Chesapeake, Virginia has emerged as a strategic hub for real estate investors in the Hampton Roads region, offering a dynamic mix of educational opportunities, networking events, and professional development. Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand the fundamentals or an experienced investor seeking advanced strategies, the local event calendar provides valuable resources to enhance your knowledge. For those ready to put their learning into action without the traditional landlord responsibilities, Ark7’s investment platform offers a streamlined way to invest in high-yield rental properties with minimum investments starting as low as $20 per share.
New to passive real estate investing?
Explore Ark7 Opportunities1. GRID Virginia Beach Monthly Meetup
This consistent monthly gathering brings together real estate investors of all experience levels for education and networking at Venture X Chesapeake.
What Makes It Stand Out:
GRID Virginia Beach meets monthly at Venture X (555 Belaire Ave #210, Chesapeake) with a structured curriculum that cycles through different aspects of real estate investing throughout the year. Each session focuses on a specific topic within the real estate investing lifecycle, creating a comprehensive educational experience over time.
Monthly Topics Include:
- Wholesaling strategies
- Creative financing options
- Rental property management techniques
- Fix and flip methodologies
- Private lending opportunities
Why It Matters:
The consistent monthly format allows investors to build relationships with the same group over time, fostering trust and potential partnerships. With typically 30-50 attendees per session, it strikes the perfect balance between intimate enough for meaningful connections and large enough for diverse perspectives.
How to Participate:
Attendance is free, but registration through the Meetup platform is recommended. Check the current month’s listing for the exact date, time, and specific topic.
Ark7 Connection:
After learning about rental property management at GRID meetings, investors can immediately apply this knowledge by investing in Ark7’s managed properties. Ark7 handles all property management responsibilities while investors receive monthly cash distributions.
2. Hampton Roads Real Estate Investing Meetup Group
Specifically designed for beginners, this monthly meetup provides a welcoming environment for those just starting their real estate investment journey.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The Hampton Roads REI Meetup explicitly markets itself as beginner-friendly, with a focus on “How to Get Started” education. The group meets monthly at various locations throughout the Hampton Roads area, making it accessible to residents across the region.
Key Educational Components:
- Foundational investment principles
- Networking with like-minded beginners
- Deal sharing opportunities
- Wealth-building strategies through real estate
Why It Matters:
New investors often feel intimidated by the complexity of real estate investing. This group creates a judgment-free zone where questions are encouraged and basic concepts are explained clearly, helping newcomers build confidence in their investment approach.
How to Participate:
Membership and attendance are free. Simply join the Meetup group to receive notifications about upcoming events and locations.
Ark7 Connection:
For beginners who want to start small while learning, Ark7’s fractional ownership allows investment in real estate with as little as $20, providing immediate exposure to rental income without the steep learning curve of managing physical properties.
3. PMX: Property Management Conference
As Virginia’s premier property management conference, PMX offers comprehensive education for property managers, landlords, and investors focused on rental operations.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Virginia’s premier property management conference, PMX, is an annual event organized by Virginia REALTORS® that attracts 200-300 attendees. The most recent conference, PMX 2024, was held October 1-2 in Williamsburg. Dates for future events should be confirmed on the official Virginia REALTORS® website.
Educational Tracks Include:
- Property management agreements and Virginia-specific forms
- Tenant relations and screening best practices
- Maintenance coordination systems
- Financial management for rental portfolios
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Business growth strategies
Why It Matters:
Understanding proper management practices is crucial for investors, whether they manage properties themselves or evaluate third-party managers. The Hampton Roads area has a strong property management focus, making this conference particularly relevant for local investors.
How to Participate:
Registration costs typically range from $249-$379 depending on membership status and registration timing. Early registration is recommended as the event typically sells out.
Ark7 Connection:
Understanding the complexities of property management highlighted at PMX underscores the value of Ark7’s full-service management. Ark7 handles all aspects of property operations—from tenant placement to maintenance—allowing investors to enjoy passive income without management headaches.
4. Virginia REALTORS® Annual Convention
As the largest real estate gathering in Virginia, this multi-day conference provides comprehensive market insights and professional development.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The Virginia REALTORS® Convention is the largest real estate gathering in Virginia, typically attracting 600+ attendees. The 2024 convention took place in Richmond in September. Future dates should be confirmed on the official Virginia REALTORS® website. The convention features legal updates, market forecasts, technology sessions, and extensive networking opportunities.
Key Components:
- Legal updates and emerging trends
- Economic outlook and market forecasts
- Technology and cybersecurity in real estate
- Ethics and professional standards
- Trade show with industry vendors
- Continuing education credits
Why It Matters:
Understanding the broader market context and regulatory environment is essential for successful real estate investing. The convention’s focus on Virginia-specific issues provides locally relevant insights that national events might miss.
How to Participate:
Registration costs approximately $249 for members and $309 for non-members. Early bird pricing is typically available 60 days before the event.
Ark7 Connection:
After gaining market insights at the convention, investors can immediately apply their knowledge through Ark7’s curated properties, which focuses on high-growth markets with strong fundamentals.
5. HRACRE Holiday Party and Commercial Real Estate Events
The Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (HRACRE) hosts networking events that connect commercial real estate professionals throughout the year.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The HRACRE Holiday Party at Greenbrier Country Club represents the culmination of a year of commercial real estate networking. HRACRE also hosts an annual Hampton Roads Real Estate Market Review & Forecast and career fairs connecting students with industry professionals throughout the year. Specific dates for upcoming events should be confirmed on the HRACRE website.
Why It Matters:
Commercial real estate represents a different investment class than residential, with distinct strategies and considerations. Understanding both markets provides investors with a more comprehensive perspective on real estate opportunities.
How to Participate:
HRACRE events typically require registration through their official website. The Holiday Party offers early bird rates for those who register in advance.
Ark7 Connection:
While Ark7 currently focuses on residential rental properties, understanding commercial real estate dynamics through HRACRE events provides valuable context for evaluating the broader real estate market. Investors can then focus their residential investments through Ark7’s property selection.
6. Virginia Real Estate Continuing Education Courses
For licensed professionals, Virginia requires specific continuing education to maintain real estate licenses, with multiple local providers offering convenient options.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Virginia requires 16 hours of continuing education for salespersons and 24 hours for brokers every two years. Eagles Academy, located at 1403 Greenbrier Parkway in Chesapeake, offers in-person and correspondence courses specifically designed to meet these requirements.
Required Coursework Includes:
- Ethics and Standards of Conduct (3 hours for salespersons, 6 for brokers)
- Fair Housing (2 hours)
- Legal Updates and Emerging Trends (1 hour)
- Real Estate Agency (1 hour)
- Real Estate Contracts (1 hour)
- Broker Management (6 hours for brokers only)
- Elective topics (8 hours)
Why It Matters:
Staying current with legal requirements and industry standards protects both professionals and their clients. Local providers like Eagles ARE understand Virginia-specific regulations and can provide targeted education.
How to Participate:
Eagles ARE offers a 16-hour salesperson package for $49. Registration can be completed through their website or by calling (757) 260-9300.
Ark7 Connection:
For licensed agents looking to diversify their investment portfolios beyond client transactions, Ark7 provides simple investing without additional licensing requirements, complementing their professional expertise.
Making the Most of Chesapeake’s Real Estate Events
Chesapeake’s strategic position as a military-influenced rental market creates unique opportunities for real estate investors. The combination of free monthly meetups and major annual conferences provides education at every level.
When selecting events to attend, consider your current experience level and investment goals:
- Beginners should start with the Hampton Roads Real Estate Investing Meetup Group
- Intermediate investors will benefit from GRID Virginia Beach’s rotating topics and creative strategy workshops
- Property-focused investors should prioritize PMX and continuing education courses
- Commercial investors should engage with HRACRE events
Remember that knowledge gained at these events can be immediately applied through fractional ownership platforms like Ark7, which removes traditional barriers to real estate investing while maintaining exposure to rental income and potential appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out about local real estate events in Chesapeake, VA?
The most reliable sources for real estate events in Chesapeake include Meetup.com groups like GRID Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads Real Estate Investing Meetup Group, as well as organization websites like Virginia REALTORS® and HRACRE. Event platforms like Eventbrite and AllEvents also list local real estate gatherings.
What types of real estate networking opportunities are available in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake offers diverse networking opportunities including monthly investor meetups (GRID Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads REI), professional conferences (PMX, Virginia REALTORS® Convention), and commercial real estate events (HRACRE Holiday Party). These range from casual deal-sharing sessions to formal networking receptions at major conferences.
Are there events specifically for beginner real estate investors in Chesapeake?
Yes, several events specifically cater to beginners, including the Hampton Roads REI Meetup which explicitly focuses on “How to Get Started” education. These events cover foundational concepts in an accessible format.
How do local economic events impact the real estate market in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake’s real estate market is significantly influenced by its military presence, with bases like Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads creating stable rental demand. Events like the Hampton Roads Market Review provide analysis of these economic factors and their impact on property values and rental rates, helping investors make informed decisions.
Can I join online real estate events focused on the Chesapeake area?
Yes, approximately 40% of recurring events offer virtual attendance options. Some monthly meetups provide hybrid options. This expands accessibility beyond the Hampton Roads region while maintaining local market focus.
