Milwaukee REIA

[Jared Tillery]

Does anyone here in the Milwaukee area attend the local REIA? I have a busy work schedule and travel a lot, I was wondering if it was a good place to learn and worth the networking?

[Eric Lundberg]

Hey everyone - Full disclosure, I run the Milwaukee REIA so my opinion is slanted :)

@Jared Tillery Your question is a good one - I think attendance at a Milwaukee REIA meeting is well worth it, if like @Pat Parrillo says you're into talking to people and networking.  BP has fantastic learning opportunities - and some really smart local BP leaders (Ramon, Dawn, Nicole, just to name a few)- but I don't think there is a substitute for shaking a hand, looking someone in the eye and sharing experiences.  

As for connecting, the REIA has 5 meetings a month- the General meeting is on the 2nd Tuesday (6-9), there's a "Roundtable Discussion" meeting on the 4th Tuesday (6-9), Breakfast on the Third Wednesday (8:30-10) and a Ladies only meeting the last Thursday (12-1) of the month. There's usually a special event at least one Saturday a month as well. (all day)

For what it's worth, I've heard from our members that Nicole Pettis orchestrates a great BP Meetup.  Also, the Apartment Association of Milwaukee is really, really outstanding and the Milwaukee Wealth Builders has some great people in it too. (I'm not involved with these groups in any way, but I attend when I can).

My main point is this: Real Estate is a relational business, and however you can connect with people; online or in person is valuable.  Say hi if you ever make it in, and good luck :)