OfflineI have recently been terminated from my Part-time (32hr/wk) job with a "Major Retailer" that I worked with for the past six years. It was an unexpected termination and I hoped that this job would help sustain me until I could find a full-time income in Real Estate (as Dean suggested in his books). I had been trying to get off the ground for the past few years but somehow this former job always seemed to gain priority. The income from this "JOB" was not enough for me to afford to maintain a car and its's other necessary expenses in the past few years. So, I rode a bicycle back and forth to work (a 40 minute ride). That is all I have been able to afford since a major accident a few years ago.
I was involved in Real Estate here in East,Central Florida (The Space Coast) back in 2007 & 2008 when I got my Real Estate agents license. But, as you know there were serious problems in Real Estate then and that is about when I took up with this "Major Retailer" (again, I was employed with them before I got my License). I did not maintain my License and it dropped out from lack of use. But, I did maintain many contacts. Recently, I began to get a feeling that my former "JOB" was not going to maintain me into my retirement that was fast approaching (I am 60 years old now) and I my hope was to make a trip across America on a bike and that would require funds also. Additionally, I wanted to retire overseas in the Philippines where I taught English for about 10 years (during the 1990's). I had in mind a plan to become a success in Real Estate as Dean has suggested and to retire and teach in the Philippines (possibly teach what Dean teaches here).
This was my plan. I wanted to build up enough of an income through his book (30 Days to Fast Real Estate Cash) that I could get a vehicle back and to pay off my debts and take that bike trip across the U.S. and then eventually on to The Philippines. However, this "Major Retailer" and others associated with it had other ideas. Now I am left to try and pick up the pieces from this recent turn of events and do it (30 Days to Real Estate Cash) with no income and on a bike. So... my question is to all you DGers is "Do you think it can be done?".
I had tried other Real Estate Gurus and most of them (about 10 years ago) advised against it. They said, I should have a reliable income and reliable transprtation. I could see the good common sense of it. And, with my past experience as an agent I could see why I was told that. Were these former Gurus right? Should I take their advice and get another "JOB" first ? Or, should I put Deans book to this personal test? My last paycheck has been spent on rent and utilities and no further income is expected nor sought after. Many have suggested I beg this "Major Retailer" for my job back, seek another "JOB" or just apply for Social Security early. I have less than 30 days now and counting,
Frederick R Bauder
I have been doing real estate for several years now and I think I have a good hold on what needs to be done. You have to pay your bills first so do what you have to do in that and then put your plan in motion. Do the work in your off time to start so that you are not stressed like (i have 30 days and counting) because you will be your own worst enemy. I wish you all the good that I have been given..Keith
Not having a goal is worse than not setting one..
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/92139/... -
http://www.deansmedia.com/play.php?vid=266
Hello my friend, my name is Darnell and I live in the St. Louis area. Right now I am challenged with some serious financial issues myself and I really can relate to where you are. I have not secured my first deal yet but I know it is coming. Everyday I have committed myself to investing 3 to 4 hours in reading powerful information on real estate investing. Books, training videos, webinars, and all I can learn from HUD foreclosures, to Rehabs and everything in between. Don't give up because you are a great guy who deserves the best that life has to offer. I know life's challenges can try to tear down our spirits but we were created to learn through the challenges. It took me years to learn how to develop my mind and spirit to stay positive, and I know you have what it takes. Continue to study, if you have to find another job to hold you over then do so. Sometimes I don't understand why some things happen the way they do, but I know there is a gem of wisdom in every test that we experience. So everyday I thank God for helping me find that knowledge and gem of wisdom. To me real estate investing is one of the most beautiful avenues to helping people with home challenges, and you can create a wonderful life style for your family. Stay strong my friend and brother and know that there is always someone praying with you and for your success. Your friend in the business and to our success.
Darnell
Similarly, I am stuck on the hamster wheel that is not letting me see past where I am to make more progress in "30 days". I have applied the first part of the 30 day plan and things are looking up. Contacts are coming in, and I am more positive on what will come.
I am looking forward to "HOW TO" answers on this post.
How to break my past patterns to make room and daily plan for DG/RE-SUCCESS.
How to properly format my brain for what will come not what was.
How to stop getting information overloaded and make simple steps NOW.
How to set my foundation for success as a Real Estate Investor.
I will suggest as you read replies and start working the plan, DO NOT GET HOOKED ON PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY WILL. Many have replied to me that they are interested in working with me as bird dogs, or investors, and so on. BUT and I emphasize this as much as I can.... ITS IN THE ACTIONS NOT THE WORDS THAT WILL PRODUCE YOUR DESIRED RESULTS.
I now have 4 deals done this year but it took almost 5 years to finally start doing deals. Please whatever you do take this knowing its from my heart of the mistakes I made and is in no way reflecting on your current situation for I don't know your story.
The application of a "no money down" deal is HIGHLY possible, actually its being done every day by real estate investors.
How much have I put done on a deal?
$10.00 so far out of 4 deals which was for the earnest money deposit I gave the seller on the last deal when we signed the purchase and sale agreement.
What did it take to get that last deal?
Buying 50 bandit signs with stakes that cost $117.00 to generate the lead posting them along major intersections in my area.
So was it really a "no money down" deal? Not necessarily because of the money it took to FIND the deal and the $10.00 earnest money which can be paid back to me at closing when assigned to my buyer. If we are talking about wholesaling real estate the biggest secret I've discovered that no one talks about is MARKETING. We are marketers first and wholesalers second.
BUT my first deal was found off of Zillow.com which is a free site and all I did was call and email a lead that looked like a good deal, met with the seller, made an offer she accepted, then called my top cash buyer that was found from a ad I posted on Craigslist just like the way Dean teaches in 30 Days To Cash and referred it to him and he payed me $1,500 for just telling him about the deal as a bird dog fee. So that deal LITERALLY took no money besides gas money to meet the seller. I could of just had him meet the seller first. If I didn't have a car and if the house was close enough I would of took the bus, a taxi, or used Uber/Lyft to take me there. I was at the library using there computers for free to find deals on Zillow.com and Craigslist.org It took me so long to find a deal because I didn't have a mentor and didn't have any money for marketing to find deals faster than anybody else.
When it comes to motivated sellers and finding that "diamond in the rough" deal we are looking for distressed sellers that need help NOW. Not sellers that want top dollar for a home. People who have financial, circumstantial, or physical property distress. That's the whole point of why we're in business is to solve these problems!
People make immediate decisions emotionally then justify them logically later.
Im going to to say that again, it's a lesson I learned from a millionaire.
PEOPLE MAKE IMMEDIATE DECISIONS EMOTIONALLY THEN JUSTIFY THEM LOGICALLY LATER.
Why do you think it can be hard to find a good wholesale deal off the MLS? Because the first person to be an answer to the sellers emotional need wins. But if you have 50 people rushing in to meet that need than it can be tough, not impossible but tough.
Now what if you have 25 bandit signs along major busy intersections in your city and 5,000 people throughout the weekend see and you get 50 calls from sellers who NEED TO DO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW to sell their house because of a distressed situation, do you think you're going to get calls from them no one else will? YOU BET. Whoever can solve the sellers problem first wins but you have to win at being first to find them!
This is my two cents because no one told me how important marketing can be. It doesn't take much either. $100.00/month for bandit signs, flyers, business cards, or letters to vacant houses in your city is enough plus free ads you find word of mouth, on Zillow or Craigslist, fsbo.com etc.
MARKETING FOR MOTIVATED SELLERS MAKES THIS BUSINESS HAPPEN FASTER IS MY POINT. Trust me after taking 5 years of not doing a deal I should know plus if you add my fear of not taking the right action. If you don't have a good way of generating motivated seller leads than this business COULD take longer than 30 days, But IT WILL HAPPEN if you stay persistent!
Having a job is a lifesaver when pursuing real estate. Heck I was working at Starbucks making 8.50/hr + tips when I started and worked a second job dishwashing making 8.00/hr 18 hours a week one summer to save extra money for real estate. If you are not willing to get a basic job to survive in normal life and want that $100,000.00 a year job before you think you can pursue real estate good luck. Were talking about survival here and I'm not saying this is what you said but some people act like that and it's very irking. My opinion is you don't want to starve trying to do this business because "no money down" is a very loose term people use in real estate because although it is true that you can do a deal with no money down but can you FIND a deal with no money down in life? I mentioned this to somebody before and they took what I've said here very offensively when if fact I truly wish someone would have told me this a while ago because then I to would of used my money better for things that mattered in this business. Earlier today I wanted to buy a pair of Bose headphones that were $99 at Best Buy. I'm a huge songwriter and listen to a lot of music. But do I NEED those headphones? No, I need to put out $99 worth of marketing and get more deals going so I can get a $5,000.00 deal and then buy those headphones!
DO NOT become seminar junkies, studying 20 different gurus, and thinking you need the flash of the newest iPhone to do this business. Stick with the people here and ones you find locally and Dean Graziosi is the real deal. All you need is the library for computer use if you don't have one and some type of phone to make calls even if its a payphone! You technically don't need a car because there's Uber/Lyft to drive you around, taxis, buses, a friend to give you a ride. You can even just find deals to negotiate a price on and then refer them to any cash buyers you know and have them sign a bird dog agreement that way you get paid without putting any money down! Think of any way you can to do this business, watch Pursuit of Happyness a million times. If he can become a stockbroker being homeless, you can do this business without a car.
God bless.
Adam Macias
I now have 4 deals done this year but it took almost 5 years to finally start doing deals. Please whatever you do take this knowing its from my heart of the mistakes I made and is in no way reflecting on your current situation for I don't know your story.
The application of a "no money down" deal is HIGHLY possible, actually its being done every day by real estate investors.
How much have I put down on a deal?
$10.00 so far out of 4 deals which was for the earnest money deposit I gave the seller on the last deal when we signed the purchase and sale agreement.
What did it take to get that last deal?
Buying 50 bandit signs with stakes that cost $117.00 to generate the lead posting them along major intersections in my area.
So was it really a "no money down" deal? Not necessarily because of the money it took to FIND the deal and the $10.00 earnest money which can be paid back to me at closing when assigned to my buyer. If we are talking about wholesaling real estate the biggest secret I've discovered that no one talks about is MARKETING. We are marketers first and wholesalers second.
BUT my first deal was found off of Zillow.com which is a free site and all I did was call and email a lead that looked like a good deal, met with the seller, made an offer she accepted, then called my top cash buyer that was found from a ad I posted on Craigslist just like the way Dean teaches in 30 Days To Cash and referred it to him and he payed me $1,500 for just telling him about the deal as a bird dog fee. So that deal LITERALLY took no money besides gas money to meet the seller. I could of just had him meet the seller first. If I didn't have a car and if the house was close enough I would of took the bus, a taxi, or used Uber/Lyft to take me there. I was at the library using there computers for free to find deals on Zillow.com and Craigslist.org It took me so long to find a deal because I didn't have a mentor and didn't have any money for marketing to find deals faster than anybody else.
When it comes to motivated sellers and finding that "diamond in the rough" deal we are looking for distressed sellers that need help NOW. Not sellers that want top dollar for a home. People who have financial, circumstantial, or physical property distress. That's the whole point of why we're in business is to solve these problems!
People make immediate decisions emotionally then justify them logically later.
Im going to to say that again, it's a lesson I learned from a millionaire.
PEOPLE MAKE IMMEDIATE DECISIONS EMOTIONALLY THEN JUSTIFY THEM LOGICALLY LATER.
Why do you think it can be hard to find a good wholesale deal off the MLS? Because the first person to be an answer to the sellers emotional need wins. But if you have 50 people rushing in to meet that need than it can be tough, not impossible but tough.
Now what if you have 25 bandit signs along major busy intersections in your city and 5,000 people throughout the weekend see and you get 50 calls from sellers who NEED TO DO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW to sell their house because of a distressed situation, do you think you're going to get calls from them no one else will? YOU BET. Whoever can solve the sellers problem first wins but you have to win at being first to find them!
This is my two cents because no one told me how important marketing can be. It doesn't take much either. $100.00/month for bandit signs, flyers, business cards, or letters to vacant houses in your city is enough plus free ads you find word of mouth, on Zillow or Craigslist, fsbo.com etc.
MARKETING FOR MOTIVATED SELLERS MAKES THIS BUSINESS HAPPEN FASTER IS MY POINT. Trust me after taking 5 years of not doing a deal I should know plus if you add my fear of not taking the right action. If you don't have a good way of generating motivated seller leads than this business COULD take longer than 30 days, But IT WILL HAPPEN if you stay persistent!
Having a job is a lifesaver when pursuing real estate. Heck I was working at Starbucks making 8.50/hr + tips when I started and worked a second job dishwashing making 8.00/hr 18 hours a week one summer to save extra money for real estate. If you are not willing to get a basic job to survive in normal life and want that $100,000.00 a year job before you think you can pursue real estate good luck. Were talking about survival here and I'm not saying this is what you said but some people act like that and it's very irking. My opinion is you don't want to starve trying to do this business because "no money down" is a very loose term people use in real estate because although it is true that you can do a deal with no money down but can you FIND a deal with no money down in life? I mentioned this to somebody before and they took what I've said here very offensively when if fact I truly wish someone would have told me this a while ago because then I to would of used my money better for things that mattered in this business. Earlier today I wanted to buy a pair of Bose headphones that were $99 at Best Buy. I'm a huge songwriter and listen to a lot of music. But do I NEED those headphones? No, I need to put out $99 worth of marketing and get more deals going so I can get a $5,000.00 deal and then buy those headphones!
DO NOT become seminar junkies, studying 20 different gurus, and thinking you need the flash of the newest iPhone to do this business. Stick with the people here and ones you find locally and Dean Graziosi is the real deal. All you need is the library for computer use if you don't have one and some type of phone to make calls even if its a payphone! You technically don't need a car because there's Uber/Lyft to drive you around, taxis, buses, a friend to give you a ride. You can even just find deals to negotiate a price on and then refer them to any cash buyers you know and have them sign a bird dog agreement that way you get paid without putting any money down! Think of any way you can to do this business, watch Pursuit of Happyness a million times. If he can become a stockbroker being homeless, you can do this business without a car.
God bless.
Adam Macias
with that mindset you can't help but win !!!! that was a great post no excuse me a fantastic post. fred this is awesome....
adam ? how much troulble was it for you to find an investor friendly closing attorney /title company..... and do you work with a realtor... or several.....
thanks again adam
fred this is spot on I wish all of you the very best. I love this business....
WALT
yes I agree it can be done just keep at it and get your job back or get something in the meantime this is a business that you are building and it isn't overnight so give yourself some breathing room like Keith said ok.
Adam way to go man!
BTW I am legally blind and dont drive and on disability but soon to off of it bc I am making too much money now
Tony
Go faster do more! GFDM!
To all who have advised so far;
It seems the consensus of opinion so far is to seek and maintain a "Living Income"... be it a part-time job or whatever it takes just to pay the Bills. I also appreciate your advice in what to read and how to maintain my mindset. I understand on what you mean about keeping my focus on what Dean puts out and using his methods because they do work. I agree... in previous years I have attended other seminars and read what other gurus put out but to tell you the truth many of the ideas they seem to come up with Dean has already tried and did. In Fact, and I do not think they would admit it I believe many of these successful gurus may have even based their methods on what they tried and learned from Dean. Do not get me wrong there have been those who were successful in Real Estate before Dean came along and some of them are wise and still very successful from their own methods. But the idea I am getting at here is that ,to me, Dean Garziosi is about the best proven method to come along. He operates within the curve and more often accurately predicts the trends and acts wisely upon them; better than the others do. I like the fact that that with each "Edge" event Dean maintains his success in real Real Estate investing with others such as Matt, Carol, Dorothy and Joe and so many of his other "Crack" students to numerous to be mentioned. He seems to add another proven success that not only he learns from, but we do also. He lets them all publish their methods on their own sites and books and he adds to them also making them all better.
Not only that but Dean admonishes each of us to work on maintaining a workable "Mindset" through others, such as , Tony Robbins and others that are valuable each in their own way. Every week Dean comes up with a valuable nugget of "Daily Wisdom" and even encourages his students to come up these nuggets also. And I have noticed that he has added other thoughts from these motivational speakers after each of these daily wisdoms he puts out. And then there is the "Insiders" group (a valuable source of motivation and Real estate investment advice).
Dean has always done his best on keeping all his advice (and the advice of others he chooses to advocate) available for the lowest cost possible. Along with maintaining a highly visible appearance on all the most Popular social sites, such as Face Book, You Tube, Twitter and even now Periscope.
Thank you all for your advice and I will take each suggestion to heart and do my best to incorporate them towards my certain future success.
Thank you all Sincerely
Fred
Frederick R Bauder
Fred and Adam..I believe I have things in common with both of you. Glad you talked up marketing, Adam. It should be a constant, especially in today's market. For me, Fred, staying plugged in truly helps. I don't come to this site everyday, but I should..it is motivating and I always learn something.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil 4:13