the great recession. He and I partnered up together, and I had access to capital. So with my capital and his knowledge we were able to build a good sized portfolio.
  Where would you say are the parts that you’re getting stuck?
  480-206-1209 Podcast Guest on Show #287
  0 Reply
- Marcus Auerbach
  Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Joe Soto give us some more information so that we can help you more. What type of project are you doing? What are the numbers that you have gathered so far? And what would you like help with?
  
  Hi. Single family house complete reno. Purchased for $130,000. We have about $20,000 into it so far. YA kind of sucks but it's part of the game. Still not finished but it's getting there. We also put down 20% on the purchase. Our plan is to keep the house and try to rent it out. So, I guess where I need help is what next? We finish it and rent it out cash out refinance and try to purchase another property but I typically run into dti problems so I'm just trying to find a mentor in my area to put me to work so i can learn the ropes.
  
  You can come to the REIA meeting tonight in Brookfield. It's a great organization to network with other investors. I'll be there speaking about the Milwaukee market.
  0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Joe Soto give us some more information so that we can help you more. What type of project are you doing? What are the numbers that you have gathered so far? And what would you like help with?
  
  Hi. Single family house complete reno. Purchased for $130,000. We have about $20,000 into it so far. YA kind of sucks but it's part of the game. Still not finished but it's getting there. We also put down 20% on the purchase. Our plan is to keep the house and try to rent it out. So, I guess where I need help is what next? We finish it and rent it out cash out refinance and try to purchase another property but I typically run into dti problems so I'm just trying to find a mentor in my area to put me to work so i can learn the ropes.
  
  You can come to the REIA meeting tonight in Brookfield. It's a great organization to network with other investors. I'll be there speaking about the Milwaukee market.
  
  HI i will definitely try to be there ..what time and location..please..and thank you
  0 Reply
- Gregory Chadwell
  Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2015 · 299 posts · 90 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Joe Soto give us some more information so that we can help you more. What type of project are you doing? What are the numbers that you have gathered so far? And what would you like help with?
  
  Hi. Single family house complete reno. Purchased for $130,000. We have about $20,000 into it so far. YA kind of sucks but it's part of the game. Still not finished but it's getting there. We also put down 20% on the purchase. Our plan is to keep the house and try to rent it out. So, I guess where I need help is what next? We finish it and rent it out cash out refinance and try to purchase another property but I typically run into dti problems so I'm just trying to find a mentor in my area to put me to work so i can learn the ropes.
  
  Hi Joe did you buy the house as owner occupied or investment? If you went owner occupied you have to live there the 1st year
  0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Gregory Chadwell:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Joe Soto give us some more information so that we can help you more. What type of project are you doing? What are the numbers that you have gathered so far? And what would you like help with?
  
  Hi. Single family house complete reno. Purchased for $130,000. We have about $20,000 into it so far. YA kind of sucks but it's part of the game. Still not finished but it's getting there. We also put down 20% on the purchase. Our plan is to keep the house and try to rent it out. So, I guess where I need help is what next? We finish it and rent it out cash out refinance and try to purchase another property but I typically run into dti problems so I'm just trying to find a mentor in my area to put me to work so i can learn the ropes.
  
  Hi Joe did you buy the house as owner occupied or investment? If you went owner occupied you have to live there the 1st year
  
  Investment..I enjoy doing the work
  1 Reply
- Marcus Auerbach
  Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Shiloh Lundahl:
  
  @Joe Soto give us some more information so that we can help you more. What type of project are you doing? What are the numbers that you have gathered so far? And what would you like help with?
  
  Hi. Single family house complete reno. Purchased for $130,000. We have about $20,000 into it so far. YA kind of sucks but it's part of the game. Still not finished but it's getting there. We also put down 20% on the purchase. Our plan is to keep the house and try to rent it out. So, I guess where I need help is what next? We finish it and rent it out cash out refinance and try to purchase another property but I typically run into dti problems so I'm just trying to find a mentor in my area to put me to work so i can learn the ropes.
  
  You can come to the REIA meeting tonight in Brookfield. It's a great organization to network with other investors. I'll be there speaking about the Milwaukee market.
  
  HI i will definitely try to be there ..what time and location..please..and thank you
  
  Are you looking for a mentor - or for someone to hold you hand? "Definitly" and "try" are two words that don't work well together. You missed a great meeting, probably about 150 people there. Google knows where and when.
  
  There was a young kid how took the mic and offered his services.
  
  He just paid an investor $500 to clear out hoarder house and the liquidate the junk. You can tell the kid has grit. Several people had worked with him and he did not "definitly try" to show up. He just did.
  
  Food for thought.
  0 Reply
Bryce JamisonPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Mebane, NC · Member since 2015 · 494 posts · 439 votes
9mo
Are there any local real estate meetups you could check out? If not, you can create your own and invite all the BP members that live near you.
If you have a specific question we can help answer it in the forums. If you're new to this and are worried about scaling, my advice would be to take it slow and steady for now. Get this project, and maybe a few more, under your belt then think about scaling.
0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Bryce Jamison:
  
  Are there any local real estate meetups you could check out? If not, you can create your own and invite all the BP members that live near you.
  If you have a specific question we can help answer it in the forums. If you're new to this and are worried about scaling, my advice would be to take it slow and steady for now. Get this project, and maybe a few more, under your belt then think about scaling.
  
  Thank you
  1 Reply
Ken M.
Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9mo
Quote from @Joe Soto:

I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..
Are you properly funded?
0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Ken M.:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..
  Are you properly funded?
  
  At the moment Yes But may need funds on the next one to try and scale up from single family.
  0 Reply
- Ken M.
  Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Ken M.:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..
  Are you properly funded?
  
  At the moment Yes But may need funds on the next one to try and scale up from single family.
  Learn what I learned, How to use the seller's funds to buy the house. There is nothing that compares, unless you start out wealthy. Few of us started out wealthy and knowledgeable. Finding funds is only part of the battle though, finding the correct properties is just as important. That's why I'm a Zero Down specialist.
  0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Ken M.:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Quote from @Ken M.:
  
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..
  Are you properly funded?
  
  At the moment Yes But may need funds on the next one to try and scale up from single family.
  Learn what I learned, How to use the seller's funds to buy the house. There is nothing that compares, unless you start out wealthy. Few of us started out wealthy and knowledgeable. Finding funds is only part of the battle though, finding the correct properties is just as important. That's why I'm a Zero Down specialist.
  Alot to learn but im gonna get there....what do u recomend?
  0 Reply
Emmanuel DiazPro Member
Mokena, IL · Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 2 votes
9mo
@Joe Soto I'm also trying to get into real estate investing in the south Chicago suburbs. Sending you an invite in case you'd want to connect.
0 Reply
Kate Sanchez
Member since 2025 · 248 posts · 101 votes
9mo
@Joe Soto To scale, pivot to DSCR loans; they focus on the property's income, not your personal DTI. Finish, rent, and refi to pull your capital. Networking is key—good luck!
0 Reply
Jonathan KlemmBusiness Member
Moderator
Contractor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
9mo
Hey @Joe Soto - I am a little late to your post - you've got a ton of great replies above.
Are you looking to build your portfolio in Milwaukee or Chicago? If you are looking to scale, the sole key is building repeatable systems and processes that you can begin to delegate out.
My simple advice would be to check out some of the local in-person networking events in whatever city you have your deal.
https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...
You'll get some great feedback and be able to ask questions to several experienced investors in your area.
[email protected]
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- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Jonathan Klemm:
  
  Hey @Joe Soto - I am a little late to your post - you've got a ton of great replies above.
  Are you looking to build your portfolio in Milwaukee or Chicago? If you are looking to scale, the sole key is building repeatable systems and processes that you can begin to delegate out.
  My simple advice would be to check out some of the local in-person networking events in whatever city you have your deal.
  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...
  You'll get some great feedback and be able to ask questions to several experienced investors in your area.
  
  0 Reply
- Joe Soto
  OP
  Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Jonathan Klemm:
  
  Hey @Joe Soto - I am a little late to your post - you've got a ton of great replies above.
  Are you looking to build your portfolio in Milwaukee or Chicago? If you are looking to scale, the sole key is building repeatable systems and processes that you can begin to delegate out.
  My simple advice would be to check out some of the local in-person networking events in whatever city you have your deal.
  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...
  You'll get some great feedback and be able to ask questions to several experienced investors in your area.
  Thank you...yup just trying to put together a portfolio near me as I have a 9 to 5 as well but hoping to build enough to sustain my lifestyle
  1 Reply
Mohammed Rahman
Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9mo
Hi Joe,
It sounds like you'll have to join local REIA groups in your area or connect with investors online who are open to sharing advice and even mentor you or partner with you. Even small steps like analyzing deals together or discussing strategy over coffee can give you a huge boost in understanding how to scale your projects.
You can do a quick Google search for "real estate investing meetups near me." You could also see what groups or events you can find on Facebook Groups, Meetup.com, or Eventbrite.
0 Reply
Francis Norgbedzi
Remote | Operations & Deal Support · Member since 2026 · 17 posts · 6 votes
9mo
A lot of people start exactly where you are, motivated but isolated. Communities like this end up filling that gap over time.
Scaling usually gets clearer once you’ve dialed in one deal type and can see what’s repeatable versus what’s one-off.

0 Reply
Matthew Bernal
Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 497 posts · 127 votes
9mo
You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way, a lot of people start out without a strong real estate circle. Milwaukee actually has some solid opportunities if you’re working through a project already.

I am curious, what type of project are you working on right now? Happy to exchange notes and learn together.
1 Reply
Joe Soto
OP
Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
9mo
Goodmorning...I did check Google and i even called the place but had no answer...im looking for exactly what I found ...a source... someone ...something....I do apologize i didnt make it n no i dont have an excuse but I did try...but I found a place to go n connect and start somewhere which is where I should have been last night....so thank you for following up with me ...I may have missed last night but I won't miss the next one so I will figure that out and hopefully find my way...but thank you....just looking for a start line and its really hard when its just me...
0 Reply
- Gregory Chadwell
  Real Estate Broker · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2015 · 299 posts · 90 votes
  8mo
  Quote from @Joe Soto:
  
  Goodmorning...I did check Google and i even called the place but had no answer...im looking for exactly what I found ...a source... someone ...something....I do apologize i didnt make it n no i dont have an excuse but I did try...but I found a place to go n connect and start somewhere which is where I should have been last night....so thank you for following up with me ...I may have missed last night but I won't miss the next one so I will figure that out and hopefully find my way...but thank you....just looking for a start line and its really hard when its just me...Maybe check out the local REIA club and attend a meeting
  
  0 Reply
Crystal SmithPro Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9mo
Quote from @Joe Soto:

I'm fairly new at this...looking for guidance... seeing everyone i have in my circle is clueless to realestate...I am currently working on a project but not sure what to do to scale seeing I have no influence or guidence....Milwaukee wi..

Need more specifics to answer your question on scaling
312-681-7487
0 Reply
Joe Soto
OP
Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 7 votes
9mo
Small single family reno...
0 Reply
Yashira Sanchez
Real Estate Consultant · USA · Member since 2025 · 36 posts · 16 votes
9mo
You’re on the right track. Once you finish this first project, make sure your systems, paperwork, and brand look serious. It helps when you start talking to lenders or potential partners.
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