Hi everyone.  Just discovered BP and looking to connect with like-minded people looking into RE Investing.  I feel like paying $1,600 for a 1 bd in Evanston might be a bit too much for me and would rather learn to house-hack, flip, and other wealth-building strategies.  The lease renews in June and thanks to BP I've made the decision not to renew but to downsize temporarily and focus on my goal to house-hack.  For now, I've been listening to Podcasts and preparing myself for my first purchase.  Most importantly I'd like to connect and learn from other people, attend webinars, and build some momentum.  Thanks, everyone and see you in the forum.

-Alex

Welcome!

Go to NETWORK at the top of your screen and you can search for other investors and investment groups in your area. You can also check meetup.com or search facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings.

@Alex Figueroa

Welcome to BP community! It is a great place to meet new friends and learn about various aspects of real estate and more.

Read Beginner’s Guide to help you get started: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing

Good luck on your investments!

@Alex Figueroa

Welcome to the forums! It sounds like you're on the right path in educating yourself with the goal of getting your first house hack. I'm on my second house hack in Berwyn. Happy to connect and answer any questions you might have.

@Paul De Luca Thank you!  I visit Berwyn frequently and it is a great place to live and invest.  

Thank you Dmitriy.  I read the first page and it is beyond informative.  Excellent path to follow.

@Alex Figueroa welcome to the wonderful world of real estate investing!

@Alex Figueroa welcome! There is an excellent and very active community here in Chicago for investors, and you are going to meet lots of great people. I am excited to see what types of opportunities you end up pursuing! 

Hi @Alex Figueroa - Welcome to the BP forums!  Great place to learn and network.  Renting isn't a bad thing just depends on your situation.  

I'd definitely agree that house hacking is probably the way to get started.  Would you plan on staying up in Evanston?

Happy to connect and network, let me know how I can help!

Hi Alex! Welcome to the BiggerPockets community! I love talking to like-minded people too and it just fuels your progress forward as you get to know people that actually invest, and it changes you! I'm looking to eventually house hack when my work history is enough to get a loan. Get involved, attend webinars as you said, and reach out and have real conversations is my best advice!

@Alex Figueroa - welcome!! As mentioned above this is a wonderful place to meet people who can help you along in your journey. If you need anything feel free to reach out! The first step is being where you are right now, realizing that there may in fact be a better way to live than paying for someone else's mortgage. 

@Olivia Radziszewski thank you!  Great time to be alive and to have an invaluable tool as BP.  

@Alex Figueroa . Welcome! I recently started listening to these guys. Podcast focused on Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Lots of good info.

https://www.straightupchicagoinvestor.com/

@Ryan Boland I subscribed and already a fan.  Thanks for the link and looking forward to learning locally.

@Alex Figueroa I work near Evanston but invest in Joliet and Des Plaines. I'm new to this also but definitely always looking to network. Glad you are reaching out and considering house hacking!

@Alex Figueroa welcome! There's quite a few FB groups for the Chicago area in addition to meet-ups. Feel free to PM and I can send you some links. Happy to help in any way that I can!

@Alex Figueroa welcome! I’m in the western suburbs and am in the same boat. I’d love to connect and learn with each other!