How can someone who's new to real estate build connections on the Internet?

Question

Hello everyone,

I'm currently new to the real estate investing scene and I've been reading the "How to invest in Real Estate" by Josh Dorkin and Brandon Turner. I've found this book to be a real eye opener to someone like me who has little to no knowledge of real estate. But my question is, how can I build relationships with people who have the knowledge and the experience and get them to be willing to take me under their wing to teach me? I've offered to work for free ( I currently work at an investment company) but they don't seem to care and was told by one that if they did that then I would be competition. I found this silly but I understood in a way as well. So, if anyone could give me any advice on how they built their connections to finally feel like you have someone that you can come to with your questions, it would be much appreciated. I hope to build some relationships on this forum as well and hope to find some local investors that would like someone they could teach the ropes as the saying goes.

Thank you!

Laurence J. · Answer

@Christopher Call what part of real estate are you wanting to get involved in? Are you wanting to be a real estate investor, service provider to investors? Our team was just talking about this together and when thinking about connecting with people, there are really three things that can be brought to the table to make yourself appealing to work with: 1) Money, 2) Time, 3) Skills (credit to @Dave Meyer for these concepts).

I used to believe that bringing any one of these to the table was enough and you could find someone who has the other two. But if you can bring two of these to the table when having a conversation with someone, then I think that will make connections for you much easier. Seeing how you're still in college, my guess is the harder one for you to bring is money, so focus on the other two.

Time is easy to give. Protect that so it can be used.

For skills. I want to draw the distinction from knowledge or education. I don't think listening to podcasts and reading books builds skills, that only builds knowledge. Skill is gained from practice. So you need to get out and practice. Thats why I'm asking what area of real estate you're interested in, thats where you need to practice. For instance, if you want to be a long-term buy-and-hold investor, then get some practice as a handyman, which is a core skill in managing a property. Get some practice as a leasing agent. Then take those skills (and your time) and reach out to other investors.

Last thing, if you want to connect with folks online today, grab a free BiggerPockets account, and click around on the map near you to see real estate investors near you. Simply click connect and see what happens.

Best,

Laurence

Dan Handford · Answer

Christopher, relationships usually develop faster when you offer a specific useful contribution instead of asking someone to teach you broadly. Pick one local strategy, analyze deals consistently, attend the same investor groups, and share concise observations or questions that show you did the work. You could help with property research, comp organization, follow-up, or documenting lessons without asking for confidential information or unpaid access to someone's business. Over time, reliability creates the mentorship naturally. What skill from your current investment-company role could you use to help a local investor solve a real problem?

Travis Goodwin · Answer

Christopher, you are actually right in my backyard. I’m in Cross Lanes and have been buying houses around Huntington and the surrounding areas for years.

One thing I would change is asking someone to take you under their wing or offering to work for free. That sounds generous, but experienced investors may hear it as another person they have to train and manage. Instead, ask what they are buying and find a specific way to help. Bring them a lead, drive by a property, take pictures, research an owner, or help solve a real problem.

Relationships usually develop through repeated conversations and doing what you say you will do. Ask smaller, specific questions instead of asking someone to teach you the entire business.

Erik Estrada · Answer

I went through the same thing you did when I launched my mortgage brokerage company. Not many people will trust a hungry young person and teach them how to fish for free. Yes you can offer your time and be an assistant, but if you have no clue what you are doing, people don't have the time to teach.

Sometimes you just have to be a good salesperson and really dial the numbers, send out LinkedIn invites, or go to local forums, even take a few trips far away to get an opportunity. Eventually you will convince someone that was also once like you and has nothing to lose by teaching you a few things.

If there is anything I can recommend, is read a bunch of books on selling, persuading, marketing, etc.. These tools are extremely valuable in real estate.

Travis Timmons · Answer

I have absolutely nothing to sell and would be happy to have a chat if you think that I can be a resource. Feel free to send me a direct message. I can't promise ongoing mentorship, but I'll have a conversation.  I've been at it for a bit and have experience in live-in flips, short term, mid term, and long term rentals along with a small development project we are starting within the next year.

I'm oversimplifying a bit, but people either want to help or they don't. The concept of adding value is unlikely to actually work out. If I need help, I'm just going to pay someone that already knows what they are doing.

Emmanuel Richard · Answer

Welcome, Christopher! One thing that's worked for people I've seen in similar spots: instead of asking to be mentored directly (which can feel like a big ask to a stranger), try adding real value first in specific, visible ways commenting thoughtfully on people's posts here, showing up consistently at local meetups, or offering a specific skill you already have that they might actually need. Mentorship usually happens organically once someone notices you're useful to have around, not from a cold "take me under your wing" ask. Good luck the fact that you're already reading and asking questions puts you ahead of most people starting out.

Eric Augustyn · Answer

Hi Christopher - You are just starting your journey so do not get discouraged.  In 2010 I stood up in front of 150 people at a rental housing association asking for a mentor and pitching my ideas, it fell flat and was even mocked.  It just made me more determined.  With that said - I find the best way to show immediate value is to source a deal for someone.  This can be done using your network, door to door, cold calling, etc.  I have had several college kids source for me doing whole sale type approaches, however we kept the deals in house.  If someone were to bring me a deal 25% below comps in markets I am active in, I'd work with them.

Another option is to join a PM company learn maintenance or leasing.  SFR PMs are always looking for good people who are hard working.  Always.

Erik Estrada · Answer

@Christopher Call

I don't think you need a bachelors degree unless you want to start at an entry level commercial RE firm or debt/equity firm. The key is building your connections, going to real estate conferences, and being in the same room with people in the same/or similar industry. It is very much a people's business.

Linda Schultz · Answer

Try going to meetups online - I find in person more effective but both do work. Once you get to know people, you'll find someone you connect with that can help. Often it's more than one person. Good luck on your investing journey.

Christopher Call · Answer

@Travis Timmons

Hi Travis,

Thank you for your reply as well. I sent you a connection request and I'd love to pick your brain some, on what you did when you started real estate and if you have any insight on starting a LinkedIn just to connect with people in the real estate business. I also find living in my state (West Virginia) to be quite a task to get anybody to wanna help or is looking to help as well as having real estate confrences to meet and greet potential investors. I look forward to chatting with you and hope to continue a on going relationship.

How can someone who's new to real estate build connections on the Internet?

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