Val's Journal

Happy belated birthday! I think it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first. There's a lot of information to learn, but believe me when I tell you, 'It gets easier'!

If you read other people's journals, including mine, you will see that this is a normal thought process.

Look at it as being a hobby. Investing is something you're excited to do, not something your forced to do.

Good luck!!

Hey Valerie,

have you thought about what strategy you are going to use starting out? In order to take action you have to know where you want to start and how to use that method to take your career to next level. I would like to know and others would like to so we can give you feedback to use or not use.

Hi Dante,
thanks for your post; I am currently furloughed on Fridays, so thought I could put that time to good use doing real estate investment.
I own a small rental house in Texas that is paid for, so I want to figure out best way to pull some money out of it and hopefully it will help me to get started. I want to learn how to do assignments, and maybe buy and hold some too.
I find the hardest part is knowing the starting point... I started looking for REI clubs in my area; also, I'm planning on setting up my website this Friday, then create my buyers list, look for properties in my area, apply for an LLC, etc. Will see how much I can get done this coming weekend-can't wait!

Hi Kelly,

thank you for your advice- I am very excited about rei and I am looking forward to reading more journals to inspire and guide me!

today my brother told me that he would join me in Real Estate investing-I am so excited!
We are both new at this, and I know that we may make some mistakes on our journey, but we are both extremely determined to make it work.
I have been watching the webinars on SFL, downloaded my buyer's list-amazing!
I also finished watching the Edge 10; did it every evening after work instead of watching tv very inspiring and informative; I'll probably watch it again.
I talked to a coworker who is looking for a house- he may be my first deal-we'll see...Have to start looking for properties...
So many things to do, so little time. Tomorrow Friday I'll be off from work, so I'll be using that time on real estate investing.
I have been spending a lot of time on the DG website reading forums and other people's journals; it helps to know that there are others who have the same concerns that I do.
I have a lot of work to do, a lot to learn...tomorrow will be a new day! can't wait.
Oh yeah, I noticed that I got a set of wings-who knew I would get so excited about that!!

I've been researching about LLCs-I never thought that selecting a name for my business would take so much time and effort; I've read that even if you get your name and a website, you may have to change it because it may already be taken, or registered with the state as a trademark; so yes, tomorrow I will be conducting a name search with my state...
There's a thread on the forum about LLCs-the information that everyone shares is amazing. Also, someone recommended LLC for dummies, so I bought it and it is a pretty good resource.
I definitely will put my rentals in an LLC to protect myself.
I joined the Success Academy on Sept 20 :)-been busy doing the reading and assignments every evening after work. I am learning a lot, but also finding out the constraints that exist here in Ca. doing the assignment strategy, so I'll have to be creative-that's for sure. I can't wait to start doing some transactions-right now I feel a bit intimidated but I'm sure that will go away once I do a couple of transactions...
I've also looked up some REI clubs in my area-I have to follow up on them and see if I can join one soon so that I can network with other investors.
Lots to do...

I want to say great job on getting started! Even if its reading Dean's amazing, full of info. books, watching webinars or listening to his conference calls. If you keep taking steps(even if they are small, they are still STEPS) you will get to the level of achievement and success that you're reaching for.

Much success to you !!
-Gabriel Do Carmo

thank you Gabriel,
I wish you great success also-the amount of support you get here is incredible! as you say, small steps...
Valerie

Tomorrow I will attend the Insider's Edge three day workshop-I'm really looking forward to it. I am so eager to learn as much as I can and having knowledgeable people teach me in person is priceless!
I have been doing the lessons for the Academy every evening after work-as soon as I get home, I feed my doggies, then study for a couple of hours, eat dinner, and then study again until I go to sleep... there is so much information, and I'd like to do my investing right. I already own two properties, but I didn't know about DG's strategies when I bought them-unfortunately!!
I started building my buyer's list; I already have one retail buyer and one wholesale buyer-need to get 6 more wholesale buyers on my list; I got some names in my area from the SFL, and then google their business names to see if I can get their emails or phone numbers, and contact them directly instead of sending postcards to their addresses-not sure if my postcards will end up in the bin. Speaking of buyer's list, I better get back to it...I just tought I needed to write in my journal before the end of another week...

I can't believe it's November already!!!
well, the Edge workshop was very informative-lots of information! the instructor, Gerald Martin, was very motivating and energetic. He actually made several phone calls right there, to FSBO leads that we brought in as homework assignment to show us how he talks to sellers; learnt to "not take rejection personally, move on to your next prospect"; it was pretty funny, because he spoke to a woman who had a property for sale and he asked if she would accept and offer below her asking $, and she said no, so he politely thanked her and hung up. As he was looking through the pages of FSBOs, he then accidentally called that same woman, and apologized, and as he was ready to hang up, the woman interrupted him and asked him how much he was willing to pay...

I've continued with the Academy lessons-I want to read all the information, but I keep having to stop myself so that I can take action!
My buyers list is pretty lame-I am so disappointed! I have some ghost adds up and running, but then I feel really bad when people contact me about the property-oh well, gotta build my buyers list. I attended a couple of REI club meetings, but was a bit disappointed since most attendees were new investors too, so didn't get any cash buyers
Still trying to figure out the SFL to get more buyers too...
On a good note... I got my LLC registered, did it through LegalZoom-they are very helpful and pretty straightforward!!! Also got my business cards printed, got a business Mailbox too; I feel like I'm getting the pieces of my puzzle together one by one...I have to be patient with myself...learn to walk before I run

From what I hear, Gerald Martin is the ONLY instructor to actually make phone calls to show us how it's done! My mom and I are business partners and we just went to the REI workshop which just ended yesterday. We've never done a deal, but I can say we are VERY motivated to get this moving, and thoroughly satisfied with all we learned. He absolutely overdelivered and we are so excited to move forward with this. I no longer have any doubt that I can do this and will be very successful at it! My head is still spinning from all I've learned... but it's great to see you also taking action and making it happen! I just wanted to encourage you and say I believe that we REALLY CAN AND WILL do this! This is so life changing, I can already see myself there, and that excites me. I know this is part of God's plan for my life and I'll be excited to look back in 1-2 years and see how much I've accomplished, and how my life has changed.

thank you so much for writing on my site; I noticed you're in San Antonio-I used to live in Austin; as I'm writing I'm in McAllen visiting my sister who lives here.
I'm so happy for you that you're so determined to make this work for you, and you're lucky to have your mom partner up with you too. Gerald and his team were great-now that I recall, they did tell me that they were heading to San Antonio after they finished our workshop-it was very motivating indeed!
I wish you great success too!
Valerie

I'm currently in Texas visiting my two sisters and one of my brothers-even though we are pretty close, I don't get to see much of them since I live in California ;( I'm having a wonderful time!
What's great is that I've also been able to look at houses for a couple of hours every day (with my sister as my copilot and navigator and in the evenings have been doing research on my findings.
I also went to a bank in a small town and inquired about home loans-they told me that they don't make real estate loans, but then I met the owner, and after talking to him for bit, he told me that he does make real estate loans at his discretion-yes! so we exchanged business cards, and I asked him if I could fax him any documents from Ca. that he would require- he then wrote his fax number on the back of his bus card- I will definitely be in touch with him.
Investing has become part of my daily life; my brother told me that he would loan me money too-I'd rather pay him the points and interest than a PML-it will be a win-win for both of us.
I am so excited-can't wait to get a deal done!! Tomorrow I'm calling a listing agent for a house that's been on and off the market since January-it's vacant, the inside is ready to move in, the yard is a bit neglected, but landscaping is one of my favorite things to do- so I think they'll be motivated to get an offer, even if it's a low offer-one that I should be embarass to offer
Maybe I'll get my first deal done while I'm on vacation???
Valerie

To have already made a contact at a bank, you're ahead of me! I have yet to weed through the 150+ small banks here to see which ones have no seasoning. Way to go! Its so nice to have family on board with you and a family member to be a private money lender! You're a step ahead of the game with that resource available to you!

Keep going, you'll succeed before you know it!

It is CERTAIN we will SUCCEED!

Tammy,
you are an inspiration-your energy is contagious! there are so many people here that I look up to and hope to learn from every day.
I can't keep up with whom I'm learning what from, but it's all coming from DG-that's for sure; before joining this site and the Academy, I would have never dared walk into a bank and talk to the owner! What motivates me also is that I'm motivating my brothers and sisters to get involved in real estate investing in one way or another too. I remember listening from DG that if you use the real estate lingo every day, you become more and more accostumed to the terminology, and it's been so true in my case. I can spend hours reading this site-as a matter of fact, right now everyone's gone to bed and I'm sitting in my sister's living room in the dark writing this

another busy day here in Texas... went to look at a few more properties this morning, unfortunately the one I had my eye on is currently pending ;( oh well, there are many others...
I got my business account opened today-yeah! also applied for a business credit card-starting to build my business credit
In between all that I helped my sister landscape her front yard during my visit-something I enjoyed doing; besides, she drove around with me for literally hours looking at properties in neighborhoods near her home. She also introduced me to a friend of hers who will be looking for a place to rent so that her kids can attend the schools there-so I have a prospect tenant for a 'buy and hold'...
Tomorrow I go back home (Ca); the week went by so quickly; especially since I was working on my RE Investment too. As soon as I get back I need to look for some realtors to add to my team...
Great trip-got to spend some time with my sisters, my brother, and my niece. Tonight my niece and I made some chocolate caramel turtles for me to take home-yummy!

Good for you! Sounds like you are off to a good start!

Keep it up!

Karen

it seems like an uphill journey every day, but through this site I find a lot of motivation and inspiration-I am so greatful for everyone's words of encouragement and stories; don't think I would be able to do it without them.
Wishing you great success too!
Valerie

getting ready to go back home today-tried to check out a couple of propeties this morning before leaving, but it didn't work out
I have a couple of DVDs from the Edge workshop that I will be watching on the plane- one of them featuring Carol Stinson (I totally admire her!)-looking forward to it
bye for now...

flight back home was long....delayed 45 min too (not a surprise!); that didn't really bother me as much as the CD I was to watch would not work!!!! so annoying...
got home about 11pm, went to sleep, and off to work early next morning.

Wednesday evening I attended an REI meeting that I made reservations to before I planned my trip...(luckily my husband had made a stew in the slow cooker for dinner so I got home, fed my dogs-did I mention I have three dogs??!!, ate dinner and off to the meeting-not many people there... the presenter and founder of the club talked about investing strategies, but it seemed to me to be of a more traditional way than creative ways...regardless, it was good to attend. Met a couple of investors there-beginners too...

Today I was busy at work again...still catching up after taking a few days off...

I haven't spent much time studying the RESA assignments lately-have been reading some of the posts here, in my little spare time...

Not doing a lot of progress... very disappointed!!! have to pick up the pace this weekend. Don't want to lose my motivation. Action, action, action...

I want to keep you encouraged! It sounds like you've been very busy, and I know that it's easy to get side-tracked sometimes and want to do something else. But it's great to have the mindset of seeing yourself already there, and already a very accomplished successful investor. I have to keep looking at myself as though I've already done it, and how it's already impacted my life, and the new freedom I have in the things I can do and the ways I can bless people, and that keeps me motivated!

It's awesome to see even though you didn't get as much as you wanted done, it is still something. And a few "inches" every day really adds up. And some days it's good to take in just a bit rather than a whole lot and get overwhelmed. The idea is to find a balance.

I wish you the best!

it is the nicest thing to find words of encouragment on this forum-it truly keeps one motivated; sometimes it all seems overwhelming, so hopefully little by little we'll get there-wishing you great success as well-there's no going back now!
Valerie

I can't believe it's December already!
My progress has been slow; called a few real estate agencies to find an investor friendly realtor-I found a couple of prospects, but I won't know for sure if they will be able to handle the 25 offers! only time will tell...
I have been so busy at work that it hasn't left me much time to dedicate to my real estate investing...it really bothers me.
I'm also continuing with the workbook assignments for the Success Academy-I'm setting aside an hour every evening ro read some of the material, even if I don't finish an entire chapter...
So much to learn!!!! well, off I go to read some more...

February already...and still no deal! arrrrgh!
I started writing in a book journal since January 2011 to keep track of where my time goes every day.
I also read Dean's book Totally Fulfilled-loved the book! passed it on to my sisters-I think that they can also learn something from it.
On the weekends I have been driving to a town a couple of hours away from me to check out some multi unit properties that are in pre-foreclosure; then on the internet 'til late every nite looking up information on these properties, and the owner, etc.
Gotta do my due dilligence...even if this deal doesn't go through... still good experience. I didn't think I could ever find anything in Cali, but I'm starting to change my mind...

I'm studying about the foreclosure process; got a manual from the Insider's Edge workshop I attended last October. I want to learn as much as I can since a coworker of mine is trying to short sale her house; I talked to her realtor, and she is putting in my offer at the same time that she submits the paperwork for the shortsale. Even if the bank doesn't accept my offer, I'll go through the whole process and learn from it...I'll find out in a few weeks.

Today I applied for a D&B number to establish credit for my LLC; now I have to wait 30 days to get the number-want to apply for a business credit card once I get that.

Will try to write here more often; helps me stay focused.

Hi Valerie Just stopped to see how you were doing.I'll keep watching and if I can help with any advice on your foreclosure search let me know.Keep moving forward.

Hi Valerie, I'm enjoying your journal. I need to start one. Just wanted to ask if the EDGE 10 was worth the investment? I see it advertised on every post I read and I've been thinking of getting it.
Thanks for your posts. I'll be following along. You've been helping me refocus after 2 years of inactivity.

About your post over on Karens Journal. Yes there was a situation with Bill. And yes they cleaned out a bunch of posts. The site rules are getting special attention for or to special applications. It was a bit goofy and spooky for awhile around here.

Nice journal. Keep up the good work.

Richard,

I did not attend the Edge 10, but bought the DVDs that show the presentations that Dean's top students, including Matt, Rina, Carol, Nathan, Bill O., etc. gave at the seminar-literally hours of learning material! they are really good! I would love to go to the Edge 11, but I've made a decision that any more investment money for my REI education will have to come from my deals! Now that will keep me motivated to keep going!
I am very humbled that my journal would inspire you to take action, but I think that is something that we all have in common on this site-we want to succeed and see others succeed as well.
It's a great time to take action!
Wishing you great success!
Valerie

Michael,

thanks for the update; I guess a lot can happen on this site in just a few hours!
Love the pic on your profile-is that the coyote from the roadrunner?!
Thank you for visiting-will try to keep up with the journal and hopefully get my first deal soon!

Valerie

thanks for stopping by!
I've been meaning to stop by your 5th ST site-been reading the threads, although I don't know if you can call it a thread now-it's like a scratched DVD with bits missing
anyway...I think I got a nickname to sit at the table, so will visit soon...

Valerie