Rina's DAILY JOURNAL: Chapter One - The Beginning

Congratulations. You did it! Hard work, perseverance and believing in yourself finally pay off. Dean's program provided the tools (Dean's different techniques outlined in his book are proven methods of investing used by successful investors over the years), but YOU are the one who took actions. You should be very proud of yourself.

cactusbob

Greeting,

I've been viewing the journal site for the last several months reading and watching the words that are being posted and I've decided to begin my journal starting the 2009 year off by detailing what my journey as a part of the DG family. I've been doing alot of viewing of properties and talking to my Real Estate Agents. I looked at many properties but I havn't purchase any properties yet. It is my utilmate goal starting the new year full steed ahead.

Thank you for the congrats! And thank you for being a huge part of the success of myself and others. Your posts of wisdom and encouragement make a big impact on those around you.

"Finishing" the coaching program feels like the starting shot for the exciting race I've been gearing up for. I am very pleased with the progress this year, but I am VERY much looking forward to what the future holds! Gaining momentum! Woohoo!!

I heard some advice this year. Once you've got a deal (or a few) under your belt, don't take too long to continue onto your next one. The best thing to do is take what you have succeeded with, while it is fresh in your mind and the excitement is still there, and KEEP GOING! (An object in motion tends to stay in motion. An object at rest tends to stay at rest).

Thanks again, cactusbob, and Merry Christmas to you, too!

Rina

It's great to have you join the DG family!
Congratulations on the research you've already done. I applaud your determination to start out the new year with a bang! Set your goals and confidence high, and I look forward to hearing some great stuff from you!

Again, welcome. You're in a good place.

Rina

CONGRATULATIONS RINA!!!! That's great! Nice to see all your hard work has paid off huh? Now you have a little "mad money" to play with!
That's a nice incentive to kick it in the butt (talking about me now)!
I have a feeling that 2009 is going to be really good to us, as long as we use the tools we have been given. And feel free to "bug" me all you want after Christmas....sometimes I need that, ya know?!!

Love ya,

Dawn

OK, Dawn. It's "after Christmas"! Time to get in motion for 2009! I'm gonna be on your case until I see you yelling "I GOT ONE!!"

I've got a couple of exciting trips lined up. I'll let you know more later, OK?

I am SO EXCITED to see what everyone in the DG family will accomplish in the coming year! WoooHoooo!!!!!!

Rina

Thanks for your encouragement Rina. I am looking forward to a good year. My house has still not been sold, and it is a distraction. I will continue to think positive as the New Year approaches. All the best on your trips. Good Luck and God Bless.

Sandra

I am looking forward to a great year for you, too! Thank you for your encouragement always. Let's set a goal for your house. What do you think would be good, and what can I do to help you? We'll make it happen!

God bless,

Rina

I would like to say tomorrow, but that will not be feasible. I will be realistic and say if all goes well the end of February 2009. I have to make this happen for my sons and myself.

Sandra

It's back to business now that Christmas has passed.
I am looking at a couple props on Tuesday. I will make a bunch of offers then too. I hope to get a bite or two! Guess I'm a little concerned that some of the REO's may be in worse condition with the winter and all...can't put on new roofs now so I will have to take that into consideration when I look at the next 4. I'm excited to get back into the swing though.

So are we thinking Hawaii? or Bahamas? Keep me posted!

Having a New Year's Eve party...wanna come? I have no problem putting you up for the night, there's plenty of room for you & Jon!!! Heck, bring the whole family! LOL!

Love ya Sis,
Dawn

Thought I'd better post something in here. It's been awhile...

First, Sandra, we'll keep working on your place. Moving along? Keep PMing me, ok?

Dawn, hope your party was great! I actually just about drove past your area the night before, but chose to go through MN (because of the snowstorms)to Tulsa. Drove about 2200 miles in my 2 1/2 day trip. Got to drive some neighborhoods in 3 cities (3 states) that I'm interested in. That was cool.

My last two offers here were overbid. Looking at 2 more places tomorrow, will offer on both. Have changed my strategy just a bit.

My investor and his wife are planning a trip here this summer to visit and see their properties. I'm really excited about that! The renters I found for each house hope/wish that he will someday let them buy the house they are in. (I also have offered. ) I'm thinking they want to hold them for awhile, though. lol You never know.

Man, I LOVE this! I hope everyone here can enjoy the same feeling...

I've thought again about my goals after watching Dan's video blog this week. Last spring my goal was to own 20 rentals by the end of 2009. I think I'll still keep that goal. We're half-way there. I also wanted to try as many of Dean's techniques as I could. So far, I've got to use several. Bird-dogging, low-balling, TRIED assigning, lease-option, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some. But I sure am having fun!

Well, I guess that's a little long. I'll say good-night. Love you guys.
AM SOOOOOOO LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING EVERYONE IN APRIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rina

DogGONE it!!
23 below zero again this morning! Supposed to be wind chill of -40 to -50 today. Aaagghhhh! Phoenix CANNOT come soon enough!

And, believe me, this affects the housing market. NObody goes house shopping in this kind of weather (well, except me that is. LOL) My realtor asked if we could postpone today's for Friday. I let her off the hook.

I'm getting kind of sick of this too...1 degree is the HIGH for today down here, windchills -30. Not quite as bad as up there but bad enough!!!! I'm putting off the snow blowing too, too windy! (good excuse huh?) Think I'll just keep snuggled up to my computer with a cup of HOT Chocolate! Nice of you to let your realtor off the hook, (she probably needs a break!) You're keeping her awefully BUSY!

Stay warm Rina!
Dawn

I know what you mean!
There were literally dozens of open houses in my area this Sunday 1 - 4pm
One realtor told me that they were showing 41 properties.
It drove me crazy though to get to houses at 2pm to find out that no-one was there.
Realtors had given up and left in under an hour!!!
Then, I thought about this with a new perspective - if no one is showing up to look at houses in my town, am I in a great position or what?

AngelaK wrote:

Then, I thought about this with a new perspective - if no one is showing up to look at houses in my town, am I in a great position or what?

Absolutely! You hit it right on the frost-bitten nose!
That is exactly why I LOVE Dec-Feb to pick up GREAT deals. Hey, we girls love the clearance rack, even if it is in the freezer section. haha

Rina

P.S. Thanks, Dawn! You too! enjoy your cocoa.

That's my problem?? The whether is too nice here?? Next year I will be wintering in WI, MI, MN, SD and ND.

I'll trade you places. (AFTER I pick up my 5 deals for the winter. )

Tonight it's supposed to get down to -37 degrees, wind chill 50-some below. We'll see if I'M still game to go out tomorrow. But that IS the plan.
I've been running around dealing w/ frozen pipes at places the last 2 days, anyway. (Is there a property manager in the house? lol)

Rina

Wow, I'm having more fun on Craigslist this week! lol

It's been fun answering the responses to the lease/option ad I ran this week.
(I have to say here that all my interacting with people on this site has made me feel SO comfortable communicating by e-mail now. It's AWESOME! THANKS!!!!)

Anyway, I was thinking "What other way could I get a different group of buyers/sellers into my "circle"?" Then, after looking at the TON of ads in our local paper and Craigslist for places for rent, I thought of some of the other DG family's ads that have done well and decided to run this.

http://duluth.craigslist.org/hou/998355625.html

What I'm looking for from my fellow landlords (or anyone else), is some input on the wording and if you have any suggestions.

Thanks in advance, and again I'll probably update on how well it does. I've got it in "housing wanted" right now. (Not sure that's the BEST section)

SO glad to have this family to run things by.

Rina

P.S. It's great to have so many new knowledgeable people on the DG site! Everyone notices!!
P.P.S If I have missed anyone's PMs I am very sorry. please bug me again.

Your add is interesting, and I'm sure that you are appealing to a group (tired landlords) that will be receptive to change and will probably deal. I have a question about the wording "willing to rent" does that imply that you would live in the property?

On another note, thank you for the inspiration to start a journal. I like the interaction I've seen on yours and hope that it will help me as well.

Thanks for the input.
No, I wouldn't be living in any of them. I would just guarantee the owner their rent every month, probably at a little lower than they were originally asking, and then find a good renter for the place to make a little cash-flow for myself. This way I wouldn't technically be acting as a property manager, but could use what I'm already good at as another source of income.

My thought is that since there are so many places for rent here all of a sudden, there might be owners/landlords willing to do this. Also, I thought it might be a good way to catch the attention of someone maybe wanting to get out. I don't know what response I'll get. We'll see.
Just trying to think outside the box. (Then again, maybe I'm STILL thinking INSIDE my landlord box. lol) That's why I'd like to hear from you guys. Thanks again.

In the meantime, I'm still pursuing all my other avenues.

Hey, I wish you well in your REI. I have read the start of your journal and have been meaning to pop in there. Congrats on jump-starting your REI. Sounds like you are well on your way.

Rina

P.S. Got my first response during the night. Landlord with 3 props for sale.

Congrats on the quick response, I have known quite a few land lords as well as renting my personal house and living in my travel trailer or living in my house renting rooms and my trailer. I know that it can be daunting to be one and I'm sure there are a lot that got in unprepared "creating your opportunity". GOOD LUCK!

Don't ask me why. Maybe I just need a kick in the butt.

Met a guy off Craigslist. I mean an investor with a prop for sale, turns out LOTS of props for sale. And he'll seller-finance ALL of them. Single-families (here) up to a 24-unit apartment building (2 hours away). Another REI retiree.
He does want some money down, but he's willing to work creatively. I don't think he's up for a 50% off deal or anything, but every one of these places would cash-flow. Hmmm.... He's sending me the specs on the others, but I looked at the 2 SFRs the other day. I really think I should pick up the higher-end one. I don't know what I'm waiting for...

My suggestion is to go for the one you want thats if it is going to have a good cash flow for you. Work him down a little in price then make it happen. Don't get lazy on me;) j/k It will be another property added to your inventory and another step you climb towards your goal. NOW GO GET IT DONE!!
Richie.

Sorry to just but in here but your journal is one of the few I follow Rina.

Remember ask about the 50% off. The worst he could do is say no.

I try and stick with more recent homes 10-15 years old. Not as much to replace if you see what has recently been replaced. Just keep that running tab on your repairs.

Nice to see that you are getting those responses too.

Thanks for the input! You're right, I won't know unless I ask.

And I won't get lazy. lol Thanks for the reminder.

Rina

Against my better judgement (for embarassment's sake), I have decided to put this in , just in case there are others who are as CHICKEN as I have been.
I was going through some paperwork yesterday which reminded me of how far I've come in the courage area. When I first started last spring in my REI surge after getting Dean's book, I was SO skiddish of EVERYTHING and so worried about offending people or failing. Well, I came along little by little but in September (was re-visiting the bill yesterday) I ended up going to the hospital with chest pain and my right arm going numb. The CHIROPRACTOR of all people told me to get in (my daughter drove). Well, although I HIGHLY doubted it was a heart attack, the nurse at the clinic wasn't so sure. So she wheeled me over to the ER where I went through an experience that was an excruciating life lesson in throwing off any modesty one had left! (won't go into detail). Well, all it turned out to be (Thank God), was I was in a state of anxiety (never had that before). All those symptoms from letting myself be too anxious about things. WELL, I thought, "That's enough of that!", and from then on I have STOPPED worrying about what everyone thinks or HOW things are going to turn out (and I was never a worrier to start with). I still CARE about others and want to have an honorable impression, BUT if I look stupid I look stupid. If I lose a deal, I lose a deal. No problem. I like it better now.
Anyway, long story, but I just wanted to encourage anyone else feeling like that to "just get over it" before you have to be given a "humbling" moment. YOU CAN MAKE IT! And the more you put yourself out there, and PRACTICE, the sooner you can triumph with a terrific smile on your face and say "I did it! I really did it!"

We ARE all in this together. We've got each other for encouragement and the occasional kick in the rear end (thanks again, guys. ).

God bless,
Rina

Thank God it wasn't a heart attack! I don't know what I'd do without you!
SERIOUSLY! Glad to hear it was a false alarm. I lost all modesty with chidbirth, darn interns! But that's another story!

Sounds like you can reach your goal of 20 with this guy, I say go for it!!!
(that's what you tell me!) You'd be a shoe-in for the next contest!LOL!
Keep us posted ok? Talk soon....

Your (favorite) WI sis,

Dawn

hi all

i've written a few times since july 2008 when i found dean on tv.
2007 and 2008 were rough and tough:

had a baby
had a break-up
had a fire
got to be homeless, jobless, penniless
stayed in a shelter
a friend commited suicide

that was then this is now:

through this stuff i kept thinking if only i could get dean's book
and then if only i could join the academy...
great news, i joined the academy on jan.7, 2009 and i read the book thanks to friends(angels in disguise)

there were a lot of miracles to get me to this point.

So i don't know how to do an online journal yet but this served it's purpose.
never ever let go of your dreams to be come a rei.

deeply grateful you all r here

god's love unto all
cynthia

Thanks for the pep talk! I MUCH appreciate you!

your sis,

Rina