This is a repost of an original piece I wrote in 2009. The major change is you can contact me to find the investor specialist realtors nationwide. I will find them for you and coach you through the process —Matt
OK so you have decided that your investing goals are. Congratulations! You have gotten further than most just by doing that. The next thing you need to do is start building your network.
Huh? But what about the houses, the foreclosures, the deals… ? No, I said build your network. What network? The network you are going to need to be successful investing in real estate. This will eventually include other investors, realtors, attorneys, lenders, financial partners, handymen, contractors, and lawn care providers to name a few, but let’s not get overwhelmed right away.
I would start by doing two things:
1. Find your local Real Estate Investing Association (REIA, commonly pronounced “Ree-uh”) and start going to the meetings. When you go, get there early and stay late and ask questions of the people who seem to be the most knowledgeable.
2. Find investor-friendly realtors and begin to develop relationships with them. You can find out who they are by asking around, especially at the local REIA meetings and also by searching online. The key here is to find multiple realtors who are willing to work with you, explain the local market and eventually assist you with purchases. Don’t overanalyze who the perfect realtor might be; start now by finding one who appears to be active in the local market and calling. If he or she is not friendly and/or willing to talk, go on to the next one. Remember, you are looking for a few partnerships with solid people who are willing to work with you in your quest to find good investment properties. Start by asking any questions about the local market that you can think of along with any questions you might have about any investing strategies you may want to try. Remember that many realtors are also real estate investors and have a wealth of knowledge about what may or may not work in your market.
Next Issue — OK, I am building my network. Now what?
