All Forum Posts by: Josh Straka

@John Woodrich I would love to do that. Whenever you plan on swinging up to Onamia, just give me a heads up and I'll do my best to make it work. I look forward to it, thanks!

@Jake Hilden don't worry, I got sucked into the pitch too (lol). I thought the price was reasonable as well. 

And @Bradley Gudim, would you mind messaging me your contact info? Thanks in advance!

I attended the Midwest REIA orientation as well just this last Thursday night. I can agree with @Jake Hilden that it seemed like a good group, the facilitators seemed extremely helpful and supportive. Of course they incorporated a pitch for a three day intensive training, but nothing too far out of line. The price seemed extremely reasonable for the content they were pitching. I was even able to network with several fellow investors to add to my wholesaling buyers list to make attending all the more beneficial.

And @Bradley Gudim, I currently reside an hour and a half north of the cities but would still be interested in meeting up at the MasterMind you are hosting. What are the details as far as time frame, location, and what all you would cover? Thanks in advance!

@Jake Hilden My personal opinion is similar to @John Woodrich. I personally obtained my real estate license earlier this year as well. Even with full intent of pursuing real estate investing, I still decided my brokerage based on two things:

1. I wanted a broker and colleagues welcome to calls/texts at anytime regarding any questions I may have more on the realtor side than the investing side.

2. I wanted a fair commission on the deals I do as a realtor and lower overhead costs. 

Bottom line: You can find fellow likeminded investors in other ways than relying on your brokerage you are a part of. The fact that you are active here on Bigger Pockets is a perfect example. 

In my personal experience, I ended up finding a smaller one-shop Brokerage with an acceptable percentage and no office rent or expenses. 

I would be interested in any meetups as well! I am located north of the cities area but will drive the distance for any kind of networking. If you guys figure out a set time and place, please connect with me and message me the details!

@Jake Hilden I also believe that real estate is hands down the best vehicle to financial freedom.

I am fairly new to real estate investing as well; therefore, I find it beneficial to be just a call or message away from likeminded people such as yourself. That being said, feel free to connect with me and message me here on Bigger Pockets anytime!

We all know this is a relationship business, so networking is key. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you @Suzanne Griffiths I will definitely take that into consideration! 

And @Andrew Mickelson, I will surely message you to see what your company has to offer!

@Jared Bouzek very helpful, thank you! I will look into that!

Hey everyone! I am looking for anyone who may have recommendations on lending options for those who do not have a substantial income on paper. I manage/bartend where tips cannot be counted for a typical bank loan and my hourly only sums up to a measly $22,000 annually. 

I have an existing mortgage on the home I own right now (which I purchased as a fix and flip foreclosure) so my DTI ratio is too high for a second mortgage.

I was just recently told by fellow BP members to search for portfolio or HML money... Any specific suggestions??

Thanks in advance!

@Larry Turowski when it comes to the "driving for dollars" concept, do you have any recommendations on direct mail marketing as far as a company to go through?