jbtoggs journal

I am sorry to say my dad passed away jan 1 just a few days ago.he was diagnosed last yr with cancer and given 6 mnths to a yr to live.I feel compelled to talk and write about it now that i have had a few days to gather my thoughts and grieve some.My dad was 63 yrs old and his name is leonard st.hilaire.He was born on march 7 1947.The reason i am writing is to let others know that even though we have some unbearable obstacles in front of us that we must press forward and do what we have to do to realize our dreams.The minute my dad told me what the doctors said ,i was devastated !!!I thought the world was over.he is to young to be in this situation....why him??? after talking to him more and more i realized how strong he is and that it is in our own mind how we handle these things.I am grateful for such a loving family to be by our side for this long and painful yr.Looking back on all the yrs of his life i am also grateful for all the things he has taught me.We shared every day for18 yrs building houses and garages and thank god for every question i asked him because he answered to great length every one of them.I have not posted about his sickness all this time as i dont like to share things like this but i want everyone that has obstacles to know that they are not alone and that they can come to this site for a major positive atmosphere.This site was and IS a major factor in my inspiration to learn more and more about real estate.NO matter what do not give up on your dreams.My dads memory will be my WHY from this day forward.I will strive to be a better person and help as many people as i can.I only wish that my dad could have been here long enough to meet dean graziosi.I told him about dean and what he has done to help thousands of people and i also told him that i would someday take care of all my family and i am not going to let him down !! I am not looking for sympathy by no means but just stating to myself in writing that i will press on and fulfill my dreams.I will make things happen one at a time and be persistant.I will be determined and focused to reach my desired goals.I will help others achieve their goals in any way i can.I will continue learning all i can from dean graziosi and his students .I will take advantage of every knowledge that is shared.Iwill read every book i can get my hands on that teaches real estate.I will teach others what i learn and in doing so learn even more !!
I will take this day and say goodby to my dad but never forget him and what he has taught me. I will give to others in his name.THANK YOU leonard st.hilaire.I will miss you so much and I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART.
jay

I was saddened to read your post about your Dad's passing. Please accept my condolences. He was blessed to have your love and it's easy to see you loved him very much. Please know that I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Lea

My firend, I am truly sorry to hear about your father passing. Knowing you as I do, you will move on in a bit to do what you have always dreamed of.
Know that he is no pain anymore and is resting in peace.
When I lost both of my parents I had a large void to fill and I wondered everyday what if I did this, what if I could have done that, but in the end it is up to God to make those decisions. Also remember Jeremy's mom who passed when we were in Phoenix pursuing our dreams.

Both Jeremy and I consider you a true and trusted close friend and if there is anything at all we can do for you, just ask. From our hearts...Jan and Jeremy

thank you for your thoughts and prayers !!! time to get going with rei and make something happen.
i congratulate you and denny on all you have done to help richie in all his florida transactions.My mom and dad has had a small place in zepher hills ,how far would that be from you guys? we may check it out down there this yr. hope all is going well for you !!
jay

thanks jan and yes there is a big void to fill but YES i am focused now to get back to rei with more focus and determination than ever.My dad taught me alot about life and building and i will continue to use his wisdom every day.I am grateful to have met you and jeremy and i too consider you guys to be trusted and true friends !!! there are many great people on this site and i feel privilaged to know you.lets help one another to climb the ladder and share the results !! I know Jeremy is pushing on to realize his dreams with his mom at his side also.It is a good feeling to have a peaceful realization that your loved one is watching over you and guiding you to help others as well !!.thanks jan
jay

My thoughts and prays are with you and your family. How blessed you were to have such a wonderful father and blessed he was to have you as his son.

-Dan

Your dad WAS young and I am sorry to hear he has passed. Reading your post makes me appreciate my own father, who will be turning 87 this year and is still kickin' it. Sometimes I have to roll my eyes at some of the things he says to me, and stop myself from reminding him I've heard that story 3 other times, at least. But if he weren't here, I would be wishing I could hear the stories again. There is a lot of life experience that goes into living 86 years, through the depression, fighting in WWII, and raising 8 kids, and sometimes I forget that. Thanks for the reminder.

Cathyb

Denny & I have enjoyed working with Richie and have also made a new friend in the process. We are on the east coast of FL closer to W. Palm, Zepher Hills is on the W. Coast near Tampa about 3 1/2 hours from here. If you get down to Zepher Hills let us know.

Lea

so sorry to hear about your dad. my condolences. i appreciate your attitude toward your goals and what you want to achieve in his honor. my mom passed away almost a year ago and she was the one who led me to start studying REI. i have to make her proud. i know you will make your dad even prouder than he already is.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Keep up your momentum in rei you r doing great! !
jay

Yes he was young .we never know what tomorrow will bring so we must follow our dreams today! ! Yes when they r gone we wish to hear their stories 100 times. I am happy to hear your dad is still telling stories at 88. My grandpa is 88 and he shares his many yrz. Life experience too .I believe I have heard some 10000times. But this week I believe I will go over and ask him to tell me again! !
Thanks cathy

Jay

Yes hearing from Richie. You two are great friends! ! If I get down there ,karen and I will get whole of you! !
Jay

Sorry to here about your misfortune, But as we talk last year, I know you spent a lot of time with him, And yes that is a good thing. I wish I had the right words to say, But at this time I know their is none. But you are in Julie and I prayers.

Randy

Thanks for your condolences and I am sure u will do your mom proud! !
My dad was a veteran too(navy) and spent many yrs as commander in local american legion so he soiled be proud of your son. Hope all is going well for you and your family. Keep hitting the rei pavement! !
Jay

Thanks randy. I know u r straight out but take some time to smell the roses.tell julie hi and thank you for the prayers
.can't wait to. See u guys at the edge! ! You are a total inspiration! Thanks
Jay

I am so very sorry to hear the news of your Dad's passing.

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts and your sorrow with us. It is so touching that a group of people truly do feel so close to one another and many of us have never met personally.

My heart is aching for you.

My husband passed away almost six years ago. It was especially difficult for my youngest daughter who was 15 at the time. She has this quote on her Facebook in memory of him. Maybe it will give you some comfort.

"I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each others dreams, we can be together all the time."
-Hobbes (of Calvin and...)

Karen

Thanks for the quote !! I like that.yes this site is AWESOME! ! My mom is alone now too as all the children are grown but she is strong and we all will grow closer and stronger.life does not stand still and we must not let it pass us by.
Keep pressing for your dreams and make it happen karen! !
Jay

My boy and I looked at a triplex with a 3bdrm unattached next to it. IT IS APPRAISED AT 91,000 and he just offered 36550 .It is a rep and a realtor is handling it.we contacted the bank and was told to. COntact the realltor.the realtor said he needed 1000 earnest money.my son justin told them he was going to give a 48hr offer,they said they were not accepting 48 hr offers and needed 1000 ea.justin yesterday put in an offer of 36550 with contingency of a refinance for 70000 from bank at 4%fixed.oh yeah he only put in a check for 100 for earnest $$.well they didn't say anything about the 100 ea but did say they would hold offer on file until some survey obstacles were done.Iimmediately told my son to tell them they were obligated to submit the offer and guess what? They said hold on a minute please then came back to the phone and said yes they would be turning it in now ..........lesson.....learn all you can and don't let anyone pull the wool over.even if he doesn't get this, he is learning some valuable lessons.we should hear soon.I can't wait for him to attend the edge and learn so much more.
in another note my ,one of my dads best friends wants to move back home to ny as he is in virginia and he is interested in a lease option so I am looking for a deal to suit him and I.have a few irons in the fire and believe this is what it takes to create an opportunity.
INthe mean time I have had a meeting with my Cpa to. Get my numbers organized and each deal documented for tax time.I cannot stress enough to take the time to assemble your team before you start rockin and rolling and get a tax advisor,Cpa, or book keeper and STAY ORGANIZED because when you make that first deal then u r hungry for the next and next and I for one was lax on staying organized but now have almost gotten caught up and it is a great feeling to be almost on top of everyhing.keep records of when you buy,who you buy from, the dates.the amount, the pzhone numbers of all involved parties,the adresses,all your expenses.JUST KEEP GOOD RECORDS! ! it is alot harder to catch up at the end of the yr as allowed to doing it every step of the way.
take action today, keep Many irons in the fire and one hot one will make something happen! !
jay

That is really exciting that Justin put his offer in on this property. Sounds like it would be a great one to get for his first deal if it goes through.

Sending positive thoughts in your direction!

Karen

Great to hear about Justin. I can tell how proud and excited you are to be helping eachother. Love the irons in the fire comments. I use to get some simular advise (stack the logs high enough until one falls off and put enough lines in the water until you catch something). Thank you for the posts and the Cpa advise.

Best Wishes!

-Dan

Yes very proud of him.would bethe ultimate to teach him deans strategies and to see him turn & few deals

Just catching up with your journal. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I love that quote from Karen. Absolutely so sweet.

What a wonderful thing to have your son investing with you!!! How exciting! Great work. Hope to meet him at The Edge! Love that he told them they were obligated to submit the offer...way to go! Great lessons learned for sure.

All the best to you Jay!
Cheers!
Louisa

Any news yet on Justin's offer? If is gets accepted we will all be whoopin' and hollerin'!

Karen

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
yes I am excited for justin to get to meet you and as many dgers as possible.this will be an awesome opportunity for him.It is an awesome opportunity for me also to see him learn from someone like dean graziosi and his students .its getting closer and the excitement is getting greater.Karen and tiffany (justins girlfriend) are anxious to get to the arizona sun!!
thanks for stopping by lousia,will see y ou soon !!
Jay

hey karen,not any news yet on justins offer but it will sxpire in a few days.The realtor did say there is problem with the survey and that is why the bank may not make a decision but am hoping they call on the offer deadline.no matter what,this is good experience for him.will keep all infoemed
Jay

Hi,
I am trying to get on the website more and read about your dad. My dad passed away at a very early age as well. You did a wonderful thing by sharing your feelings about him. Your words really helped to validate my own feelings that I haven't really shared.

share a post on your dad in your journal.I hope to someday share with others my whole life learning with him.This site is absolutely a total learning environment.
Jay

Ok talked with attorney on my mobile home with garage / lot deal.the seller has to contact the taxation and finance office in ny to get the final payoff of his ny judgement.IT has been a while in the making but to update ,i sealed a purchaqse offer of 5000 for an approx .35 acr lot with garage,paved driveway ,And mobile home that needs major repair.When reasearching it I found a judgement against one of the partner sellers.NOW he has to contact the taxation and finance in ny to get the payoff so I can payoff the lein or judgement at closing.THE JUDGEMENt was at 12% interest and has been active for at least 7 or more yrs I believe.This will come out of the sale price.just found the number today for the office in ny for this.the attorney or I cannot take care of this only him.when he gets the final figure and faxes it to my attorney then we Can close.
I have approx 13 calls from an aD I put on craigslist so this added to my buyers list.not all are solid leads but did get a few good ones with 5000 down,but did not like all thr repair that had to be done on the mh.
I am looking for 5000 down,mnthly payments to fit your needs and final sale price subject to negotiated mnthly payment.my phone is still ringing as I am writing this.I hope this will be a win/ win

On justins deal,he faxed his pfe approval lettwr from his bank to realtor just to let them know he is serious as they didnt ask him for one with his offer.I was talking to richie last night about justins deal and he suggested offering the realtor another 1 % just to add incentive so I believe justin is thinking of doing this possibly.THANKS RICHIE !! Am going to let him decide as this is his baby,love watching him learn !!!!!
Jay

Any time Jay, I enjoyed talking REI with you and shooting the breeze. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Justin to get that deal. It sounds like an awsome deal from what your told me. I also like the deal you are working on. Hopefully the guy gets his butt in gear.
Hope you enjoy the EDGE this yr, doesn't look like i am going to make it this yr unfortunately. But if things change I may come.
Never EVER give up!!
Richie

If this deal goes through it will make at the very least 17 deals since joining the academy!! I say very least because I have done some pml deals and profited each mnth on them also.I am sooooo grateful to be learning from a whole community that learns from the best!!!
On justin..my sons deal....he has a pa that expired two times and the bank has not completed the survey on the adjoiningproperty rhat they r in the process of obtaining.he will offer again now and wait.
On my existing deal wich you can follow in the post mobile home lot with garage...where I wrote from start to finish on the deal.....................Iam still waiting on the closing but I have built my lease option buyers list up and need to find two properties for two that have 5000 down now and predetermined mnthly payments.I have the buyer ...now am looking for another deal to match them up in my local target area.For those who have yet to turn a deal,i would be willing to give you an assignment fee if you did the research and found a deal for me tolease option it to my buyers.TIME is my enemy as I work full time out of town most weeks.I can get it done but would like to share the knowledge and results with someone who is willing to take action !!
My area is zip code 12916 and 12957 .contact me if you find anyone willing to lease option to me in my area and in turn I will sandwich lease it.i will give you a bird dog fee or you can lock it up for assignment or partner up with me .
I am also SUPER EXCITED to be a finalist in the send me away video contest and appreciate any and all votes.no matter what the outcome ,i will keep adding to my knowledge and share all I learn.
THANK YOU to all who have contributed to my journal and look forward to meeting many new students and all of last yrs students !!!!!at the edge !!!!
Jay