FLREIA Mission Statement

We are a membership-driven organization that offers expert speakers, informational sponsors, investor-friendly business vendors, instructional workshops and networking venues to assist real estate investment professionals in making profitable investment decisions.  We strive to maintain a positive relationship with our community and its' leaders. The FLREIA provides its' members the opportunity to network with other investors, receive a world-class real estate investment education, seek advice and obtain support.  The FLREIA hosts dynamic speakers who are experts in their investment field both locally and from all over the country.  

FLREIA History

FLREIA was launched in May, 1998 by Sharon Restrepo & Dwan Bent-Twyford, national speakers on the popular topic of investing in foreclosed and distressed properties, and experts in creating equity when none seems to exist (short sales). It has continued to grow and is now one of the largest and most robust REIAs in the U.S.

The FLREIA was started in order to offer their local students a place to network with other investors, continue education, get advice and support. Both later married like-minded investors and currently Dwan and Bill live in beautiful Colorado and continue the international speaking tour; while Sharon and Juan reside in sunny South Florida and manage the bulk of their investments as well as run the FLREIA. Real estate has given them financial independence and many other blessings and they felt compelled to provide this forum so that many others could enjoy similar successes. As a result of this dynamic duo's continued growth in real estate and public speaking at an international level, the FLREIA has been privileged to meet other dynamic speakers who have or will visit the FLREIA and share their knowledge with its members.

FLREIA Biography

Juan & Sharon Restrepo are Co-founders, officers of REIP the Rewards®,  a national membership driven organization, providing real estate education  resources and publication specifically designed for the real estate investment professional.  They are Co-hosts of the Florida Real Estate Investors' Association (the "FLREIA") as well as operating officers of the company.  The FLREIA is a professional association which caters to aspiring as well as seasoned real estate   investors.  The FLREIA has been meeting monthly for 10 years in W.P.B., FL.

Juan has been investing in distressed real estate for nearly a decade and is President of 21st Century Investors, an investment firm dedicated to acquiring commercial property.  He is also CEO of the residential real estate investment firm, 5th Ave Financial Group, which he operates with his wife, Sharon. His experience and flare for vision make him the perfect CEO of HomeRescueSolutions.com, a marketing company designed for investors to reach and obtain seller leads.

Sharon has been investing in foreclosed and distressed real estate for over a decade and a half and a nationally-acclaimed real estate educator for nearly ten years, specializing in hot topics such as investing in foreclosures and short sales. She is President of 5th Ave Financial Group, a successful real estate investment firm which specializes in wholesaling distressed real estate to investors; Broker and President of 32 West Realty, a distinguished real estate brokerage catering to the real estate investor; President of HomeRescueSolutions.com, a marketing company designed for investors to reach and obtain seller leads.  She shares these endeavors with her husband, Juan whose leadership skill and ability make them a success.