New BP member from SoCal (Los Angeles area)

[Garan Kama]

Hey what's up all. My name is Garan and I currently reside in the Long Beach area of Southern California. I was born and raised in Hawaii and made my way to California after a short 4-year service in the USAF. I'm 35 years old and work for the Fire Department. I've always been interested in Real Estate investing but just wasn't wise enough or driven enough to take necessary action. The great thing is, I've always been financially responsible and "smart" with my money, so I have a decent base to start off with, not to mention the VA loan. I'm interested in multi-family investing but am also interested in SFR as well, but I am wanting to go more with out of state investing due to the rather crazy prices I see in SoCal. Anyway, I'm listening to a ton of podcasts, audible books, youtube videos, etc. I just have to compile my list of MINS do some LAPS and get on it.

[Garan Kama]

So I've been lurking, reading books, and listening to a ton of audible books and podcasts.  I took the plunge and paid for pro to be able to start using the calculators.  Here's an update on the steps I've recently took toward my goals of FI through real estate.  

1. I've narrowed down some markets and sent emails (similar to @David Greene's) to realtors in Raleigh, Nashville, Boise, Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Cleveland area.  I'm waiting to hear back from them and am in touch with a realtor and lender in Cleveland.  

2. I've started inquiring on rates for a HELOC on my primary residence in California for costs which would require more capital then what I have saved up.

3.  I've reviewed and re-calibrated mine and my girlfriends finances to get a better idea of how much more I can save (about half my monthly income) by being more cognizant of unneeded spending and decided to work more overtime to spend on the things we want to do or to super charge my/our investment savings.

Here's where I'm having a harder time and what I'll be trying to overcome next.

1.  Narrowing down which market(s) are best for me to start in. 

2.  I'm apprehensive due to a possible pullback on housing prices due to higher interest and other macro economic factors. 

3.  Making the right connections 

4.  Actually going to meetups and networking 

Other than that, I'm still trying to learn and soak in as much as I can.  I know I need to take action a little more, but i'm just trying to keep lining up and knocking down dominoes.  I appreciate everyone on this website for selflessly giving knowledge and encouragement.  Just a little update and pseudo journal for me to look back on.