All Forum Posts by: Dale Stevens

You do need to get out and meet "IN PERSON" others doing the same things in the LOCAL areas. Not saying all are like this, but there are many people that create fake online personas. They spew advice with is nothing more than utter BS. SO be sure to do your homework. I mean isn't there a TV show where they catch people having fake online relationships with people?

Anyway, I found great information on here, but really was able to hit the gas on my career after networking with people at LOCAL REI CLUBS. I have a list that I attended and my input/feedback on them.

I highly suggest getting out to local REI Clubs and networking as well as listening and learning. Go to many, as they all have different attendees, are run differently, have a different personality to them. Your first, you may hate, but don't think that it speaks for all the clubs. They are all different.

Good luck to you!

I have had great service, luck, etc... overall experience with Midland IRA. Just my $.02 worth.

I am with Nick on this one. People sometimes make money from Wholesaling. Is it decent money? Not really. Again this can vary by market, but in my years here in Chicago, haven't seen a TON of money made. 

I recently attended a REI Club here in Chicago and the guy running asked all the new people a question. Did they get excited to get into real estate to be a wholesaler? OR did they only learn the term after attending a "GURU" seminar in person or online.

I think you can guess the unanimous winner on that one.

Trust in your abilities and do what is deep in your heart. 

I will never own a property as a rental in Cook County, let alone inside Chicago proper. There are areas in Illinois that are more business owner (landlord) friendly and less friendly to people that want free rides.  SO I am not exiting all of Illinois, just Cook.

Wanting to remain in Property Management or become and owner where the real money is made?

Agreed, Hammond can be a pain in the royal behind. They are notorious for chasing landlords away due to their ever changing regulations. And LICENSED contract... yeah LICENSED IN HAMMOND. not just in general. Even to paint! You are not allowed to paint yourself even.

Plus register the rental, which Hammond is suing the STATE OF INDIANA over as there is a state law limited the fees, but Hammond is still collecting huge fees even higher for non-Hammond residents (which the state law prohibits as the fees are to help the tenants, who would be RESIDENTS).

I have shut down any and all business in Hammond due to the regulation oversight that is ever changing.

And yes that area is a little sketchy that is a huge truck route as well. If you can get north and west it is a little better, but to be east of that intersection or South and East, I would avoid it.

Also make sure, if you do move forward, to line up a good eviction attorney in that area. 

The CCIA is great (Jane Garvey), and it has been around for decades. But it is 100% driven by GURUS presenting and selling their wares. If you want to avoid that, there is a group that has been around for 15-16 years or so, that is 100% no guru, no sales. The WCRT! I like the approach they have. http://www.wcrt.org/ or facebook them at http://www.facebook.com/wcrtchicago 

@Alex Franzese welcome to BP, terrific to have you here. I would never advise a newbie to buy a six flat. Did you learn to drive on a U-Haul or a short school bus? NO!!! 

Get out and network locally at some of the awesome groups that are available. Connect with me on here and I will share with you my insights on all the groups.

Speaking of Networking... @Account Closed can't say it was appreciated to leave a networking event specifically for REI, to find yoru business card stuck under my wiper blade, guess you don't like actually attending, just leaving items on peoples cars? Low class move my friend. LOW CLASS!!