New to REI from the New Orlean, LA area

[John C.]

Hello Bigger Pockets, and members!  My name is John, and I live in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans.  I am completely new to Real Estate Investing, but I am hungry, eager and willing!

My REI goals are to begin with wholesaling in order to generate cash. I would eventually consider rehabbing and rental strategies at some point in the future. Ultimately, I would like to be able to reduce/eliminate the need for "full-time" employment for both my wife and myself.

I am currently educating myself by reading as much as I can in preparation for "diving in." From what I've seen so far, I am elated to have found this site!

May we all have a need for "Bigger Pockets!"

John Cannoy

[Mehran K.]

Big welcome to the site @John C. , thanks for introducing yourself to everyone! I too am looking to replace W-2 income with REI income so I can be free :) I think it's great that you're taking the time to educate yourself.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the BiggerPockets Podcasts

See you around the forums!

[James Wise]

@John C. 

welcome to the site.

[John C.]

@James Wise  and @Mehran K. 

Thank you both for the welcome to Bigger Pockets!

John

[Peter MacKercher]

Welcome to Biggerpockets John. I am in STL please let me know if you need anything.

In the meantime here are 9 tips to help you grow your business using BP:

1. New to BP? http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere

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

3. Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice. And you get the benefit of having over 100 past ones to catch up on.

4. Develop your own business strategy. -- Don’t just be a “jack-of-all-trades" Even though I am.

5. Grow your business by developing your business plan. - Remember there is a difference between goals and a plan. http://www.biggerpockets.com/files

6. Locate and attend several different local REIAs as they’re great opportunities to network and meet wholesalers, lenders, and contractors.

7. Stay away from the “guru” sales-pitch events - they rarely increase your investment knowledge, they merely empty your wallet!

8. Spend some time every day on Bigger Pockets by connecting with “colleagues,” perusing blogs and videos, and engaging with others on the forums: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet

9. Set yourself up to receive free alerts to be notified of subjects that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

[Ron Hill]

Welcome to BP John I am live Laplace,La 

Ron

[George Kelley]

@John C. welcome to the BP community. All the best on your educational % investing road.

[John C.]

@Peter MacKercher  - Thank you for the welcome and all of the info.  I appreciate it!

[John C.]

@Ron Hill @George Kelley 

Thank you both for the welcome!  It's good to know that there are some active Louisiana residents here as well!

[Braden Smith]

Welcome to BP @John C. ! I'm located in NOLA. If you have any questions that I might be able to answer for you, feel free to reach out.

[John C.]

Thank you @Braden Smith for the welcome and the offer to be of assistance.  I'm likely to take you up on that, and, of course, reciprocate when I have something to offer!

John

[Dmitriy Fomichenko]

Welcome to BP community @John C.  It is a great place to meet new friends and learn about various aspects of real estate and more. 

Wishing you the best! 

[John C.]

Thank you @Dmitriy Fomichenko for the welcome!

I appreciate it and I am grateful to have found BP!