Real Estate Investors Networking Event Advice

Hey all, I'm going to a networking event in Arlington, VA this week to attend an informal networking event with like 15-20ish apartment investors who are in the middle market syndication space. 

I recently graduated college and am working as an analyst at one of the large brokerages and am saving money for my first investment property but eventually want to segue in that area of the business so not sure how much value I can add to these people at this point in time. The reason I'm going to this is to hopefully find mentorship but of course I'm not going to say that directly to those people. Any tips of how to craft my story of what I'm doing to where I eventually want to go when I'm introducing myself? Any advice would be greatly appreciated on this

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When you don't think you can add value, the best next thing you can offer is flattery. I think being humble and approaching the conversation as a recent college graduate just trying to learn more about the space is good, and if the context is right, I would try to push from the angle of - how did you get to where you are today (college onward), how do you think about your investments (day to day), and do you have any advice for someone trying to become like you (less awkward than "mentor me pls")? Most investors (esp in real estate) love getting their ego stoked, and they absolutely love talking about themselves. I would 100% focus on their life and not really bother talking about yourself - if they are piqued, they'll start asking you questions as well and will offer mentorship, etc., but it's awkward to bring it up cold.

On a more practical note, if there is an RSVP list, get LinkedIn premium and look up a fact or two on the people attending the event and see if you can work that into conversations. Also, read up on the space and know secular and regional trends in the asset class. Huge plus if those real estate people were in like an industry magazine or article, and you tell them you saw them in it.

 

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