[Kevin]

As far as getting a house early... DON'T! Your dues money should go to the bigger and better if at all possible. Like the kickass party you're going to have when you get a charter.

You'll soon find out that ALL things you do as a chapter rely on $$$. With no $ you are pretty much stuck. If you're only an interest group you have a great opportunity to get off on the right foot -- so actually do some planning now. It's no good being 4 years down the road and still suffering from the mistakes of yore financially.

Set aside money for your initiation fees, your initial dues to your HQ and for events. Maybe ask someone in another GLO about what resources and costs are involved in planning social events.. Just do your homework.

FYI, our initial dues were $45/month. We got a house they went up.. then we got our charter (and insurance bills to go with it) and dues increased again! Just be ready for all that in advance!