I Am Thankful for Biggerpockets Because...

Real Estate Deal Analysis & Advice
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I Am Thankful for Biggerpockets Because...

Wendell De Guzman
Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

What are you thankful for Biggerpockets this year?

For me I am thankful to BP because...

1. I sold 3 houses to 2 BP members this year

2. I acquired a wholesale deal from a BP member netting me $28K profit

3. I added 200 buyers in my database

4. I met 4 private lenders with cumulative capital of at least $1 Million

5. I met at least 10 solid cash buyers with verifiable proof of funds

6. I built my Acquisition team (@Jai Sookhakitch & @Daniel I. ) and Marketing & Sales teams (@David Perez )

7. I got numerous wholesale deals from other wholesalers (several apartment buildings, single family homes, even land)

8. I got 2 interns working basically for free so they will learn the business (this saves me over $1,600/month in labor cost)

9. I met several real estate agents who brought me several deals some of which are NOT on the MLS

10. I JV'ed with several people from different states (CA, TX) and opened up investment opportunities in those states for me

These are just the things I can remember...and this does not even count the new things I've learned this year because of BP. Thanks @Joshua D. , @Brandon Turner and the rest of BP Nation for making BP a very useful and helpful real estate community!

P.S. I bought Brandon's Little to No Money Down Investing book and I learned something new from it as well. I can't believe how well written the chapter on his book about wholesaling. Being an experienced wholesaler, I was pleasantly surprised.

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Darren SagerPro Member
Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11y

I've often been very thankful for @Joshua D. 's failures and bad experience with REI which in the end was a main motivator for making BiggerPockets happen in the first place. It's incredible to have a safe place to come to daily where people look out for others best interest when it comes to this field. Josh you've done an amazing job of creating a place that weeds out the those who try to prey on the less informed when trying to succeed in real estate investing. I've often said that BP is a gold mine because it truly is. It's a wealth of information. All aspects of it. The podcasts, the articles, the blog posts, forums, the calculators, the books, etc. Everything is spot on!

It's amazing to come across such a large number of people who "think like I do" when it comes to wanting to secure their own financial future and by doing it through real estate investing.  I am thankful to @Brandon Turner for reaching out to me early on when I had only been a member for a short period of time and how both you and Josh have embraced me as part of the BP family.  I can't say how grateful I am for that.   

Some of who I would consider "elite" members of BiggerPockets I'm now proud to say I'm friends with. These are solid people and members I can't say how much I've enjoyed spending time with.  Brandon, @Will Barnard , @J Scott , you all came to NYC because I asked and I can't thank you enough for that.  The time I've had the privilege to spend with you and your families has been amazing.   @Brian Burke for opening up my eyes to just how powerful BP as a medium can be.  I'll never forget reading over a thread of a deal you did with BP members for an apartment complex and was truly amazed.  It changed my entire perspective of the site in one thread.

I'm also thankful for local BP members that have become friends such as @Alok Sood , @Shawn McEnteer, @Daniel Leon , @Kay Lee , @Steve Buchanan , and many others that I should mention however I'd be here forever writing this.   I am thankful for all those members on BP who rely upon me and choose/have chosen to work with me in their desire to find a good income property or a potential flip.  

I'll end with this.  I'm thankful and grateful for all that I've crossed paths with here on BP.   You've all enriched my life in many ways so if we haven't met or spoke yet then reach out to me and say hello.  I'll let you know ahead of time I'll be thankful for that too.

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  • David C.
    Real Estate Professional · Mechanicsburg, PA · Member since 2012 · 319 posts · 167 votes
    11y

    Because whenever I think I'm 'missing out' on easy returns, a few visits here give me tales of year-long evictions and squatters.  Amazingly high water bills that must be researched for weeks, etc...

    And I remember that either you earn the higher returns by working, or you give them up by paying others to do the property management of buyandholds, or pay general contractors and project managers to run your flips.

    And I decide to stick with my easy life, for now...  Maybe when the kids are older I'll have the time and energy to earn those returns.

    I sure do enjoy reading about it and I wish only great success to all of you who are willing to take the risks and do the hard work.

    5Reply
  • Tim Bishop
    Real Estate Agent · Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2014 · 187 posts · 113 votes
    11y

    I'm thankful for the absolutely free information and networking opportunities.  My wife and I were talking about all of the rei knowledge readily available on here and how generous it is for the successful investors to share what they know with guys like me.  

    So thank you Brandon Turner for starting this awesome site!!! JK @Joshua D. 

    6Reply
  • Michael Wentzel
    Investor · Colorado Springs, CO · Member since 2013 · 643 posts · 280 votes
    11y

    I'm thankful that BP has taught me almost everything I know about Real Estate for free through the podcasts and forums. I really should upgrade my account and give you guys some money.

    Mike

    5Reply
  • Brandon TurnerPro Member
    Investor · Maui, HI · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    11y

    Thanks @Wendell De Guzman - I really appreciate that! 

    I'm thankful for BP because of the incredible friendships I've built this year. It's weird to think that most of my friends exist online in my online world! :) 

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  • Tom Lane
    Real Estate Investor · Milledgeville, IL · Member since 2014 · 46 posts · 24 votes
    11y

    I am thankful for Bigger Pockets because I live 7 1/2 miles from ANY town. Before I found BP, networking consisted of two tin cans and a long string!

    5Reply
  • Brie SchmidtBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    11y

    I am thankful for BP because:

    • I found a place to geek out over real estate talk so my friends and husband got a break from hearing me obsessively talk about it
    • I have met some amazing people and what I would consider to be lifelong friends
    • It is friends like @Cliff Mccue and @Zach Shepard and @Sharad M. that gave me the encouragement and support to quit my job and do REI full time and not be scared of the unknown... thanks guys!
    • In the 1 year (tomorrow actually) of finding BP my business has doubled because my eyes were opened to other markets and strategies, and next week I will triple it, and in the next few months I hope to quadruple it
    • The community is a place of helping and giving back no matter how new or how experienced the investor and I am grateful to have found a "home" in it
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  • Jonathan Cope
    Professional · Jersey City, NJ · Member since 2014 · 154 posts · 87 votes
    11y

    @Wendell De Guzman 

    I am thankful for BP for the way it keeps me focused on my business goals daily. 

    The community offers a contagious energy that makes keeping up with the necessary next steps of business development a joy. 

    The content offers perspective and learning even when you think you know what you are doing. 

    The podcast shows make long travel and commutes productive and entertaining. 

    The people make for nice and powerful connections. 

    The forums share answers to questions you should already know the answers to but shy away from asking. 

    The humor keeps the business and one's goals fun and seemingly more attainable. 

    The books authored and published make it clear how knowledgeable, thoughtful and accomplished the membership is. 

    Great thanks to all of BP,

    Jonathan

    4Reply
  • Sharad M.Pro Member
    Carlsbad, CA · Member since 2010 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    @Brie Schmidt 

    Thanks for the mention. It is really my pleasure to have built a friendships with you, Cliff, Zach and several other members that I would have never met had it not been for BP.

    I am working on several exciting projects with BP members and looking forward to so many more in the future.

    Thanks @Joshua D. for the great networking platform!

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  • Mary B.
    Real Estate Investor · Lansdowne, PA · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 656 votes
    11y

    I'm thankful that BP exists and after reaching over a million threads is as strong and lively as ever. Great place to network(vent for some :-)) about real estate investments. Even though some are often angry or / and confused its a relaxed comfortable setting to talk shop and ease some of your woes that's opened 24/7 365. Who could ask for more?! 

    Kudos,

    Mary 

    3Reply
  • Brian BurkePro Member
    Investor · Santa Rosa, CA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    11y

    BP has been very good to you, @Wendell De Guzman !  It's been good to me too, and for that I'm thankful.

    1. Two BP members have brought me deals this year. The first one broke my all-time record for most profitable SFR flip, and that says a lot considering I've done over 600 flips. The second one is very likely to break the new record by a significant margin.

    2.  Close to $2 million in new investment capital from accredited investors can be directly traced back to BP.

    3. I've met some great people and formed a lot of great new friendships, some of which have extended beyond the virtual world.

    4.  I've learned new things that I've applied to my business to make it better.

    Now I need to learn from Wendell so I can expand my list even more!  Or maybe I just need a better memory because there are probably a hundred other things that I should have listed. :)

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  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    11y

    I am thankful for the exchange of ideas from all over the country and world.

    The collective wisdom is amazing really and those that take the time to share that wisdom with the BP members.

    There is no question that BP is a nice place to expand one's contacts, cultivate new relationships that will bear fruit in whatever activity RE related one is seeking.

    And also what I really like is people are not afraid to ask the tough questions from those that post.

    So 10 months 2300 posts or so... I guess you can say I am an addict.

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  • Pete T.
    Real estate investor · Las Vegas · Member since 2013 · 798 posts · 171 votes
    11y

    A great, free site that isn't pushing anything w/ the noble goal of helping others learn more so those that are willing can be successful

    6Reply
  • David Oldenburg
    Lender · Granite Bay, CA · Member since 2014 · 456 posts · 454 votes
    11y

    I am never to BP's, but have been an investor, lender etc... for a long time. I am very thankful because I am already meeting some great people, partnering with other investors and enjoying hearing what others are doing!  This is a great environment for growing your business :-)

    1Reply
  • J. MartinPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    11y

    I'm thankful for BP because...

    1) I've received help from and been able to help a lot of others in their RE goals. Special shout out to @Account Closed who's helped me with lots of advise and guidance (and some $ when needed..), @Johnson H. who introduced me to BP back in 2011 I believe and inspired me that someone in my same position could go make a bunch of money on RE ;) (while managing risk of course..) And to all other awesome investors

    2) Got a great deal done with BOTH sides coming from local meetup folks originally from BP. Shout out to @Kathryn M. and @Brandon Lee !

    3) Met some AMAZING investors and people in person that I never would have if not inspired by the BP community and face-to-face gatherings. @Joshua D. , @Brandon Turner , @Aaron Mazzrillo 

    And to everyone else I'm forgetting!!!

    6Reply
  • Jonna WeberPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 736 votes
    11y

    I'm grateful that BP propels my business forward everyday.  It allows me to be virtually surrounded by those that share common goals and vision.  It is a tremendous outlet for our desire to talk "shop" and find answers whenever the need strikes.  Further more, I am connecting with colleagues from all over the country ( and a few from across the world).  Awesomeness! 

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  • Elizabeth Colegrove
    Hanford, CA · Member since 2013 · 5k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    I am grateful for BP because it 

    • Provides a safe place to discuss my hopes and dreams with people who don't think I am crazy :) While making AWESOME friends.
    • Allows me to network and see all types deals and opportunities that are taking place. This has been awesome because I can learn from others only "copying" what "worked".
    • Give me food for thought on what to do after we cap out our conventional mortgages in 18 months. Along with the network to support and assist with whatever crazy plan I come up with.
    • Allowing me the opportunity to blog and write on the forums. It is important to me to pay it forward and so other learn about my mistakes and follies. 
    • The amazing people who want to MEET and have copy outside the virtual world. 
    3Reply
  • Marci Stein
    Rental Property Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2011 · 956 posts · 510 votes
    11y

    Because I have available to me  expert advise from people 

    who care enough to generously devote

    their time to share their experiences aand knowledge. 

    3Reply
  • Joe McCall
    Rental Property Investor · St Louis, MO · Member since 2009 · 83 posts · 234 votes
    11y

    I like BP because it keeps on pushing other real estate information marketers / podcasters / bloggers to step up their game and deliver better content.  They have stepped up everyone's game. Never before has there been so much good, free information online. BP has transformed the entire industry. 

    And being a techy nerd, I also love their awesome iPhone app. 

    4Reply
  • Dusty Ackerman
    Specialist · MN · Member since 2014 · 42 posts · 13 votes
    11y

    I have something to do at work!!!

    4Reply
  • Jerry W.Pro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Thermopolis, WY · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    11y

    What I appreciate most from BP was it opened my mind to things I absolutely would never have considered without it.  When I moved from a small town of 1,200 people and went to a larger town for college the influx of information was amazing.  I encountered ideas and people with ways of thinking that were absolutely foreign to anything I had ever seen.  BP has done that for many parts of real estate for me.  I would never have bought property thousands of miles away with a property manager.  I love new ideas and concepts.  BP is full of them.  I also love the comaraderie of folks on here.  There are some amazing folks who are gracious enough to share of themselves.

    6Reply
  • Frankie Woods
    Investor · Arlington, VA · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 491 votes
    11y

    I am thankful to BP for providing the motivation to take my investing to another level.  I realized almost immediately that I hadn't set my goals high enough.  Because of the knowledge, experience, and networking available, I feel like I now have the tools, or at least I can find the tools, I need to accomplish anything I set my mind to in real estate.

    Prior to BP, I had acquired 3 cash flow neutral/negative SFR properties in 7 years of playing this game. Since finding BP about a year ago, I have closed on two 4-plexes that are heavily cash flow positive in the last 3 months, met some amazing people (@Bob Hines , @Gunnar Teltow ,@Ryan Dossey , great as always!

    Giddy up!

    5Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    11y

    I am grateful for the huge amount of learning that I have been able to accomplish here. I think that BP has an aspect to it that most internet sites fall short on. It is a great resource for information because not only do you get a lot of viewpoints but there are highly informed users who are willing to make sure that the right answers are put out there. 

    4Reply
  • Jen Kurtz
    Professional · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2013 · 88 posts · 42 votes
    11y

    I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful community and ALL of the people who come here to listen, post, ask, and help! I am thankful for this wealth of knowledge that I believe just couldn't be found elsewhere. I am thankful for the ability to network and build business. I am especially thankful to @Brandon Turner and @Joshua D. for the podcasts that ALWAYS extend my workout because I will just keep exercising for the full length of the podcast! :)

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

    4Reply
  • Bryan N.
    Investor · Hampton Roads, VA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 418 votes
    11y

    I am thankful because it took me from reading endlessly to actually doing.  BP pushed me over the edge in deciding to invest in passive income rental properties like Dave Ramsey pushed me over the edge in killing debt and no longer working for the bank by making payments to them. 

    3Reply
  • David Padilla
    Puyallup, WA · Member since 2014 · 33 posts · 9 votes
    11y

    I am thankful to gain my real estate knowledge from successful investors with actual experience in the industry.  Thanks BP! 

    2Reply
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