New to BiggerPockets

Grimes, IA · Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 7 votes

Hey, just introducing myself (to get the profile points ;) ).

Been listening to BiggerPockets podcast for around a year now after a recommendation from a customer at my full-time job.

I've learned a lot so far and can't wait to learn more from all of your real life experiences.

I'm located in the central Iowa area and hoping to invest here locally within the next 1-3 years. Can't wait to connect with some locals and continue learning!

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Ryan IrwinPro Member

Investor · Ankeny, IA · Member since 2022 · 161 posts · 130 votes

Hey @Kaleb Olson welcome to Bigger Pockets! Being a fellow central Iowan, let's definitely connect and excited to hear and see your progress and growth!!

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Maurizio PisciottaPro Member
Delray Beach, FL · Member since 2024 · 46 posts · 26 votes
3w
Hi Kaleb! Welcome and good luck!!
0 Reply
Brad SeidBusiness Member
Lender · Licensed in 28 States · Member since 2026 · 206 posts · 72 votes
3w
@Kaleb Olson Welcome to BiggerPockets! It’s great that you’re learning before jumping into investing. If you need help exploring financing options when you’re ready to invest, feel free to reach out. Happy to help!
[email protected]248-408-3855
West Capital Lending5124 Reviews
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G. Brian DavisPro Member
Investor · Hatboro, PA · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 905 votes
3w
Welcome! A year of learning before buying is time well spent. I’d use that 1–3 years to learn your local market, analyze as many deals as you can, and build relationships with lenders, agents and other investors. By the time you’re ready to buy, you’ll have a much better feel for what’s actually a good deal.
0 Reply
Allison Mackin
Real Estate Broker · Iowa City, IA · Member since 2021 · 47 posts · 18 votes
3w
Welcome, Kaleb!
Excited for you to start your journey!
0 Reply
Matthew MorrowBusiness Member
Investor · PA - NY - NJ · Member since 2019 · 975 posts · 354 votes
3w
@Kaleb Olson a customer recommending the podcast is a pretty good way to find it. A 1-3 year timeline gives you room to build the foundation before you buy: savings, credit, and knowing your local rents and prices well enough to spot a deal when one shows up. If there's a meetup around Des Moines, that's where you'll meet the people actually doing it. Welcome to the community. Glad you're here.
[email protected]484-791-6200
CORE Team | Realty ONE Group Supreme549 Reviews
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Ryan IrwinPro Member
Investor · Ankeny, IA · Member since 2022 · 161 posts · 130 votes
3w
Hey @Kaleb Olson welcome to Bigger Pockets! Being a fellow central Iowan, let's definitely connect and excited to hear and see your progress and growth!!
1 Reply
Brad SeidBusiness Member
Lender · Licensed in 28 States · Member since 2026 · 206 posts · 72 votes
2w
@Kaleb Olson Welcome to BiggerPockets! Great to see you're planning ahead for your first investment in Iowa. There's definitely a lot to learn here! When you're ready to explore financing options or have any lending questions along the way, I'd be happy to help. Feel free to reach out anytime. Looking forward to connecting!
[email protected]248-408-3855
West Capital Lending5124 Reviews
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0 Reply
Flores MarcusPro Member
Investor · TX · Member since 2025 · 49 posts · 7 votes
2w
Welcome on Board!
0 Reply
Ashley RigsbeePro Member
Customer Success & Onboarding Specialist at BiggerPockets · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2023 · 162 posts · 56 votes
2w
Nice, glad to have you here! Even if it's just for the points :). What's one episode or idea that stuck with you the most?
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- Kaleb Olson
  OP
  Grimes, IA · Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 7 votes
  1w
  An idea that's stuck with me is exposure to different avenues to the same end goal. STRs, MTRs, LTRs, BRRR, flips, wholesaling, etc.
  0 Reply
Marc MoraPro Member
Investor · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Member since 2026 · 303 posts · 49 votes
1w
@Kaleb Olson , welcome to BP, let's connect. A year of listening plus a one to three year window is a good place to be, since there's time to figure out what you want from this before money is on the line. How hands on you want to be will probably shape a lot of what comes next. I'm happy to be one of your connections here, and to help you meet others worth knowing. Would you keep the full-time job while you invest?
Just sent you a DM.
1 Reply
- Kaleb Olson
  OP
  Grimes, IA · Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 7 votes
  1w
  Yes, planning to keep W-2 until either side business within my current industry or real estate hits a certain benchmark.
  1 Reply
- Marc MoraPro Member
  Investor · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Member since 2026 · 303 posts · 49 votes
  1w
  Got it, makes sense! Sent you a message, first one didn't make it
  0 Reply
Stevan Stojakovic
Lender · FL · Member since 2024 · 494 posts · 124 votes
1w
Welcome to BP, Kaleb! Giving yourself a runway to learn the market before jumping in is a super smart move. Central Iowa has some great steady-yield pockets for investment properties. When the time comes to look at how investment leverage (like DSCR or bridge loans) can help fund that first deal without relying entirely on your own savings, I'm always around to answer questions. Enjoy the learning phase!
1 Reply
Diana KhanPro Member
Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 806 posts · 291 votes
1w
Quote from @Kaleb Olson:
Hey, just introducing myself (to get the profile points ;) ).

Been listening to BiggerPockets podcast for around a year now after a recommendation from a customer at my full-time job.

I've learned a lot so far and can't wait to learn more from all of your real life experiences.

I'm located in the central Iowa area and hoping to invest here locally within the next 1-3 years. Can't wait to connect with some locals and continue learning!
Welcome to BiggerPockets, @Kaleb Olson! I think giving yourself time to learn before buying is a good approach. Since you're exploring different investment strategies, I'd focus on understanding which one fits your goals, budget, and the amount of time you can realistically commit while keeping your full time job.
I'm a real estate attorney, broker, and investor based in Maryland, and I work with clients on property purchases, contracts, and rental matters. I've seen how important it is to understand the responsibilities that come with each type of investment, especially when it involves tenants, renovation work, or different rental arrangements.
Thanks for sharing your plans, @Kaleb Olson! It's great that you're taking the time to prepare before making your first investment. Wishing you success, and happy to stay connected!
[email protected]240-266-0291
1 Reply
Erik EstradaBusiness Member
Lender · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2022 · 7k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3h
Welcome to BP, Kaleb! A year of podcast listening plus a one-to-three-year runway before deploying capital is a great way to come in, and keeping your W-2 while you figure out which path — STRs, MTRs, BRRRR, flips — fits Grimes and central Iowa is smart. I'm Erik, a mortgage broker in LA working with investors on DSCR, fix and flip, and bridge loans; when the time comes to look at financing your first deal in Iowa, feel free to tag me here. Happy to be a resource as you learn. Best, Erik
[email protected]818-269-7983
LuxePrivate Investments LLC 571 Reviews
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