Residential Real Estate Development

The temperature is supposed to be in the 50s next Wednesday. Let’s take advantage and go on at walk at Brookside Gardens. It is half price burger day at Stained Glass Pub if anyone wants to go to lunch afterwards. We will meet to the right facing the visitors center.

Mindfulness Meditation group practice every Wednesday evening at Unity of Gaithersburg. Mindfulness practice is not about achieving some special state of mind; it is more about noticing the experience you are having without trying to change it. This interesting video suggests why you might sit and watch your mind wander off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmmBF8eTl18 This noticing tends to shift your nervous system from a 'fight-or-flight' state to a more relaxed and receptive state. In this receptive mental state, you begin to see your own experience differently and, over time, see other people and the world differently. Also, it is good for you: "the effect of regular meditation on the cortex was so profound that fifty-year-old meditators had a prefrontal cortex that looked like that of a twenty-five-year-old" [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLRZVTT](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLRZVTT) Here is an interesting and funny take on meditation by Ajahn Brahm: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR60RRmXeYs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR60RRmXeYs). If you arrive on time, there will be an introduction at the beginning, if you arrive late, find a chair and join us. There will be some discussion after. This is a free event, but contributions to the church's expenses are welcome. You can just show up this Wednesday or subsequent Wednesdays. More information at [https://www.unityofgaithersburg.org](https://www.unityofgaithersburg.org/)/

Courthaus Social is a restaurant with an outdoor beer garden offering craft brews, German food, burgers & sports on TV. https://www.courthaussocial.com

We are a President's Distinguished Club and welcome new guests! Meeting is every Wednesday.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

**NEW GAME LOCATION at The Board Room** Let's play board games. Not the ones your ancestors played but the really cool ones of the new millennium. We play everything from fun, social games to light to heavy strategy games. Don't know how to play? Not a problem - we're happy to teach. It's a great chance to learn new games or play your favorites with non-competitive people who like to laugh. You can build a railroad, eradicate a plague, or explore the far reaches of the galaxy in one evening. While many will bring their own games, you can show up gameless and still play. We play at the Board Room in Clarendon on Wednesday from 6:30-10:00. It's within walking distance from the Clarendon metro. **Find us in the far left by the fermentation tanks.** If that area is reserved for a private event, look for us in the middle. Look for a group that has containers and carrying bags with multiple games. We're very fortunate to have this great venue for our game nights and they take care of us for 3-1/2 hours, so please spend a minimum of $10 on food or drink and tip generously (at the very least $2, even if 20% of your bill would be $1). Thanks!

Hey 👋 This is **Speed Networking MAIN EVENT** \- Our **Biggest Event** on Meetup. *(We cross-post on multiple platforms)* **[Get your ticket here](https://buy.stripe.com/9B67sM4BfflVgCHgjjgjC2q) 🎟️** (**refunds** available up to 24h before the event) **😊 FIRST TIME? GREAT!** **HOW IT WORKS:** — You’ll have a 5 minute chat with a person. — A bell rings 🔔, you rotate, and boom — new person. — No thinking, no awkward walking around. We guide everything! — At the end, everyone **merges into one big social networking hangout**. — The afterparty is a 2nd opportunity to talk to more with people you liked, grab a drink, relax, vibe. **👥 WHO THIS IS FOR** • Builders, creatives, tech people, curious humans • New to the city or just bored of online networking • Shy? That’s okay. The format helps a lot. • Come alone or with friends — both are normal. **✨ WHY COME?** • Meet many people in one night • No small talk stress — prompts help • Fun energy, friendly crowd • You never know who you’ll meet 😉 **📍 LOCATION** The exact location is **sent to ticket holders only**. **💸 REFUNDS** Plans change — no stress. Full refunds up to **24h before the event**. **[Get your ticket here](https://buy.stripe.com/9B67sM4BfflVgCHgjjgjC2q) 🎟️** (**refunds** available up to 24h before the event) **📣 OTHER STUFF** We cross-post this event on multiple platforms. Questions? **DM me!** 💌 See you at the event!😊

Starting a real estate business is exciting, but let’s be real — most people don’t think about setting it up right (or protecting it from legal headaches until it’s too late.) If you’re serious about building something that lasts, this is a MUST! We’ll talk about how to get your business structure locked in and how to run a marketing strategy that actually works; one that gets you qualified deals over and over again. It’s all about making your success predictable, NOT just a shot in the dark. If you want to build BIG, let’s make sure you’re building it RIGHT! **Event Details:** **• Date:** Jan. 8, 2026 * 6:00pm ET — Sign In for Registration * 6-6:05pm ET — Introduction * 6:05pm-7:30pm ET — Training * 7:30pm-8:00pm ET — Q&A/Networking **• Location:** 1900 Campus Commons Dr #100 Reston, VA. 20191 **• Directions:** Park in rear parking lot for easiest access to 1900, office is on the 1st floor, to the left of entrance.

Every Saturday at 11am! RSVP at the following link to receive login details: https://www.enggarcia.com/hbscaphill/ The Districts Best first time home buyer webinar Learn about the home buying process How to qualify & what loans are available Qualifying for DC Open Doors and other programs Reduced down payment and closing cost opportunities We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

**MAREIA MAIN MEETING** (PLEASE NOTE clicking the “Attend” button here in Meetup doesn’t register you for the meeting; you have to **[click here](http://www.MAREIA.com/EventsPage.aspx?ID=Main-Monthly-Meeting-Case-Studies-115-1-8-2026&evntID=115K9JVgByVsh5zfLgtKDzJM)** to RSVP) **Show Up to Get Meeting-Only Discounts! MAREIA meetings offer education, local connections and discounts.** **What to expect** * Real-world case studies: Local investors will walk us through their deals from acquisition to exit, sharing the numbers, and lessons learned.? * Behind-the-scenes insights: Hear candid, practical explanations of financing, valuation, risk management, and the day-to-day realities of managing properties.? * Q&A with other investors: Get your questions answered by people who are investing every day, not just selling hype Members and 1st time guests attend free. Repeat guests are $30. (You can do the math, but we think joining and getting ALL the benefits of membership is much better than paying a guest fee every month) [Register here](http://www.MAREIA.com/EventsPage.aspx?ID=Main-Monthly-Meeting-Case-Studies-115-1-8-2026&evntID=115K9JVgByVsh5zfLgtKDzJM) to reserve your seat . . . it will save time at check-in and helps us to have enough seats. This meeting is sure to be standing room only, so save your space [here](http://www.MAREIA.com/EventsPage.aspx?ID=Main-Monthly-Meeting-Case-Studies-115-1-8-2026&evntID=115K9JVgByVsh5zfLgtKDzJM)[ ](http://www.MAREIA.com/EventsPage.aspx?ID=MAREIA-Main-Monthly-Meeting-How-to-Invest-in-Baltimore-Real-Estate-115-3-13-2025&evntID=115rVFTZMZptA2dynCxnbLFY)today MAREIA members: FREE Guests: $30. 5:00-6:00 Networking and Vendor Hour Grab a free light dinner and get with our expert(s) on wholesaling, retailing, creative finance, and more! Thursday / January 8, 2026 Starting At 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM [Holiday Inn Columbia East-Jessup](https://5kf4efeab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001czIKZeivNoCqr_p8RE8aCg9iH8vaXfw3d04f5W0KP3lsPN7qPyomy-veNC7NcE1Bus3sbZVL-E-_2MLAItkYqnnM2P1UyvcyNwYLZY8flZTnAeCozH9BkNjpTHoB1fYbuUNrwbdeMpXsRpTAxfvyy4iXeaEvtoSDC0t7MN1KmWHrnsG88x7gsJ7M3MM6E7OMde_uYoLiefgWnSPhKDfxe7J25K4QceHs&c=0BGEG_T8C8LH7llwx4Qp88t7hmCWSsYR4TOV-Px-Yhl7PORloVcIWw==&ch=pYioML5KgSY5MzFQp_AOSzOmMtfgncgzFmPu4-2193N2GpHsIJ6U5Q==) (PLEASE NOTE clicking the “Attend” button here in Meetup doesn’t register you for the meeting; you have to **[click here](http://www.MAREIA.com/EventsPage.aspx?ID=Main-Monthly-Meeting-Case-Studies-115-1-8-2026&evntID=115K9JVgByVsh5zfLgtKDzJM)**[ ](http://www.MAREIA.com/EventsPage.aspx?ID=MAREIA-Main-Monthly-Meeting-How-to-Invest-in-Baltimore-Real-Estate-115-3-13-2025&evntID=115rVFTZMZptA2dynCxnbLFY)to RSVP)

This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct questions to the Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** Hi All! Join us for 2nd Saturday Spades in Greenbelt, MD. Our group is friendly and welcoming. Please give us a try! 📍Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar 🦐 6002 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, MD 20770 ⏳️ 6:30pm to 11:30pm 🌟 Join us at this PG County sports bar for food, fun, drinks.....and, of course, Spades. 😀 All skill levels are welcome! Get matched with a partner onsite. 🍷 Happy Hour Specials from 12pm to 7pm: https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf ******** Located right off the Beltway. Free parking! Remember to support the business by ordering food/drinks. 🌟 **This event is posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** We look forward to seeing you!

Learn more about our Home Buyer Program * get up to $202k in down payment assistance through HPAP * get up to $25K in grants from Maryland Mortgage Program * downpayment assistance options through DC Open Doors * how to qualify and what loans are available * loan application and approval process * repeat home buyer options * purchase price limits * market insight and home buying steps in a competitive market SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW: [https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1705256818169980&usg=AOvVaw0qgqMgQjduPHADDDggU6H6)

**Welcome to Flourish Collective meetup!** Join us for a time of **inspiration, connection, and empowerment** with Christian businesswomen who are ready to grow in both their faith and their businesses. We’ll start with a brief introduction and **icebreaker activities** to help you connect with others in the group. Then, we’ll dive into a **motivational session** on **combining faith with business**—how to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact in today’s world. Whether you’re just starting your business journey or are a seasoned entrepreneur, you’ll leave feeling encouraged and equipped to take your next steps! We'll also spend time in **prayer** and discussing how we can support each other’s businesses and walk together in faith. *** ### **Agenda:** * **10:00 AM - 10:30 AM** – Welcome & Introductions * **10:30 AM - 11:00 AM** – Icebreaker Activities (get to know each other) * **11:00 AM - 11:30 AM** – **Inspiring Talk** on Integrating Faith and Business * **11:30 AM - 12:00 PM** – Prayer & Business Support Circle (share your challenges & successes) *** ### **Why You Should Attend:** * **Connect** with like-minded Christian businesswomen who share your passion for success and purpose. * **Learn** how to integrate your faith into your business for greater impact and fulfillment. * **Grow** spiritually and professionally as we build a supportive community together. *** ### **What to Bring:** * An **open heart** and willingness to connect. * Your **business ideas, questions, or challenges** you want to discuss with the group. * A **positive attitude** ready to grow and inspire others! ### **Blessings!** **Helen Ogbu, CPA**

First attempt at this. If it's good, we'll do it again. If it sucks, we tried. (Event photo is from a recent trip to Flagstaff. Stock photos of fake people drinking coffee are the worst.) **Why I'm doing this:** You're the average of the people you spend the most time with. Running a business solo means I've been spending most of my time with myself. And AI tools, which are great for thinking through business problems, but terrible for actual human connection. I want to raise that average. Looking for people who want real conversations. Not networking, not pitches, just the kind of talk that makes you think differently about what you're building and why. If we all end up making a few friends along the way, even better. **What to expect:** Coffee. Conversation. No pitches, no elevator speeches, no going around the table introducing ourselves like it's a corporate icebreaker. Just show up and talk like a normal human. **Ground rules:** * No pitching your business * No recruiting * No MLM talk * No hustle porn **RSVP cap:** 6 people max so it doesn't turn into a crowd. **Location:** Transcend Coffee & Roastery in Grove City **Time:** Friday, January 16th at 11 AM. See you there!

## Join Our Online Event: **How To Fund Real Estate Investing** Thinking about diving into real estate but not sure how to finance your dreams? This online session breaks down all the cool ways to **get funding** for your projects. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to boost your funding game, we've got tips and tricks to get you started. Grab your laptop, settle in, and let's talk cash flow and creative financing! * **Understand the real funding options** — conventional loans, private money, hard money, and joint ventures, and when each actually makes sense. * **Learn how money flows through a deal** — capital stacks, risk positions, and why deals die when funding isn’t planned first. * **Avoid the most common funding mistakes** — overleveraging, bad assumptions, and chasing deals you can’t realistically finance. * **Get financially positioned before you make offers** — so you’re credible, confident, and ready when the right deal shows up. Register Here: [SIGN UP HERE](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/bu1G1KgNvYWHQqAhCtbg?am_id=debbie335)

Let's have lunch at Uptown Westerville's newest restaurant. Ampersand is owned by the same couple who owns Asterisk. They are known for ramen, rice bowls, teriyaki and small plates.

Hear how 3 investors went from broke to 8 figures and learn what’s working now in real estate, private money, and scaling your business. 🎟️Register **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broke-to-8-figures-live-panel-open-qa-tickets-1969996398258?aff=cicmeetupapp)** ## **Broke to 8 Figures: Live Panel + Open Q&A with 3 Young Investors Who Built Real Wealth Through Real Estate** A decade ago, none of them were “set.” 10 years ago, these three weren’t millionaires. They weren’t influencers. They were broke, doubting themselves and fighting to make their first deal work…just like a lot of people trying to get into real estate today. Now, two of the Columbus Investors Club’s founders, **Tiffany and** **Josh High**, sit down with **Austin Rutherford**… a fellow Columbus native who went from parking cars as a valet to owning a **$30M+ real estate portfolio.** Together, they’ve flipped and wholesaled **thousands of homes**, raised **millions in private money**, and built businesses that run without them in the day to day… creating both wealth and freedom before 35. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a real conversation about what it actually takes to build something that lasts… the fears they had to face, the habits that changed everything, and the systems that got them there. You’ll laugh, you’ll take notes, and you’ll walk away seeing what’s truly possible no matter where you’re starting from. **What You’ll Learn** * How three broke twenty-somethings built 7–8 figure real estate businesses * The mindset shifts that separate wishful thinking from real wealth * How to raise private money even if you’ve never done a deal * What’s working right now in flipping, wholesaling, and building a portfolio * How to create financial and time freedom through systems and people **Open Q&A - Ask Them Anything About** * Raising private money with confidence * Finding and structuring profitable deals * Getting past fear, self-doubt, or “I’m not ready yet” * Scaling your business without burning out * Building a team that actually performs **Who You’ll Hear From** **Austin Rutherford** – From valet to a $30M+ rental portfolio. He has flipped and wholesaled hundreds of houses alongside his rental portfolio and recently got into commercial deals. **Tiffany & Josh High** – Founders of **Heels Homes** and **Results Driven REI**. They’ve built multiple 7- and 8-figure companies, including a fully virtual real estate operation closing 250+ deals a year. Through Results Driven REI, they help experienced investors install the people, processes, and infrastructure needed to build a truly self-managing company. **Event Details** **Location:** *To Follow* **Date & Time:** January 29th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) 🎟️Register **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broke-to-8-figures-live-panel-open-qa-tickets-1969996398258?aff=cicmeetupapp)**

Let’s meet for dinner at the Rossi, In the short north. The plan is to have dinner and then head over to Good Night John Boy around 9 pm for drinks and dancing. Please only RSVP if you are having dinner so that I have a head count for the restaurant. If you want to only join us for John Night John Boy, you don’t have to RSVP, you can write a comment under the event. This is the menu for the restaurant: https://rossikitchenandbar.com/dinner

The Columbus housing market is evolving, raising questions about next steps. This session will outline current trends in clear, practical terms. Seniors, caregivers, investors, and those preparing to buy or sell in 2026 will all benefit from the information provided. What You’ll Learn: • Key market trends and what’s driving them • How today’s conditions affect buying, selling, and investing • Guidance for seniors and caregivers navigating housing decisions • Strategies to make informed, confident choices All are welcome to attend. Please bring any questions you may have.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens around 6:45pm. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!