Where in the world to meet other REI Folks?!

Question

I am from elkhart county in Indiana. Are there any groups that anyone on here knows of, or seminars I could attend. I have looked for various things on the internet and have not found a whole lot in my area. Where I am from is made up of a vast mount of blue collared Hard working folks that think me (being 22) is crazy for me to entertain the thought real estate investing. I am the first in my family history to attend university, and also the only immediate family member that has any interest in the "Big Picture". DOes anyone have insight on being the Business inclined black sheep of the family and where i can meet and network with like minds in this area?

Gilbert Dominguez · Answer

http://www.534rent.net/company/about,

Try these folks they are property managers and say they service real estate investment groups. You might give them a call and try to get a lead for your area.

David Sicherman · Answer

I'm in South bend market. Tough place to find buyers.  Everyone's looking to sell though.

James Turner · Answer

Hi @Terri Lewis,

I've been looking for a REIA in the South Bend area. Thanks so much for posting. How has investing in the area been treating you lately? I'm in the process of expanding my wholesale business from Chicago to South Bend right now and I'm looking to better understand the market.

Thanks,James

Terri Lewis · Answer

Here is a site for the REI in South Bend. We keep planning on going but ea month we've had some type of an emergency work order from one of our customers. We do property preservation, Rehabbing, wholesaling and working at a flip deal. The great property deals in the Elkhart area seem to go fast. I can never find any in Granger. We see that area as prime for any flips, providing the profit is there. I do see some in Mishawaka and South Bend. We are more familiar with Elkhart and some other areas. Elkhart can be a bit touchy with values right now. Some of the properties are too close to bad areas. What type of market are you planning on? Wholesale, fix and hold, fix and flip?

http://reianci.wordpress.com/

Adam Gerig · Answer

Sam-  there's groups here in Fort Wayne area I know it's a drive, but I'm actually speaking this Saturday at our REI meeting if you wanna come you can be my guest free of charge.  PM me I also know one guy in your area that manages over 400 units real good guy I've actually driven to south bend just to have lunch with him.  Like others said 90% of ppl will tell you why you'll fail it's up to you let the haters hate and know that what you are doing is worthwhile. It's not easy or everyone would do it.  If you ever need encouragement feel free to call me or this forum is a great source of inspiration!!

Karen Rittenhouse · Answer

Hi Sam:

The way to find your local REIA meetings is to go to www.NationalREIA.com. Another great source for like-mindeds is to join the local landlords association. Those people all own real estate and you really learn the language and local laws at either of these groups.

You can also check www.Meetup.com for real estate groups in your area.

To your success!

P.J. Hankins · Answer

Sam Harrington - You're way up north there :) Looks like you are in a similar boat as me with the closest big city that would have a good REI club to meet with being about an hour south of you. I'm not very familiar with that area of Indian, but I know there are some who are, Adam Gerig *might* be able to get you more info, he's from Auburn and I think knows some of the folks from Ft. Wayne.

Whatever happens, keep at it, you will find folks as you keep hunting around. Welcome and Good luck!

Sam H. · Answer

Thank you Jennifer Lee and Karen Margrave I appreciate it greatly!

Jennifer Lee · Answer

Hi I googled REI clubs Indiana and first to pop up is a biggerpocket list of clubs in Indiana .

Karen Margrave · Answer

Sam Harrington Welcome to BP! This is one of the best places to meet like minded people. Don't lose heart, there's plenty of people on here that are your age, or even younger! Have you filled out the Keyword Alerts yet? You can put your town, and other stuff you'd like to find on BP and get alerts when they're mentioned in the posts, blogs, etc.

Have you tried going on to meetup online? There's usually REI Clubs, groups on there too. Good luck!