REIA Meetings: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Win Your First Night
Sep 19, 2025
- REIA meetings (Real Estate Investors Association) are local meetups where investors learn, network, and find deals.
- Expect mixed experience levels—new investors to high-volume flippers—and practical education you won’t get from books alone.
- Typical formats: networking, market updates, guest speakers, Q&A, and deal-making; many groups meet monthly.
- Costs vary: many REIA meetings are free or $10–$20 per event; annual memberships often lower per-meeting costs.
- Arrive prepared: a clean pitch, business cards, and a clear ask (cash buyers, lenders, partners) dramatically increase your results.
REIA meetings were the highest-leverage habit I built early on. They put you face-to-face with real buyers, lenders, contractors, agents, and mentors—people who can move a deal forward this week, not someday.
Below you’ll find a beginner-friendly guide to what REIA meetings are, how they work, expected costs, what to wear, how to network, and exactly where to find a REIA near me. Use the jump links to skip to what you need.
- What Is REIA In Real Estate?
- What Is A REIA Meeting?
- How Do REIA Meetings Work?
- Is There A Cost To REIA Meetings?
- Why Are REIA Meetings Important?
- Why Join A REIA?
- 6 Powerful Benefits
- How To Dress For REIA Meetings
- Quick Networking Tips
- Your First REIA Meeting: What To Expect
- REIA Near Me: Where To Find Them
- How To Start A REIA Group
- How To Make Money (Even With No Money)
- What Is National REIA?
- How To Join National REIA
- How To Make Money With National REIA
- Final Thoughts
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What Is REIA In Real Estate?
A REIA is a Real Estate Investors Association—a local community where new and experienced investors meet for networking, practical education, market updates, and real-world deal flow. Think of it as your hometown hub for finding partners, buyers, lenders, and mentors.
What Does REIA Stand For?
Real Estate Investors Association. You’ll also see similar labels like “Investment Association,” “Investment Club,” “MeetUps,” or “Real Estate Groups.” The format varies, but the goal is the same: learn, connect, and collaborate.
How To Pronounce REIA
Say “ree-uh” (not “R-E-I-A”).
What Is A REIA Meeting?
REIA meetings are recurring, in-person events—often monthly—where investors of all levels (first-timers to high-volume flippers) learn, share, and connect. Typical sessions include market briefings, guest speakers, Q&A, vendor tables, and open networking you can act on immediately.
These rooms are where you’ll meet motivated sellers, cash buyers, private lenders, agents, wholesalers, and mentors—people who can move your next deal forward.
| Market update | Rates, inventory, trends |
| Education | Legal, funding, marketing |
| Deal sharing | Haves/wants, case studies |
| Networking | Buyers, lenders, partners |
How Do REIA Meetings Work?
No two REIA meetings are the same. Some meet in cafés with a dozen people; others pack auditoriums. Most follow a simple flow so you can plug in quickly:
- Open networking: Handshakes, quick intros, business cards.
- Market update: Rates, inventory, days-on-market, local headlines.
- Speaker/workshop: Funding, contracts, marketing, or systems.
- Deal time: “Haves/Wants,” comps, feedback, referrals.
- Wrap & next steps: Upcoming events, action items, follow-ups.
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Is There A Cost To REIA Meetings?
Many REIA meetings are free; others charge $10–$20 per event. Annual memberships often reduce per-meeting costs and may include extras like vendor discounts or members-only workshops.
| Per-event | $0–$20 |
| Annual membership | Varies by group |
Compared to the value of one quality connection—or a single wholesale, flip, or rental deal—the cost is small.
Why Are REIA Meetings Important?
Deals come from people. REIA meetings make you visible to your local market, so the right partners, motivated sellers, cash buyers, and real estate agents can find you. Show up consistently with a simple pitch and a clear ask, and your pipeline grows.
- 10-second pitch (who you help, where, how)
- Business cards + QR to your buyers/sellers form
- Three questions for the room (funding, buyers, vendors)
Why Join A REIA?
Joining a REIA helps you build a recognizable brand, grow a subscriber list, and form partnerships that speed up results. You get structured support, a steady stream of new contacts, and early looks at opportunities before they hit the wider market.
- Faster learning: Real examples beat theory.
- Warm introductions: Organizers and veterans connect you to buyers and lenders.
- Accountability: Monthly cadence keeps you moving.
6 Powerful Benefits Of Attending Local REIA Meetings
- Market know-how: Learn local laws & legalities, pricing norms, and timeline expectations.
- Right-fit networking: Meet real estate professionals who work with investors—brokers/agents, private & hard money lenders, title, escrow, attorneys, GCs, and accountants.
- MLS access path: Connect with agents and brokers to get access to the MLS.
- Cash buyers list: Meet real buyers who pay assignment fees for wholesale deals.
- Member discounts: Some REIAs (e.g., San Diego Creative Investor's Association) offer vendor rebates (paint, cabinets, materials).
- Momentum & “luck”: More reps in the room = more chances at partnerships, funding, and deals.
How To Dress For REIA Meetings
First impressions matter. Aim for Business Professional (suit/tie; suit or skirt/blouse) or Business Casual (button-down, slacks, clean shoes). Avoid flip-flops, gym gear, distressed items, or polarizing slogans. Clean, pressed, and neutral wins.
Quick Networking Tips For REIAs
- Dress well & smile.
- Carry cards and a 10-second pitch: who you help, how, and where.
- Ask the organizer to introduce you to fix-and-flippers or cash buyers—the fastest path to a result.
- For wholesalers: Lead with “Real Estate Investor,” then share your value; not everyone understands wholesaling immediately.
Your First REIA Meeting: What To Expect
Nerves are normal. Everyone in the room had a “first REIA” once. Show up, introduce yourself three times before the speaker starts, and set a micro-goal (e.g., meet one lender, one agent, one buyer). Small wins stack quickly.
REIA Near Me: Where To Find Them
- Our list: Resources → REIA Meetings in your area
- Meetup: MeetUp.com
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite.com
- Google: Search “Your City + REIA” (e.g., Atlanta REIA, Chicago REIA, Dallas REIA)
How To Start A REIA Real Estate Group
No local chapter? Start small: invite local investors/agents you know, pick a recurring time/place, and list events on Facebook, Meetup, or Eventbrite. Collect contact info at the door and send reminders to grow attendance.
How To Make Money In An REIA Without Any Money
- Wholesaling: Invite investors, hard money lenders, landlords; build a buyers list; scout deals that match their criteria for assignment fees.
- Sell knowledge: Host a mini-webinar, create an e-book, or compile case studies for sale at the event.
- Add value: Offer deal analysis, photography, lockbox access coordination—anything that saves time for active investors.
What Is National REIA?
National REIA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit federation of investor associations, property owner, apartment, and landlord groups. Some local REIAs are members; others are independent. See their directory: Find A National REIA.
How To Join National REIA
Visit the site to locate nearby chapters. Most provide details on location, meeting schedules, and organizer contacts. Typical dues are $100–$200/year for unlimited meetings, or pay-per-event options for non-members.
How To Make Money With National REIA
- Member perks: Vendor discounts (e.g., materials, office supplies) can reduce rehab/ops costs.
- Capital partners: Pitch deals to investors who have funds but lack leads; propose splits or management roles.
- More reps, more results: The more quality conversations, the more partnerships and profitable deals over time.
Final Thoughts On REIA Meetings
Don’t overthink it—show up. Put REIA meetings on your calendar, prepare a clear 10-second pitch, and talk to three new people before every speaker. Momentum compounds fast when the right people know you exist.
If you’re serious about doing your first real estate deal, don’t waste time guessing what works. Our FREE Training walks you through how to consistently find deals, flip houses, and build passive income—without expensive marketing or trial and error.
This FREE Training gives you the same system our students use to start fast and scale smart. Watch it today—so you can stop wondering and start closing.
*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
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