How big should an REI Club be

Question

I checked and the REI club that is the closest to me only has about 10-12 members. But the next one is 50 miles away. Is it worth going that far?Will the people involved have anything in common with my area.  Also if it is worth the long trip I am actually midway between 2 clubs (one in Arlington, Va and one in Richmond, Va) Should I go to both.

Calixto Urdiales · Answer

I say promote tha club and you will find that many seasoned investors will come out of hiding to learn new tricks. And in doing so you will also help yourself out by learning from the best, and that means a lot of hands on work (which in my opinion is the very best).

Eric Medemar · Answer

I am not much of a rei meeting attendee, but when I do go I find it striking that most of the people their are trying to do the exact thing that you are doing, so in many cases you end up with a room full of networkers, meeting with networkers.

One lesson that I would suggest is that when you do go to one, try to identify the key players by talking to other networkers there about what is what.  Once you have identified the key players offer to take them out to lunch (your treat of course).

Get them out of the environment of scavengers, and into your own environment .

Valerie Pastore · Answer

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I will try out both Fredrericksburg and Chantilly.

Account Closed · Answer

One more note, with REI Clubs. You only get out, as much as you put in.

Dan Miller · Answer

Don't know where specifically you are located, but I'm from DC. I have attended DC REIA, which has two chapters--one in Bowie, MD, which is going to be too far for you if you're near Fredericksburg, and one in Chantilly, VA, which is still a hike, but not awful. As I live in the district, each is about a 45 minute drive for me on a Saturday morning, and I think it would be about 45-60 minutes for you. I REALLY like the Chantilly club.  It is known both as DCREIA Chantilly (www.dcreia.com) and DC/VA REIG, led by Sandy Schafer.  Good sized group, but not too big at all (last weekend, I'd say there were 75 people there) and some very successful investors and great discussions.  3rd Saturday of every month at 9am.

Highly recommend it.  I'll be there next month, schedule permiitting.  Please feel free to PM me with additional questions if you want.

Dan

Account Closed · Answer

Well first let me say I have seen many clubs advertise a certain number of members, only to find out, the club organizer considers those on their e-mail list to be "members".

There is one near me that claims 2,000 members, but their meeting location is only big enough to hold at most 50 people.

Numbers can be deceiving, just as age can be sometimes.

You can be in a club with 300 members. 50 of which might be actively attempting to invest with maybe 12 being successful. Then there are those meetings where people are so secretive you won't learn anything.

In the end, go to BOTH, find the one that feels right for you.

You aren't sure about driving 50 miles (less than one hour). What if at the club, you get one deal that you make 20K on? Is it worth the hour drive? Or a lender referral, a private lender? a contractor that is amazing, etc.

Donny Random · Answer

I think the smaller group would actually be better. More chances to ask questions and converse with members.

Michael Rossi · Answer

Why not go to both and check them out?  Twelve people could be a blessing if a few are successful investors.  You've got a great opportunity to really get to know the people in the REIA.

Good Luck,

Mike