OfflineWell, here I am! After seven weeks of devouring this site every single day for six to eighteen hours per day, I am finally starting my journal.
I never saw any of Dean's infomercials, but I did see the last five minutes of The Hansen Report when he was on as a guest. So I ordered the book. I was just ready. Of course, I had been "ready" many times before. Like so many of us, I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of "Get Rich Quick" deals and none of them ever worked. I have participated in dozens of the MLM deals and (sigh) am still dead broke.
But this was just a small investment, and I took the chance! What the heck! I could always learn a little more. I am admittedly, a self development addict! I know enough about MANY things to hold interesting conversations with just about anyone, but I am an expert on nothing.
But that is going to change! I am going to become an expert at REI! I had just gotten my RE license here in CA a few years ago when all heck broke loose and the market collapsed. I worked my tail off for six months or so without making a penny and when I was going to have to invest in more classes or let my license go, I had no more money to invest and let it go. My husband had recently died and I had to go back to work for money. Ugly thought...
When I got Dean's books, I knew enough about RE to see that this one could REALLY work. He gives us ALL the steps!
My three daughters are all grown and gone from home, so I have no distractions there. I do have a full time job, but whatever...
I devoured Dean's books and immediately got on this site, where I have been planted for weeks! I saw that Anita was in Southern CA and tried to contact her, but no luck. Then paydirt! On one of her websites I saw that she was having a probate workshop and signed up! I was SO excited! I made up an excuse to be off from work that night and my daughter got out of her plans so that she could go with me. The night before the workshop, I went back on Anita's site to copy the info and realized it was dated 2009! A year ago! Thank goodness, I didn't make the three hour round trip. But what a bummer!!!
But now a lucky break! I am having to have my knee replaced (well, that part's not so lucky) but I am on temporary disability leave with my job for at least three months! I actually am not planning on going back until after New Year's, but they don't know that yet. Should give me some good time to get things started with REI!
Like Carol said when she started, failure is not an option! It is what I must do! I am closing in on retirement and I have no retirement plan. My job is very physical and I cannot keep doing that! (explains the bum knee) and I cannot have my children having to help me pay my bills! I have been totally independent since the age of 16 and am not planning on that changing.
Today is my birthday! Both in real life and symbolically with my RE journal and my new life as a Real Estate Investor!
I am thrilled to be one of the new Graziosi Investor babies! (I did NOT say babes!) So here's to us and many years together sharing our highs and lows!
Salut!
Karen Griffin
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
My next stop was Athens, GA area. Athens is the home of the GA Bulldogs (University of GA) I have always thought it is such a pretty town. Lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes. My friend actually lives a few miles south of Athens, in a town that starts with a W. (No, this is not a quiz, I just don't remember the name) Being a college area, houses that come on the mkt here tend to go quickly and for not a lot less than initially asked.
I don't think this will be an area I am interested in pursuing.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
My next stop was Charleston. I lived here for a number of years before I moved to CA. It is such a historic city and quite a little gem!
I had set up an appt with a realtor who had been an old Navy buddy of my husband. I had thought I had met him once but now I am not sure. No problem, we hit it off from the very first. We had a really fun meeting. He has been in RE for 33 years, so is well versed in that part and I gave him some info on investment tactics. Also gave him a link to this site and referred him to Dean's books. He seemed very open and interested. It turned out to be quite informative for us both.
I am interested in doing some "buy and hold" deals there, hopefully toward the end of the year. We reviewed areas that would be best to look at and I gave him some info on probate, assuming or taking over loans, etc. I left him with some of my brochures, biz cards, etc. He asked if he could refer people to me who might be interested in L/Os and, of course, I agreed with that plan...
That evening, my other friend and I went into downtown Charleston, and once again, I was reminded of why I had fallen so in love with this city many years ago. It is SO incredibly beautiful and charming!!!
Temptation to make this a future residential goal is getting stronger.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
I have spent the last two nights in Augusta. Once again, dear friends and wonderful times.
All of the friends I have visited here have been dear, dear friends for 25-30 years! Incredible! Another selling point for relocating back to this area of the country.
I leave tomorrow (Sunday morning) to go back to KY before meeting Bill, probably on Wed, in Lexington, KY to look at properties there. He has put an ad on CL to try to drum up some biz for that day. Should be a very fun day!
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
K,
sounds like you're right on course... to see everything and everybody!
I'm very happy for you that you're having such a great and productive trip...
I would love to visit Charleston some day-I've never been there, so who knows... maybe we'll do a deal over there in the future...
thanks for sharing your rei journal and trip and with us...
wishing you success,
Val
Valerie
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss
"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown
My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...
I am glad to see you here. It would be fun to do a deal there.
Charleston, SC MUST be put on your bucket list.
LOVE IT THERE!
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Today was a nice lazy day.
In the last week, I have driven over 1400 miles visiting friends and family, looking at props and talking with realtors. It has been exhilarating and an absolute blast!
Today was recovery day. I slept until 10, played on the computer, took a nap, showered and then went to my parents' house for dinner. Afterwards, returned to my brothers' place, which is way out in the country where we once again, sat up talking until about 1am. Totally quiet here with lightning bugs everywhere outside. And deer! It is amazing! In the distance you sometimes can hear a train... Nice.
Such a contrast to my city life with sirens all through the night, skateboarders zipping down the sidewalk at 2am and all that city "stuff".
Very relaxing. Very nice.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
One is as if nothing is a miracle.
The other is as if everything is."
-Albert Einstein
What? no diamond for you either? Its miracle time!
I think our time is coming SOON!
Karen
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Sounds like an exciting time ....traveling...meeting realtors...visiting family!!!! Awesome.......hope u and Bill drum up a deal! !.....have a great trip.
Jay
Click Here For homepage www.jaysthilaire.com
need to sell ? http://www.jayhousebuyers.com
Need me to FINANCE a home ? http://www.jaysrenttoown.com
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a deal that fast, Imma gonna have some talking to do with Bill. LOL
It is so great to read about your travels. Where you are sounds like where I am; less the lightning bugs. 
There are a few rural oasis left in this big city. (VERY FEW!)
I have a friend trying to convince me I have to move to SC! Maybe it will be the new hangout spot for 5th St Jim's place! Now, just have to get Jim there!
I got 2 real responses (plus 13 automated responses)on my Lexington CL ad and I talked to each of them. One of them said they would allow me to take over their house payment; then they called back and said they changed their mind. It was in Dry Ridge which is half way between Cincy and Lex. I will follow up with them but you have to be careful with wishy-washy people as once they get what they want, you'll spend more time than you need too to fix all the problems they will cause. The other person has 3 houses she wishes to sell but she is only willing to sell her houses at what she feels is retail. Comps actually show she wants about 130% of ARV. Sent her the comps and told her if she wanted to be realistic, we could engage in a conversation. So Lex is a bust for house hunting but I do get the advantage of having lunch with Karen.
(PS-Tammy, I will call you on my way home after lunch)
Always Looking to Acquire Houses | Always Looking to Amaze Investors
Waiting outside the Cracker Barrel for Bill. I actually arrived earlier than I expected and Bill is running a little behind.
No problem! I found internet connection!!
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Met Bill for a FOUR HOUR lunch meeting! It went very well. I was more than happy to pick his brain and Bill is always generous with sharing his knowledge.
Thanks, Bill! I enjoyed it very much. It is always fun to share an addiction...
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Karen
it's been fun 'hanging out' with you during your visit in KY- it's almost like being there, with the descriptions and all...
Trip to Charlotte on bucket list now!
Happy for you that you could meet with Bill... and have a 4 hr lunch! he's like a walking rei encyclopedia!
Val
Valerie
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss
"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown
My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...
It's Charleston, SC.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
that the 4 hour lunch was so much fun. I hadn't been to Cracker Barrel in such a long time and had forgotten how good their homestyle menu was. Really enjoyed our meeting and can't wait to do it again; maybe in your part of the world.......as soon as my passport comes in.
Always Looking to Acquire Houses | Always Looking to Amaze Investors
what fun! i'm so happy for you. i'm seeing you moving to SC now. i think you would be even happier there.
Linda, Army EOD Mom
you can follow my journal at http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/45351/...
IT'S ALL GOOD AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING OUT PERFECTLY FOR ME!
Fear equals:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
How's my Southern Belle doing, I see you are traveling all over the place good for you. When you make that move to SC I'll have someone to visit. I loved Charleston and plan to visit there often in the future.
Tammy 5TH ST is already there, 5TH ST Jim's is a state of mind not a location.Since I met all of you it has taken on a life of it's own just look at how everyone goes there to keep up with each other.
http://kendrickpropertymanagement.com/
http://rochesterapartmentrentals.com/?page_id=10
Sounds like a plan.
I understand what you mean about the passport. I got back to Cali today and driving down the street I couldn't help thinking of the stark contrast between here and where I have been for the last three weeks.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
It was a great time, for sure. The ideal situation would be able to be bicoastal.
You never know what the future might bring.
How are things with you?
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Things are going very well. Had a wonderful trip. Lots of new ideas. Got a lot to do.
Let's definitely talk this week. It's been too long!
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Karen,
I'm glad you had a great time on your trip and that you're back home- I missed you by a day! We're now in Arizona, heading to Grand Canyon tomorrow... lots of properties for sale here in Sedona, but no bargains, if you know what I mean... gotta keep looking!
We'll talk soon,
Valerie
Valerie
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss
"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown
My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...
Whheeewww... and you guys say I tire you out. If you'd have pegged the trip out on a board it would look like a Christmas tree! LOL Busy, busy bee!
Hey Karen just poppen in and seeing what you've been up to. Had a crazy country song come into my head "On The Road Again"! LOL Sounds like amazing times and massive amounts of good stuff going on! So excited for you!
Jen
Sedona is such an amazing place. Yeah, I doubt if there are many deals there.
Have fun! How long will you be gone?
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Hi! It's so good to see you!
I would have loved to have gotten over to AL to see the "family" there, but I had to draw the line SOMEWHERE!
Hoping some good things will come of it all.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
I was just noticing...
Why don't you have a diamond icon yet? I know you have done quite a few deals.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Thursday night I worked until 2am to get my mailout ready-almost 2,000 brochures.
I took the bulk mail class a couple of months ago and paid big $$ for the permit. The woman who gave the class was very confusing. i don't normally have a difficult time understanding things but she was NOT a good instructor! Every time I had a question, she would just repeat verbatim what she just said. DUH! If what she said the first time didn't make sense, saying it twice wouldn't help!!!! Explain it a little differently!
Anyway, I went to the PO with all my stuff thinking someone there could ck to make sure I had done it right and help me out a little. Well, that DID NOT happen! The guy refused to help me with anything. I was on the verge of tears. I have to wait until next Thursday until the same woman has the class again.
I could go to another PO instructing location but they have fewer classes and won't have one until August. SO FRUSTRATING!!!!
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
I have been not feeling well at all since I got back from my trip. This always happens when I visit my parents. I love them dearly but they smoke like chimneys. After sitting in that for a few days, my sinuses become really, really irritated.
When I get home, I have severe sinus headaches that actually make me nauseous for about a week as my body purges all that.
I am going to go to the spa today for a massage and facial and sit in the steam room and try to recoup. Daughter #1 had a birthday while I was gone, so I am treating her. Then we will go for haircuts and I need my nails done if I have any energy after that.
I feel better already...
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
I'm back... at work again ;(
sorry about your experience with the P.O. with many branches closing I guess customers are starting to feel it!
... but nothiing better to relieve the stress than a nice spa... and haircut... and nails... of course, if you run out of energy, there're always the chocolates
Hope you get your mailing sorted out soon,
Valerie
Valerie
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss
"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown
My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...
Today I spoke with a fellow DGer that I met at the Edge. This person and I hit it off very well there and talked for a couple of hours. Sometimes, you just meet people and feel like you can trust them.
He has got a LOT of stuff going on in his town and is wanting me to come and we'll maybe do some things together. I think that by the end of this week I am going to be on a plane again... He has gotten me very excited but I want to go in person and check it out!
How fast can I get title searches done? I'm not sure how long to plan to be gone.
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Why don't you have a diamond icon yet? I know you have done quite a few deals.
lol! Heck Karen your guess is as good as mine! LOL Guess I haven't made the good graces of the gatekeeper to badges yet! haha! Shoot, it shows I'm a regular site visitor. At least I'm no longer considered guest. lmao!! Heck I practically have a cot in the back room and have forwarded all mail. Wouldn't exactly call it visitor status.
Not a big deal, I don't need an icon or title to make me feel good or prove my accomplishments. They'll figure it out soon enough.
btw: CAN'T wait til the cruise.