Are REIAs worth it?

Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes

As a new real estate agent, hoping to become the go to agent for my investors in Utah County, is joining a Real Estate Investing Association worth it?

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Doug SmithPro Member

Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes

9mo

I can only speak for myself, but I have attended local REIAs on 2 occasions hoping to meet other investors that I could work with. What I found was closer to a "guru" session. They had brought in a "speaker" that was incredibly unprofessional with a pitch like "I was working a menial job this time last year, but I discovered the secret to real estate riches and for $10K I can show you how too." The people that attended seemed lost. I feel bad for them as I know they were searching for truth and knowledge, but what they were getting was salesmanship and bad information. I am sure there are good REIAs and bad REIAs, but the 2 that I have attended made me not want to go back.

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Chase Busick
Realtor · Oklahoma City · Member since 2020 · 258 posts · 139 votes
9mo
@Justin Lewis, it is totally worth it! Most investors already probably already have go to people for finding deals... Whether other investors, wholesalers, multiple realtors, etc. You may be able to help newer people that are wanting to get into real estate investing and or maybe more leasing clients if you are planning on doing that.
In general, as an investor they are also worth going to in order to learn and most of all connect with other investors doing deals in the market. There are usually great speakers and are a little more structured. Networking with other investors is always my favorite part, because you can hear what they are doing and share with them what you are doing.
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- Gabe Waldrep
  Investor · Argyle, TX · Member since 2014 · 112 posts · 73 votes
  9mo
  Quote from @Chase Busick:
  
  @Justin Lewis, it is totally worth it! Most investors already probably already have go to people for finding deals... Whether other investors, wholesalers, multiple realtors, etc. You may be able to help newer people that are wanting to get into real estate investing and or maybe more leasing clients if you are planning on doing that.
  In general, as an investor they are also worth going to in order to learn and most of all connect with other investors doing deals in the market. There are usually great speakers and are a little more structured. Networking with other investors is always my favorite part, because you can hear what they are doing and share with them what you are doing.
  
  Hi Chase,
  What are your recommended REI meetups for the OKC area? I was told the OKC REIA has fizzled out, but the source who told me that may not be the most informed. We used to have a lot of connections there, but they have waned over the years, so I'm working to make new connections and re-establish old ones.
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Doug SmithPro Member
Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
9mo
I can only speak for myself, but I have attended local REIAs on 2 occasions hoping to meet other investors that I could work with. What I found was closer to a "guru" session. They had brought in a "speaker" that was incredibly unprofessional with a pitch like "I was working a menial job this time last year, but I discovered the secret to real estate riches and for $10K I can show you how too." The people that attended seemed lost. I feel bad for them as I know they were searching for truth and knowledge, but what they were getting was salesmanship and bad information. I am sure there are good REIAs and bad REIAs, but the 2 that I have attended made me not want to go back.
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- Justin Lewis
  OP
  Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes
  9mo
  @Doug Smith I appreciate the honesty and openness for sure
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Mohammed Rahman
Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9mo
Yes! REIAs can absolutely be worth it, especially early in your career as you’re building credibility and connecting with investor clients. But like any networking investment, the value you get depends on how you use it.
What you could do is go to a few meetings first before committing. Get a feel for who actually shows up, how active the investors are, and whether real deals are being discussed. Some REIAs are great rooms with experienced operators, others are mostly beginners or sales pitches — you’ll know pretty quickly which one it is.
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- Justin Lewis
  OP
  Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes
  9mo
  @Mohammed Rahman So as someone who is generally a novice at networking, what are some tips you have for doing it right ?
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Gabe Waldrep
Investor · Argyle, TX · Member since 2014 · 112 posts · 73 votes
9mo
REIAs are a great way to meet other investors, agents, lenders, contractors, etc. Like some here have said, not all REIAs are worth it though. Many of the larger ones have turned into pure pitchfests and offer no opportunity to network or real value. So I would definitely scout them out and maybe attend a meeting or two before joining.
When you do go, you have to force yourself to go around and work the room. Have some questions ready to spur conversation. I would focus on the smaller groups and individuals in the room because they are less likely to push their agenda.
Keep in mind, you may attend several meetings before obtaining value and seeing results, but keep at it and be consistent.
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Logan M.
Investor · Provo, UT · Member since 2016 · 759 posts · 626 votes
9mo
UVRIEA for Utah County is great, really good people!
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- Justin Lewis
  OP
  Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes
  8mo
  @Logan M. This is exactly what I needed to hear!
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Lucas Kurtz
Property Manager · MA · Member since 2025 · 19 posts · 16 votes
9mo
Yes absolutely worth it. I attend a few REIA/investor meetups every week, and they've been one of the biggest drivers of real business for me. Beyond referrals, you build real relationships with investors, lenders, contractors, and other operators which helps you become a true resource, not just "another agent."

Show up consistently, lead with value, don’t pitch right away, and follow up after. Over time, people start to see you as part of their team.

It’s also a great way to learn what investors in your market actually care about (cash flow, renovations, property management, financing, etc.), which makes you far more effective when working with them.

Lucas – Howzer Property Management
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Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
9mo
You get out what you put in.
[email protected]248-209-6824
Logical Property Management4.9462 Reviews
Website View Page
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Bo SmithPro Member
Hinton, WV · Member since 2026 · 1k+ posts · 375 votes
9mo
REIAs are solid for investor clients. The real gold isn't the meetings - it's following up with people you meet. Most agents collect cards and ghost. What's your follow-up plan for new connections?
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- Justin Lewis
  OP
  Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes
  8mo
  @Bo Smith that's a great question. Honestly I hadn't even thought about that. Is there a particular method you find that works?
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Bruce Lynn
Real Estate Broker · Coppell, TX · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9mo
Quote from @Justin Lewis:

As a new real estate agent, hoping to become the go to agent for my investors in Utah County, is joining a Real Estate Investing Association worth it?

I thought it was pretty funny one night I was at one of the larger REIAs in my area. Maybe 200 people there. One speaker asked to raise hands of anyone licensed and it was about 1/2 the room. Not sure if they were investors with licenses or active realtors looking for clients. The other challenge is about 1/2 the people say they will never buy off the MLS. In reality they're probably not buying at all. Oh they have the beat up contractor truck with the "we buy houses cash" stickers on it, but haven't bought a house in 10 years.
With all that said though, every group is different. Lots of different groups with lots of different personalities. Sometimes you just have to weed through the masses to get to the gold. I expect in Orem or greater area, there are probably plenty of meetup groups. If you don't find the right one, curate your own and recruit who you want to be in the group.
Good luck and best wishes.

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- Justin Lewis
  OP
  Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes
  8mo
  @Bruce Lynn Thanks so much for the honest take!
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Janice Carter
Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 608 votes
8mo
I agree with the comments made that some REIA meetings can feel more like sales pitches than education. That said, there are still solid REIA groups that offer real opportunities to network, meet active investors and build genuine relationships. Especially early in your career, joining a local REIA can be worthwhile because it puts you in front of investors, helps you learn their needs and allows you to build credibility that can turn into repeat business and referrals. The key is to show up consistently and add value, not just attend.

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Cory KingBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Knoxville, TN · Member since 2021 · 168 posts · 78 votes
8mo
@Justin Lewis depends on your local REIA. Some are super antiquated and full of old timers chirping about the good ol days of buying properties for pennies on the dollar. No real insights other than BRRRR pre pandemic.
that's not to say networking isn't great to make connections, i'd just imagine there may be other groups outside of just REIA in ur area. Look on facebook and other online resources to find em. i'd imagine too there's local flipping/investor facebook groups you could jump into and make some connections.
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- Justin Lewis
  OP
  Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes
  8mo
  @Cory King thanks so much Cory! When trying to make these connections, what sort it things make someone stand out in a good way as opposed to a bad way?
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- Cory KingBusiness Member
  Real Estate Agent · Knoxville, TN · Member since 2021 · 168 posts · 78 votes
  8mo
  Quote from @Justin Lewis:
  
  @Cory King thanks so much Cory! When trying to make these connections, what sort it things make someone stand out in a good way as opposed to a bad way?
  
  I think proven track record says something. Word of mouth/reputation, I'd imagine Orem is relatively small town compared to other major metros so word travels around pretty easily. i look for other givers and builders like myself. who's there to give more vs take take take.
  1 Reply
- Justin Lewis
  OP
  Real Estate Agent · Orem, UT · Member since 2017 · 36 posts · 13 votes
  8mo
  @Cory King I love that! Being a Giver is definitely something I want to emulate myself
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Alecia LovelessPro Member
Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
8mo
Your network is your net worth. Not only do I attend the local meetups but I also volunteer on boards, sit in an elected position in my home town, and relentlessly work to meet as many people as possible.

I'm an investor not a realtor and after 7 years investing all thd networking is starting to pay off. My realtor also attends meetings, sits on boards and volunteers his time. He has a huge amount of repeat clients that he's been working with since moving to the area 30 years ago and becoming a realtor as his "retirement" career.
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