The Journal of the Daily Adventures of Indiana-Joe

.....The weather has been pleasant and sunny as I drive into work. Sometimes as you seethe warm sunshine it appears to be warmer than what it is. Even though the temperatures have been in the hgh 50's the sunshine makes it appear more like a 70 degree day!

At lunch I took a walh around the downtown area andthought about heading toward the lakeshore. This can take a little time dueto the round trip so IO decided against it for the afternoon. There is so much goign on around the city. On State Street they are filming another motion picture movie. Hollywood often comes to Chicago as the yliketo film with the raised Chicago "L" train up in the distance as it "Loops" areound the city.

I looked through a few properties on the MLS on-line and made a few calls. The day was going by quickly. On the way home, I drove by another new listingthat I saw. Soemtimes when I drive by I will getout and walk around the home. Other times I will just keep on going.

Keep up the search this week as you try to locate the next deal. They are out there just keep on lookign around each corner. Good luck findign that next deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” ~ Plato

Hi Joe

Just an FYI..Your posts are very inspiring. It's very encouraging to see someone who is constantly on top of their game and has been for a long time. I've gotten discouraged and fallen off the investing wagon sooo many times. But I'm determined to Get on and make through the Rough Terrain without falling off again. I HAVE TO. Financial Security means tooo much for my Me and My Mom's Future for me to sit on the sidelines.

So thanyou for your posts and I wish you the best in your already bright future.

Jordan

Ps..Where do you get your inspiration and what do you do when u get discouraged if u don't mind me askin??

Thank you for stopping by my daily adventure journal and the nice comments, I appreciate it. The key to real estate investing is to get on going and not to give up. You have fallen just like myself and others, but the key is you got back up again for a new day, a new start! Each day we haveto take the hand that we are dealt. Some days are betetrthan others but always try to makethe most out of ehat we have. Unfortunately I have had some experiences with contractor people that try to take advantage. The key here is once you make a mistake try to learn the lesson in what you have done. This is hard to think about when it happens but is a valuable lesson for the future. If I ever have a bad day, I watch Dean's video blogs, I watch Dean's infomercial or I spend time on DG.com. It makes me feel goodthat others are goign down the same path. Dean's video blogs also get me energerized to tackle a new day and their challenges. Good luck with real estate. You can do it! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....I always like to celebrate anniversaries, reflect and think back on a past year. April 28, 2009 was the day that my wife and I returned home from Dean's Gain the EDGE 09 live event in Arizona! On the 4 hour plane ride home, we made up our action plan and one of the first things we wanted to do was become registered users on DG.com. Thus, I registered the user name "Indiana-Joe" and the rest has been a tremendous adventure.

I have really enjoyed DG.com and have met and made many friends. I am so happy that so many like minded ambitious real estate investors have a place to go...a place to learn....a place to share....a place to inspire and become inspired! I can't begin to thank Dean enough for the power off knowledge and information he has givne to us with his books and programs, but yet also provide this social networking community free for everyone!

I want everyone to know that anything is possible! Never let anybody ever steal your dreams! You can do it and you have the support of the DG family behind you. Keep chasing the dream because you are makign progress and you will get there! Dean's books and programs are everything you need to achieve success with real estate investing and the DG.com Family is icing on the cake! ( and who doesn't like cake?) Make today that day that will change the rest of your life! Are you ready....great! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"I am naive enough to think that I can do my part in helping change the world, and if that's a bad thing, then, so be it, the question is....who's coming with me?"
~ Dean Graziosi

I am new at this and just started reading last Sun. I have a beautiful wife, 2 children and another on the way.We own our own home and even though I have a decent job that is great for the cost of living in our area,we feel like were struggleing. I keep running into negative road blocks and have a property in mind and actually work with the person who ownes it. She wants to sell it and move on. I belong to a Federal Credit Union. I guess I just need some inspiration and a little motivational boost to get me gowing in the right direction. I keep having thoughts about the property like a chess match.Im stumped. Should I buy the property and move in and sell ours. Or should I put ours up for rent? I havent made any offers on the property or let the sellers know that I am interested. they live a couple blocks away. Any one up for a challenge? Please I Welcome All HELP.

Welcome and congratulations for taking action with real estate. As you explore on this journey you will elarn new things each day. You may even make a few mistakes along the way but the key is your trying and takign action. In regards to your current hoem and the other property, you may want to access the type of home you want to live in and how much of your monthly incoem is goign toward the home. Sometimes if you find another home that makes more financial sense that can save your money, that can be an option. The key is runnign the numbers and deciding what might make the most fiscal sense. Ify ou have more information or want to run and discuss the numbers, just make another post on this forum thread. Good luck with real estate investing! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....The temperatures are rising in the Midwest. It actually was in the high 50's all week and today it reached 70 degrees and was very sunny today. I finally gave in and had to cut my grass to begin the lawn mowing season! Many of my neighbors were on their second and third cuts already. I just knew once I started it was here until late October/early November.

As I drove the local area there are signs upon signs! There are signs on every block! There are signs on every corner! Oh yeah, election season is here and the for sale signs are mixing in with all the political signs. Some home had 5 or more signs proudly displayed through-out their front lawn. I can't believe the time, effort and money that must go into making and distributing these election signs. I have to laugh because towns can get upset over bandit signs, but looking at the political signs everywhere can be a little more distracting.

I hope everyone is ready because May is only a few days away. The tax credit is approaching the end and this might mean even more potential deals. Be sure to get out there and vote for finding a good deal! They are out there just look for the "For Sale" signs! Good luck and enjoy the hunt! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

P.S. TIP: - Old election signs could make great backing for future bandit signs!

"Vote Early and Often"
'The cynical phrases "Vote early -- and often" and "Vote early -- and vote often" are variously attributed to three different Chicagoans: Al Capone, the famous gangster; Richard J. Daley, mayor from 1955 to 1976; and William Hale Thompson, mayor from 1915-1923 and 1931-1935. It is most likely that Thompson invented the phrase, and Capone and Daley later repeated it.' ~ Unknown

.....Friday is here and so is the end of April 2010! I can't believe May 1st is tomorrow. May brings many things including more cook-outs in my local area. I am glad that I no longer have to worry about snow. It is not only shoveling it, but also driving in it and walking around in the downtown area can be anything less than fun.

The weather was just picture perfect as I drove out of the city there was so much traffic, I had to resort to plan B and take a few side streets to get to another route. When I got home it was still sunny and about 75 degrees, so I decided to go for a walk. We saw a new for sale sign that went up down the street. The great thing about canvassing your local area is you may see for sale signs before they are listed in the MLS.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Friday and is updating their action plan for finding some real estate deals this weekend. I believe the weekend is time for relaxing, fun, family and finding even more real estate deals. Good luck with your weekend drives! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“There is a secret psychology of money. Most people don't know about it. That's why most people never become financially successful. A lack of money is not the problem; it is merely a symptom of what's going on inside of you.”
~ T. Harv Eker

....The grass is green and the trees are now all filled with leaves, as May is here and so is the Spring time. Many of the local area High Schools are having their Proms this weekend as you see the super strech limos driving through the area. It does not seem that long ago when we were all seniors in high school, wondering what the future would have in store for us, but the time sure goes by fast. Doesn't it?

I drove my local area today hitting a few garage sales and noticing any homes for sale. I found a few potential opportunities that I will need to follow-up on. I stopped at thr local Lowe's Improvement Center to get some outdoor supplies because I will probably tackle my backyard landscaping this weekend. I am thankful that my Sears Craftman lawnmower started on one pull, just like the commercial.

Later in the day I stopped to get a pizza for dinner and we also stopped at a local frozen yogurt stand. It was a great weekend to be outside and just to be out and about. The weekends always go by so fast, especially when the weather is perfect and you are having fun. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Good luck in finding that next real estate deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." ~ Ferris Bueller

Hi,
Been meaning to stop by and say hello. I love your journal it's filled with such joy, inspiration and encouragement. God bless I will keep stopping by and keep living your dreams.

God Bless,
Gorgeous Frazier

Thanks for stopping by my daily adventure journal and the nice comments, I appreciate it. The DG community is a great place to share information and inspiration. We can all be where we want to be, we just have to believe! Good luck with real estate investing! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...The day was sunny with a chance of rain alter in the day. I wnet to morning mass wernt out for a nice lunch and then headed over to the outlet mall later in the day. There were many people at the mall and it appeared the sales were doing pretty well based on the amount of shopping bags leaving the mall.

I drove through a few other areas just to get a layout of the land and see what types of homes were in this other area. The area is a little lower priced but a little more challenging. I always believe it is better to invest in an area that is up and coming rather than declining if you plan to hold the property for a number of years.

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend and found a few leads or got a little closer on a few deals. Keep up the search because you will find them! The effort and persistence will pay off! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“The worst thing one can do is not to try, to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized - and never knowing” ~ David Viscott

just got your book and will read it when i get back from seeing my son. i'm really excited about. my significant other goes back and forth about being supportive of my RE adventures, but when i told him about your book and the "cost", he was like "get on it right away". so, now i have one more thing to add to my to-do list. oh, well, it might well be worth it. thanks for your and Dean's generosity.

Hi. I haven't posted here in a long time. I've been busy with REI and family things of course. I am using your idea to contact the small local banks and credit unions. Initially I am sending an intro letter to them through the mail to see if I can get to these properties before their listed; only time will tell. I did do one walk in but didn't go that well; I was told that I had to go to a realtor or they only use realtors. But I won't let that stop me. I have my first closing next week hopefully, an assignment deal. I just verbally agreed to another deal, an REO, and will probably do a full flip with that one. And I have an investment property that I am looking into as seller may agree to assumption of loan contract for 12 months. I'm waiting for exact price, terms, etc. So plenty out there. I look forward to meeting you and Stacey at the EDGE along with all the others. Take care and thank you so much for your tips and pointers and that this is possible and doesn't take forever. Believe and Achieve as you say.
Cathy

Wanted to say congrats on your book,

Look forward to reading you God bless with more success.

Gorgeous Frazier

just got the book and i will read ir front to back thanks again

Thank you Joe for the book; just got the copy.
Blessings,
Cathy

HOW in the world do you guys do it all ?!?! I just downloaded the book and really looking forward to working with it! Thank you so much for the great opportunity of sharing this information with us. And I sure look forward to getting at least a minute with you at the EDGE- you guys are going to be constantly surrounded by admirers haha.....funny how last year we didnt actually meet - so thats going to change FOR SURE! You two are amazing at all you do with your lives and still always have time to post and share and mentor everyone - truly inspiring! So thanks, and see you in Phoenix!

...With your new book, Indiana! I've been wanting to learn how to work with Ebay. I downloaded the book and started reading it yesterday. I'm enjoying the insight and education of your hard work and efforts, and look forward to implementing your strategies.

Kim

Hi Joe, and Stacy,

Downloaded the book last night amid my system undergoing a complete Microsoft scan LOL, anyhow will attempt the reading start today while babysitting the kids. "Oh the pain", sorry Dr. Smith haha, never thought of craigslist or eBay as an alternative stream of income. Looking forward to learning and earning .

Thanks again Joe and Stacy.

Bill G.

Thank you for stopping by my daily adventure journal. I have really enjoyed the eBay and Craigslist business and I know many other members can clear the clutter and start making some extra money right away! I wish you success with the book and you new venture. I look forward to hearing about your progress. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Congratulations on the real estate deals you have in the pipeline. It sounds like a few good ones are coming together for you. Try not to get discouraged by talking with banks, another approach is contact them over the phone to find out the contacts in charge decision makes). It may tak a little time, or you may have to go through a few local banks, but one good contact can really pay some dividends for you!

I wrote a few other pointers in the forum: Indiana Joe's Guidemap to finding REO Gems...let the adventure begin! The following link is below: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/buying-foreclosures-reos-...

We look forward to meeting you at the EDGE! Continued success on all your future real estate deals! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Thanks for stopping by my daily journal and the congrats. I look forward to everyone's feedback as I hope this book can help a lot of people. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Thanks for stopping by my journal and thanks for downloading the book. I look forward to hearing feedback. Good luck. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

You are very welcome. I hope the book helps and I look forward to any feedback you can share. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Thank you for stopping by our daily adventure journal. We are so happy to hear you will be attending this year's live EDGE event. We look forward to meeting you in person and hearing about your latest adventures as well. It sounds like you and Rina are doing so great and we are so proud of you!

We are happy to hear your move went well and you are now a Midwest Marvel! The Midwest can be the place to be. We have been truly blessed to have found Dean's books, programs and the DG website family. The past year has been truly amazing and we are so grateful for everything that Dean, his books and programs are doing for us.

Last year after the EDGE event (April 28, 2009), Stacey and I became registered users on the DG website as "Indiana-Joe" and "Chasing the Dream". I can honestly say thanks to Dean and the wonderful DG members we now believe some days we are "living the dream"! Believe and Achieve! - Joe and Stacey

...I wish you success with my book and I hope it helps you. The book is packed with tips, techniques and strategies for stratign and maintaining a successful internet business. I look forward to your feedback. Best wishes. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

..Thanks for downloading the book. I look forward to hearing your feedback. Good luck and much success! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Thanks for the link. There's so much on here you forget things sometimes so I bookmarked it. I agree with Laura I truly don't know how you do it all. Anyway thanks so much and to your successes, CHEERS!
Cathy

You are very welcome. The DG website is an awesome resource that continues to grow. I often feel I learn more new things each and every day. Good luck and continued success! - Joe and Stacey