HI BiggerPockets Team,

First off, let me tell you that I am truly excited to be here (officially) and be a Pro member here at Biggerpockets!

Oh…by the way…this is my first posting!

I have been reading BiggerPockets for several years now but recently decided to jump in feet first.

I am not a complete novice to Real Estate investing but I have a very long way to go in order to fulfill my dreams of giving my family the long term income and security they deserve.

I firmly believe that Real Estate along with a balanced portfolio of retirement accounts is the only way to go.

Real Estate has always been a passion of mine, to learn my craft and acquire as many income producing properties as possible.

As of recent and what really got me into high gear is that my first baby (girl) was born 8 months ago and I want to provide for her future unlike mine.

Now I have this new hunger, direction and priority in life and have decided to commit myself 100%

I know this is going to be a long process and am very ambitious and having a newborn is a powerful motivator to learn and create wealth for my wife and baby.

A little background on me…I am married and have a 8 month old baby girl. I graduated from college with a BA in Liberal studies and a minor in Communication. Professionally I have 19 years in Retail with over 8 year Store Operations Management experience and 11 years in corporate buying.

I am handy with rehabbing basics (my 2 condos) and professionally with corporate purchasing, project management andoptimizing operational flow.

Currently I own 2 condos and looking to add additional in or out of state cash flowing SFH and/or multifamily properties to our portfolio.

My primary strategy is buy and hold but I not opposed to flipping, wholesaling and would like to try tax liens. As I become more knowledgeable my plan may change but as of now I am positioned for a buy and hold strategy.

I am not opposed to investing outside of the state but am having a difficult time in finding the right area that is going to give me the best price-to-rent ratio.

My long term goal would be to work for myself and allow me and my wife the luxury and blessing to stay home so we can raise our baby…hopefully another one on the way in the not so distant future =)

My other long term goal would be to gain enough knowledge to become a major contributor to Biggerpockets.

However, in the meantime I still I still have to work my 9 to 5 job for at least the next 5 years until I acquire the knowledge and network to be a full time REI.

My short term goal would be to become a “Student of the Game” and to hopefully mentor under and add value to a seasoned local REI investor's business for free in return for their teachings, guidance and mentorship....this is priceless.

Until that day happens, I would not be opposed to changing jobs and going to work for a company that acquires and flips properties or wholesales in or out of state.

In order to attain my goals I have done the following:

* Read the Beginners Guide to Real Estate Investing

*Located 3 REI clubs based on testimonials and referrals.

*Listening to the Biggerpocket Podcasts (Podcasts 64, 60 and 54 rock!)

*Reading as much as I can here on Biggerpockets in between feedings and diaper    changes =)

I am hungry and driven to succeed for my family and myself!

I look forward to hearing your feedback and appreciate any and all advice and guidance.

Thank you,

Ronnie