Hey everybody! I am new to real estate and am looking into purchasing my first deal in Grand Rapids, MI or one of the surrounding areas. Does anybody have advice on investing in the area or specifics I need to know before jumping in?

Welcome to BP @Chris Winslow

Research the area and make contact with the real estate agents and property managers there.

Also go to the local meet ups!

Welcome as well!!

Amber Jones with Blu House Properties is a great agent if you need one.  She helped me with my first investment property purchase.  She has a great network of agents that know the area and gave me great advice on rentable areas and expectations from possible tenants.

Feel free to reach out to me. I have lived here for decades and have sold real estate here for the past 15. I am a broker and an investor.