Five Lessons From Building a Real Estate Investing Community

Hey friends, it’s Jonna. Over the past two and a half years of leading Idaho REIN, I’ve learned some lessons I didn’t expect when we first started. My hope is that these takeaways encourage you—whether you’re investing here in Idaho or simply looking for your own “right room” to grow.

When we launched, I imagined being surrounded by investors far more experienced than me—and yes, some of our members have done incredible deals. But what makes this community special is the mix: seasoned investors sitting right beside beginners nervously raising their hand and saying, “I’ve always wanted to buy a rental, but I don’t know where to start.” That blend has created mentorship, collaboration, and friendships that inspire me every day.

The first thing I’ve learned is this: everyone feels better when they’re in the right room. People often push themselves outside of their comfort zone to attend an event, but I’ve never seen anyone leave with a frown. Being surrounded by people who “get it” lifts the weight and fuels new energy.

Another truth is that you never know which connection will change your path. A casual conversation can spark a partnership, and a single introduction can shift the course of your investing journey. That’s why I don’t love the word “networking.” What we do is about connection—sharing authentically and building trust, not just swapping cards.

I’ve also seen how collaboration beats competition every time. The most successful investors I know are generous with their knowledge and referrals. They understand that protecting your reputation and helping others only strengthens your own success. That’s the kind of culture we’re committed to building at Idaho REIN.

And finally, I’ve learned that everyone needs a little skin in the game. Free sounds good, but when people don’t invest even a small amount, they rarely show up consistently. Commitment matters. When we invest in ourselves, we take it seriously—and that’s when growth happens.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to impact families in Idaho by helping them achieve financial independence through real estate. For some, that’s one rental property. For others, it’s the freedom to leave a job. The paths look different, but the heartbeat is the same—we grow stronger when we grow together.

And that’s exactly what we’ll be doing at Idaho REICon on October 10 in Boise. This conference was built by Idaho investors, for Idaho investors—and I would love for you to join us.

Why Get in the Room (Idaho REICon)

If you’re newer and wondering whether you belong at a conference like Idaho REICon—you do. You’ll meet people at your level, a step ahead, and a hundred steps ahead. Idaho REICon is built by Idaho investors, for Idaho investors—no fluff, just what works here.

📍 Idaho REICon — October 10 (with a pre-party on the 9th)

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you on October 10th!

Investing in you,
Jonna