The Journey to Freedom

Action finally. I think I posted about a call I received from CL ad. Well I just now got in touch as I had forgotten with all the preparations of my daughter's big adventure and it's still available and they are selling due to divorce situation. I would love to buy and hold this one as it's already rehabbed and ready to move in from what I was told. I talked with my realtor just now and she's got some things with another client but when finished with him we are going over to look at it. Now it's listed at $45,000 but text I received from owner said $43,900. I asked realtor for days on market and last sold price but it has been rehabbed. Totalview didn't have any info on this property and neither did zillow. But eppraisal did and it's estimate was $53,949. Now I have to somehow figure out how I can purchase this and hold for myself for rental income ($700/month is what current owner rented it for I think) and without my own money. Also I do need to make sure of location and such. That's it for now. I'm back on track somewhat, Yeah for me!

I read in the book Goals by Brian Tracy that each time you accomplish a goal or complete a task your body releases endorphins. I did not know this. The more success and bigger tasks the more endorphins are released, it was an Aha moment for me.

Cathy L

I will win this game of REI and meet everyone at the top.
Go Girl!

You never know when you will meet a like minded individual and possibly a buyer and then you don't get their contact info; uggh! I met a gentleman at the Border's bookstore in the real estate, stocks, etc investing section. I was looking for the conspiracy of the rich book which I heard is very good and had 40% off coupon. I picked it up to look at it and that's how the conversation began as he, Jeremy, had read the book and references it often and he highly recommended it. Come to find out he has 3 dulexes on the IA side but lives on the IL side. Now he's looking for one to rehab and hold to rent. I did give him my business card and of course on back wrote Dean's website address. I do hope he checks it out. He also continues to work a full time job. Anyway it ended kind of awkwardly but maybe I'll run into him again. You never know when you might run into someone. I did mention our REI group too so maybe he'll call asking about that.

I haven't posted in awhile. I just continue to fight my battles but will come out on top. I have some things planned this week. Well I just have to move forward and I keep thinking about the word insanity and it's definition: doing the same thing over expecting different results.

I'm in a building for my regular job and looking at the posters in the therapy room; there's a reason I was sent here today.

There's 5 posters in frames with the following words capitalized and quotes below them:

1: VISION - The future belongs to those who have the vision of their dreams.

2: GOALS - Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.

3: CHALLENGE - Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off your goals

4: DETERMINATION - Finesse will determine the outcomes of life's more treacherous paths

5: COURAGE - Courage is grace under pressure

Now I don't have to write them down but will when I get home.

I'm meeting my friend and investor, Molly and her mom. Also I'm calling Greg to meet him this week. Also I'm meeting realtor on Wed hopefully. Tues is REI meeting. I'm joining toastmasters to give me a boost in leadership and confidence too.

Cathy L

Fight to Freedom should be the title of my journal. I didn't know one person can make it so difficult, haha. I haven't posted for quite some time but out of frustration and everything else I decided I would report mostly if I had some BIG news. The other thing is I need to put my time into some real action steps. I did go and look at some properties last Sun that was with another investor; it was just wonderful to be looking at houses again. Also when I see a FSBO sign I have been actually writing down the numbers. Now I have to make it a point to call them tomorrow. I did call a bank contact that many in our REI group have used and have to call the other one because I want to refinance my own home and also look into financing for triplex and/or 4 plex; there are quite a few available and many have been on the market for long time. I just need to see if bank will allow the seller to finance (carryback) the usual 20% down. This would at least get me into some positive cash flow and build my confidence. Even after doing one deal I still feel like I'm in the starting blocks. I've had that F thing taking control and what most people say is to work through it and just take action.

I was on the call last night with Dean and Matt. It was so nice to hear Matt and you can hear it in both Dean and Matt's voice the passion they have for this. I haven't seen Matt's bandit signs but I have seen another wholesale investor's signs that I've talked to in the past; might need to give him a call. I know I will make it. I only have myself to blame for my lack of success. Right now I'm wondering how to put a few extra bucks in my bank account just so I don't get charged overdraft fee. God is in control and I won't deny that I spent some foolishly.

I just got to get going now and make some deals happen somehow! I know this works and I believe in it wholeheartedly. I just have to believe in myself and know that I'm worthy of being successful and having an abundance of wealth; that it's okay to be wealthy.

Cathy L

I just wanted to stop in an say hello Even though I haven't posted in your journal for a while I keep up with your journal. I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes with the FSBO phone calls. I wish you the best in getting a triplex and 4-plex !! Please keep us posted on how this unfolds.

Lea

Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I was kind of giving up on posting until I took action. Thank you for your kind words and for reading my journal. Thank you for the support too. We all need it in this journey.

Cathy L

Well...to be honest I don't know why I stopped posting other than I felt I didn't have much to say. But it's important to post and stay in touch with everyone. I didn't leave the REI world; it's actually getting exciting again.

I had to go back to think about what I had accomplished and thanks to Dean for his video blogs especially the one a couple weeks ago I think. I was beating myself up and for what...nothing.

I have done 1 assignment of contract and that one in itself was exciting and I received a finder's (birddogging) fee. 2 out of 3 isn't bad. I keep thinking about Babe Ruth or some other home run hitters that probably have the highest strike outs but yet they hit the big ones out of the park.

I absolutely love my real estate investor's group.

I went to 1 credit union last week and they are the most creative ideas I've heard. There was so much I couldn't write it all down; I just know they will work with each person or persons in a very individual and unique way. They can do interest only loans while you rehab the property and then refinance it when it's ready to rent out. That is just one of many creative ways. My only concern is they do need some collateral and the debt to income to make sure you can make 2 payments if needed. I have to turn in my paperwork to see what I qualify for but who knows. Also I am meeting with another local bank on Tues as we were informed at our REI group this bank is doing 95% loans; you can't beat that.

I went to the IL tax sale for our county last night. That was interesting. I joined Toastmasters so excited about that. I went to Dallas, TX this past weekend for a business training seminar, First Steps to Success, very good especially with teaching communication skills and personality types.

At the tax sale I ran into Jake and we talked for a bit. I really need to FOCUS like Matt and Dean said on their call and that is what holds me up. I get caught up on wanting to buy/hold properties or should I focus on assigning properties. I need to talk to the coaches. After reading the conspiracy of the rich and why we want you to be rich I really want to get some cash flow especially by end of year.

The triplex does cash flow pretty good; I consulted with Greg and Jake on it too. I'm trying to figure out how to use OPM (other people's money). The bank wants you to be invested in some way and so may not allow seller to finance the down payment which is what I was hoping for. But too if this other bank only requires 5% down that would be awesome.

Then the realtor gave me a name of someone with a duplex that's not even on the market that she met at open house and gave them my name as she knew I was interested in possibly moving into one and then lease option my current residence. I just need to get alot of rehab work done on my own home and don't have a lot of equity in it right now.

Boy did I have alot to say. Sorry to bore anyone if they so choose to read this. Well I've go to go for now.

OH oH wait.
I dare anyone to carry some type of book on wealth, real estate, anything like that. Recently I was carrying the Conspiracy of the Rich book and met a chiropractor that has real estate and so we exchanged names and it's up to me to contact her because neither of us had anything to write with. Then on Mon I went in to get my tires rotated at a store but need new tires but the worker started talking to me thinking I had my own business; I was carrying the book, Why we want you to be rich, and come to find out he has a side business at home for internet marketing with some big name stores. WE didn't have much time but I shared my number with him and some other things and he called me last night. So I called him but he was busy so will call me tomorrow. You just never know who you will meet. I have to get some different business cards that will say $250 finder's fee on a we buy houses card.

Whooo. Lot's going on really.

Just keep moving forward! You can do It!
Cathy L

Well, after not posting for a while you made up for it! Glad to read how much you have going on now - very exciting! I just recently went to banks in town, and like you I found the credit union had very creative ideas and ways to work with investors. So good work on all you are doing - and I love the idea of carrying a book around that will stimulate conversation!

Thanks Laura,
Always great to hear from a seasoned investor and friend.

I found the credit union to be better than this other bank. The bank I could tell/feel wasn't very creative or thinking creative if you know what I mean. But the credit union was great and work with you individually and my dilemma is my debt to income ratio however I keep going back and forth on focusing on cash flow or wholesaling (assignment of contract). With the debt and business education I've invested in this last year my gut is telling me wholesaling however I also really would like to have an investment property.

I just watched the empowering conversation with Dean and Charissa Crowley twice in a row and she nailed me with her comments towards the end I think that she finds people try to do too many things and not focus on just one thing/one area. That is so me. Also about listening to alot of different people as I have found great people that I learn from but then don't really know which way to go. Excuses again. When will I get over them and when will I realize that I hate my job so much that it will force me to ACTION. I would love to put in my 30 day notice and be done with it. I know this works and that it does take work and time. I think often about what I'm willing to give up -- I wonder if it's too much for myself to realistically set a goal of doing at least 1 assignment of contract before end of year for a minimum of $5,000. I've been 'f_____l' of putting in offers so I guess that's where it all starts.

You can do it Girl!

Cathy

Hey Cathy, its great to see what you have been up to. You need to remind yourself that you did it once so doing it again is not going to be thart hard because you now know how it works. I like the fact that you have visited a few Credit unions and banks and learned that credit unions are a better source to work with. keep up the hard work because its paying off.
best of luck going forward.
Richie

Thank you for stopping by. I have not been on computer too much lately. It's good to hear from you and your kind words. You are right and lately I've told myself this but it's better to hear from someone else.

Cathy L

Excited is what I am today! PERSEVERANCE is what it takes!

I like specific details and probably give you way more than what you really wanted to know but I think it's important and it's my journal anyway right?

I have a DEAL under my belt. Thanks to Joe and Stacey Jurek's techniques and of course Dean and everyone really. I won't post under the my deals until I actually go to the closing which will be in a couple weeks. But I did go in and sign the agreement and was okay'd (not sure if even a word but with texting and other abbreviations I'm sure it's ok) for the loan. Here's the EXCTING part:

bank sent email out to a handful of investors on their list. I looked it up and all. Then they, bank, send 2nd email with an open house scheduled. So I planned my day to miss a bit of work, long lunch never hurt anyone, and called my real estate investor mentor, Greg (not Murphy), and asked if he'd go look at it with me. Greg had time and said he would. I owe him so much for this as you will see.

We met at the house. The bank representative was there and the loan manager. Greg is a talker so to speak but in a good way, knows all the questions to ask and asked about the bank's financing, and how they might help him out as a seasoned investor.

Also here's the good part the loan manager, Kevin, made a statement that some people just jump into real estate without knowing anything and don't know what they are doing and that is how some of their, bank's, properties come back to them. Bingo, I bring in an investor, experienced, and mentor, without knowing bank would make such a statement and he's the manager. This was huge in my mind. I have a big GOD! And He knew what he was doing and you would have to know the asking I have been doing! You see I put in an offer with this bank before but I hadn't done any business with them and they really don't know me or who I am. I did tell them I've done my share of education and reading (haha) and such. But actually bringing someone from my real estate group as a mentor, I think gave them a better picture or impression of who I am and that I am serious and I do have assistance and I am really not in this alone; I have to thank my GOD too, as I talked to Him and He told me to believe as if it's already happened and to have the faith of that mustard seed. Anyway the bank was asking as is condition in the upper 50s or if the bank did the rehab around 70K is what they were looking for.

Here's the house, listed as 2 BR and 1 BA however it has a nice, unfinished basement but with a bathroom downstairs and 1 upstairs so 2 BA. Also detached single car garage and decent fenced in yard.

Greg and I did the numbers right there in the house. Later we talked as we got bite to eat and went over numbers again. Oh did I mention the bank was offering 0 down and 4% fixed rate up to 30 years. It gets better!

So my offer with Greg's assistance was 55K plus 15K to rehab (70K total) at 4% interest rate for 30 years, no payment for 90 days to rehab and get renter.

I was out of town Mon so sent email Sun night for the offer and I think I called Mon to follow up but left voicemail. Received email Wed, 'We accept your offer!' Greg said we offered too high because there was no bargaining, haha!! I went in today to sign the purchase agreement and some other things. The bank is paying all the closing costs. I do have some out of pocket for the insurance and something else but that's okay and I can handle the amount. Also I asked how they work out the rehab money and what's not used, if any, which I think there should be some left over, will be put toward the principle balance. Yeah baby!!! My first rehab and hold property. I am a bit frightened about that but I will get the job done. I have a great local investors club and a really big GOD!

You did it! I am very proud of you, Girl!
Cathy L

of you too, Cathy. You are not staying in that place of fear but moving forward. You are doing a great job! Keep it up.

Thank you so very much. Cathy it's great to hear from you my friend. I wish you great success too.

Cathy L

...C ONGRATULATIONS! We are so happy for you. You did it, how awesome is that? Way to take action and seize the opportunity. It is so exciting to read when others are making real estate deals. You should be very proud of yourself. Many other DG members may begin to realize they can do it too even in their local area. The key is taking action.

If people can't find a real estate deal then network more, look at more properties, run more numbers, and make more offers! A deal will be heading your way before you know it. I look forward to reading about your progress on this deal and your future deals to come. Keep up the good work! You can do it! Believe and Achieve! - Joe and Stacey

You should be proud of yourself and I'm happy for you! Thank you so much for sharing so many details about this deal with all of us. I wish you continued success.

Lea

Thank you is never enough. I really appreciate you guys and what you do for others. Thank you for stopping by too.

Blessings to you all.
Cathy L

Thank you Lea. Those words are so few for what Dean has created on here. This is like family to me. Thank you again for your support.

Blessings
Cathy L

Congratulations on all your success! I'm getting close myself on a deal closed. Keep the deals flowing and you will be even more successful!

YAY!!!! How exciting! Man I just love reading when people accomplish amazing deals like this! I want to complete one of these too!! How incredible to get a property without any out of pocket money, and actually walk away with rehab money! Just love it Congrats - I'm so happy for you!!!! And oh yeah - 4% for 30 years on an investment property....wow!

Oh Laura it's so great to hear from you. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Blessings to you my friend,
Cathy L

The deal should close by end of month and it gets better!

I dropped off some documents the bank needed and the lender told me that the insurance can come out of the loan too. You see I thought I was going to pay out of pocket for it. I am beside myself. Literally I'm tearing up thinking how my big G God is working in my life; He's truly an amazing God.

Currently I am in Salem, OR for a freedom retreat; I can never quit learning! One of the speakers is R. Nelson Nash author of becoming your own banker, this is amazing and I highly recommend you look into it. and my friend Leo Schreven is speaking. He's amazing and his website is www.goallpower.com and it will change your life too. He's the one that started me on this path.

Love ya girl!
Cathy

It keeps getting better and better for you Glad to hear the insurance doesn't have to come out of pocket. Yippee! Hope you enjoyed the freedom retreat in Salem, OR.

Lea

Thank you Lea. Great to always hear from you. I know we are all in this together. It's coming along and I am antsy about the closing to make sure it goes through and is real if you know what I mean.

Thank you again and wishing you all the best in this REI world,
Cathy L

Well a cloudy rainy day but that's okay. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

I haven't heard yet on a closing date for my most recent deal. I am excited about receiving my check to start my own banking system, IBC (Infinite Banking Concept). It's a neat concept and I am excited about getting it off the ground finally. I'm not sure what I wrote earlier about the Freedom Retreat in Oregon but it was very good, dealt with Austrian Economics and was eye opening for me.

I called the academy about a couple of things and Eric was very helpful. Well not a lot right now but hopefully soon.

Love ya girl!
Cathy

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and hopefully enjoyed your week and weekend. Mine started out with a missing/lost wallet Thurs.

I am known to lose things- keys, electronics (I didn't mention but can't find my ipod right now either), pretty much anything that's not attached to my body. They have the joke about your head being attached; at work I told someone I'm glad that I am in one piece and that God didn't make it so we had to put ourselves together each morning because I don't know what parts I would leave behind or forget or lose, LOL!!!

Well I haven't heard from the bank but hopefully Mon or Tues we should close on the house, bad news is I'm out of town Wed through Mon so I'm losing those days to get in there and start cleaning and planning. But it will get done.

I was hoping to close before now but bank was waiting for the title to get back clear.

So much going on in my head right now. I have ups/downs. I loved Dean's video blog this week and Matt has been encouraging on FB.I have the tools and just need to go out and take ACTION. I thank Richie for posting in hear to tell me that I did it once, assignment of contract, and just need to do it over again. And I know this but good to hear someone else tell me. I know I have many on here cheering me on. The way I look at it is there are so so so many with wonderful and awesome success stories. But I did realize something that I didn't think about too much before until now when I heard it on a business training CD recorded at a live event I attended. And it was about sprouts. And not to compare your sprout with a forest and to not kill the sprout. And that's what I've been doing is killing my wonderful, precious sprouts by comparing them to other's forests and not giving myself credit for the things I have achieved. WOOHOO!

So far I've done 2 deals and my third is pending. But the neat thing is my first deal was an assignment to Matt on a house he had bid on for the exact same amount. I could have kept that house but it was great to do this with Matt and his partner, Andy. Second one was a birddogging or finder's fee with a mother/daughter that are in my local investor's group on a duplex that they bought. My third is this bank one using Joe and Stacey's technique of talking with banks and the asset manager. This little mix is a symbol of who I am, just like to do different things.

I have much to be thankful for and would take up pages if I listed them all on here. But mostly for this journal I'm so thankful for Matt because he led me to Dean and his program (coaches) and this journal and so many friends that have encouraged me and rooting for me. This is my extended family. Next my investor's group and all who've supported me in so many ways.

So anyone new out there please praise yourself, pat yourself on the back, anything to make sure you give yourself credit for the sprouts (baby steps that you take) and don't try to compare with someone's forest. They had to start with sprouts too. I needed this reminder and I know there are others out there too.

Thank you Dean and your team for all you do.

Blessings to all,

Cathy

To Do:

MASSIVE ACTION and SPRINT toward GOALS & DREAMS!!!

FAITH without ACTION is DEAD!

You Go Girl!

No word from bank but I did call and left voicemail so hopefully hear something tomorrow.

Cathy

Last day of another month gone and only 1 more left in the year of 2010. No word from the bank even after I left a message so should I worry, no. God tells us to not worry and do not be anxious in anything but praise him and to be honest I don't know the whole verse but need to look it up and memorize it.

I did contact a place finally about bandit signs, 100 blank ones (either 18X24 or 12X24) with stakes and shipping to my door (he repeated the end there about right to my door, haha) for $198. He told me to give him the courtesy to call him back if I find a better deal. So we'll see.

So tonight besides wrapping gifts for my daughter and getting her package ready I need to follow up with this bandit sign assignment tonight.

MASSIVE ACTION and SPRINT toward GOALS and DREAMS!

Cathy L

Have you seen Randy's video? He gets the poster board (or whatever it's called) at Walmart at a FANTASTIC price and writes them himself. People respond better to hand written signs too. I think he cuts them in 1/2 and gets more out of them.

Hope you hear back from the bank soon. You are right put it in God's hands and he'll take care of the rest

Lea

Enjoy!

http://www.deansmedia.com/play.php?vid=160

Lea