All Forum Posts by: Ben L.

Hey Matt & Henry. I'm also new to the forums and am in Colorado Springs. I have a pretty extensive background in the local market as a commercial RE analyst, primarily by following the demographics, trends, commercial markets, etc. I know the neighborhoods pretty well. Hoping to jump into residential investing in the near future. Let me know if you guys are in the area. Maybe we could bounce some ideas off each other.

Thanks Michael. I'll try to hit that one too. Right across the street from my office.

Good point, Michael. At some point I have to jump in and do some trial by fire.

Jason, the club meeting I'm aware of is on the 1st at the Candlewood Suites on N. Academy. 6:30. Is this the one you're going to, or is there another club I'm not familiar with?

Hello everyone! New member here from Colorado Springs, CO.
My wife and I are getting to the phase in our life where we are slowly accumulating a little cash and think that residential real estate investing would be a good fit for our skillset and interests.

I have been the market research director for a local commercial real estate firm for over 7 years, so I am intimately familiar with the demographics, real estate market, etc., although the focus is primarily on the commercial side. I also enjoy running financial analysis on properties, so I hope to use this as a strength to find good residential opportunities.

I am looking to start small with cheaper SFR properties (probably foreclosures), fixing them up a little if necessary, renting and holding for cash flow and hopeful value appreciation. Grow into duplexes and quads as funds and opportunity arises. Not in any kind of rush. I am more than happy waiting for months if that's what it takes to find a good deal.

I would like to find information on the best ways to put together my team (realtors, mortgage brokers, property management if I decide to go that route, contractors, etc.). I am planning to go to our local REI club in a couple weeks, so hopefully that will be a good place to start. Any other suggestions? I also want to determine better local data to run my analysis (vacancies, buying costs, selling costs, property expenses, etc.). SFR rental data seems very hard to find.

Man, that's a lot of info. Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and I've been enjoying educating myself on this site.

Cheers!