Any Investors from Northwest region of Washington?

Question

I would like to network with someone from this area and see how the market is. To be clear, this is Washington state focused around Mt. Vernon/Burglington, Everett, bellingham. Im interested in rehab, wholesales, rentals and possibly airbnb. Im just starting my research for this area and this is the first place I figured I would start. Drop me a line if you know anything about this market. Thanks!

Tim Cornwell · Answer

Matt,

I'm a real estate agent and RE investor located in Bellingham. Grew up in Mt. Vernon. Happy to be a resource. Reach out anytime.

Tim

Jeff Hodgin · Answer

As to where leads are generated it brings up a good idea.  I work as an estimator for 2 different types of service companies.  As such people sometimes seek my advice before selling.  This only brings in a lead or 2 per month.  Too many other ideas to write down here.

Eddie Aviles · Answer

@Matt Baruth welcome! I am in Mount Vernon

Justin Frank · Answer

@Matt Baruth, I would suggest checking out the MeetUp app. I am much further south than Whatcom county. I do not attend or research any meet ups there. I am Sure there are quite a few. I know there is an overwhelming amount in the Seattle area. Check out REAPS (real estate association of puget sound), they offer a lot. I have wanted to attend their CRE meet up but it’s just so difficult to get their with all the traffic Seattle offers. Terrible excuse, I know.

Matt Baruth · Answer

Thank @Rob W Saunderson that would be great! Bellingham was another spot we were looking into moving to. Would love to network with you when I come up.

@Justin Frank and Rob, do you guys have any recommendations for REI clubs in that area or nearby?

Justin Frank · Answer

@Matt Baruth

I am not certain whether or not your comment about marketing to pre-foreclosures is true or not. That is an avenue I have never explored. In general I get my leads from brokers and networking. Mail, cold calling, and door knocking are all great ways to get leads if you have that kind of time. I have a few zoning maps that I have picked some very targeted areas I will be sending letters to and possibly door knocking however this will be my first attempt at either. I truly feel there is no better way to get solid deals than to have a solid broker and/or a network of people who know you are an active RE investor.

Rob W Saunderson · Answer

I hope you guys enjoy coffee in in Mt. Vernon! If you end up staying a while, Fairhaven (south Bellingham) has some great restaurants and a lot of charm. Might be worth your time to see why Whatcom county real estate is so hot!! If so, let me know. I'd be happy to meet up and share some local perspective.

Matt Baruth · Answer

@Jeff Hodgin Thanks Jeff! I should have stated that we haven't moved there yet. Im currently living in SoCal but were getting tired of the environment and crazy expensive markets here. We checked out Seattle last year and are planning a trip up to Mt. Vernon in the next 2 months do learn more about the area. Would love to connect possibly when Im up there. Some coffee sounds great.

Thank you @Dustin Hoffman and @Justin Frank for the input! How are you guys generating leads in your state? I had read somewhere that marketing to pre-foreclosures was frowned upon in Washington but I hadn't found any further credible sources verifying that. Mail, cold call, door knock, etc. Is this all common forms of marketing where you guys are at?

Justin Frank · Answer

@Jeff Hodgin

Sweet deal. I don’t know anything about the Property you offered on but I would love to own in that area.

Jeff Hodgin · Answer

Matt,

Just made an offer on a vacant land piece near Bellingham to an out of state owner 10 minutes ago.  I am going to be in Burlington this both this afternoon and Thurs.  Be glad to have coffee.   Jeff