Metro Real Estate Investors Association (MREIA)

4.7•87 ratings

About us

Our motto: Dedicated to the Art of Real Estate Investing and Helping Our Members Achieve Success!

Tired of the ups and downs of the stock market?
Are you looking to achieve financial security for you and your family?
Real Estate is the greatest wealth builder in the United States. More fortunes have been made through real estate investing than any other business. The time has come for you to build your own success story.

At MREIA we are serious about real estate investing. We are the oldest real estate investing association in New Jersey, dating back to 1982. We are also NJ’s largest non-profit volunteer run association, as well as a charter member of the National Real Estate Investors Association (NAREIA).
Networking among our members is the heart and soul of MREIA. Many of our members have been with us for 20-30 years and are happy to assist newcomers to the wonderful world of real estate investing in reaching their goals and aspirations.

Our monthly meetings are full of real world, nuts and bolts up to date information that you need to succeed. We Do NOT recommend expensive overpriced “boot camps” and mentoring programs that cost thousands of dollars.

Our annual membership is only $199.00 which includes our monthly meetings from January through November, incredible benefits such as the Home Depot Discount Program, discounts from local and national businesses and our monthly newsletter, “The Metro.”

Some of recent topics covered have been:
Creating Positive Cash Flow,
Profiting from Foreclosures,
How to Determine If a Property is an Investment Winner,
Successful Landlording Tricks,
Using Options to Build your Real Estate Empire,
And much, much more

First time guests are free so come see what we are all about. $25 for guests who have attended a past meeting. Visit our website at
www.mreia.com

Upcoming events

See all

Online: The Independent Real Estate Investor’s 2026 Playbook
Mon, Sep 21 · 7:30 PM EDT
Online Meeting, New Jersey, NJ, US
Important:
You cannot register for this event here on Meetup. To secure your spot, please visit www.mreia.com

Online: The Independent Real Estate Investor’s 2026 Playbook

What’s actually working for real estate investors in 2026? Join four free Monday-night online discussions on the market, finding deals, funding deals, and alternative strategies. Open to the public!

The Independent Real Estate Investor’s 2026 Playbook
The No-Smoke-Up-Your-Skirt Guide to What It Actually Takes to Win in the New Real Estate Market

Mondays, September 14–October 5, 2026
7:30–9:00 p.m. Eastern
Online, free, and open to the public

No, it’s not just you.

Real estate investors everywhere are trying to make sense of a market with low inventory but sluggish demand, high prices and high interest rates, rising operating costs, and rents that aren’t keeping pace.

The old assumptions don’t work anymore. Appreciation can’t rescue a marginal deal. Cheap financing can’t be taken for granted. And doing more of what worked a few years ago may not be the answer.

But experienced, active investors are still finding opportunities, funding acquisitions, creating cash flow, and making deals work. Over four Monday nights, MREIA invites you to hear what they’re doing—and what they believe independent investors should be doing next.

The Week-by-Week Agenda

September 14: The 2026–2027 Market Forecast—and What It Means to Your Wealth
With Vena Jones-Cox
Get past the contradictory headlines and look at the economic, housing, and finance trends that actually matter to independent investors working with smaller properties, creative deals, and multiple exit strategies.

September 21: The Best Ways to Find Deals in the Strangled 2026 Market
With Kathy Kennebrook, David Randolph, Damon Remy, and Sri Gan
Four active investors will compare very different paths to opportunity: direct mail, foreclosures, buying defaulted notes, and online marketing and funnels. Find out where they’re finding deals now—and why the best opportunities may not be where everyone else is looking.

September 28: The Best Ways to Fund Deals Unconventionally
With Anita Johnson, Lindsey Jensen, Vena Jones-Cox, and John Bowens
Explore ways to buy and control real estate beyond conventional financing, including wrap mortgages, master leases, partnerships, self-directed retirement accounts, and funding from other people.

October 5: Alternative Strategies for Creating More Cash Flow
With Tiffani Ray, Barukh Rhodes, Jay Redding, and Todd VanMeter

When traditional single-family rentals are squeezed by high prices, high rates, and rising expenses, it may be time to consider a different model. Hear the real-world pros, cons, risks, and rewards of shared housing, 5–20-unit apartments, selling with owner financing, and investing passively in other people’s deals.

One registration covers all four sessions. Attend the discussions that matter most to you—or attend all four.

Live attendees can ask questions, and recordings will be available to registrants for one week after each class.

These are practical discussions, not course-sale webinars.

Register free: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/O49i0eGiRAOvjn9sHLoydQ#/registration
2 attendees
Focus Group: Q&A With a Lender
Tue, Sep 22 · 7:00 PM EDT
Online Meeting, -, New Jersey, nj, US
Important:
You cannot register for this event here on Meetup. To secure your spot, please visit www.mreia.com

Focus Group: Q&A with a Lender - NON-QM Loans for Investors

Join Jeff for a live Q&A with a lender about Non-QM loans for real estate investors. Learn how these flexible financing options work, who may qualify, and how they can help fund your next investment property. Bring your questions!

Hosted by: Jeff Bunin
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
RSVP: www.mreia.com
Note: Members only event

Learn how Non-QM loans differ from traditional financing and how they may help investors who do not meet conventional lending requirements. The discussion will cover eligibility, loan options, documentation requirements, property types, and other important considerations when financing an investment property.

Whether you’re purchasing your next property, refinancing an existing investment, or simply exploring alternative financing options, this session is a great opportunity to hear directly from a lender. Bring your questions and get the information you need to make more informed investment decisions.

Reserve your spot HERE today!
2 attendees
MREIA North Jersey Meeting (Featured Speaker: Aaron Fragnito)
Wed, Sep 23 · 6:30 PM EDT
The Oakley, 739 Bloomfield Ave ,, Nutley, NJ, US
Important:
You cannot register for this event here on Meetup. To secure your spot, please visit www.mreia.com. (This event is free, but registration is required. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

### Finding Profitable Deals in a Tough Marketwith Aaron Fragnit

### Smart Strategies for 1–4 Unit Residential Investors

In today’s market, inventory is tighter, margins feel thinner, and competition hasn’t disappeared. Yet deals are still happening every day.
The difference? Strategy.

This presentation by Aaron Fragnito focuses on single-family homes and small multi-family properties — the most accessible and finance-friendly assets in real estate — and how to secure profitable opportunities even when the market feels challenging.

Date & Time:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location:
The Oakley
789 Bloomfield Ave.
Nutley, NJ 07110

You'll learn how to:
- Find Motivated Sellers
Shift your focus from listings to people who need solutions.
True motivation reduces competition and opens the door to better terms.
- Negotiate a Great Price
Know your numbers. Understand the seller’s situation.
Strong deals are built through clarity, preparation, and disciplined negotiation.
- Structure Win-Win Deals
Price is only part of the equation.
Creative terms, flexible timelines, and thoughtful structuring can turn an average opportunity into a strong investment.
- Leverage Capital Wisely
Use financing and partnerships strategically to grow faster while managing risk.

Smart capital deployment is what allows steady, sustainable scaling.
Markets shift. Opportunities don’t disappear — they evolve.

If you want to continue building wealth through 1–4 unit properties — even in a tougher environment — this session will show you how.

Because success in real estate isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions. It’s about knowing how to operate effectively in any market.

Note: This MREIA's North Jersey meeting is IN PERSON ONLY--no Zoom/Simulcast. This meeting is free for MREIA members and also free and open to the public.

Please pre-register! We look forward to seeing you there
2 attendees
Focus Group: Rehabbing Properties for Fun & Profit
Thu, Sep 24 · 7:00 PM EDT
Online Meeting, -, New Jersey, nj, US
Important:
You cannot register for this event here on Meetup. To secure your spot, please visit www.mreia.com

(Note: RSVPing here on meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you’ll need to register at our
website, HERE.)

Rehabbing Properties for Fun & Profit

Thursday, September 24 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Topic: To Rehab or Not to Rehab — Part 4
Host: Dave Corsi
RSVP: www.mreia.com

Join this interactive focus group to learn the strategies, skills, and best practices behind successful property rehabs.

Whether you're considering your first renovation project or looking to improve your rehabbing process, you'll gain practical insights, learn from experienced investors, and build the confidence needed to turn distressed properties into profitable opportunities.

To join, visit www.MREIA.com
2 attendees