New to BiggerPockets - How do I make the most of it?!

[Cameron Caldwell]

Hey everyone — Cameron here from Charlotte, NC.

I’m fairly new to real estate but recently closed on my first property in Salisbury, which I’m operating as student housing. I’m also building out a small property management and maintenance business with my family (Caldwell Ownership Group), so I’m trying to get my systems tight as we grow.

I just upgraded to BP Pro and want to make sure I’m actually using everything the platform offers instead of letting features sit untouched. For those of you who have been here a while:

How do you get the most value out of BP Pro?

• Which tools or calculators made the biggest difference for you?

• Any templates, checklists, or processes you recommend I plug directly into my operations?

• What’s the smartest way to use BP Pro as I set myself up for my next investment (likely another small multifamily or student rental)?

• Anything you wish you had started doing sooner on the site?

Appreciate any advice. I’m here to learn, tighten up my approach, and connect with other investors who are leveling up too.

Thanks in advance for the guidance.

[Drew Sygit]

Search for members in your geographic area, connect and maybe meet in person.

Search for members in your niche, connect and schedule a call.

Set up BP Alerts for the topics you are interested in.

Complete your BP Profile, so members can access a bit of background about you to see if they want to connect or accept your connection request.

Use your VOTE button to reward members that take the time to post a great response - to your posts/questions or those of others!

Understand how the calculators work, so you can modify inputs to be realistic to what you are doing. 

Understand that there are 3 main types of posters here:

1) Vendors looking to trade helpful info to sell you something

2) nonVendors with limited experience that think they know what they are doing

3) nonVendors with lots of experience that have good info to share

You should be careful of all of them as the #1 mistake they make is often trying to "fit a square peg into a round hole" - what worked for them/client may not be the best solution for you.

Many will also often make broad statements that are worthless.

Welcome aboard and good luck!