Hi all,

I recently joined BP after hearing it mentioned numerous times on the "Mad Fientist" podcast and after reading @Scott Trench's "Set for Life." I'm a complete novice when it comes to REI but from what I've seen so far, BP is the place to be to get started. I've spent a little time exploring the forums, blog, etc. and figured if I'm going to make any progress, I need to introduce myself and start networking.

I'm in the New Orleans, LA area and know I will be here for at least the next 2-3 years minimum. At present, my goal is to get my financial house in order and build up sufficient capital to invest in my first house hack (likely a 2-4-plex). While my training is as an academic research scientist, my dad was a "jack of all trades, master of none" so I've got a very small background in some DIY areas and the "why pay someone else if I can do it myself" attitude so I'm definitely up for learning to fix-up a property myself. I know my limits though and am not one to get too far out of my depth.

Beyond my initial goal, my interest is primarily in small MF properties and perhaps the occasional SF, all purchased as either a house hack or straight rental.

I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone in the weeks/months/years to come and I'm always open to advice. I'm always happy to offer my own advice too, though as it stands, unless you need advice on experimental design or assay optimization I don't know how useful my advice will be. lol

Best,

Matt