Real Estate Investor Associations – Love It or Hate It
Dana Ash-McGintyThis is a subject that I hear so many real estate investors discuss. Some love local REIA and others completely avoid them. Personally, I am not a big fan of the very large, corporate-like Real Estate Investor Associations. But, REIA’s can be very good for networking.
I’ve been to REIAs on the east coast that are two, three, four hundred members strong, where you go into a room that’s several thousand square feet, where each meeting is a large production.
I have also been to REIAs that were hosted at a small local restaurant with just a handful of and like-minded investors that shared ideas, contacts and truly invaluable information. You will have to choose the setting that’s most comfortable for you, but it is critically important that you surround yourself with people who think the way you do and share your investing goals. You will get a lot of value out of working together and that’s what the REIAs are designed to do.
I’ve started, managed and led a couple of REIA groups. Currently, I lead a 800+ person REIA Group in the Washington, DC Metro Area – DMV. Although, I will admit my time lately has been limited to curate events.
However for 2020, my goal is to maintain a forum where people can share ideas, concepts, strategies and techniques and really try to grow their business through the network.
It is critical for new investors to get involved with these types of organizations. It’s one thing to attend the meeting, it’s something quite different to actually participate and be involved.
I welcome you to come shake hands, introduce yourself, find out what other people are doing in real estate and make a point of staying in contact. You will get very little out of any REIA by simply being a wallflower in the corner.
You should start getting your name in front of other real estate investors and real estate professionals and networking. It is great to give our cards, but you really have to get actively involved.
There are well over 200+ REIAs and groups around the country. There probably will be one within a 30 minute drive of where you live. Go prepared to meet people and talk about what you are doing. You may even meet people there who are ready to do deals with you.
Just remember, the REIA is one of the most important things to have on your real estate investor to-do list.
If you’re frequently in the Washington DC Metro Area, I invite you to join us at the DC Real Estate Investors + Entrepreneurs Meetup.
See you there!
