Rina's DAILY JOURNAL: Chapter One - The Beginning

While Laura is going through complications on her closing in Jersey, I'm having some of my own. Mostly delayed communication from different city/county departments who sometimes can only be reached by going into the office and waiting for a particular person. Good thing the buyer is as stubborn as I am, and working together we make headway. And the HOOP loan inspector (although not even licensed AS an inspector) just keeps coming up with more weird demands that has the professional contractors (who'd already put the place up to code)shaking their heads (actually doing a little more than that!), but whatya gonna do, gotta comply to get this thing through. (He even wrote me up for 2 BRAND NEW smoke/fire alarms that "didn't work" because he didn't hold the button in?? Good thing I was there to show them they did indeed work. He just said "Oh", and crossed them off) So, on his inspection today, there was just one tiny little piece of something he wanted added, and THEN the bank will order the appraisal and title work. The buyers have basically moved in. He already cost them an extra month's rent. They are so anxious to get started with their addition/remodel the husband wanted to start tearing out a wall. I said "Don't do ANYTHING before he comes back on Thursday. That's all we need is for him to say we have to "fix a wall" before we can close! LOL".

My title company rep was sick all last week, so is behind in paperwork. So we won't be able to close on two purchases this week, pushed into next. Then the bank emailed and said the new guidelines for their investor loan I've been using will only allow 75% for refi, down from 80%.

So what does this mean?
JUST about done on the sale. YAY
Closing next week on the purchases. YAY
I can still get a refi at 75% of FMV. YAY
Just gotta make a few adjustments.

Had a FABULOUS, FABULOUS time this weekend with some irreplaceable REI friends!! Got to start learning a whole new market, went through hundreds of listings on Craigslist, looked at a bunch of properties with great potential. Met a great investor connection for the area (actually has an investing buddy that he thinks was a coach in Dean's program!) Went horsebackriding. Ate rattlesnake. Got to hang out and talk REI to our hearts' content (and nobody even rolling their eyes! LOL) Got to meet a friend with 4 of the most darling little girls you've ever seen. Got to have my REI hero sign a contract for me, as a witness. Shoot, this was one of the best weekends of my life! All because of this website. Almost seems unreal.

I hope everyone who visits dg.com will have a life-changing experience that will just keep getting better. Taking that first step to be here shows the desire. Then it's just a matter of "seeing" it happen.

Boy, I know what it's like to have NOTHING. It sure feels good to be a lifetime away from that now. Hoping I can be a catalyst to helping someone else realize that dream. Can be anyone's reality..

Hey Rina....

Thanks for the beuatiful words about my 8 year old and 3 year old triplets, BUT, you can be honest for everyone!!! What Rina really means, is that they drove us all crazy!

At least now, Rina can vouch for my extremely crazy life!!

By the way, thanks you so much Rina for thinking of me while you were in my town. You picked a great weekend too becuase the weather was awesome. Anyway, it was such a great pleasure to come out and spend some time with you, Laura, Elena, Jan & Jeremy. Trust me fellow DG members, they are all for real, just like Dean! I was honored to be able to shake each and every one of your hands. Next time, I'll have to get out with you guys without all my munchinks running around!! Seriously, they not only drove us nuts, but within 5 minutes, I think the rest of the restaurants patrons were ready to get the heck out of there!! lol SIDE NOTE: Don't take multiple kids out after a kids party, cake, ice cream, and then Rina with the cotton candy! Talk about a SUGAR HIGH!!

So, thanks again and I'm glad everyone got back home save and secure! Until we meet again........... By the way, Elena, we need to hook up soon and shake some things up soon!

Take care,

Sounds like a heck of a weekend! TRIPLETS Rob!!god bless ya, my 2 drive me crazy at times nevermind 4 lol. J/K Kids are the most awsome thing on this earth, I would not give up a second of being with my kids for anything.
very inspiring post Rina!
I always wondered why most city inspectors are clueless in the fields they work in. They should hire people that actually have hands on experience in the work that they are inspecting instead of someone who past a written test.
good luck on getting that house closed.
Richie.

It was SO nice to meet you and your family! Your wife is beautiful and your girls are ADORABLE! And yes, kids can sure be a handful, but I know you wouldn't trade it for the world! And they grow up so fast. Believe me, I know how you feel. When I first started looking at properties years ago (in my twenties, had no CLUE what I was doing then as far as REI!), I had all four of my little ones in hand, 5,4,2,&1. I hauled our big tv and vcr with me so they could watch movies while I painted/cleaned, etc. Eventually they started being my helpers, and grew up to be some of the most wonderful young adults. I couldn't IMAGINE doing it now, nor would I want to. NOW I want to teach them Dean's way, working smarter not harder. Oops, off on a tangent. lol
Anyway, bomber, I am so excited for you and what REI will mean for your family. Looking forward to watching you reach your goals and have the opportunity to have all the time you deserve for fun with your family! It was so fun to research the area and make connections out there. i believe you have some great opportunities coming your way!

God bless,

Rina

You will not believe this, but.. this guy has not even passed the tests to BE an inspector! That's what drives the contractors crazy. I won't say any more about it (sometimes wonder if my journal could get me in trouble!), but in the world of REI, you are not always working with professionals, yet you are under their thumb! That's where being diplomatic comes in. Especially when reports are made based mainly on "OPINION"! Erggghhhh!
Same with BPOs. (especially drive-bys)

Yep, inching closer to closing. I have found it much more frustrating waiting for something to SELL. Pretty patient when the PURCHASES take forever. LOL

Rina

I love how you list all the obstacles that appeared for you, and then summarize it all with a big, bold YAY on the bright side of everything! Fabulous attitude - and the only one that lets us learn from everything and move forward instead of letting them hold us back!!!
This weekend was indeed one to cherish....still not sure if I was dreaming haha.
Robert - your family is wonderful...and I loved your girls hopping all over the restaurant - spilling salt (for our good luck ) and shaking up the joint! Priceless.
oxoxoxoxoxoxox

Laura, I keep picturing those cute little peanuts, ponytails bobbing as they went down the big slide, and bounced around the booth while you pretended to tickle them. That SOO was one of the highlights of the weekend, Robert! Thank you for stopping by the restaurant even though it was so late!

Ain't that the truth, Laura, about seeing the positive in every situation. If we're not looking forward, we miss seeing the horizon!

Had to take my insurance agent past all the new properties today (whirlwind tour. lol), and it just got me fired up again!!!!!! Yahoooo!!!!!! There's some kind of excitement that builds that I can't describe. It just makes me feel like laughing! Well, when you come to close in a couple weeks, Laura, it will be just in time, cause I think about ready to explode if we don't get some celebrating in, girlfriend!! The weekend was JUST TOO SHORT!!!!!!!

I hope we find out when the next event (EDGE?) will be because I will be counting the days to meet all the DG family that I haven't met yet, and to see how everyone from last year is doing!!!

Excited for what this month holds!!

Rina

INSPIRATION.... I have lots of that! lol

Rich, don't you know it. I definately would not trade it for the world. I genuinelly (sp?) believe that God does not give you more than you can handle, so based on how tough things have been lately, I'm looking forward to the big things he has planned for me in the future!!! lol Wishful thinking...

But, my girls definately do give me inspiration. And, I'm even more inspired now after meeting some great people involved with DG including of course Laura & Rina. As they have inspired many of you here on this website, the same goes when you are lucky enough to meet them in person. They are the real deal. Simply said, just good, honest, hard working people, taking action and succeeding!! Even though I only had a chance to meet up with them for a short amount of time, it's amazing how much of a difference it makes... Thank you guys for giving me a real life, kick in the pants, to help motivate me even more so. I know you would say otherwise, but just meeting you all and shaking your hands really does make a difference!! You all give so much of yourselves to everyone here in the DG family. I know I can speak for the masses and say thank you! And for all the naysayers that may be out there.... This stuff is real, and if you take action, have a little faith, and just don't quit, it can..... wait, .... it will ultimately happen!

Rina, thanks for the inside scoop on how the deals are progressing. I think it is a great learning tool to see the good and ugly side of things that go on throughout a deal. I hope all the nonsense stuff ends quickly, so it can be finalized for ya!

Hope the rest of the week goes well for everyone. Most importantly, I would like to thank all our men & women who serve this country to protect the freedoms we cherish so dearly!

THANK YOU VETERANS & ALL OUR MILITARY, POLICE & FIRE PERSONNEL!!

I could not even sleep last night, so much running through my head. Lay awake til 5am, finally got up and started reading posts, doing research. After spending last weekend away, there have been new unforeseen, HUGE, opportunities presented to me. Time once again for a growth spurt!! So hard to get my head and heart around it all. Had questions.. but finally set my resolve to just jump in and see where it takes me. Worst-case scenario, I am where I was before I got the email. Best-case scenario, you just never know!!! I will do what my heart tells me, and adjust as necessary. Thank you, Lord for excitement in life!!! And for great people, and the wisdom to recognize them!

Rina

It is so fun to see you fired up and excited about the RE opportunities you have, and being so willing to share your experiences every step of the way. Thank you, as always, for that!

I find myself sitting here smiling trying to remember the goals you set for yourself earlier in the year and thinking about how much further ahead of that you must be now!

What was your goal for 2009 and what did you accomplish this year?

Angela

Something tells me this opportunity will turn out good for you one way or another no matter what. You have a way of seeing/making positive results.

Lea
SPR Property Solutions, LLC

Lea, Thank you for your encouragement! And yes, I'm looking forward to positive.

Angela, you made me think today.. I went back and read old posts, and thought about how grateful I am for the chance to have begun this incredible journey, and for all the wonderful friends I've made along the way. There's nothing that can take back the joy I've felt over the last year! (almost TWO years??!!)
It actually brought me to tears..

I think I will wait til next week to list the goals I had and what have been answered (it will be more fun, don't you think? ), but thank you so much for the reminder that while we look ahead, to certainly reflect on and appreciate the good things that have already come our way. And to stay humble, always..

Love and appreciate you both!

Rina

I totally agree that next week will be the best time to be reflective, thankful, and to list all of your accomplishments for this year.

Not to forget, of course, you will need several days to compile your list anyway! HA!

Love Angela

Thanks for your post. My intial excuse for not making the level of my involvement to posting more frequently is because I am a terribly slow typer. Now since reading your post I really have no excuse do I? I'll try to contribute something simply and short each day. Thanks for your contribution!!

Rina, glad to see you are moving in lightning speed as usual, I can't wait to hear about your new adventure. Last time i spoke to you you were having twins, I am gueesing something else came up, I'll ask Laura tomorrow when i see her
good luck friend.
Richie.

Rina,

I try to keep up with your journal posts and I am not sure what this new opportunity is, but I expect that you have the expertise and wisdom to make the most of it. I appreciate you being real and honest up front with your anxieties and concerns. It makes me feel okay since I am experiencing similar sleepless nights too. I will pray that God gives you the wisdom and knowledge to make the right decisions at the most opportune time. I believe in you.

Tim

Rina,
I have a hard time keeping up with all the posts that I want to read because of the time it takes. I just read more of yours and I can feel the excitement and fervor that you exude with each post. I pray that your new deals work together for good for now and the future. I especially like your salutation with Jeremiah 29:11. It is soooooo fitting to yours and our efforts. Thank you so much for all you contribute hear on DG.com Rina.

Tim

Angela ~ I am going to have to go back through my own journal and jot down notes to make that list! haha

Ricardo - yes, every little step is huge! Keep on going and you will amaze yourself! Look forward to reading your journal!

Richie - The twins are to be closed on this month. The new stuff makes me feel like this: I was minding my own business riding a fun wave (don't know how to surfboard, but this is in my mind. lol), when all of a sudden I see above me a looming tidal wave. That is where I sit. We shall see what happens!

Tim - Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and the reminder. That is absolutely a fact, All things work together for good! (and I am so happy to be a part of this great DG family. )
Thanks again!

Rina

Rina - I have a visual picture in my mind from your post above...I see you standing up on a surfboard with hands triumphantly raised riding that tidal wave! I think I might just have to get out my sketchbook

Just don't sketch me coming down! I'm not very graceful, and I don't want to be THAT "uncomfortable"!! heehee

Just got a call from the bank VP. I had asked in an email about limits with using their investor loan product. I had also asked if the Board would consider creating a commercial loan product to fit my need (brave of me, huh?). She said she looked into it, and the limit they have right now is about a million dollars worth of mortgages to any individual (and she said it with a straight voice! I think I'm IN! ), but she will certainly look into the commercial request. How cool is THAT! That they would even CONSIDER creating a product for me! Wow, I feel pretty honored. A little bank will go a long way with a person who builds relationship and credibility!
She also said that new federal guidelines are going to make it a slower process for obtaining a mortgage, and I will need to plan on at least 45 days for anything closing after Jan 1st. Good to know, and appreciate the heads-up! That means for my cash purchases, then refi, I need to give her a request for a refi 45 days before I own the property (as SOON as I have a purchase agreement in place!). Whew, this gets more and more interesting. I love it!!

Wow, God is good. We (all of us) are so blessed to have the REI opportunities we have in this day..

Rina

Rina, this just blows my mind. Way to go!!! PS - did you get my email to see if you can help get me a bank meeting with Mary on the 30th? I cant get in touch with her...guess she's too busy with you hahah

Laura, Yes, I will line something up. I'm gonna be seeing her a lot in the next two weeks here! I've actually got a closing set for the 30th. You could come in with me after (before?) we're done with yours/ours. LOL

That sounds awsome Rina. Why wouldn't they consider making a loan that fits your needs, Its money in their bank, They see your track record and how sound each deal you do is. Soon they will be greeting you at the door with coffee
good luck on all fronts, I am really proud of you.
Richie.

But honestly, I think it's because I bring them pie! LOL! jk.
Can't wait for everyone to be able to feel this. Sure is nicer than the sickening butterflies I had when I first started!

Proud of you, too, bud!

Rina

I KNEW YOU HAD A SECRET!! home made plum pie, take notes Laura
lol, I do hope to reach that feeling soon. I love working with Laura and Steve, and hope we do alot of deals together. Time will tell. This developer i found looks like a good connection so i will see where that takes me too.
I keep checking CL and backpage for more buyers every day. I am getting in trouble for being on the computer so much when i get home lol. but it is really the only time i can search around. I am at work now but i won't open any pages in fear of viruses. only this one. talk to ya soon.
Richie.

Unfortunately I've had dogs that wouldnt even eat what I tried to bake LOL. Its just not in my genes....so one of my goals is to be successful enough to hire a chef. Because I sure love to eat - just cant cook Or maybe cooking classes will be in my future when I have all the time freedom- ya never know

HAHAHA @ Richie. Yep, now you know my secret! However, it is lemon meringue, not plum! (that reminded me of "Little Jack Horner". lol)

LAURA, I don't believe that at all! LOL. But when you hire your chef, I definitely want to come to your house for dinner to learn some new stuff!

Everything is coming together like clockwork on the refis, purchases, sales, and mine and Laura's twins. I cannot even believe I am pursuing this many properties at a time, PLUS my out-of-state project now, and NOT feeling anxious! I just want to encourage everyone just starting out, IT GETS EASIER AND EASIER! Honestly, it does. Truly, the butterflies go away!

..Well, hubby is home.. gotta run make supper..

later all,

Rina

Wow Rina, you really came up with a fantastic idea with the pay it forward. I was so impressed with the video and the love everyone is showing Dean. Looked like you all had a lot of fun doing that. What a blessing.

I got a little confused. I thought this was going to happen last Friday. I kept thinking all week "Dean must not of liked it" so I was pleasantly surprised Friday morning when I saw the vid. Thanks for all you do for ALL of us...

Barbara

Ohhh, I'm so sorry if I confused anyone. We were trying to get everything ahead so there wouldn't be a mad rush at the end. Well, he sure was surprised!!! LOL

Man, thanks to so MANY people who were in on this! I am positive that he was thrilled to see all the cards that you (Barbara)and the rest of the DG Family sent in! (He may not have even had time to open them all yesterday for all I know! LOL)
And I am so excited for all the students that have already given to the Fund (I'm not even sure who all of them were, but I know several that have given EVER so generously!!!!!)

I want to publicly say thank you everyone who sent in a video: Laura, Lena, Nathan, Dan & Angie, Chip & Andrea, Matt, Greg, Darren, Tonia, Cathy, Joe & Stacey, Jan, and Jeremy. (Lena, that was SOOO cool what you put together for the end!!) There were more that were unable to get theirs in, but I have to say it was SOOOOO fun doing this together! What an AMAZING group of people. And they all helped choose the name of Dean's Student's "Pay it Forward". The staff was so great too. They took what we could offer from afar and made it into something really special. I'm still smiling today.
I know Dean will make it even greater, but it feels good to have worked together with people I love (my DG Family!), to start something wonderful for a person WE love (Dean!).

Thanks, Barbara! Have a very blessed day, friend!

Rina