Newbie from Northern Indiana (Fort Wayne/Indy)

Newbie from Northern Indiana (Fort Wayne/Indy)

Perrysburg, OH · Member since 2013 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Hello, bigger pockets.

My name is Eric Kartman, I am 21, and I'm from Fort Wayne, IN. Recently over the last month or so been listening to the bp podcast religiously, reading up on the beginners guide/blog/forums, and scouring the internet for valuable information. Also, I have been going to the library to find books to read. I have been expanding my mind with new and exciting information to take the plunge.

Currently, I'm on summer break from college and I have been working just a summer job to pay for basic college expenses. I am studying business finance and I play intercollegiate baseball (pitcher). I am a very active person trying to keep in shape both physically and mentally.

I am interested in wholesaling in fix and flipping because, in my opinion, they seem to be the earliest entry to jump in. Ideally, I'm open to anyone's thoughts and willing to adapt to other's opinions.

My goal is to be on track to be financially free after college. I commented to colleagues of mine from college that I wanted to be financially free before the age of 40. Every person I talked to said "That's impossible. 65 is more plausible." I smiled and kept going about my business. I believe that investing in real estate Is a tool to reach my goals.

A couple questions i have are:
Is there anyone around the fort wayne/ northern indiana area that would guide me through to start?
What are the challenges that most people see in their first couple months in real estate?
Are there any particular books that you recommend?

I appreciate your replies.

Thanks,
Eric

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Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2014 · 23 posts · 8 votes
12y

Hello @Eric Kartman,

While I'm new to BP also and only a few properties under my belt, I'd like to pass on a great tip I first got for this site right when I joined.

I got it from @Brandon Turner on my first posting and want to pass it on.

"If you haven't yet- be sure to setup some "Keyword Alerts."

I added a few things like "Indianapolis", "Indiana" and "I just won the lottery and looking to fund new REI out there", etc...

Sadly not all of them have triggered as well as I'd hoped :)

Hope you find the info here as useful as I have, and welcome to BP.

See this reply in the discussion

13 Replies

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  • Real Estate Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2010 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    13y

    Eric,

    Welcome to Bigger Pockets and to Ft. Wayne real estate. Besides reading books, feel free to come to the local REI meetings the third Saturday of every month at 9:30 am. Here is the link for the site:

    http://reiassociation.com

    Being able to network with people and hear from "experts" will help you gain a priceless education. Get up at the meeting during the "Say it in 60" and announce that you are looking to help someone out if they in turn will mentor you. That goes a long way. We try to work for WIN-WIN situations for everyone.

    Someone posted recently on Bigger Pockets about all the books mentioned on the recent podcasts. Do a search for that for reading ideas.

    Best to you!

  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    13y

    Hey Eric Kartman -
    Thanks for coming on board and for making your introduction! You asked about how to get started -- I'm partial to our Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing -- check it out, go through it, and let me know your thoughts.

    Good luck and we'll see you around the site!

  • Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2013 · 354 posts · 90 votes
    13y

    Is your name really Eric Kartman? If so, have you mastered Southpark impersonations?

    I've seen probably 10 people from Ft Wayne over the last couple of weeks on here. I may have a couple in my friends list.

    I'm down in Indianapolis, but would love to connect none the less!

  • Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2009 · 391 posts · 257 votes
    13y

    Hi Eric,
    Welcome to BP.
    Becoming financially independent by age 40 is easily achievable.
    I would be happy to give you some help.
    Chris

  • Perrysburg, OH · Member since 2013 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    13y

    Yes I'm really Eric Kartman. I'm quite the opposite of the character. He's 3 feet, I'm 6'8".

  • Investor · Wichita Falls, TX · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 603 votes
    13y

    Welcome to BiggerPockets Eric Kartman!

    You can definitely achieve financial independence by 40 if you put the work in right now to do so. Stay committed to your goals and don't let anything stop you, especially naysayers! It's great that you like to read, I believe with all my heart that the best learners become the best earners. Here is a great list of REI books: The Best Real Estate Books Ever

    Indiana is a GREAT market to be in, I happen to own a property in Indianapolis. Start saving some money aside because wholesaling isn't free (marketing takes capital!) Start making sure your credit is in tip-top shape while you have the time to do so now. Credit will play a big role later down the line.

    The big challenge I see with people in the first few months is with staying committed. Everything sounds exciting at first, but when it comes down to the Knitty Gritty(actually learning the business), they disappear! Great question & and I hope you catch my drift.

    I'm really looking forward to watching you grow as an investor. Get engaged in the forum discussions and keep us updated on your progress. See ya around!

  • Corey JacobsPro Member
    Investor · Ligonier, IN · Member since 2013 · 48 posts · 13 votes
    13y

    Eric Kartman welcome to the site. I am a fellow Indiana resident. I live about 40 min north of ft Wayne. I am 26. I am just getting into real estate. Along with you I want to be financially free by the time I'm 40. I know it can be done with some hard work. I'm looking more into the buy and hold. We should keep in touch. Good luck.

  • Brandon TurnerPro Member
    Investor · Maui, HI · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    13y

    Hey Eric Kartman welcome to the site! 6'8"! You are even taller than me! (I'm 6'5")

    Anyways -welcome! It's really good to have you here. Definitely jump in, ask questions, get connected with others, and let us know how we can help. Also - check out How to Start Investing In Real Estate at a Young Age and url=http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook]"The Book on Flipping Houses." [/url]

    Seeya around the site!

  • Real Estate Investor · Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2013 · 168 posts · 78 votes
    13y

    Welcome! I live and invest in Fort Wayne, its a great market. Someone mentioned the REI group already, I'm also a member and it offers a great chance to meet like minded people.

    Good luck!

  • Fort Wayne, IN · Member since 2013 · 5 posts · 2 votes
    13y

    Welcome @Eric Kartman!! I recently started here in Fort Wayne not to long ago and I am wet behind the ears but I HIGHLY advise talking to Chris Luithly! He will steer you in the right direction! We should meet up sometime as well! Inbox me on here for my email address! Happy Wholesaling!

  • Perrysburg, OH · Member since 2013 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    13y

    Thanks for the advise Zerrick Currie. I've been connecting with him to help me.

  • Real Estate Investor · OH · Member since 2013 · 12 posts · 6 votes
    13y

    We're currently wholesaling in the Fort Wayne area along with areas in northwestern Ohio. The area is really depressed and the margins can be a bit thin, but there's money to be made. Welcome!

  • Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2014 · 23 posts · 8 votes
    12y

    Hello @Eric Kartman,

    While I'm new to BP also and only a few properties under my belt, I'd like to pass on a great tip I first got for this site right when I joined.

    I got it from @Brandon Turner on my first posting and want to pass it on.

    "If you haven't yet- be sure to setup some "Keyword Alerts."

    I added a few things like "Indianapolis", "Indiana" and "I just won the lottery and looking to fund new REI out there", etc...

    Sadly not all of them have triggered as well as I'd hoped :)

    Hope you find the info here as useful as I have, and welcome to BP.

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