I think I've found my tribe... Newbie from SC living in CO!

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I think I've found my tribe... Newbie from SC living in CO!

Matthew Crawford
Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 6 votes

Greetings and Good Morning to all the great individuals here on BP!

My name is Matthew Crawford and call it fate or simple luck, I stumbled upon the BP community a few months back. Ever since then, I have been actively mining the gems that are weaved throughout this amazing platform! Be it the podcast, the ultimate beginners guide or scanning the numerous threads, it seems this tribe has got it going on! And I love it!

Essentially I just graduated from Clemson University with a Graphic Communications/Marketing double major and instead of grabbing that comfy 30k-40k job over in Greenville/Charlotte/Atlanta like all my peers, I packed up my car, took a gamble and drove west. Freelancing paid for gas, but eventually I found a lead for a marketing gig in Denver! It's been around 3 months since I planted roots here in the mile high city and it seems there is some wind in the proverbial sails. 

As I began to pay an arm and a leg for rent here in Denver, the reality of finances and supporting one's self truly set in. Thus I started reading and learning how to diversify my revenue channels and create some passive income. This led me down the road to RE and more notable REI. With my passion for meeting people and creating marketing strategies, this coincidentally seems like a perfect fit!

My questions at this present moment are: 

Which REIA groups would you all recommend for here and around Denver?

What is the best way to learn about direct mail campaigns for wholesaling?

Any glaring mistakes or hiccups that were made in the first year or two, that you would now avoid with your current knowledge? (Basically the 'If I would've known what I know now' dilemma)

Mentors.. The elusive Jedi.. Any recos on how to find and partner with a willing teacher?

I have a million more questions and I am very eager to listen to those who have blazed their trails before me. Please feel free to share any advice or recommendations and I will do my best to eventually return the favor!

Thank you all very much and blessings and success your way!

Matthew Crawford

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Theresa W.
Rental Property Investor · Golden, CO · Member since 2014 · 136 posts · 65 votes
10y

Welcome @Matthew Crawford. 

The monthly Denver meetup is great for learning - I meet someone that helps me at every single meeting.  Plus, beer.  What's not to like?

As far as finding a Jedi, I've observed that if you're engaged in the community and focus in on a specific area of REI, you'll soon find the folks that are already doing what you seek.

This is not enough, though.  Padawans must demonstrate continued interest.  Jedis are tired of meeting folks that express interest and don't follow through.  Keep attending the meetings and do your own research to ask specific questions that show you've been vetting deals.  You'll get to know the Jedis and they will see your dedication.

Your Jedis and my Jedis may not be the same (I am buy and hold), but if you attend a meeting, I will buy you a beer and introduce you to some.

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  • Mindy JensenPro Member
    BiggerPockets Money Podcast Host · Longmont, CO · Member since 2014 · 7k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    10y

    Welcome to BiggerPockets, @Matthew Crawford. I know at least one Clemson guy on the site. I'll tag @Chad Carson here so he can say hi, too.

    I'm just up the road from you in Longmont. There's an Erie meetup on 4/20 at The Old Mine at 6:00 pm. You just missed the Denver meetup but never fear, it'll come around again next month. I think the first Monday, but I'll tag @Anson Young to confirm.

    Last night was the Landlord Meetup in Denver hosted by @Bill S. (Still working on a way to tag you, Bill.)

    Denver is a hot hot hot market, but that doesn't mean there aren't deals to be found. Connect with an agent who really knows the area, who can give you some ideas of places to look. 

    @Scott Trench hosted an under 26 or under 30 landlord meetup a couple of weeks back. He may do another one. 

    Denver is amazing. You'll love it here and never want to leave.

    [email protected]Podcast Guest on Show #261
    BiggerPockets
    1Reply
  • Michael Lee
    Investor · Coppell, TX · Member since 2008 · 2k+ posts · 646 votes
    10y

    Hello and welcome to BP!  You did find a good place here.  I think that Education is the key to success .  I have also heard that education will minimize your mistakes and having some fear are pretty normal.  Just learn from your mistakes and turn any fear to a positive thing.  Always do the numbers for your project before you make an offer.  Try to look at a property before you make an offer too or at least have a clause in the sales contract that will give you some time ( usually 15 days) that will allow you to look at it and back out for no more than your earnest money on that project.  Find/Get a Team of local, experienced, and trustworthy Team members that will promptly return your calls. Focus yourself on what is income producing.  Do not be afraid to hire out stuff you do not know or do.  Always insure the property right after you close.  Try to change the exterior door locks as soon as soonyou can after you close.  If the locks are still good just install them at another address.

    I am 59 years old and I found BP about 7 months ago and I still don't know what I want to do.  I went to college and got a business degree that emphasized real estate.  Since I was in Texas and planned on staying there I qualified for a broker license and kept it for about 30 years.  My father has been in real estate sales for about 40 years and he has taught me a little bit.  I did a few deals for other people. If you think I can help you please contact me through BP at any time.  Good luck!

    1Reply
  • Theresa W.
    Rental Property Investor · Golden, CO · Member since 2014 · 136 posts · 65 votes
    10y

    Welcome @Matthew Crawford. 

    The monthly Denver meetup is great for learning - I meet someone that helps me at every single meeting.  Plus, beer.  What's not to like?

    As far as finding a Jedi, I've observed that if you're engaged in the community and focus in on a specific area of REI, you'll soon find the folks that are already doing what you seek.

    This is not enough, though.  Padawans must demonstrate continued interest.  Jedis are tired of meeting folks that express interest and don't follow through.  Keep attending the meetings and do your own research to ask specific questions that show you've been vetting deals.  You'll get to know the Jedis and they will see your dedication.

    Your Jedis and my Jedis may not be the same (I am buy and hold), but if you attend a meeting, I will buy you a beer and introduce you to some.

    4Reply
  • Ron T.
    Investor · Sharon, SC · Member since 2014 · 77 posts · 40 votes
    10y

    Greetings from another, Tiger!

    Great community here.

    I Love CO. However I wish you were local, I'd be glad to work together and I think our skill set would compliment each other well. Ive actually been looking for a partner or employee with either a marketing or computer background to help on the acquisition side.

    1Reply
  • Matthew Crawford
    OP
    Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 6 votes
    10y

    @Mindy Jensen Thank you for all this great info! Glad to see there are some Tigers in this neck of the woods. A little Orange and Purple looks pretty good on BP! I certainly would love to check out any of the meetups you listed above, and the Erie meetup at The Old Mine might just work wonders! Looks like a really great venue.

    I understand Denver is flaming hot, but Gold is only refined by Fire! I'll take up your advice on trying to find a great agent in the area, and hopefully form some solid partnerships which will enable me to learn the market! 

    Thanks again Mindy for all the help thus far and will be reaching out to those you tagged in this thread shortly!

    Have an awesome Tuesday!

    MC

    1Reply
  • Matthew Crawford
    OP
    Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 6 votes
    10y

    Man, I cannot express how much I love you guys. Just reading through these responses evokes a great passion within me. Thank you @Michael Lee for the sage advice on turning fear into a positive asset, who needs fear anyways! Many thanks to @Theresa W. for expanding on my love for Star Wars and I definitely will be attending meetings and beers will be shared!! I look very forward to meeting you. And of course @Ron T. I always love to meet a fellow Tiger, I grew up in McConnells so not too far away from your stomping grounds! Will surely keep in touch and wish you the best back in SC! Thank you all again and so stoked to be apart of this great tribe! Let's rock out this week!!

    0Reply
  • Daniel Eisman
    Investor · Lakewood, CO · Member since 2015 · 112 posts · 28 votes
    10y

    Hey @Matthew Crawford!

    Welcome to BP! I, too, become overwhelmed with how much generosity there continues to be on this site. It's been such a fantastic way to meet and network. I second everyone's recommendations to attend all the local BP meetups, I can vouch for nearly every one mentioned (I'll make it up to Erie soon @Mindy Jensen and @Dan Mackin!)

    One tip I can give is to constantly look for ways to add value to other people. That in turn will show that you are dedicated and willing to learn. I'd love to chat with you sometime about your goals in real estate. Hopefully we can connect at the next meetup! Best of luck!

    1Reply
  • Garry C.
    Rental Property Investor · Littleton, CO · Member since 2015 · 252 posts · 164 votes
    10y

    I'm not sure I can really add anything to what's already been written. I wanted to say what @Theresa W. said, but she beat me to it. Folks at the BP meetups can probably answer all of your questions, and once again, BEER. Figure out which one is closest to you and come join us. Or if you're in the middle, twice the meetup!

    I guess I can tag @Bill S. since @Mindy Jensen had trouble with it.

    1Reply
  • Matthew Crawford
    OP
    Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 6 votes
    10y

    thank you @Garry C.! First off the name of your company is awesome, second I truly appreciate your advice in regards to attending these BP meet ups. I live in south Denver, Monaco x Yale, and hope to find the closest meeting soon! Looking forward to shaking your hand in the near future!

    0Reply
  • Garry C.
    Rental Property Investor · Littleton, CO · Member since 2015 · 252 posts · 164 votes
    10y

    When I first came to Denver I lived in that area too, Glendale is great. I was off Colorado and Mississippi for a few weeks, then Quebec and Illiff for a while before I began the slow and steady migration to the burbs. You're relatively close to the Denver Bicycle Cafe where the monthly BP meetup is held, and virtually right on top of the John Fisher's Breakfast club meeting. Maybe I'll see you at one or both.

    0Reply
  • Troy Miller
    Professional · Denver, CO · Member since 2014 · 50 posts · 11 votes
    10y

    @Matthew Crawford, I been to many groups around the country. I've seen some of the best and some of the very worst.  I always ask, what are the intention for the group, and its leadership team.  Feel free to connect with me, and I'll give you the lay of the land! @Garry C. is right with John Fisher's Breakfast Club. And of course, I'm partial to one of the biggest one's in denver and across the state! lol

    0Reply
  • Michael Lee
    Investor · Coppell, TX · Member since 2008 · 2k+ posts · 646 votes
    10y

    Hello! Thanks for your writing and let me know if I can help you with construction or real estate.  Sorry it took me so long to get back to you but I am still learning how to use this site.

    0Reply
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