John, A REIA has two functions... One function is for the members to become educated in how to Invest in Real Estate. The second function is for Investors to network, and either find deals or create their team. We teach that you need to build your team or partner with someone who has a team in place. Why? If you just started out, and you found your first potential deal then what is next? 1.Title Agent (or someone with the ability to run title). 2. I see it this way because I know how to generate leads, and work a market in my backyard. If your market is not local then I would suggest finding a trustworthy investor or RE agent to scout for leads in the area of your choice.If you are like me and working your own neighborhood, after a property is contracted (or even before) it is a good idea to run title. Make sure there is a clean title, and that the owner is who they say they are. You can find out other information such as existing loans on the house or if it is free and clear. Once you know the title info you can speak with the owner, verify the information (not by saying you already have it). If everything matches up you will be able to make a good offer, or if you have a contract then you will know if there maybe any upcoming issues or not.3. List the rest of your team in order of neccessity, and please explain how they will benefit your Real Estate Investment business?Next I would partner with the money man! Find a private lender, or if you are quick turning property then have a good hard money lender. (a good way to do this is the "haves and wants" at your local REIA meeting. If you plan on using a land trust then I suggest finding someone knowledgeable in land trusts... If this is your first deal then I would look for a good escrow agent. Once you have a clean title, and a contract then the only thing left is for you to put the money into escrow and purchase.After you own the property then it is a whole different ball of wax and totally depends on what you plan on doing with it, wholesaling, flipping, holding, etc.
