What makes you a heavy hitter on BP?
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Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
6yThanks for those that mentioned me. There has been a few points where I came to understand the power of the BP website into getting your name out there. The first time I was trading in my cell phone at the tmobile store, and the clerk kept looking at me, and my name on the computer while we were talking...and he finally asked me, are you Russell Brazil from Biggerpockets. Now I was use to people sort of knowing who I was at real estate events, but not in sort of random environments like the cell phone store. The next time was at a conference, and I just sort of ended up in the hallway with about 4 or 5 people and one of them was the keynote speaker, and about 10 minutes he was like your Russell Brazil from BP. So I was like wow, I cant believe this hugely famous person in our industry knew who I was.
This website and its members however have contributed immensely to my business, helped me to build my wealth, and I in turn contribute back into this site. It is for me a hugely symbiotic relationship. Many of my real life closest friends are people who I have met through this site. There are 22 BP moderators, (and a few past moderators) and getting the chance to be a part of that group has given me access to some of the best real estate minds in the country.
Im a huge believe that people should do what they love for a living. My 3 largest passions are real estate, investing, and personal finance. As a real estate agent and investor, I get to live my dream, and luckily my passions happen to be in fields that produce a high income. What some may, or may not know is that the largest percentage of my time spent working in my profession, is contributing to the BP forums. For me, it hasnt been the podcast, nor blogging on the site that return to me anything either financially or in satisfaction.....but posting in the forums returns both the satisfaction to share my passions and help educate others, but it also has had the largest financial return for me of anything in my business. These forums are perhaps the key reason Ive been able to become a top 1% real estate agent. (Though at the very bottom of that 1% percentile) I will actually be speaking at BPCon this October, if it ever happens on the subject of how vendors (agents, lenders, inspectors etc) can use the site to grow their business.
I do admit though, I like the votes, just like people like the likes and hearts on other social media sites. I am the 2nd biggest vote getter on the site behind @Jay Hinrichs.
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- Tax Strategist| National Tax Educator| Accepting New Clients · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes6y
Huge thank you to those who tagged me on that.
To me a heavy hitter in terms of BP is someone who is just Team BP. They're here on the regular, sharing knowledge and experience for free because they believe in the community and know there's others willing to do the same for them.
I love BP when I first joined I wasn't even here to answer tax questions. I originally joined because I paid for a guru course and thought some of it was BS and found answers to the things I questioned here. Then as my tax knowledge grew while I was working in CPA firms I'd answer questions when I knew an answer.
I think that's what all the heavy hitters do on BP. They're just sharing the knowledge they have when it can help people. You can tell those who do it in a disingenuous way and people read that really quickly.
- Tax Strategist| National Tax Educator| Accepting New Clients · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes6y
And for me my immediately thoughts who people who add a ton of value on the forums:
@Russell Brazil @Steven Hamilton II @Alexander Felice @Mindy Jensen @Jay Hinrichs @JD Martin And I'm sure many others I'm forgetting because I'm awful with names. There's a lender who answers a bunch of questions who's profile photo is him in sunglasses....but who's name I can't remember. But sunglasses guy- you're on my list too.
- 6yAlexander FelicePro MemberGuy with Great Hair · Austin, TX · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 4k+ votes
Not sure I'm a heavy hitter but I've been here a long time and I produce a ton of content for BP because I love this community. I think certain people around here rise to the top when they give far value more than they receive, that's what I try to do at least.
Also I've made most of my real life friends on this site. I spent 4 hours drinking on Zoom live with Russell Brazil and @Andrew Syrios, a few weeks ago the same with @j scott, everyone knows Mindy Jensen is my best friend, Scott Trench and I somehow find ourselves hanging out a few times a year lately, I rarely go a day without chatting Natalie Kolodij, most of my local friends started from BP, the moderator team is pretty close knit, and there are a ton more regulars on here who I love but glossed over.
This place is just a social club. If you spend time here, provide value, you're interested in real estate, and you have a reasonably appealing personality, then you'll find family. I don't consider anyone in this community a "heavy hitter" simply because of success metrics.
- 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @Alexander Felice:
Not sure I'm a heavy hitter but I've been here a long time and I produce a ton of content for BP because I love this community. I think certain people around here rise to the top when they give far value more than they receive, that's what I try to do at least.
Also I've made most of my real life friends on this site. I spent 4 hours drinking on Zoom live with Russell Brazil and @Andrew Syrios, a few weeks ago the same with @j scott, everyone knows Mindy Jensen is my best friend, Scott Trench and I somehow find ourselves hanging out a few times a year lately, I rarely go a day without chatting Natalie Kolodij, most of my local friends started from BP, the moderator team is pretty close knit, and there are a ton more regulars on here who I love but glossed over.
This place is just a social club. If you spend time here, provide value, you're interested in real estate, and you have a reasonably appealing personality, then you'll find family. I don't consider anyone in this community a "heavy hitter" simply because of success metrics.
also its a matter of a person perspective.. if your just beginning and have a rental or two you may think someone with 20 to 30 rentals is a heavy hitter.. I know Andrew is modest from what i see on the boards but the Syrios are heavy hitters in most anyones league
Thanks for all your responses. There are some interesting insights here in how we define expertise among peers, and what makes a contributor trustworthy. I like @Jay Hinrichs' point that there are different skill sets to be considered.
@Alexander Felice, I think it's incredible to see that you've built such a close-knit social circle out of a virtual meeting place.
@Natalie Kolodij, For sure, there would be an element missing if we didn't have the tax, 1031, and law experts on board. There is so much misinformation out there on those subjects.
@Steven Pesavento, Number of deals is an interesting metric. It certainly points to more experience, and yet comparing that number doesn't necessarily translate to equal financial success. I'm sure a lot of people assume that folks who have made more money are better suited to give advice.
Here's a question that may be particularly relevant now. Does it matter whether an investor has been through a recession/full market cycle to be part of the heavy hitter crew? Everybody is asking everybody else what to expect coming out of this downturn, and it seems to me only a much smaller portion of the BP community started before 2008. And only a tiny fraction has been through more than one recession.
- 6yAlexander FelicePro MemberGuy with Great Hair · Austin, TX · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 4k+ votes
@Jay Hinrichs
That's correct.
What I like about Andrew is that he doesn't lean on his track record for credibility, he just let's his ideas rise to the top.
He's a heavy hitter in my heart <3
my baseline:
3 or more real estate deals
or 5 years experience in industry like property manager, realtor, lender.
Little challenging to know who has done what. But, over time can tell people that give concrete metrics & specific examples vs. sharing feelings & imos :)
- Investor · Greater Chicago Area and Northwest Indiana · Member since 2018 · 138 posts · 42 votes6y
I'm no heavy hitter but I see plenty on BiggerPockets. Heavy hitters are the ones that post a ton. You will see the heavy hitters all over the place on various topics. Being on podcasts and social media (facebook, instagram, twitter, etc.) helps a lot also. The more popular you are, the more your considered a heavy hitter. Most heavy hitters are extremely helpful and give insightful advice. We are all trying to make an extra buck to get ahead in life.
I will add one more thing that is not exactly related to my original post. But I'll mention it since we've started talking about the BP forum community, how the heavy hitters are shaping the culture, and who deserves to get the attention.
I've always been VERY impressed with overall how little politics gets thrown into the mix. Yes, it does leak through, and maybe there is more now than before. However, the majority of folks seem to be able to talk respectfully, when there are for sure strong opinions within the REI community at large. BP is definitely not like the comments section on YouTube!!
So, 1.) People who are able to maintain some objectivity and respect in a politically charged world get points on the board, and 2.) I really hope that continues to be the case, thanks in no small part to the moderators.
- 6yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Originally posted by @Robert C.:
Thanks for all your responses. There are some interesting insights here in how we define expertise among peers, and what makes a contributor trustworthy. I like @Jay Hinrichs' point that there are different skill sets to be considered.
@Alexander Felice, I think it's incredible to see that you've built such a close-knit social circle out of a virtual meeting place.
@Natalie Kolodij, For sure, there would be an element missing if we didn't have the tax, 1031, and law experts on board. There is so much misinformation out there on those subjects.
@Steven Pesavento, Number of deals is an interesting metric. It certainly points to more experience, and yet comparing that number doesn't necessarily translate to equal financial success. I'm sure a lot of people assume that folks who have made more money are better suited to give advice.
Here's a question that may be particularly relevant now. Does it matter whether an investor has been through a recession/full market cycle to be part of the heavy hitter crew? Everybody is asking everybody else what to expect coming out of this downturn, and it seems to me only a much smaller portion of the BP community started before 2008. And only a tiny fraction has been through more than one recession.
Its also very regional.. 2 years ago I was in the top 30 for new builds in the Portland metro area.. At 32 permits in a year.. top dog was DR Horton at 400.. I was stunned to see my name in the business journal :). But if you compare to other areas.. 32 homes built in a year in LA and you would not make probably the top 100 or 250 or something like that.. or Texas or GA or Charlotte other hot spots for new construction. One thing that is a testament to though is the lack of buildable land in the Portland Market and how fractionalized the ownerships are.. hard to get any real velocity when there are no large ( or very few) large tracts that can be developed in that market.
- Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
Originally posted by @Robert C.:
Thanks for all your responses. There are some interesting insights here in how we define expertise among peers, and what makes a contributor trustworthy. I like @Jay Hinrichs' point that there are different skill sets to be considered.
@Alexander Felice, I think it's incredible to see that you've built such a close-knit social circle out of a virtual meeting place.
@Natalie Kolodij, For sure, there would be an element missing if we didn't have the tax, 1031, and law experts on board. There is so much misinformation out there on those subjects.
@Steven Pesavento, Number of deals is an interesting metric. It certainly points to more experience, and yet comparing that number doesn't necessarily translate to equal financial success. I'm sure a lot of people assume that folks who have made more money are better suited to give advice.
Here's a question that may be particularly relevant now. Does it matter whether an investor has been through a recession/full market cycle to be part of the heavy hitter crew? Everybody is asking everybody else what to expect coming out of this downturn, and it seems to me only a much smaller portion of the BP community started before 2008. And only a tiny fraction has been through more than one recession.
Its also very regional.. 2 years ago I was in the top 30 for new builds in the Portland metro area.. At 32 permits in a year.. top dog was DR Horton at 400.. I was stunned to see my name in the business journal :). But if you compare to other areas.. 32 homes built in a year in LA and you would not make probably the top 100 or 250 or something like that.. or Texas or GA or Charlotte other hot spots for new construction. One thing that is a testament to though is the lack of buildable land in the Portland Market and how fractionalized the ownerships are.. hard to get any real velocity when there are no large ( or very few) large tracts that can be developed in that market.
Great point Jay! In Maryland, a couple years ago for solo agents, I cracked the top 100 agents in the state, in California, I probably wouldnt crack the top 3,000. Maryland on average per Real Trends usually has about 50 solo agents that make their list and crack $20 million in volume. California averages about 1500 a year that do.
Everything is always a matter of perspective though. Lots of my friends have 50 units or more in places like Baltimore, and the value of those units dont come close to what my portfolio is valued at on a dozen properties in DC.
Speaking of which, I dont think anyone has mentioned @James Wise as a heavy hitter yet. Top multifamily broker in the Cleveland metro area. Not only does he kill it online, but hes killing it brokering, and killing it calling out frauds, Clayton, cough cough.
District Invest Group545 Reviews Originally posted by @Robert C.:
Here's a question that may be particularly relevant now. Does it matter whether an investor has been through a recession/full market cycle to be part of the heavy hitter crew? Everybody is asking everybody else what to expect coming out of this downturn, and it seems to me only a much smaller portion of the BP community started before 2008. And only a tiny fraction has been through more than one recession.It may not be a requirement, but it's a huge factor! I think it makes them much more credible. But still, everyone needs to ask themselves if the advice applies to them, and is it still good advice for today. I invest in apartments. There were many apartment complexes that actually did better in 2008-2010, because people who lost their homes needed somewhere to live. Does that mean apartments are always safe, because they got through the last downturn? No! This crisis is particularly impacting the types of jobs that are filled by tenants in certain classes of apartments.
- 6ySteven Hamilton IIPro MemberAccountant, Enrolled Agent · Grayslake, IL · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
As a BP OG (or so I've been called in the past), I was a moderator for a long time. I stay rather busy here advising members who have questions. I even have other accounting professionals here who come to me with their questions. This website has driven quite a bit of business for me and has accelerated my real estate portfolio as well.
- Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes6y
I am on this forum to receive and provide information. I also find it entertaining to some extent as I like learning about lots of different things. I was talking with my wife this afternoon during a walk about how there're some on this forum that can't seem to make a post without touting their success and wealth. I noticed that of all the "heavy hitters" mentioned, none of them fall into that category in my opinion.
I'm one of those run of the mill Bigger Pockets people that are just doing SFR investing and have no ambition to own 1000 doors of anything. We are one of the nutcases that do every aspect of REI ourselves. We don't hire anybody to do anything. Because of that, I'm always trying to acquire expertise in anything that has to do with SFR investing whether it's taxes, plumbing, painting or sorting title issues. This place is a wealth of information and I do appreciate those that post here that have the experience and knowledge that can be relied upon. - Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @Russell Brazil:
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
Originally posted by @Kyle J.:
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
JD do you happen to remember the gals name from Central coast CA she was active then quit she was very sharp.
Jay, perhaps you’re thinking of K Marie Poe?
YUP she was/is wicked Smart and really knows the business.. Not sure what happened.. I seem to remember some rift and she left.
Marie was having some legal trouble, with a tenant I think, and deleted her account to remove the thousands of things she had posted here. She was a good contributor.
Ouch, that sucks
- 6yBrian BurkePro MemberInvestor · Santa Rosa, CA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 7k+ votes
When I joined BP 8 years ago I just thought it looked like a fun place to hang out, and maybe I could share some of my years of experience to help people out. I remember when it was a big announcement when Josh posted that they just hit 250,000 Members.
I used to log in each evening and go to the “newest posts” page and scroll through every thread title all the way back to the previous evening and post responses wherever I thought I could add value. You could do that back then—nowadays with however many millions of members there are on BP it would take the whole day to scan every thread.
I used to be really active back then and maybe I was considered a “heavy hitter.” I think my first indication of that was when Brandon called me and said, “we are going to do a podcast, would you be on it?” I was like, “what’s a podcast?” Who ever would have guessed that it would be the top real estate podcast and approaching 400 shows.
I think I had 1,000 posts in my first two years, then it took another six years to get another 1,000—not because I was less interested in BP, but because I became a victim of my own success here. My business grew by leaps and bounds and the demand on my time left me less time for what helped get me there. So now I use keyword alerts and just pop in with answers to threads that come up in those, mostly.
But I’ve been grateful for the post votes and humbled by the privilege of four appearances on the BP podcast (and at least one cameo), several blog articles written, and now as an author of a book for BP—all of which have led to close to 100 podcast and speaking engagements, and none of it would have happened without BP.
But I haven’t been around as much as the new group of heavy hitters and I’ll never hold a candle to guys like @Jay Hinrichs and @Russell Brazil, but I’m just proud to play my small role here, with fame or without.
- Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @JD Martin:
OK, I finally got around to actually posting like I mean it here (was busy doing a rehab!)
On BP as a "quick and dirty", for people I don't know, I will generally look at post to vote ratio. Especially over 1,000, it usually ends up that the people who are making the most insightful posts tend to even out or outrun their post count. Thus, while voting for a post can be a popularity contest, and it's always possible that any poster might hit "gold" with a post here and there, time and volume tend to even things out.
The other thing is after you've been here long enough - I think I've been an actual member for maybe 5 years and a lurker maybe a couple years besides that - you start to recognize names and remember advise and information they've posted.
Anyway, here's a bunch of my favorites (until BP cuts me off on autolinking):
@Mike Dymski, @Jerry W., @Shiloh Lundahl, @Joe Splitrock, @Jay Hinrichs, @Russell Brazil, @Natalie Kolodij, @Nicole A., @Mike Cumbie, @Dawn Brenengen, @Lucas Hall, @Julie Marquez, @Joshua D., @Bill Gulley, @Joel Owens, @Ryan Murdock, @David Krulac, @Linda Weygant, @Steve Vaughan, @Ali Boone, @Nathan Gesner, @Brian Ellis, @Randy E., @Brian Gibbons, @Jim K., @Jill F., @Joe Villeneuve, @Andrew Syrios, @Roy N., @Jonathan Greene, @Nicole Heasley Beitenman, and a lot of others I'm sure are slipping my mind at the moment.
I don't know if they qualify as "heavy hitters" or not, but they are thoughtful and insightful and I usually learn something from their posts.
I certainly appreciate being listed among such heavy hitters. Thanks!
- Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @Alexander Felice:
Not sure I'm a heavy hitter but I've been here a long time and I produce a ton of content for BP because I love this community. I think certain people around here rise to the top when they give far value more than they receive, that's what I try to do at least.
Also I've made most of my real life friends on this site. I spent 4 hours drinking on Zoom live with Russell Brazil and @Andrew Syrios, a few weeks ago the same with @j scott, everyone knows Mindy Jensen is my best friend, Scott Trench and I somehow find ourselves hanging out a few times a year lately, I rarely go a day without chatting Natalie Kolodij, most of my local friends started from BP, the moderator team is pretty close knit, and there are a ton more regulars on here who I love but glossed over.
This place is just a social club. If you spend time here, provide value, you're interested in real estate, and you have a reasonably appealing personality, then you'll find family. I don't consider anyone in this community a "heavy hitter" simply because of success metrics.
You know, before BPCON2019 and your livestream the other night, I had treated more as an information hub than a social club. Not sure why I waited so long, but it's nice to take advantage of the social club part. (Although my liver might not be particularly pleased with me...)
- Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes6y
Originally posted by @Jay Hinrichs:
Originally posted by @Alexander Felice:
Not sure I'm a heavy hitter but I've been here a long time and I produce a ton of content for BP because I love this community. I think certain people around here rise to the top when they give far value more than they receive, that's what I try to do at least.
Also I've made most of my real life friends on this site. I spent 4 hours drinking on Zoom live with Russell Brazil and @Andrew Syrios, a few weeks ago the same with @j scott, everyone knows Mindy Jensen is my best friend, Scott Trench and I somehow find ourselves hanging out a few times a year lately, I rarely go a day without chatting Natalie Kolodij, most of my local friends started from BP, the moderator team is pretty close knit, and there are a ton more regulars on here who I love but glossed over.
This place is just a social club. If you spend time here, provide value, you're interested in real estate, and you have a reasonably appealing personality, then you'll find family. I don't consider anyone in this community a "heavy hitter" simply because of success metrics.
also its a matter of a person perspective.. if your just beginning and have a rental or two you may think someone with 20 to 30 rentals is a heavy hitter.. I know Andrew is modest from what i see on the boards but the Syrios are heavy hitters in most anyones league
Thank you Jay, I appreciate the shoutout. Especially coming from you, that means a lot!
Originally posted by @Natalie Kolodij:
And for me my immediately thoughts who people who add a ton of value on the forums:
@Russell Brazil @Steven Hamilton II @Alexander Felice @Mindy Jensen @Jay Hinrichs @JD Martin And I'm sure many others I'm forgetting because I'm awful with names. There's a lender who answers a bunch of questions who's profile photo is him in sunglasses....but who's name I can't remember. But sunglasses guy- you're on my list too.
That's @Chris Mason and I agree that he provides valuable mortgage-related information ... which I stop to read for sure. But fyi the sunglasses profile photo is no more.
Gimer Law517 Reviews- 6yRoy N.Pro MemberRental Property Investor · Fredericton, New Brunswick · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
I went out for my first run in months this morning ... chasing behind a nine-year old on a bicycle ... a humbling experience for a fellow who once ran ultra-marathons for fun.
When we arrived home, my son informed me the outing was an absolute success: he didn't crash (he only decided this week he should probably learn to ride a bike) and I didn't drop dead :-O
I will conceded that I am more than a little heavy at the moment ;-)
@Brian Burke, It sounds like you're the best example of someone who's successes on BP lead to reaching a much broader audience, especially with publishing your book. I remember when I joined and started catching up on the podcasts from #1 onwards, yours was the first that really caught my attention with very applicable investing advice. That, and cause you are from Santa Rosa. Plus, you've been through multiple recessions as I was talking about earlier on in this post. Do you like the notoriety now? Has it changed where you thought you were headed? Or has it pretty much been business as usual from your perspective, with BP being some sort of an off-shoot that supports your main business?
- Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes6y
There are far too many to name so I won't even try.
Some are considered heavy hitters because they have a big personality. An example for me would be someone that pops in, tells everyone how successful they are, and tells you to 10X your success or you're a failure. Then they disappear for 6 months. There's value in how they are able to motivate people, but I think it does more harm than good and it's not my cup of tea.
To me, the heavy hitters are the ones that answer with solid, practical advice and they share it with everyone, not just the big players or the ones that can give something in return. They don't hide their mistakes or flaunt their successes. And they are here consistently, day in and day out, answering the same repetitive questions over and over again because they truly care about helping others.
The DIY Landlord Book4.7244 Reviews - Real Estate Broker · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes6y
@JD Martin thanks for the tag, and I’m honored that you would include me in your list.
To me, the heavy hitters are the ones who provide value in their thoughtful responses to questions here in the forums. I never paid much attention to the number of votes, but I do look at the number of posts so I can see who is really engaged with the community.
Then you have your local people who may or may not have ever heard of BP. I meet a lot of people doing a lot of business out there, and I’m happy that there seems to be so much opportunity out there for everyone.
While I have limited real estate investments (upwards of ten rentals, a few flips, and some private lending), I do a ton of deals on the brokerage end and also run a property management company. I have no idea if I am actually a heavy hitter, but I know I stay busy and really enjoy contributing to the BP community. This is a good reminder for me to post more! - Rental Property Investor · Woodstock, GA · Member since 2017 · 517 posts · 772 votes6y
Another entrepreneur forum I've been partially active on for years had 2-3 'heavy hitter's who everyone flocked to for advice who turned out to be fakeprenenurs/slimeballs.
Having been a part of a few forums in the past, I never put someone into an "expert" category until I've seen hard proof of their success.
(What's great about BP is at least you have to use your real name...no dumb screenames. )***
Most local volume players where I am (Atlanta) aren't on BP...much less heard of it. Guys private lending 7-figures, etc.
A friend from college started here on BP in like 2009 or something. (I won't tag him), and he was very active, and as he got more and more successful, he's posted less and less.
****
Maybe others can set me straight...
Sure, there are many people on here with over 1k posts, you could assume are 'heavy hitters' meaning
1) They know what they're talking about + provide value
2) They are presumed to be very successful at RE
I struggle with the term 'heavy hitters' because most successful people I know (in RE and other arenas) are usually extremely busy.
If I was making buckets of money in RE, why would I spend a ton of time writing up thousands of posts on a forum? ( I wouldn't). Eventually, as you move up the success ladder, you want to hang out with people at your level.
i.e.
A 'heavy hitter' on BP could be someone who provides a ton of value.
Does that mean they're a 'heavy hitter' in RE...I dunno.
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