OfflineTo my new DG Family,
Day 1/2 (not even day one, because I haven't gotten off the ground yet)
Here is the first entry to my REI Journal. I hope that I can join the ranks of the successful real estate success stories that I 've read and seen so much of since I have been actively becoming a part of this community. I've decided to make my dreams a reality, and by signed up for Dean's Academy today, I have officially taken action, and stepping up to the plate to brighten the financial future for myself and my wonderful family. Wow, I can't believe I am actually doing this, lol.
Everyone has a story, and here is mine. It is important for me to remind myself where I came from and how I got to where I am in life, in order to have the desire and the perserverance to move forward.
I didn't have the challenging uphill climb that Dean had faced. In fact I had the exact opposite. I grew up in a middle class neighborhood in NJ, and was fortunate enough to have parents that could afford to send me to a prestigious prep school for my formative high school years. I received my BA in Biology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and then proceeded directly to graduate school in Memphis, TN where I became an optometrist. Shortly after I met my soon to be wife, and practice opportunities landed me back in New Jersey, so we could raise our family close to the majority of our relatives. We bought our first townhome, lived in it for a year, and sold it to put a down payment on our first home, where we've lived ever since, my beautiful wife, two beautiful daughters, and of course, Hunny, our golden retriever. But...here comes the but...it was all about to unravel right before my eyes, and I never saw it coming...
In the fall of 2003, I opened up my own practice with a very good friend of mine I had met in GA, whom which I had already worked with down in Atlanta, GA when I first got out of school. Financed everything. Rented a space at a local shopping district, had the spance custom designed, with brand new furniture, fixtures, cabinetry, the WHOLE NINE YARDS..and it was absolutely gorgeous, I tell you...(sigh) Now my friend and I agreed to be 50/50 partners in this venture together, but we never actually put anything in writing...mistake #1. Our first year in business, we really didn't do that badly. I was seeing patients at my practice 4 days a week, and I was moonlighting at a local laser facility doing LASIK care for the other two days...working my butt off to make my dreams a reality. I felt like Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams.."If you build it, they will come.." lol. Well, they came, but evidently not enough of them came, as we soon found out around 8-9 months into our business venture, we realized we were quickly running out of our working capital, and unless things changed rather quickly, we were in some serious doo doo.
Things didn't change. I ended up opening a HELOC to help support the business and my partner through our financial crisis, but 12 months to the day we had to close our doors. My "friend" decided that he didn't want to repay me for any of the money I lent him, and quickly sold his house and skipped town, never to be heard from or seen again.
I was left with closing the office, filing for personal and professional bankrupcy, and dealing with all the legal headaches by myself. My partner filed for bankruptcy himself and listed me as a creditor so that I couldn't come after him for the $ he owed me.
In sets the depression. The worthlessness. Failure? That stuff never happened to me before! And this wasn't just a LITTLE failure, this was I have a wife, a family and two kids under the age of 3, with two car payments and a mortgage to pay failure. I lost weight. I was losing sleep. I was getting sick for no reason at at all.
Our marriage barely survived. My anger at myself, my wife's frustration with our situation. It was awful. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy, I tell you.
We survived. This was back in 2004. Every year has slowly gotten better. financially we are very slowly working our way back. But it's 2 steps forward, 1 step back, as Bruce Springsteen would say..almost too slow, because by the time we get back to square one at this pace, I'm afraid we will have missed out on all of the joys that life has to offer. You only live once, and you only go around this world once..I don't want to be old and gray by the time I can enjoy it. I need to seize the opportunity, work it until I bleed real estate, and stop nothing short of success. Because tonight I had an epiphany. No one is going to hand me success. I have to go out and take it for myself. I will not sit by idly and just live paycheck to paycheck, worrying about paying off the variable interest HELOC that is milking us dry.
So here begins the journey for me. With a $50,000 HELOC in my left pocket, and my horrible credit from my bankruptcy in my other pocket. I want to unload my pockets!!!! God speed everyone, and thank you everyone involved with DG.com for giving me hope to make my dreams a reality. I look forward to sharing with you my journey along the way. Hopefully, we'll all find that pot of gold, good health, and happiness at the end of the road, because, we all deserve to be happy!
My warmest regard to all,
Eric
PS...Wow, that was cathartic..but I promise you my future posts will not be this long 
Welcome to the DG family and thanks for sharing your story with the other DG members. You have found the formula for success with Dean and the DG website. There is so much information and tips packed into the books and the website that you will often refer back to these tools for motivationb and information as you complete future deals. We look forward to hearing about your journey...full speed ahead. Believe and Achieve!
- Joe
YOU TUBE CHANNEL - Follow me on my You Tube Channel at Joe Jurek Real Estate Investing Adventures
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiko62V79zLKX_owbirAYNA
TWITTER - Follow me on Twitter at Joe Jurek CPA
Joe Jurek CPA
https://twitter.com/JoeJurekCPA
Holy cow! I so much appreciate you sharing your story. It shows what true character you have, making it through and bouncing back without throwing in the towel on life. God bless you for that! Your family is lucky to have you (and you them, I'm sure!).
NOW here comes the fun part! YOU have found the way to fast-forward the "best is yet to come" chapter. Congratulations on finding Dean's programs and making the decision to take advantage of it! I look forward to following your journal as you jump into REI. I wish you all the success you deserve!
Oh, and welcome to the DG family.
I believe you'll find all the support you need here, between all the members' contibutions and Dean's steady input of blogs and tools right here on the site.
Sincerely,
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
Eric, welcome! You made a great choice by joining the DG family. Good job on beginning to take action, you can make it if you follow the tools Dean gives you. I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted on your success!
Jeremy
This train, Dreams will not be thwarted
This train, Faith will be rewarded
Big wheel roll through fields where sunlight streams
Meet me in the Land Of Hope And Dreams
Bruce Springsteen
Welocme to the family! I wish you nothing but success in our real estate investing journey. Good luck!
Lloyd
to the DG family! Your story has touch my soul; the outcome of it all is those of us who have gone through soooooooooo much will be richer in blessings b/c we endured when we could have chose not too. He will continue to carry you at your lowest moments in life and make your burdens light. Keep your faith and your head held high. Your ex-friend will get his due; God doesn't like ugly.
"I will NOT BE BROKE! ANYMORE!"
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent,
the Merciful.
22.He is Allah besides Whom there is no God: The Knower of the unseen and the seen; He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.
23. He is Allah besides Whom there is no God: the King, the Holy, the Author of Peace,the Granter of Security, Guardian over all, the Mighty, the Supreme, the Possessor of greatness. Glory be to Allah from that which they set up (with Him)!
24. He is Allah: the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner: His are the most beautiful names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares His glory: and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
Eric, your story teaches me not to complain. You are indeed an example of learning from others mistakes as well as our own. I have had a similar story, but unlike your it was with a family member. However, God is not sleeping and as the God says, "Revenge is mine." What goes around, comes around. We have to understand the evil gets us nowhere. Eric, you are in the right place for a new boost. Welcome to your new family, who will be supporting and watching as you progress to stardom. All the best to you and your family.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thanks for your little back ground with your story. Welcome to the DG Family and wish you the best of luck. Just keep on reading Deans book and learn his teaching tools and read our postings and we all will learn from each other to make us stronger. Keep your chin up !
Warm regards,
Paul T. La Moy
Offically signed up as of this morning, and I was completely fired up to start the ball rolling. I watched the intro and orientation lesson, and already started on the action steps.
I perused and became familiar with the site and its offerings, even though I don't know how a lot of the information comes together as of yet.
I had fun making my list of goals, both short term and long term. I read somewhere you need to make your goals measurable and distinct. As in, "I want to achieve a net worth of $500,000 in real estate holding in 2 years."...Rather than simply stating "I want to increase my net worth in 2 years". If its not distinctly definable, how will you actually know that you've achieved your goals? I know I can alter them in the future, but I definitely made them definable.
I also read that I should print them out and make copies of them, and stick them everywhere I go. On my mirror in the bathroom, in my car, at the office...the more places you have access to your goals and are able to visualize them, they become more ingrained and you will find it easier to stay on the path....focused. We'll see if it works!
I dropped an e-mail to my accountant who I trust implicity and asked him about forming a corporation for my real estate investing. He'll most likely get back to be on Monday when he gets a chance. I briefly perused my state government page and found the necessary info to form my corporation after I touch base with my accountant.
And I actually worked today....lol
Working tomorrow with a full book of patients, and Sunday I'll be playing in my softball league playoffs and spending time at the pool with my family and friends. Next entry will be on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone!
Press on!
- Eric
Welcome Eric!
The hardest part in moving into new territory is that first step. Being new to REI, I can appreciate the enthusiasm you're feeling. Now the real fun begins. Dig in, learn from the DG books and website, find those deals & don't hesitate to grab them.
Your involvement in the Success Academy will be a great boost, and you lack no resources with the great people on this site. Thanks for sharing and I wish you the best in your journey!
Best Regards,
Robbie Inks
Joshua 1: 8-9
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Hi Eric,
Welcome to the greatest opportunity by far! Here you'll find all the support needed to move ahead on this new journey. It's a new day! Continued success to you.......Lubertha
"GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE, HE IS THE AIR WE BREATHE"
WOW, I just wanted to say that your story was jaw dropping and inspirational... But you made it... and your making it now and your GOING to make a difference!!!!
Just wait and see and PLEASE ASK AWAY ON THESE FORUMS!!!! I use these forums more then I use about anything in my house!
Knowledge is Power
- Pimpedoutgeese
Allow your fear to gently pass. Then genuinely ask yourself,
“What needs to be done?”
Eric, you work with the public, and see many patients/clients per day. They will be more than willing to help you achieve your goal. Put a sign up or have your business card available if the State mandate allows, saying "WE BUY HOUSES." You might be surprised that some of your clients may be selling their homes with the intention of moving away. They may be more than willing to consider you before anyone else, just a thought. You are on the right track to a new beginning, if you stick with the program and achieve your five properties within the year, you will not only be reimbursed the amount you paid for the program, but you wold have realized the goal you set for yourself of $500K. As always, it is a pleasure reading your entries. Good Luck and God Bless.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Busy day today with patients, busier than I'd thought(not complaining)!
I had a small break in the afternoon....
and offically launched South Jersey Homes Unlimited, LLC!!!! Woo hoo!
Registered the business, and received my FEI for tax purposes, so I officially exist now, there's no turning back....lol
I promptly ordered 250 sharp, glossy business cards...for free!!
overnightprints.com did the trick, and I just paid for S & H. I think I will order my next batch of business cards for my practice from them...designed them online in a snap, I highly recommend them for anyone that is interested.
Onwards and upwards!
Because of my horrible credit, the Academy suggested I start with the Assignment of Contracts lesson first. I did learn about them in Dean's book, but I'm excited to sink my teeth into my first lesson in Dean's Academy!
Regards,
Eric
Eric it sounds like you have already experienced more than most so you have that determination and lack of fear that holds some of us back. Thanks sharing you story.
Congratulations on beginning your path to REI success! I am confident that you will soon be a success story, inspiring other new investors!
Keep us posted and good luck!
-Mike
You've shown amazing resiliency by coming this far. Many would have simply given up. For that, I commend you!
Good luck!
-Mike
Busier day at work than I expected, still organizing a newly renovate office space, and its taking longer than I anticipated.
Today I was able to squeeze in around 2/3 of my first lesson on assigning contracts. Just soakin' it all in...I'm a sponge, baby....
...
Wow!!! Absolutely hilarious, I tell you..
Here am I, planning to spend all this time on my coursework, when I actually start to get REALLY busy at work. Now that I have something meaningful to do with my down time, I actually start to get busy...
No coursework today.
But, at least I recorded it in the journal. I can see why it can be beneficial to keep these logs written down; to be accountable, focused, and staying the course...
I should be able to make time for some work tomorrow before the holiday weekend...see you tomorrow!!!
Wow!!! Absolutely hilarious, I tell you..
Here am I, planning to spend all this time on my coursework, when I actually start to get REALLY busy at work. Now that I have something meaningful to do with my down time, I actually start to get busy...
No coursework today.
But, at least I recorded it in the journal. I can see why it can be beneficial to keep these logs written down; to be accountable, focused, and staying the course...
I should be able to make time for some work tomorrow before the holiday weekend...see you tomorrow!!!
Wow!!! Absolutely hilarious, I tell you..
Here am I, planning to spend all this time on my coursework, when I actually start to get REALLY busy at work. Now that I have something meaningful to do with my down time, I actually start to get busy...
No coursework today.
But, at least I recorded it in the journal. I can see why it can be beneficial to keep these logs written down; to be accountable, focused, and staying the course...
I should be able to make time for some work tomorrow before the holiday weekend...see you tomorrow!!!
OK I don"t know what just happened there, but maybe a webmaster can take all of those repetetive posts as you see above..I have NO IDEA what just happened there...lol
Welcome to the DG family! I hope things begin to look up for you! Good luck in all your future endeavors!
Success and Nothing Less!
The double post happens when you click too many times on the post button. Sometimes you click once and you think its not responding so you click again. Much succees to you.........Lubertha
"GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE, HE IS THE AIR WE BREATHE"
Welcome - it is so inspiring to have people join and see them jump right in with everything! I wish you much success in your real estate ventures.
Michel
The repeats could come too because the system is slow due to the high volume of users. Press once (as Lubertha says)and wait until you see the post entered before proceeding. Good Luck.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Successful comeback day after a day of inactivity. I listened to my second assigned lesson "Marketing & Building a Buyer's List #1). Whew, my brain is on overload, thinking about everything I'm learning, buyers marketing, sellers marketing, qualifying, nonqualifying, assigning contracts...trying my best to keep things compartameltalized for the time being. Over the weekend and next week I will research costs involved for some of the different marketing strategies to try to work on a monthly marketing budget. It seems crazy to work on a marketing budget already when I don't even think I have anything to market yet...lol
I have a case of "which comes first, the chicken or the egg". In real estate terms, which comes first, the seller's list, the buyer's list, or the marketing? Hmmm..which one will be first...
It seems they are all dependent on one another, so I guess I'll just following my assigment plan and work on the marketing plan & budget for now. Obviously right now I am just going to be budgeting for advertising my services only, to start a buyers list. Considering the fact I am only interested in using other people's $ for assigning contracts at the present time, I want to dip into as many free advertising angles as possible. If anyone has any good suggestions, please, do share!!
Have a great holiday everyone. Next journal entry will be on Monday.
- Eric
You have a great holiday too!
I know Craigslist,Kijiji & other similar sites like these (that offer free classified-ads) are overloaded with "We Buy Houses" ads. The key too it is is making your Ad(s) stand out too all the rest. Go through their ads and look at what they possibly haven't touch on, who is the target audience they're trying to attract in their ads & see if they use any pictures at all of actual homes in the area where they're investing. Your local newspaper, thrifty nickel (or penny saver) and/or other newspaper publications are good sources to advertise in especially utilize their online advertising if they offer it. Once you start making it you can look into the apartment guides and home publication guides (that local Realtors or REB use to advertise their listings in) that people pick up at grocery stores or out of one of street side stands. God Bless in your REI endeavors.
"I will NOT BE BROKE! ANYMORE!"
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent,
the Merciful.
22.He is Allah besides Whom there is no God: The Knower of the unseen and the seen; He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.
23. He is Allah besides Whom there is no God: the King, the Holy, the Author of Peace,the Granter of Security, Guardian over all, the Mighty, the Supreme, the Possessor of greatness. Glory be to Allah from that which they set up (with Him)!
24. He is Allah: the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner: His are the most beautiful names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares His glory: and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend!
Assignments accomplished today:
Outlined a marketing strategy with "free" and "inexpensive" being the operative terms. I set a modest budget of $50/month to cover marketing costs.
Business cards en route
Free website started with the help of Dean's team (thank you!)
Will be using Craigslist and "Kijiji" (never heard of that one yet) for internet marketing
Will be posting flyers on community bboards, supermarkets, etc.
Will be setting up my 1800 number to take advantage of Dean's automated marketing techniques as outlined in his book
I will also be trolling for "We Buy Houses" signs posted in neighborhoods, get the info, and see if I can add them to my buyers list!!!
I looked into joined my local REI for South Jersey...membership is $125 annually....looks like it could really help, but kind of expensive to start off with for now....should I suck it up and join this month or can I wait for the REI club?
Also, I got through around half of part II of the Marketing/Buyers list chapter in the lesson plan.
Made my first mentor/advisor call today, and I must tell you, talking to a real person who'll steer me in the right direction and answer my questions was very empowering. Its nice to know that I have supportive people on the advisor line and online who can help stay the course. Excited about the possibilities!
- Eric
I know some REI clubs they allow you go to as a guess a few times (usually twice) before they demand that you become a member. See if you can do that before deciding if you want to become a full member. This way you see if attending the meetings (quality wise) will be worth your time.
"I will NOT BE BROKE! ANYMORE!"
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent,
the Merciful.
22.He is Allah besides Whom there is no God: The Knower of the unseen and the seen; He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.
23. He is Allah besides Whom there is no God: the King, the Holy, the Author of Peace,the Granter of Security, Guardian over all, the Mighty, the Supreme, the Possessor of greatness. Glory be to Allah from that which they set up (with Him)!
24. He is Allah: the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner: His are the most beautiful names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares His glory: and He is the Mighty, the Wise.