Newbie From Queens, New York

Newbie From Queens, New York

Involved In Real Estate · Woodhaven, NY · Member since 2013 · 77 posts · 11 votes

Hello All,

I'm Javier Diaz originally from the Lower East Side of Manhattan and now living and looking to invest in the borough of Queens. I'm a former Mac Support Technician of 12 yrs and now a Licensed NYC Real Estate agent specializing in residential rentals.

I'm 34 and currently live in Woodhaven Queens. I have had an interest in real estate investing since I bought the Carlton Sheets "No Money Down" program at the age of 21yrs old and living at home with my parents in the Lower East Side. Never made a move to purchase anything back in the 90's because I didn't think anyone would take a modestly employed 21yr old making just 45K a year. Oh, how I wish I could turn back the clock. I wanted to buy abandoned apartment buildings in the Lower East Side before it became the trendy neighborhood it is today.

I stumbled upon Bigger Pockets while researching and doing my due diligence on the Renatus Investor Training Program or as it's referred to here, the "Gurus". I read a few reviews on Renatus here on BP and it saved me thousands of dollars. It certainly had the smell of Multi Level Marketing and I still have a bad taste in my mouth from other such investments. Although, I'm sure I would have gained some knowledge and use from the program, I feel I can also get that same help and knowledge from BP, but without the $2,000 "tuition" cost.

I'm looking to chat, meet and otherwise network with any real estate investors who are starting out and just want to chat with like-minded individuals or seasoned investors who would trade some of their knowledge for some of my computer skills. I've worked in a technical support position for several years and can fix a and assist with Apple computers, iPads, iPhones, software, networks and peripherals. I also have some lite graphic design and photography skills. I have a strong artistic sense and can be very creative. If this is something you lack, I can trade you for some number crunching and deal analyzing skills!

My goal is to enter into my first investment deal within the first 6 months of 2014. I hope that with all the new friends and support of BPer's everywhere I'll be able to do so. It would truly be, a dream come true.

Greetings and Farewell,

Javier Diaz

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  • Investor · The Bronx, NY · Member since 2012 · 226 posts · 44 votes
    12y

    @Javier Diaz , welcome, let me know if I can help in any way. I'm in the Bronx

  • Specialist · Rockland, MA · Member since 2010 · 7k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    @Javier Diaz

    Welcome. I have a buddy who is an REO broker. He tells me he sees properties in NYC you can get for 100K put 50K in and sell for just under 300K.

    Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

    Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.

    Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice. And you get the benefit of having 40 past ones to catch up on.

    Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

    Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

    Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.

    You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing. Rents can be 2-4 times more. Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.

    Good Luck

    Paul

  • Darren SagerPro Member
    Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y

    Welcome to BP @Javier Diaz . I also bought the Carlton Sheets program and never did anything proper with it. I'm sure he was happy that I did. BP is chock full of almost endless information. Soak it in. There's lots to learn.

    My suggestion to anyone just starting out is to purchase a multi family and live in one of the units. It will lower your cost of living dramatically and can be a great foundation for you to amass a number of properties from. There are a number of properties that over the years I've said to myself, "why didn't I purchase that one?" Don't look back upon the things you didn't do and let them anger you. Do what I did and be prepared. There's little luck in this business. In my opinion is all about your ability to make quick decisions and being able to finance properties. Always be prepared. Let me know if there's anyway I can help.

  • Involved In Real Estate · Woodhaven, NY · Member since 2013 · 77 posts · 11 votes
    12y

    @Pete Nater @Paul Timmins

    Wow, thank you all for the acknowledgement and great tips and information. Just receiving those comments on my post makes me feel like I'm one step closer to reaching my goals. It's a great feeling! I can feel myself becoming obsessed with BP and of course Real Estate Investing! Thanks guys!

    Looking forward to posting some more serious questions once I get down in the trenches with you all and buy my first place.

    Going to DL those books now Paul. I'm way behind on my reading.

    Cheers!

  • Real Estate Investor · Abington, MA · Member since 2011 · 356 posts · 114 votes
    12y

    @Javier Diaz welcome to BP! Best place on the net to learn and grow your Network.

  • Involved In Real Estate · Woodhaven, NY · Member since 2013 · 77 posts · 11 votes
    12y
    Paul Sorgi So far the support and free information has been mind blowing! I've never been to California, but hope to visit real soon.
  • Involved In Real Estate · Woodhaven, NY · Member since 2013 · 77 posts · 11 votes
    12y

    @Paul Sorgi You're probably wondering about that California comment. I just realized the SF in your bio stands for single family and NOT San Francisco! lol Sorry for the confusion. It was late and I was barely awake.

    Javier-

  • Engelo RumoraBusiness Member
    Investor · Toledo, OH · Member since 2013 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    @Javier Diaz

    Welcome to Bigger Pockets and thanks for your post.

    I will actually be in New York City from Dec 21st til Dec 27th.

    I know its the holiday time but if your interested it would be a pleasure to meet up and talk about real estate.

    Our group has been buying and rehabbing houses in Kansas City and we are starting operations in Ohio early next year.

    Always happy to assist in anyway.

    Thanks and have a great day.

  • Brandon TurnerPro Member
    Investor · Maui, HI · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y

    Hey @Javier Diaz Thanks for introducing yourself! It's great to have you here! Don't miss The BiggerPockets Podcast - they are great for learning how others are finding success.

    Oh - and be sure to set up some Keyword Alerts- especially for "Woodhaven" so you'll be notified when people mention it here in the forums.

    Thanks again for introducing yourself!

  • Involved In Real Estate · Woodhaven, NY · Member since 2013 · 77 posts · 11 votes
    12y

    @Engelo Rumora Thanks for the welcome! I might just take you up on that offer. Lets pick a day and time. My schedule is wide open.

    @Brandon Turner I've been listening to the podcast since I signed up two weeks ago. It's sort of my new obsession! Love the topics and the questions, the quick-tips and all the awesome stories told my the guest. You guys are doing an amazing job! Keep it up please! My future depends on it. ;)

    And oh yes. Keywords are already setup. I'm PUMPED about the wealth of information and resources on BP! Thank you, Thank you.

    Javier-

  • Involved In Real Estate · Woodhaven, NY · Member since 2013 · 77 posts · 11 votes
    12y

    @Darren Sager

    Hey Darren,

    I just listened to the BP podcast that you were a part of for the second time now, and it sounds like you have a wealth of knowledge and best practices that just make a ton of sense to me and sounds like the kind of smart investing practices I would love to adopt. I also realized that you're on the East Coast!

    I'm going to cut right to the chase here. I'd like to treat you to a steak dinner and discuss possible mentorship.

    I'm a licensed agent, a computer tech, a decent photographer, and I have lots of time on my hands. I also speak spanish and can be your boots on the ground in Queens, Brooklyn or Manhattan.

    Please let me know if you're open to the idea of sharing some knowledge in exchange for some assistance in anyway shape or form that I can provide it.

    Best regards,

    Javier Diaz

  • Engelo RumoraBusiness Member
    Investor · Toledo, OH · Member since 2013 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    Thanks @Javier Diaz .

    I will message you.

    Have a great day

  • Involved In Real Estate · Woodhaven, NY · Member since 2013 · 77 posts · 11 votes
    12y

    @Engelo Rumora Looking forward to it. Thanks!

  • J. MartinPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    Welcome Javier. There are a lot of super helpful people and great advice on this site! I’m a ‘fix and hold’ investor from the Bay Area in CA, and loving it! A lot of others doing flips, wholesaling, notes, everything.. A few tips..

    You can tag people by typing @ before you type their name, then clicking their name when it pops up at the bottom of the message box. You can click on the ‘vote’ button if you like someone's post or is helpful, and there are ‘awards’ to earn on your profile. The "Learn" link across the top navigation bar has lots of great info, and most importantly, the BP members! Welcome to BP, and good luck on your investments!

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