Hi BP,

My name is Michael Lembo and I'm a CPA in the Syracuse, NY area. For various reasons, including but not limited to my desire to improve my financial well-being so I can better provide for my family, I recently set a long-term goal to become a real estate investor. I've been listening to the BP podcasts for a while now, and finally got around to joining the forums. Really looking forward to engaging with some of you in the near future.

At the moment, my top priority is to connect with local real estate investors in the Syracuse, NY area and to develop a working relationship with a mentor. Before closing on my first deal, I'd like to take some time to continue reading and researching under the guidance of a mentor so that I can really learn about the real estate market in Upstate New York. I think it's important to build that foundation before even attempting to develop a specific investing approach/strategy, though I currently envision myself as a buy-and-hold, multi-family property investor.

My experience in real estate thus far is limited to closing on a single-family home (my primary living residence) and fixing it up (removing/replacing ceramic and vinyl tile flooring, painting, installing baseboards and shoe molding, installing light fixtures, landscaping, etc.). I love working with my hands and learning as much as possible when it comes to carpentry and general handy work. It's a nice change from sitting at a desk all day staring at numbers on a screen!

If there's anyone in Syracuse, NY (or Rochester, NY, or Upstate New York in general) who can provide information regarding any upcoming real estate education/networking events in the area, that would be greatly appreciated. I've set up key word alerts and will keep checking back.