How to Make the Most of Your Local REIA Membership: A Strategic Guide

If you’re weighing the value of a Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) membership, you’re asking the right question. At iBuyHomes, we’ve seen firsthand how REIA members—especially active ones—turn this network into serious gains. The key isn’t just joining, but knowing how to use every benefit strategically.

From real estate networking events to discounted pricing on tools and services, this guide breaks down how to get the most out of your membership. Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to sharpen your current real estate strategy, these tips come straight from the playbook of seasoned investors.

What Is REIA (and Is It Really Worth It?)

A Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) is a local or national organization that equips investors with education, support, and deal-making opportunities.

So, are real estate investment groups worth it?

Absolutely—but only if you show up. We’ve found that national REIA members who actively participate in events, share insights, and apply what they learn often get back far more than they put in. Passive members? Not so much.

The Playbook: How to Get Maximum Value from Your REIA Membership

If you’re asking “what is REIA?” or “what do REIA members receive?”—here’s what’s on the table. Your REIA membership isn't just a card—it’s a toolkit for building long-term business success.

Part A: The Networking Events — The Core of REIA Value

REIA networking events are more than just mixers—they’re deal-making grounds. These meetings connect you with partners who can unlock your next investment opportunity. But the goal isn’t to just collect business cards. It’s to form meaningful relationships that fuel your growth.

Focus on building your power team:

• Wholesalers who bring off-market properties before they hit public listings.
• Private money lenders who can help structure creative financing.
• Reliable contractors and property managers who keep your rehabs and rentals running smoothly.
• Fellow investors—from flippers to long-term landlords—who become your sounding board.

To get the most out of these connections, follow the “Give First” mentality:

• Offer advice, referrals, or vendor contacts freely.
• Introduce people to others in your network.
• Create trust before asking for favors or deals.

Maximize your connections by staying engaged:

• Attend monthly panels and member-only events like the annual Holiday Party.
• Use tools like voice and text messaging (e.g., CallFire) to follow up after events.
• Join the exclusive LinkedIn group for members to continue discussions and offer support between meetings.

Reality check: These aren’t passive events—they’re strategic opportunities to build a team that will make your next deal faster, easier, and more profitable.

Part B: Using the Membership Benefits and Discounts — Compound Your Savings

NREIA members get access to benefits that go far beyond nice-to-haves—they're tools to safely eliminate overhead and maximize cash flow on every project.

Use your benefits like this:

• Get 2% back twice a year on purchases at The Home Depot, just for being an active member.
• Save up to 20% at BuildASign.com—perfect for yard signs, vinyl banners, and retractable banners.
• Cut marketing spend by 25% with Constant Contact and discounted rates on voice broadcasts and SMS text outreach to clients and customers.
• Score deep savings on logistics: 45% off FedEx Express and 25% off FedEx Ground, thanks to the PartnerShip program.
• Get access to member-only events, including the annual Holiday Party and hands-on case studies that sharpen your real estate strategy.

Whether you're running one flip or juggling multiple rentals, these savings stack fast. In many cases, the discounts alone can cover the cost of your membership—and then some.

Use your membership as a lever to gain financial advantage, not just a perk sheet. Every dollar saved on operations is a dollar earned in equity or profit.

Part C: Accessing Real Estate Investment Tools and Resources — Make Informed Decisions, Faster

Smart investing depends on access to the right tools, data, and systems. REIA members gain entry to exclusive platforms that streamline the buying and selling process, cut costs, and increase confidence.

Here’s what you unlock as a member:

Rent Perfect:

Automate leasing with an Online Lease Agreement tool for rental property owners and managers. Also, a discounted 95¢ setup fee for NREIA members.

Foreclosure.com:

Discover discounted distressed property deals before the public sees them, with 25% off monthly fees. Foreclosure.com connects real estate investors with discounted distressed property deals in the US.

Local Market Monitor:

Local Market Monitor offers a 25% discount on purchases of Personal Investor Market Reports for members.

REIPro:

REIPro's software guides users through the buying and selling process step-by-step. Also, REIPro offers discounted pricing on all packages for NREIA members.

Accruit:

Accruit specializes in complex 1031 exchange transactions for real estate investors and provides a fully paperless 1031 exchange process with electronic signatures.

CamaPlan:

CamaPlan offers a wide range of self-directed retirement account options, including IRAs and 401(k)s.

CallFire:

Connect with clients and customers using SMS text and voice broadcasts through trusted communications platforms.

These tools are strategic, not just supplementary. They let you identify emerging markets, pivot with confidence, and safely eliminate guesswork.

How to Join Your Local REIA

Becoming a REIA member is straightforward, and the rewards start immediately.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Search for your local chapter (e.g., "Chicago REIA," "Atlanta REIA").
2. Choose your membership tier. Visit the official REIA site to review details and apply directly.:
   • Individual Members: $225/year
   • Company Group Discount: $700/year for up to five from the same firm
   • Emerging Leaders & Job Transition Members: $75/year.
3. Complete the online form and agree to REIA’s values of transparency and sustainability.
4. Await approval from the Board of Directors. REIA membership applications are subject to approval by the REIA Board of Directors and General Assembly.
5. Pay your annual dues and start enjoying discounted fees to REIA events, monthly expert-led panels, and full access to every benefit and tool.

Turn Your REIA Membership Into Real Value

A REIA membership isn’t just a badge—it’s your edge. From member discounts and data tools to connections that sharpen your real estate strategy, results come when you engage.

At iBuyHomes, we’re active REIA members and part of the community. We’ve seen national REIA members grow their portfolios by showing up, sharing insights, and supporting customers.