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One of the greatest fallacies in the investment world is that real estate is the 'best kept secret.' The fact is when it comes to making money from any kind of property, including short sales, lack of communication equals fewer opportunities. A more appropriate mantra would be 'There's strength (and money) in numbers.'

The Ohio Real Estate Investor's Association (OREIA) has made networking for real estate investors a worthwhile, enjoyable, and profitable experience. When these investor groups get together and form a convention, there is no end to the knowledge participants absorb.

Convention attendees hear a number of speakers and there is always something new to learn. With each convention comes new ways to make money, a newly discovered negotiation twist, and even a little knowledge you wish you had when dealing with past clients. With over 1000 people present, the OREIA is a fantastic networking experience.

As a result of contacting and networking at OREIA, I have made deals that have translated into hard, short sale money. One of my favorite examples occurred when a mortgage broker called me to say that there was a house that needed a short sale. The problem was that the home and the owner were in Toledo and I am in Cincinnati. I did not hesitate when he asked me if there was anything I could do.

I knew that a number of my Toledo colleagues would be at the OREIA convention. After a discussion with them I have three interested people getting quotes on the property. We'll be working the short sale together; I'll be talking to the bank here in town, and over in Toledo they will eventually buy the property and complete any necessary repairs. They will have the discounted purchase price - short sale - they need and I will get something for my negotiations. This type of across state teamwork where all parties benefit would not happen without OREIA.

OREIA is not just about an annual convention and its networking possibilities. More importantly, OREIA members work hard all year protecting your right to invest in real estate and make it a viable source of income for the Ohio real estate investor. OREIA is active in working with legislators at the state level to help shape laws. Their goal is to keep the negative impact these laws may have on investors and their tenants to a minimum. OREIA wants to keep state legislators from over taxing the only source of affordable housing for a large group of people. OREIA is an Ohio real estate investor's voice. While the association can't prevent state legislators from placing regulations on property sales, they have made enormous strides in allowing investors to do business ethically while limiting government interference.

One example of OREIA's work in action was the steps they took to help stop bad legislation against lease options at the state level. Lease options ' a rent to own situation - help homeowners. They give them an opportunity to buy a house when it would be otherwise impossible. It is great to know that there are organizations here in Ohio and counterparts in Indiana and other states that look out for real estate investors in the legislative arena.

Ohio real estate investors are not alone. Real estate laws and practices change almost everyday, so having access to fellow investors makes it easier and more enjoyable to keep up with the changes. We have so much to learn from each other's experience, and OREIA makes that learning and networking possible.