Question about how to network in non-dominate areas.
New to Real Estate · Paducah, KY · Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 10 votes
Question about how to network in non-dominate areas.
Most Popular Reply
Lender · Orlando, FL · Member since 2023 · 220 posts · 183 votes
5moHey Kayden,
Look for local investor meetups, landlord associations, Facebook groups, REIA events, wholesalers, contractors, property managers, and real estate agents who work with investors.
Here are some REIA's in your state, not sure if all are active currently.
4 Replies
- Lender · Orlando, FL · Member since 2023 · 220 posts · 183 votes5mo
Hey Kayden,
Look for local investor meetups, landlord associations, Facebook groups, REIA events, wholesalers, contractors, property managers, and real estate agents who work with investors.
Here are some REIA's in your state, not sure if all are active currently.
- Owensboro/Western Kentucky Meetups: Independent real estate investor meetups are occasionally hosted in Owensboro and the surrounding Western Kentucky region, featuring guest speakers and open collaboration.
- Kentuckiana Real Estate Investors Association (KREIA): Based in Louisville, KREIA is one of the largest active groups in the state. They host monthly meetings, networking happy hours, and educational panels, which are highly accessible for Kentucky investors statewide.
- National REIA: As a resource, you can utilize the National REIA Chapter Finder to connect with regional groups and access benefits like landlord insurance or vendor discounts.
- 5moJames WilcoxBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 603 votes
Quote from @Kayden Wahl:
I'm 18 and am engaged in learning everything about real estate investing in the small city of Paducah, KY. I'm wanting to meet and be around the right crowd so to speak and start building relationships.
I'm curious on some ways that I could possibly do this in the area that I am in without traveling hours away to risk the fact they might not even know the exact way that real estate investing is done in my area.
Is anyone an investor near me?
Is there any tips y'all have for me to connect with some?
Should I think about investing in surrounding areas?
Any advice is much appreciated!!!
@Kayden Wahl I agree with what @Travis Main has stated. You can also join the several online groups around your area and state. That way you don't necessarily have to travel and your education and networking are done digitally. I do suggest finding something local though as that will provide the biggest impact.
Also, of course you can get any information right here on BP through their provided content and the forums. I am also happy to answer any questions you may ever have on any real estate investment topic.
REI James w/ eXp Realty54 Reviews - 5moArman AhmedPro MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2024 · 2k+ posts · 972 votes
Quote from @Kayden Wahl:
I'm 18 and am engaged in learning everything about real estate investing in the small city of Paducah, KY. I'm wanting to meet and be around the right crowd so to speak and start building relationships.
I'm curious on some ways that I could possibly do this in the area that I am in without traveling hours away to risk the fact they might not even know the exact way that real estate investing is done in my area.
Is anyone an investor near me?
Is there any tips y'all have for me to connect with some?
Should I think about investing in surrounding areas?
Any advice is much appreciated!!!
At 18, the biggest advantage you have is time, so I wouldn’t rush into only trying to find the “perfect local crowd.” In smaller markets like Paducah, it can be tough to find a deep investor network, so I’d start by learning the fundamentals locally while also connecting with investors in nearby or more active Midwest markets where deals are more frequent and conversations are more practical. You’ll grow faster by being exposed to people actually doing volume, even if they’re not in your exact city. At the same time, start small locally, talk to landlords, property managers, contractors, and agents, even if they’re not “investors.” Those relationships end up becoming your first real network.
- 5moGarrett CrosbyPro MemberReal Estate Agent · Los Angeles, United States · Member since 2021 · 392 posts · 162 votes
Starting at 18 with this mindset is a huge advantage — most people don't think about this stuff until their 30s.
In a smaller market like Paducah, your local network might be thin on dedicated investors, but that doesn't mean it's empty. The people you want to find — landlords, contractors, property managers, local agents who work with rentals — are still there. Start introducing yourself to that layer. A lot of long-time landlords in small markets aren't on BP or at REIA meetings, but they're at the courthouse, at the hardware store, or managing their own properties. Those conversations happen in person.
On surrounding markets — yes, worth thinking about. Paducah is small but there are active markets within a few hours that might have better deal flow, more investor activity, and more people to learn from. You don't have to invest there, but attending a REIA in a bigger nearby market once a month accelerates your education fast. You'll meet people who've done what you're trying to do and you'll hear about real deals in real time. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk through any of this.
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