Hi Everyone,

My name is Richard and I am a Bay Area native.  I've only lived outside of the Bay Area for a few months (Beijing) and would love to stay here for a few more years.  My goal is to gain financial freedom.  I'm a licensed CPA, but am trying to find a new career.  I'm currently binge-listening to all of the BP podcasts.  

I heard about BP after signing up for a trial membership to Audible.  I had an Audible credit and it was between that Josh's book on Rental Property Investing or Shark Tank (how different would my life be if I downloaded Shark Tank instead?).   I actually have to finish listening to the audiobook since I got sidetracked with the podcasts.

My family owns a large plot of empty land in the East Bay and I'm interested in building some rental property on it.  

It's nice meeting you all.  I can tell from the forum rules that I'm safe asking newbie questions here, which I very much appreciate.

-Richard

@Richard Trang congrats on joining BP and looking forward to watching you grow and build out your network. I do not have any experience with building so I can't give you advice on it. However I am familiar with heavy renovations and I would say whatever you think it will cost to build I would add 20-25% to it! All the best on your project.

Originally posted by @Scott Morongell :

@Richard Trang congrats on joining BP and looking forward to watching you grow and build out your network. I do not have any experience with building so I can't give you advice on it. However I am familiar with heavy renovations and I would say whatever you think it will cost to build I would add 20-25% to it! All the best on your project.

 Thank you Scott.  I guess I should start doing the research.  

Welcome to BiggerPockets Richard and good luck investing!

Originally posted by @Andrew Syrios :

Welcome to BiggerPockets Richard and good luck investing!

 Thank you Andrew!

Hello! @Richard Trang

Welcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.

I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing. Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.

First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp

The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciated

The last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent. There are many agents out there, but it’s important to choose the right one.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52724-im-new-to-investing-how-do-i-find-an-investor-friendly-agent

I love answering questions if you have any! Good Luck :)

@Richard Trang

Happy late welcome to Bigger Pockets.