The Journey to Freedom

"Wo ist die toilette?" = "Where is the bathroom?"

pronounced:
Wo = "Vo"
die = "dee"
toilette = "toyletta"

IE or EI is pronouced with the first vowel silent and second one long.
example ziehen pronounced zee hen

Ziehen means pull
drucken means push(pronounced drookin)

When you go to the mall or bank and on the outside of the door it says pull and on the inside of the door it says push.
Pull = ziehen
push = drucken
When in Germany it is easy to forget, and you don't want to hesitate and look like an idiot. I know I did... So I came up with a way to remember.

Think about pushing the door to YOU or pulling it to ME.
Druckin sounds like YOU so push
Ziehen sounds like ME so pull
So just think Drucken = you, ziehen = me.

Cathy, Do you know where in Germany yet? I spent 2 years near Wuerzburg(Wildflecken), and 3 years in Munich(HoehenKirchen).

Scott

Well today I am calling the paper and placing my ads (2): 1 for buyers and 1 for sellers and possible buyers. I am placing a ghost ad because to me it's a marketing tool and if I don't have one; I can probably find someone that does have a home for a person through my REI group so I just have to talk to myself here. Look forward to my first deal; it's just on the edge (no pun intended with Dean's event).
Cathy You can DO it and Must DO it.
Love you so much,
Cathy

Well I didn't quite place the ad. I have to be truthful here to myself. I did call but didn't realize for business ads which is what it is would cost me a bit more than I anticipated. I will use the flyer and bandit sign methods to start off.

I did do a search on Craiglist as well and will make some calls tomorrow for buyer's list.

What to do? I really want to go to the Edge event but not having any deals makes me feel like I don't deserve to go; it's not really the deals but inaction. Also I consulted with a couple of people in my area about it and also trying to get someone to go with me to cut down cost. I did send an email to our REI email mgr person to send out a general email; I just hope they check it soon to do it. I may call them in the am to see about it. I have so much debt right now trying to break free from but do have a credit card I could use? Sometimes I wish I had a spouse to consult with; now I don't want to hear how I'm better off. I will just have to consult the big guy upstairs; I sometimes have a hard time hearing him or maybe that it's I don't want to hear him, haha!
Love you Cathy; You will do what's right for you.
God Bless You.
Cathy

Well busy day. I had a couple guys here to paint ceiling and 2 walls that was paneling. I just couldn't do it all so hired some help and possibly use them down the road with some paint for flips and such. I know of a seller of 2 seperate multi units so need to get more info from realtor and see if seller financing will work. I really didn't get much done today with rei but decluttered and moved furniture around. Went to dinner for my sister's 40th birthday. My other sister lives out of state and bought us each a FLIP video. How sweet is that. Already shot some footage to send to her. Plan on some reading though.

I know it is late and I can't read it all, but I'm only on your third entry and you have me IN TEARS! WOW! The way you write, share your journey, and even "encourage" yourself REALLY touches me!!

Know that I will catch up with more of your action and experiences in my reading here. But I'm truly glad you are here. Glad you are writing. Glad you are sharing. And glad you are helping the rest of us to see such a transparent state of beauty in your beginnings, in your struggles, in your personal 7 levels deep, and in your small daily nuggets of success so far. It helps us connect with those feelings in ourselves. It helps me to connect with where I am, where I have come from, and where I want to be. Keep up the great work, and the great words....you have a way with them!

More soon from me!! Cheers Kathy!
Louisa

I know it is late and I can't read it all, but I'm only on your third entry and you have me IN TEARS! WOW! The way you write, share your journey, and even "encourage" yourself REALLY touches me!!

Know that I will catch up with more of your action and experiences in my reading here. But I'm truly glad you are here. Glad you are writing. Glad you are sharing. And glad you are helping the rest of us to see such a transparent state of beauty in your beginnings, in your struggles, in your personal 7 levels deep, and in your small daily nuggets of success so far. It helps us connect with those feelings in ourselves. It helps me to connect with where I am, where I have come from, and where I want to be. Keep up the great work, and the great words....you have a way with them!

More soon from me... Cheers Cathy!
Louisa

I wish you good luck on achieving your dreams. Make sure you use this forum if you have any questions.

Thank you for sharing your 7th level - good for you!!

My cousin's husband was born in the US but lived in Germany with his parents back in the 80's he went to school there.) He said that everyone drinks all the time it is just the way it is but people aren't in drunken stupers and that there is actually a lower amount of alcohol abuse there than there is here.

I wish you the best with the 2 units you found and look forward to hearing how this progresses.

Lea
SPR Property Solutions, LLC

Congratulations on taking the step of joining the academy and starting a journal. I wish much success in Real Estate Investing and I am sure you will succeed.

Great beginning today. I was on a training call today. How awesome it was. We went over the book by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki with commentary by Leo Schreven: Why We Want You To Be Rich. Great info and it's nice because there are so many good books out there; I can't keep up with reading them all and this summarizes it and we discuss it on a call. Great info and info about real estate and such. Loved it. Spend a little more time here then off to scan the paper and finally call some for rent ads to build confidence and just start talking to people. Maybe I'll find a lead to a deal, anythings possible.

Love you Cathy,
You are amazing,
Cathy

I jumped out in faith and signed up for the Edge event. Can't wait for it. As someone told me it's one deal. So off to work towards that first deal.

Action, Cathy, Action!

Thank you for reading my journal and stopping by. I thank you all for your encouragement and offers of help. And just knowing we are all in this game together.

We are an amazing group of highly successful people.
Cathy

Cathy,
We seem to be helping each other more and more. I like the way we are motivating each other etc. We need to check on each other even more now, keep each other motivated, inspirated, and on track. Working together it would be harder for us to not succeed than to succeed. Nothing can stop us. We should start celebrating now. We are already successful we just haven't totally realized it yet. WOOHOO!!!! Congratulations Cathy and Scott!!!!!

Cathy, I am proud of you. You have done a lot and you are constantly moving foward. You are awesome!!! Thank you for you!!!!

May is not really that far off, but at the same time a lot can and will happen between now and then. Control what happens and make it what you want it to be.
Think about what you want to happen between now and then. Use the exercise in Dean's current blog. Once you decide "where you want to be" in your REI career come MAY then think about "How you are going to get there" and make it happen.
I am doing the same. I am taking some time today for that purpose. I am going to go find a peaceful, relaxing place in the sun where I won't be bnothered. I am going to do some soulsearching and deep thinking about "Where I am", "Where I want to be", and "How I am going to get there". I am going to complete the ACTION exercise Dean gave us. Then later today or tomorrow I am going to post it in my blog. I am telling you all this so you can take the idea, personalize it to make it fit you and then use it for you. Dean gave us gift with this Action Exercise, more than most will realize. Don't waste it!!!

I am SOOOO excited about the EDGE event in so many different ways.

See you there!!!!

Scott

ps. Don't hesitate to call me anytime. I am here for you, and I know you are there for me!

02/08/10
I am pretty sure Dean was reading my mind this week for this blog. My JOB is increasingly stressful and I'm just not all that excited about it anymore. Maybe it's this frustration that will be the catalyst for my success in real estate. I know Matt Larson was fed up with the daily grind of his job.

My biggest obstacle is myself and secondly I would have to say time. I didn't get home til like almost 7 tonight and then dinner and dishes and on and on; excuses. So I did take some small steps read on:

On another note ironically Carol's interview struck a cord with me as well. As one of my small daily steps I called some for rent ads (only 5 but that was my goal to just call 5 for practice) didn't have much time as it was like 8:30 pm when I started calling. Well anyway just like Carol I did have one person that is getting tired of it and has multiple properties; he sounded kind of tired or just wanted to relax so I told him we could discuss it more at another time. He told me to call back tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure what even to say or do but I can call the academy and some of the local investors I know as well if needed be. I kind of need to know how to handle it. But I am just excited about making the calls; it didn't really matter if I found somebody or not but to just call and do something and that's what I did. Yeah for you Cathy. You took ACTION. And ACTION will get you results just keep at it.

We are expecting some snow tonight and tomorrow so we'll see if I even make it to work. It's like 11:30 pm right now my time here and I think I will start a little bit on Dean's exercise but will have to reflect and do more on it tomorrow as well.

I am just glad to have all of you on this site supporting one another. It's a real treasure and blessing. God brought me here nothing is by chance when you believe.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
Prov 3:5-6 (I hope that's right anyway).

02/08/10
I am pretty sure Dean was reading my mind this week for this blog. My JOB is increasingly stressful and I'm just not all that excited about it anymore. Maybe it's this frustration that will be the catalyst for my success in real estate. I know Matt Larson was fed up with the daily grind of his job.

My biggest obstacle is myself and secondly I would have to say time. I didn't get home til like almost 7 tonight and then dinner and dishes and on and on; excuses. So I did take some small steps read on:

On another note ironically Carol's interview struck a cord with me as well. As one of my small daily steps I called some for rent ads (only 5 but that was my goal to just call 5 for practice) didn't have much time as it was like 8:30 pm when I started calling. Well anyway just like Carol I did have one person that is getting tired of it and has multiple properties; he sounded kind of tired or just wanted to relax so I told him we could discuss it more at another time. He told me to call back tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure what even to say or do but I can call the academy and some of the local investors I know as well if needed be. I kind of need to know how to handle it. But I am just excited about making the calls; it didn't really matter if I found somebody or not but to just call and do something and that's what I did. Yeah for you Cathy. You took ACTION. And ACTION will get you results just keep at it.

We are expecting some snow tonight and tomorrow so we'll see if I even make it to work. It's like 11:30 pm right now my time here and I think I will start a little bit on Dean's exercise but will have to reflect and do more on it tomorrow as well.

I am just glad to have all of you on this site supporting one another. It's a real treasure and blessing. God brought me here nothing is by chance when you believe.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
Prov 3:5-6 (I hope that's right anyway).

02/08/10
I am pretty sure Dean was reading my mind this week for this blog. My JOB is increasingly stressful and I'm just not all that excited about it anymore. Maybe it's this frustration that will be the catalyst for my success in real estate. I know Matt Larson was fed up with the daily grind of his job.

My biggest obstacle is myself and secondly I would have to say time. I didn't get home til like almost 7 tonight and then dinner and dishes and on and on; excuses. So I did take some small steps read on:

On another note ironically Carol's interview struck a cord with me as well. As one of my small daily steps I called some for rent ads (only 5 but that was my goal to just call 5 for practice) didn't have much time as it was like 8:30 pm when I started calling. Well anyway just like Carol I did have one person that is getting tired of it and has multiple properties; he sounded kind of tired or just wanted to relax so I told him we could discuss it more at another time. He told me to call back tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure what even to say or do but I can call the academy and some of the local investors I know as well if needed be. I kind of need to know how to handle it. But I am just excited about making the calls; it didn't really matter if I found somebody or not but to just call and do something and that's what I did. Yeah for you Cathy. You took ACTION. And ACTION will get you results just keep at it.

We are expecting some snow tonight and tomorrow so we'll see if I even make it to work. It's like 11:30 pm right now my time here and I think I will start a little bit on Dean's exercise but will have to reflect and do more on it tomorrow as well.

I am just glad to have all of you on this site supporting one another. It's a real treasure and blessing. God brought me here nothing is by chance when you believe.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
Prov 3:5-6 (I hope that's right anyway).

I am having trouble with the computer running really slow when I try to log on to DG site and other things especially the last couple of days
Sorry; it's just 3x as special I guess.
Cathy

It's been tough today. Don't want to bring anyone down so I won't say much more than that.

What action steps did I take today?
Let's see I went over many of the most recent listings my agent sent me and went through them to see if even possiblities (I didn't run numbers or anything looking for motivation) then sent realtor email with all the MLS #s to see if still on market. I guess the next step is to go look at them and put in offers.

Reviewed the Assignment of contract learning session. I need to put in lots of offers but scared to death. That will be a big step for me.
Well that's all for now.
Cathy

2/11/2010
I have been lazy since I first started this. I didn't follow through; I wasn't teachable; I was scared; I didn't know what I was doing; I didn't know where to start; Now I must begin all over but with a new outlook and a new attitude.
Now I know I have the tools. Right here on this site, in the books, the success academy, the REI group I'm in. I'm just so scared and frightened at the unknown. I have failed in so many other areas of my life. But without failure you cannot grow and become stronger. I have been an emotional wreck today. No more; I know my success is right around the corner. I just have to be strong and persevere.

Because of my lack of Action now I'm in a bind. I just now realized that if you do 5 deals in 1 year's time you get your money back. My dilemma is now I only have like 3 1/2 months to do it in. Anything's possible but I'm nervous. It gives me a goal though. Do I invest in other states as well and just repeat the system, it takes time to do it all. All I can think of is that 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'.

Just Go For It Cathy.
Remember I love you.
Cathy

Well today is a new day; that's what's good about a bad day there is always a better day ahead. The paint work on my ceiling and a couple walls that was paneling got finished. I hired it done because of the time and possibly use them down the road too.

I have to send a thank you to Scott so thank you Scott.

Nothing new on the 2 triplexes right now. I really have to step out in faith and call some FSBO. My goal is to put in offers this week; at least 5 but sounds scary. I just need to get my rhythm and system up and running.

Rereading the chapter on overcoming obstacles/fears in BAREM.
I will call realtor tomorrow to discuss my plan of action.

Just Do It Cathy

Well I just now booked the room at the hotel. I am single and have a room with 2 queen beds so if any other female out there is attending and wants to share a room; I'd be glad to share and split the cost.
Go For It Cathy!
I am so proud of you for not quitting and giving up!
Cathy

Congratulations on taking action.

Thank you Jason. I do love your name Build_Assets; that's what it's all about. I really appreciate all the encouragement. I did take some steps as well today. I drove by some properties (6) and sent email to realtor to get comps on 3-4 of them. Went to zillow to check zestimates there on 1 and will go back for the others. There's got to be a gem in some of these, I just know it. Deal by end of month is a goal and a challenge. I will do it.
Blessings Cathy and You are Loved.
You are genuinely made by God in Heaven in His image, beautifully and wonderfully made; don't ever forget that.
Cathy

I noticed there's many single people on this site and I wish everyone the best Valentine's Day Ever. Go Find those Deals!
Blessings,
Cathy

So far I had to work my day job so didn't go to open houses but that's okay. I did some extra driving on my way home and found about 6 houses to check on and also one was an REO (looked good) so will check the county site to see what name it's listed under and if it's a bank I will contact them.

ON another note I loved Dean's message, Are you Lucky or a Fool?. Very good.

I am missing my daughter's choir concert this Thurs as there is a real estate training I am going with someone from my REI group and didn't realize the conflict. I am so disappointed I am missing it; they're doing like an 80's tribute. Hopefully someone might video tape it. My daughter told me today that maybe I'm spending too much time on this real estate thing. That hurt a bit; I cannot deny that. I don't think she will complain too much once I do my first deal by end of Feb; that's my goal:
One deal by February 28, 2010. This is my year. I just love all the support on hear plus it makes me have to Act. People want to hear about your successes.

I have to get over what's stopping me and no more excuses. I will be putting offers in this week. I have more of Dean's video blogs to catch up on as well.

You keep at it Cathy, small steps each and everyday.
Love ya girl!
Cathy

Your journal was quite eye-opening, since it reminded me of myself so much of the time. I feel I have the knowledge but am a terrible procrastinator. I have been improving with that, but not fast enough for me.

Did you find someone to go to the Edge with? I was thinking I really wanted to go so badly I could taste it, but splitting the cost with a "partner" for the additional $$$ makes sound financial advice. I am still playing around with that thought, but I do have my tax refund coming in that would help pay for the Edge and a hotel room for the weekend.

Keep working toward your goals Cathy, and if you don't meet all of them, at least you are moving forward. I understand the issue with your daughter since I am a single mom and have a college age daughter at home who thinks I am wasting my time and money on studying real estate. But I just tell her she won't be complaining when I help her pay off those student loans and get her into her first property.

Keep up the great work!

Kristin

Goal: I will have my first deal by end of Feb (Feb 28, 2010). Well long story I will try to shorten it. My friend called me about a house her mother in law owns and rents out. We have talked before about it and I planted a seed awhile ago about seller(owner) financing. Now she's very very motivated and wants out and quickly. So I will check the numbers and see what I can come up with; if owner financing doesn't work I will assign it hopefully. I did call the success academy for some help. Quite a few different options even with owner financing. I have my REI group tomorrow night so maybe get some help there too. So far what I know is there is a mortgage ~58000 and rent is 675 but I think she's not cash flowing it just enough to pay the expenses of mtge/ins/taxes; it's a 4BR 1BA but no garage. I'm going to look at it after I get back in town. She does have a tenant in there right now but only until end of March. I love progress and ACTION; It works, who knew, just kidding.
Love ya Cathy,
You Go Girl!
Cathy

Going to look at a couple properties tomorrow with realtor. The only true dilemma is they're both REOs which you can't assign but can do a double closing. They both look pretty decent as far as outside and I did peek in windows when I was driving by and one the garage door was wide open and that needed some work but it's the garage. I want to put in offers before I go out of town. I need to put in other offers but might have to just put in offers without seeing them initially. Just do it Cathy; walk by faith not by sight.
I love the bible and all of it's wisdom. Amazing book.
You are loved Cathy

Think about and answer the above question before you read below.

You mentioned that you can't assign REOs. That is a limit right? Who has the power to limit YOU? Only YOU do. Stop limiting yourself. Don't say no or can't, ask how instead, and even better ask how WE can. You are not alone you have all of us and you also mentioned a local partner or 2..... Keep that in mind.

Do a site search on 'land trust', and you will learn how you CAN assign REOs.

Remember to be positive and think outside the box. Example: There are many Texans stuck thinking INside the box when they say lease options are illegal in Tx. That is all they think about that topic. They accept it for gospel and refuse to question it or anything else. I refuse to accept that. I don't know how yet but I WILL find a way that WE can do lease options in Tx.

Cathy, I believe in you. I know you can do ANYTHING you decide to do.

Start deciding Cathy!!!!!!

Scott

Thank you Scott you keep me going that's for sure. Read your journal.

I am letting the car warm up; something you people in warmer clients probably laugh at that.

I just know I waited way too long to do this. But I'm done beating myself up about it. I'm done with the excuses. I'm done with the self pity party. Everyone has to come to success in their own time.
Knowledge + Action = Results (not sure if I got it exactly right).

It's hard to realize and comprehend that so many of the success stories (real lives) have been down here where I'm at and they made it so why not me as well. This works; it truly works. I don't think Dean and his staff and the others on here realize the extent of what they do is transforming lives. The video blogs, conference calls, success academy team, the success stories are truly inspiratinal, motivational, and filled with action to move forward. I'm so fortunate to have joined this site, started a journal, met friends, and it just keeps getting better. I am finally taking action and my goal I will tell the whole world is: 'I will have my first deal by Feb 28.' If you don't have your first deal then make a goal of when it will happen otherwise it won't happen and the yes's end of stealing your time.

Go For It! What's stopping you?
Cathy