Residential Real Estate Broker · Streamwood, IL · Member since 2013 · 93 posts · 51 votes
I am relatively new to Bigger Pockets and enjoy the variety of information and expertise that I have experienced here. I am very interested in organizing a Chicago area meet up with like minded individuals in this area. I wanted to test the waters and find out if there would be anyone interested in participating.
Of course 3 of the clubs have web site links that are dead. Maybe @Joshua D. could maybe verify the existence of the clubs still? I know you have a ton on your plate, but just a thought.
But welcome @George Foster and yes, like minded networking is great. Good luck to you!
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
13y
@Account Closed - I've removed the dead links. Thanks.
That said, there's certainly room for multiple networking events. Many people on BP have begun to set up their own local meetups because they aren't interested in attending club meetings and getting pitched non-stop. I'm not saying that all groups do this, but it is definitely a common theme amongst groups around the country, and many people are looking for alternatives these days. That may be one of the reasons why the page that formerly had 5 groups is now down to 2....
BTW - Congrats on continuing to have a viable group.
@George Foster - As I said above, there's plenty of opportunity for more groups. Lots of luck; I'm sure there are plenty of people in Chicago and the surrounding areas who will take you up on your get together.
Real Estate Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 218 votes
13y
I know one group that was started because of the disgust of the "Pitch". :)
Josh, thanks for handling the links you do an amazing job. And yes always room for more groups. I just posted in another thread that people should hit up multiple groups because each group takes on its own personality and just because it works for some people does not mean it will work for you.
Residential Real Estate Broker · Streamwood, IL · Member since 2013 · 93 posts · 51 votes
13y
David I look forward to meeting you and discussing possible places to meet and topics to discuss. Ryan thank you for the warm welcome. Joshua you are absolutely correct. I love real estate and building as these industries are we're my heart lies. I really want to network with like minded individuals as it promotes learning. I shy away from from groups that constantly sell something. I feel that I have a decent experience in this industry and would like to share that knowledge with others as they share with me. I am not looking for compensation for anything but the real estate deal. That is my only interest. I want to help others reach their goals as they try to help me reach mine.
Investor · Merrillville, IN · Member since 2009 · 252 posts · 104 votes
13y
Hi @George Foster and welcome to BP. I totally agree with you when you say that you are interested in meeting with like-minded individuals to share/receive knowledge about the re business. Throughout my many years of attending many REIA group meetings in and around Chicago, I can say that the #1 reason that I stopped attending these meetings was due to the atmosphere and no real meat/potatoes type of networking/sharing of information amongst the attendees and just more of the "guru investors" selling their materials. Just in the past several months, I've attended several "meetups" where it's just a few investors sitting around doing just what I like - sharing information/resources and partnering up on deals. I would definitely be interested in attending these meetup group meetings. If you are going to be starting/maintaining the group don't forget to keep us posted here on BP.
Residential Real Estate Broker · Streamwood, IL · Member since 2013 · 93 posts · 51 votes
13y
I absolutely want to start one. I just sent you my information and will look forward to your call. I have a varied background in real estate and building. Like you, I stopped going around the REIA because all of the selling. I will admit that I learned most of what I know by reading many books and applying concepts. I succeeded and failed. I would really like to have a group of individuals that have the desire to share information and really help each other. I have knowledge that I could "sell" but I refuse to as the best way to receive is to give.
Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 13 posts · 1 vote
13y
Hey Guys,
I am from the Chicago area also and will be interested in the local meet up. Just keep me updated on when you guys decide to meet. I don't attend any local REIAs either because of lack of any serious RE info.
Investor · NW Indiana · Member since 2012 · 833 posts · 197 votes
13y
Hi George. I would also love to be involved with a BP meetup in Chicago. I dislike the selling at some clubs and some of them I can not attend due to my work schedule.
Residential Real Estate Broker · Streamwood, IL · Member since 2013 · 93 posts · 51 votes
13y
Carolina,
Please send me your email address so that I can let you know when the meeting schedule has been set. I can be reached at [email protected] and by office 773-717-5600 x 700
Real Estate Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 218 votes
13y
I do commend all of your for your thirst for knowledge and wanting to networking. Those are vital to success. However, to say that RE Clubs have a lack of info when records show you haven't attended some...
Each REI Club is different. Each is unique and has its own personality. If/when you begin your club then it will take on its own unique identity as well. We must continue to attend meetings to figure out that identity, see if it blends with us, and to make a name for ourselves as trust worthy people, worth sharing of information and knowledge to someone that may or may not use it to directly compete with us.
Networking is crucial and vital. SO good luck to all of you.
Professional · Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 9 posts · 3 votes
13y
Hi George. I know I am a little late to this thread but I am also be interested in a BP meetup. I am brand new to Real Estate Investing and want to jump into the fire. Please contact with local gatherings.
Investor · NW Indiana · Member since 2012 · 833 posts · 197 votes
12y
Hi Paul, we did having a small meeting back in September. I am currently trying to help George set up another one. So if anyone is interested please PM me and let me know. I am hoping to set it for a Saturday in November or one of the days before the Thanksgiving holiday. Let me know what works. Thanks.
Rental Property Investor · Manteno, IL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
12y
Do we have a date on this thing yet?
BP really needs to step up a little and add a feature for meetups on this site. Even if its just a set of links that points to MeetUp.com for the groups based on area.
That way people on BP can look up any available Meetup groups for their area.
I hope he received it. I am definitely interested and would like to start building something we can all benefit from. Shoot me an email when you can. Thanks.