Getting into CRE as an investor with capital... How to find other investors/mentors? To be more specific...
I'm in the Dallas/Fort Worth market and I'm brand new to the CRE world (and real estate world in general), and have a sizable chunk of capital to put into a property. I've been heavily digging deep into CRE for the past 4 months on my own, listening to podcasts, taking a few courses, underwriting deals (to the best of my ability). How do I find (and network with) actual local investors in my area who are doing the same?

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I can go on loopnet and underwrite deals all day... but that only gets you so far... I don't know the things to watch-out for... or things to avoid. If I find a deal with numbers that look really good, how do I know there isn't something disgustingly wrong with that property that most investors will avoid?

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I can call realtors from loopnet and have them put me on their email lists for deals... but again, their goal is to sell a property, so it's somewhat of a conflict of interest lol, so I still don't have anyone in my corner guiding me through things to watch-out for.

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And I can listen to podcasts and watch youtube videos all day as well, but if I find a property I'm thinking about investing into, I would like to run it by another local investor to get their opinion before I make the jump. The market right now is constantly changing, and some info from podcasts can become outdated quickly in todays market. Also each market is unique (especially DFW market).

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In my situation, wouldn't it be beneficial to network with other "local" investors (class-b, industrial/office/retail/value add)? If so, how do I find these people? I'm trying to find local events to go to, but most are for residential RE, or cater to agents/brokers. How do I find the actual investors?

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Lastly, how do I ensure the person I get in touch with, has a good track record? I mean, I don't want to be disrespectful/or offend them by asking them for their track record when I'm the one who's reaching out to build a contact or possibly ask them to guide me on things (or maybe even partner up on a deal), but I would also want to ensure this person really knows what they're doing...

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Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
[{"id": "isghuz7", "text": "You can talk to people all day. Brokers will humor you for a short while, if you don\u2019t buy, next. \n\nThe only way to do it, is to do it. \n\nIf you see the deal, do it. Put the deposit down, get under contract and go. The money will be there if it\u2019s solid and you can explain it in a few sentences", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "isgk6ov", "text": "I don't know how old you are but ask your parents and friends if they know anyone who owns commercial properties.  Another place to ask is the commercial lending department at your bank, assuming you bank locally and not with Wells Fargo or some other national bank.\n\nThen you can try to set up a phone call with any current owners who your contacts think would be interested in chatting.  Done owners are very open and friendly and some are pricks lol.  But anyway someone in your network of people you know surely knows some investors in your steam. I'd start there!", "replies": [{"id": "ishpof8", "text": "I appreciate it!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "isgpnlw", "text": "ICSC dallas was held in September, but you can meet tons of commercial people at ICSC conferences.", "replies": [{"id": "ishzpp0", "text": "NAIOP has a conference in Dallas this week.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "isgqbs6", "text": "Your mortgage lender will be the one asking the most questions and demanding the most documents and being the most critical eye as it's their money at risk. \n\nI would take a meeting with some lenders too.", "replies": [{"id": "ishpmsc", "text": "Great idea, thanks", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "isizym7", "text": "Often, they\u2019re good ones to ask if you\u2019re looking for a lawyer and accountant. Maybe avoid  asking your broker to avoid a conflict of interest.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "iskf4tl", "text": "I agree with this and the top comment about just doing it.\n\nI was in a similar position as you in the past. Lots of capital but no direct experience. Read everything I could, even actual CRE college textbooks.\n\nGot a buyers broker who helped guide me but even still, he would steer me towards properties that didn't meet my criteria.  The 1st deal I went into contract with it was my accountant who asked why I would consider this property (less than .25 acre lot, etc etc). Walked out on that one.\n\n2nd deal decent (although accountant once again brought up issues) but during feasibilty period Covid hit so walked away.\nEventually got a feel for what I was looking for and red flags.  Having a lender on the deal helps because that's one more pair of eyes with a vested interest looking over your shoulder.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "isgy18r", "text": "Look up Commercail real estate investors trade organizations and join one.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ishbzwr", "text": "Go to Meetups. Here's one in the DFW area - https://www.google.com/search?q=real+estate+investing+in+dallas+site%3Ameetup.com\n\nAlso, don't be afraid to ask for proof of track record, or at least references. If you're serious about investing you have to have a due diligence mindset.\n\nNo one you talk to will be perfect. The most important thing is how do they handle adversity. Do they tell the truth? Or do they stop returning phone calls?\n\nRight now is a good time to see how honest people are about their returns.", "replies": [{"id": "ishpkgb", "text": "Absolutely, DD is a must. Hopefully people will be open to share their experiences and track record", "replies": [{"id": "isi00yl", "text": "The typical problem is that successful investors don\u2019t need capital. I agree that OP needs thick skin and just put yourself out there. \n\nI\u2019d start with fiduciary vendors, attorney is very useful (biased of course)!", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "isj07pj", "text": "Checkout biggerpockets.com for local meet-ups, calculators, podcasts, books, etc.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ishfaw3", "text": "Find a great or top producing broker that you can get along with in your market area that doesn\u2019t represent the potential investment property in question and offer them \u201csweat equity\u201d for your first deal. See how it goes, maybe its a partnership that grows into something longer term.", "replies": [{"id": "ishpcyh", "text": "Great idea", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "isiztnt", "text": "Also brokers are often investors themselves. Ask them for recommendations to build your vendor list (GC, a/c tech, ins. agent, roofer, plumber, electrician, etc)", "replies": [{"id": "isjwxdm", "text": "Agree.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ishkgy6", "text": "What's your favorite asset class? Dallas has a very large Multifamily investment community.\n\nI'd be starting at CRE or Multi meetups.", "replies": [{"id": "ishpa65", "text": "Thanks! I'm looking mostly into Storage/Outdoor Storage, or NNN (office/industrial/retail)", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ishko65", "text": "There is social media, real estate meetup, hit up investors that you find on YouTube. I\u2019m an investor in LA and Baltimore markets thus far but tx is on my radar. Check me out on my ig -TennHouseLLC", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ishzjw2", "text": "I\u2019m in Dallas. Happy to chat or meet for coffee. \n\nCommercial real estate attorney and investor with over 100,000 sq ft of NNN industrial. Closed three months ago on. 5.5 acre site in Haltom City. \n\nhttps://youtu.be/LQu3ubOw0_A", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "isjp4v0", "text": "There are many Meetups in DFW that focus on multifamily. Also check out Old Capital. They\u2019re a lender and they have good events.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "isjsu06", "text": "Hey there, I do land development in San Antonio. One of the best ways to get started is find the one bonkers deal that can't go sideways, but that's what everyone is looking for.\n\nI've done work with DR Horton and Lennar before, as well as some commercial.\n\nIf you want to bounce some ideas off me, feel free to message me and we can chat, no pressure.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "islk4n4", "text": "No real advice but I want to share that I'm in your exact same situation and market.\n\nMy ambition is far exceeding my talent here and I'm nervous about making mistakes. A lot of great advice here that I'll be taking!", "replies": [{"id": "isuw23u", "text": "What market are you in?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]