I am going full force.

Congratulations for starting your journal it is a great way to keep yourself accountable and share your insight and knowledge with other DG Members. The DG website is packed with information and inspiration. The name of the game can be to get your name out there and network, network, network, Everyone probably has a contact or knows someone that can assist your efforts along the way. The key is making sure everyone knows about your real estate efforts. You may want to consider joining a local real estate investment club to network with other investors if there happens to be one in your area. Good luck with real estate investing. You can do it and you will succeed! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

You have the right attitude. It is not until we take control of our thoughts that we can truly succeed. We must be accountable not only for our actions but for our thoughts. Some great books that I have read to help me with this are "Think For a Change" by john maxwell and "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" by T. Harv Eker. Might be worth your while. Happy hunting and continued success.

Is there anyone on here that knows the ends and outs of doing assignments. Thats how I want to get started in investing but need to know how to do them.

I am so appreciative of the fact that real estate is my way out. I have been trying to convince some close friends about this. This year I decided that you do not convince anyone with words, you convince them with actions and results.
As I forcefully set everything in motion, everything is getting out of my way. My wife has finally realized that there is no more "Job security".
I am wonderfully appreciative to have my wife with me. But I would have forged ahead and showed her the results. Which is still my strategy.
Today, I was testing students for the GA High Schools Graduation. My mind and thoughts were consumed by my business. Believe me I did my job properly. I was able to drive around to look for some properties. There is no looking back. The bridges are burnt. My only option is victory and success. Today I have been working hard on my thoughts, gearing and forcing them to the wonderful times ahead. I am erasing the word "failure" from my vocabulary. My news diet suggested by Dean has worked wonders. Right now I am practicing gratitude. I am working at being a reverse PARANOID. I am believing that EVERYONE and EVERYTHING around me is PLOTTING for my REAL ESTATE success.
I AM UNSTOPPABLE. As Dean said in BARM, if I do not take action I already fail. That is deep!!!!
See you tomorrow!

It is been a while since I have written in my journal. I am sorry and take full responsibility.
Many things happened since last.
I have found a fellow real estate agent who lovingly allows me to use her password to access the FMLS.
I am now a member of my local REInvestment club.
I have been sending postcards to probate notices.
I am calling expired listings.
I am really taking massive action and CERTAINLY there will be massive results.
Can somebody help me when it comes to expired listings though? The challenge I face is that the listing agent put his phone number where the owner's number should be. Therefore the only contact I have is the agent, which in my opinion kills the idea behind contacting expired listings. I want to contact the owner, not the agent. Anybody has any ideas how to overcome this hurdle?

Cant you just get the owners name and current address from the tax records and send them something or look them up online to get a phone number? Good Luck.

a handwritten postcard to the address listed

'Dear Homeowner'

.........

Problem solved

In the meeting of the meeting of the mind there is always accomplishment. Thank you for your thoughts Cathy and Elixbrown.

In the meeting of the meeting of the mind there is always accomplishment. Thank you for your thoughts Cathy and Elixbrown.

In the meeting of the meeting of the mind there is always accomplishment. Thank you for your thoughts Cathy and Elixbrown.

I am glad to let everyone know that the news diet has really brought me back on track and keeping my focus sharp. I have been making offers on some properties using the marvelous tools that Dean equip me with. A couple sellers' agents have told me openly that their client are not in hurry to sell in other words they do not need to sell. I politely keep the door opened by thanking them.
I have purchased some bandits signs that will go up next week.
I have purchased a 800#.
I just got a winner of an agent who knows what he talks about and understand what I am doing (retiring from my teaching job in three(3) years. We will meet some time next week to talk and harmonize our strategies.
This is what has been going on on my side. I focusing on action more thn anything else.

I have made my 3-year, 2-year, and 1-year goals.
I met with an agent yesterday and showed him Matt's agent's letter. He GOT IT!!!! He said that describes who he is.
Going to see my first house he has for short sale.
Asking price:$260,000; 5 bedrooms; 4 baths.
Comps show that similar house sold in 2006( the only best comp available) was sold for $312,000.
Zestimate shows FMV at $248,000
Eppraisal shows FMV at 231,532
Median Offer: $237,136
My offer: $200,000.
I need some CPCS (Creative Positive Criticism and Suggestions)

Take a lot of notes of any repairs needed/if you know any contractors take one with you. The unknown repair will bite you in the a## if you miss them.

You need to look at everything.

The roof,siding, basement walls look for water stains,furnace,water heater,Electrical panel box,Will it need new kitchen,bathrooms. Old windows and doors.

All these things can really add up when you are not aware of them.

Good Luck I be waiting to see how you make out.

Jim

Like Jim stated, you must have an accurate estimate of the work needed to bring it up to the ARV you can quick SELL the property at. I think $200,000 is high but I don't know your exit strategy. If you plan on doing a double close and flip this and the actual ARV is $237,000 you would make about $15,000 with a no money down strategy! But that is providing it needs NO work and is move in ready. If it is move in ready chances are it will go for more that $200,000 if the CURRENT quick sell price is $237,000.
Also, short sales can take quite a while to close. Be looking at as many others as you can in the mean time!

Good luck and keep us posted,
Michael Mangham
MD Home Acquisitions LLC

Thank you very much Michael.

Thank you a bunch Jim.