L
udomir Wanot, a Seattle-based real estate investor and entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of networking in achieving financial independence. Many successful investors have taken their first step by attending local meetups, which can connect them with potential lenders, agents, or business partners.

    Caleb Hommel and Chuck Sotelo, who started investing in real estate as teenagers, credit local meetups for helping them get started. Without money or experience, they attended events where they met a mentor who referred them to a paid program that would help them build a 28-unit portfolio using other people's money.

    Avery Heilbron, who graduated from college in 2018, also found success through networking. After attending local real estate events, he met an agent who helped him secure his first deal, a duplex that led to a 14-unit portfolio and enough rental income to retire early.

    Jeff White and Suleyka Bolaños, a Denver-based couple who retired in their 30s, used Meetup.com to find real estate networking events. They found it helpful to discuss strategy with like-minded individuals and connect with people who understood their goals and challenges.

    Ludomir Wanot recommends surrounding yourself with people who know more than you, asking questions, and building relationships with various individuals in the industry. This can lead to valuable connections that may become future business partners, lenders, or wholesalers.