Lisa's First Success Journal!!

Thanks, Jim! I appreciate the looking out! Wow, I didn't even know you posted in here till now, I guess we don't get notified when someone posts in our journals. That's something Dean can fix on this website! Also to be able to get notifications when someone posts in our profiles would be good, too

I know, I haven't been here in a while, but I really do want to start being more regular in here. Just a few updates: About three weeks ago, I started a part time waitressing job because I lost my Section 8 housing assistance and my income got cut by a third. So, it was all going well until I just found out yesterday that my boss lost his contract (he gave it up, actually) at the kitchen he ran. So, I'm out of a job. Funny thing is I hadn't worked since 1989 (yes, you read that right!) and I JUST got used to it lol! Anyway, I see this as an opportunity to GET MOVING ON REI!!! NOW!!

Also, Tammy, thanks for your recent post to me and I'm sorry I haven't responded sooner. I got so busy with the holidays, then starting a new job, and etc. I follow you in your journal as well, and on the forum, and I look up to you! You have what it takes

So, last week, I went to Dean's "Insider's Edge" and learned some good stuff about tax liens and tax deeds, and also about how to make money using ebay and auctions. Yes, I purchased all three programs and have yet to come up with the money for the two most expensive ones. I trust that God will provide! I don't see how, but that's what trust is all about - believing what you can't see, right?

Also, I submitted my entry to the EDGE 2011 scholarship!! I sooo hope I get to go! I would really love to meet all of these great DG regulars who I so look up to, and learn some more, and get pumped for REI (as if I'm not already pumped lol). Wish me luck you's guys

Ok, in closing I just want to say I wish each and every one who participated in the EDGE Scholarship fund, HUGE blessings from above! You are truly awesome people. To the ones who submitted essays, GOOD LUCK to you all, and keep trusting that God has everything under control, and if we're not chosen to attend, that it's just not meant to be right now. Take care everyone, and I'll be back soon!!!

Lisa if you want to see if you have new post,click on member journals scroll until you find yours and it will show you how many new sense you were there last,profile to.

When ever you need a pick me up just go to 5th.ST.Jim's Place there is always something happening there, and everyone is welcome.

/me packs up her marked cards and her Crunch n Munch and heads on over to 5th. ST.Jim's Place

Actually, I should head to bed. I'm supposed to be going to the Insider's Edge Training this morning at 9 am, but I couldn't come up with the money to pay for it. Sighs... I'm gonna call in a few hours to see if they will let me pay it at the middle of the month cuz my friend (who was going to go with me), his father said he'd loan us the money. But, right now his assets are frozen due to taxes and won't be free until then. If the planets are aligned properly, they may say yes If not, then ... next! To coin Tammy's phrase, "It is CERTAIN I will SUCCEED!!"

:)~

...the Insider's Edge Training did not happen. They wouldn't wait for the money (for a week), but, hey. I'm not worried. Long ago I decided that I would trust God and what he wanted for me, and for his timing. I just believe it was not the time for this. I already have the Success Academy that I'm supposed to be completing, so why purchase another training program on top of it, if I'm not going to do that??? /me knocks herself in the forehead. So, I will be buckling down and DOING the assignments. What a no-brainer. Man, sometimes I make things harder for myself than they really are. I really need to stop doing that. It's counter-productive, ya know?

So, I'm still up, yea.. but not because I didn't want to sleep. My daughter and I had to take my lil cat to the emergency vet. What is it with emergency vets lately (Karen???)? This is the third time I've had to take a cat to the emergency vet in the middle of the night in the last three months. It gets expensive!!

Ok, so I will actually have done some RE related things by the end of this week. Tomorrow I'll be spending the day with my son because he's going overseas with his band (Yellowcard) on tour. So, I won't see him for a while. I get nervous when he travels overseas like this (just being a mom). Then the next day I have that Webinar for the Momentum online store that I purchased at the Insider's Edge last week. I was able to pay for that one because it was under $200. Wish me luck with that!!!

Ok, I think I should try to sleep now. The cats (all three of them) are down and asleep, my daughter is finally asleep, and now it's my turn!!

So, I'm getting better! It's only been five days since I last posted in here

My daughter was here last week. She's been coming and going from CA for the last year, and each time it's been an ordeal. See, she's 20 and we've had a very unhealthy relationship for the bulk of her life. Well, since she was 4 years old. It's a long story, so I won't publish it here (some things are better left unsaid). I will say this, though: her dad and I divorced when she was 4 and he poisoned her mind against me for all these years. I only just found out how much, lately. Anyway, each time she's here, we go through a little bit more of the healing process. It's one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through in my entire life. The reason I even bring this up is because *this* is why I am not further along with REI as I'd like to be. I cannot do much when she's here, she's very demanding. I think she will be staying in CA now for quite a while.

Now, I will be consistently delving into RE. Wednesday, the 9th, I had my webinar for the Momentum website training. I will be setting up my new website and will somehow link them to my squeeze pages for REI. That's the first thing I need to do and will be doing that in a few minutes. Then, on to the RESA lessons!! Sighs.

HI Lisa just stop to say hello and to see how you are doing.

Hi Lisa,
Just thinking about you and wishing you a Happy Valentines Day.
Still wanting this to happen for me too. Hard work, lots of learning still to do.
And here's hoping for a partner who can fund our first rehab.
Just like you I am not giving up.
Chin up and prayers for all.
Sherri

You are on the Winning Side my friend. Nothing is impossible to You! Just continue to focus on what you want, not what you don't want.

Too Your Success!

Rodney

Thanks for checking up, Jim

Hi, Sherri! Today is quite full, but I'll call you tomorrow. Thanks for your patience

Rodney, thanks for your kind words. Good luck to you!

I'm really going to try to keep this up in here, even if there's not much to post.

I purchased some domain names recently, now I have to set them up so I can start bringing business in. Another thing I haven't posted about before: I purchased my first batch of business cards some time ago.

I also purchased a website store through Momentum, which was one of the programs that I got at Dean's Insider's Edge in January. I need to set it up to start bringing some money in. I'm not even sure yet what I'm going to sell yet. There's like around 300,000 products to choose from. Not pretty for someone who has ADD If anyone has any ideas as to what would be a good domain name I could purchase for this website, I'm all ears.

Ok, more to follow.

I actually slept during the night, and woke up during the day today! lol This is an accomplishment for me. I've already made a few phone calls, and am presently watching the Gain The Edge 2010 dvds. Awesome stuff! I've also been doing some of my RESA lessons. I've also been reading lots of stuff. I found an audio book on my computer: "Think and Grow Rich". Excellent stuff! It was only about half of the book, so I'll actually have to read the other half from the pdf file I also have on my computer. If anyone here wants a copy of this book, let me know and I'll email it to you. I also have the following ebooks, in case anyone wants a copy:

Secrets of Getting Rich
Science of Getting Rich
Sandwich Lease Options Ebook
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Little Book of Big Quotes

Audio books I also have:
See You At The Top
Stop Being Lazy (this is a self-hypnosis type thing)

Anyway, even these little steps will help me on my way!

I've networked with a great company that will help with trust deed sales in PHX for us if you're interested. I have a realtor there (but not in CA! HA!) who is setting me up with this guy. VERY promising, even have the HML set up to do the loan within 24-48 hours of purchase (which, unlike here, the tax deed sales give you that extra time to come forward with the funds!) We can buy and fast flip, or fix and flip, or buy and hold. Are you ready to get your feet wet yet?

Hi everyone. I just thought I'd pop in to say hi. I've been taken out by a bum tooth. I'm on my second course of antibiotics and it still hurts. Anyway, I think I've found a dentist who will help me, yay! I did a craigslist search Gotta love that craigslist. As soon as I get this taken care of, I will be able to concentrate more on REI. I haven't thrown in the towel just yet... I've been reading lots, it's the least I can do right now...

On another note: Yellowcard just came out with their new CD today!! Yay! It's already gotten rave reviews and it's gonna be a smash, I just know it! It's called, "If You're Through Thinking, Say Yes". You can get it on itunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-youre-through-thinking/id424486856

Ok, enough of plugging my son's band .

I posted this over in Jim's Rehab but decided to move it since it was so long.

It's been a while for everyone, it seems. I hope y'all are doing ok! I've been battling stuff, amongst which was a temperamental tooth that needed a root canal. I found a kind dentist who tried to do it, cleaned out two of the roots, but couldn't get the third one. I found him on craigslist of all places and he didn't charge me! Couldn't believe it. I need to go to an Endodontist, but I can't afford it :/. So far the antibiotics and partial root canal seems to have settled it down some, but I know it's only temporary. I need to start making some money soon! Dammit! Cuz I needs money for stuff!

Let's see, what else.. well, I had a birthday (March 30), and my sister's birthday is next week, so we're going to have a lil' party tomorrow for both of us. What else... well, it's been HOT here! I think it hit triple digits already! Thank God for Swamp Coolers and it's a good thing pools are plentiful around here! K, and, oh my son's new cd (album) came out last week and debuted on the top 20 Billboard charts for new music! It debuted at #5 for Top Rock Albums, #9 for Top Digital Albums, #2 for Top Independent Albums and #5 for Top Alternative Albums. I'm so proud! And I've heard that they are smashing it up over in the UK, hitting number one over there in the Alternative category. It's been widely critically acclaimed all over the world and I'm just really proud so I have to gush some. I need at least something to make me feel good about myself right now! K, so, enough of that.

As far as REI goes: I've basically just stopped thinking of it for now. I had to step away because I was getting overwhelmed with information overload and also trying to figure out how I could possibly do *anything* with no money I know, I know, there are ways. But I guess I haven't mastered it enough to feel confident about what to do. Analysis Paralysis? I wonder if there's a pill for that... Anyway, the way my finances are now, I am short every month and don't even know how I'm getting by save for the grace of God, but gee, that's a lot, isn't it? (The grace of God). The grace of GOD! I have been turning to him for help and to guide me into doing what he really wants me to do. So, I make this declaration right now: I purpose to turn everything over to Him, including my time management and I ask him to please lead me and guide me into exactly where and what he wants me to do. It has to be for his glory!!!! I cannot do this for money, or prestige, or anything else that is selfish and self-serving. I need to serve and help others!! I know this is the key. As I'm writing this, I'm feeling His peace and I know everything's going to be ok! As long as I continue to look to him and trust that he has a plan for me and it will work out for the good. I know things will happen if I keep this mindset. SO! Enough of this! I know this turned out longer than I had intended, but it's where my heart is now. Jim, if you want me to, I can move this over to my journal but nobody seems to get over there very often anyways, so... But, hey! God Bless you guys! I really have and still do enjoy everyone here and i love you guys. Dang, I've got the hiccups! Bleh

Blessings to you all Smiling

P.S. I made this incredible cream cheese cake that has sour cream with a buttery graham cracker crust. OMG yums.. droollll's seriously. Everyone help yourself!

Sorry, I took the cheese cake with me!!!

I don't know why I didn't respond to you, Tammy. Unless we took care of that in PM? Anyways, I'm acknowledging you now, sorry 'bout that!

It's been days since I've even been on this site. Yes, I put down my fork and stepped away from the table. I needed a break because I was getting all knotted up inside. Funny thing, this real estate stuff is, I step back and what happens? A deal falls into my lap! My cousin is looking to me to help him buy a house I'm so excited And, thank you to Tammy for many good pointers, you are a wealth of knowledge and very generous, too. Thank you Tammy!

So, this is where I am right now. I'm looking for a house for my cousin. Also, my brother is trying to sell his house, and he lives in VA, so I've been talking to him about that as well. It's his birthday today so I will be calling him later to discuss this with him. He owns his house free and clear, he and his wife built it years ago, and it sits on quite a few lovely deer-filled acres, has a huge garage, and a nice pool. Very Nice Little Place! Trouble is, of course, is that it's a buyer's market right now so I'm going to discuss maybe steering them towards Lease/Optioning it to a nice family. That way he should be able to get a decent price for it. (right?) Ok, I will be back later or maybe tomorrow to continue with my latest. Take care everyone (I know, there are droves of y'all over here reading my journal ). Till next time!!

sorry I have been quiet too.
Life is overwhelming at times for us all.
I am glad you are getting some leads though.
Wishing you the best always.
Glad Tammy is there for you since I'm not.
Nice that you son is doing so well.
Hows your daughter doing?
You are in my prayers.

Hi Smurfy

I am curious how things are going since your last post. Especially regarding your deal with your cousin. I hope you made some money while helping him out.

Hang in there. I'm new too but I know the only way to our brighter future is to keep moving towards it.

Best regards
Steve

Hi, Steevoh,

No, nothing ever came of my cousin's situation. After initially showing some interest in having me help him, he failed to get back to me after numerous emails and phone calls. I have since heard that he purchased an REO, but the deal fell through when he refused to pay the HOA's back fees that were owed. He has not contacted me since, so I don't know what's going on with him. This, among other things, has caused me to simply let things go. I don't feel like I have it in me to pursue this any further. I've been really depressed lately, needless to say. Anyway, I hope things are going better for you! Thanks for your concern.

Tough love time. This is not an easy business and there are many things that go wrong all the time (heck, look at me and all my mishaps!). But, there is one thing that is certain. If you give up, you will NEVER succeed. And then you will have a regret later knowing you didn't do ALL you could possibly do to get a deal going. I have a team set up there in AZ. I'm working on expanding it some and starting to wholesale. Maybe you could do some birddogging for me in the area; driving for dollars? Contact me to discuss. You are so close, you can't give up You CAN do this; don't let depression stand in your way.

I hope you just mean that you are done trying to help your cousin, for right now anyway.

please don't give up on your own dream. I myself was going through a period of depression and disillusionment with all of this for a few months. That was about a month ago and once I started talking with others about their deals I got inspired again. Right after that I discovered that some methods for funding that I originally disregarded became totally plausible again in my eyes. Since then I have been reinvigorated and seeing the glass a little more half full than empty again has made all the difference in the world.

Do this for me please. Whatever you enjoy most about the REI process, whether it's trying to evaluate their FMV or just looking at them or whatever it is, just do that for a while. See if it sparks something in you. Maybe go back over a chapter or two in one of Dean's books. That did wonders for me as well.
Especially, talk to more people on here or in your local REI club if your in one. If not, you should be. The fellow investors in mine are very supportive. You never know who's going to have the answers you need or how you will find each other, but things do truly seem to work out somehow.

I know in my case I was trying to do and learn everything and got very overwhelmed. I finally just started over with one very simply strategy that one guru does exclusively, realizing that if he's doing great with just that then I can do just that to. Of course now I'm looking at more opportunities again, haha. I'm no longer overwhelming myself though trying to do everything perfectly. There's definitely a niche for you. Just find what feels most comfortable for you and start with that.

Feel free to PM me anytime if you want.

We don't call it the DG family for nothing, right?

I'm right there with ya
Steve

I just happened on this but I have been reading and I agree don't give up on yourself. I am getting back into the swing of learning this again so I can start over.

Please don't give up. I will pray for you.

You guys made me cry... Well, after reading your guy's comments, I began to feel a little ray of hope. See, my income is very limited. I lost my satellite and cable services (tv and internet), and you need internet service for this. It was because my income is less than my expenses every month. I don't know how I'm even getting by without those things, and I still owe them all money I get foodstamps (I'm ashamed to say) and they cut them to 100 from 153, this month. I feel so crunched financially, so I've been sleeping as much as I can. When you sleep, you don't spend money, right?

Then, my car is not reliable. It's air conditioning is broken (it's impossible to drive in Phoenix without air conditioning - ok, not impossible, but extremely uncomfortable) and I have leaks in my axles (bearings, I think), which I was told could make my car ignite at any time (amongst other things wrong with it). So, I haven't been driving it much, unless absolutely necessary. Also, it doesn't start all the time, I think the starter is going. I usually have to get it jumped for it to start. Also, the tires are dry-rotted, and they have slow leaks (well, the back ones do). Fortunately I have a portable generator that I can plug in my lighter and pump the tires if need be. That's one good thing, huh? Hehe.

Anyway, I'm really not trying to be a crybaby or complain, just stating facts. I just feel really lost. Yea, Tammy, I could do that for you. It's a start, huh. And, Steve, I'll pm you soon. Thank you guys so so so very much for your concern for me Linny, thank you as well and God bless.

who rode his bicycle all over because he didn't have a car. But, man, those are some really tough breaks (no pun intended). All the more motivation to get a deal a done!

One more things you MUST do, it was/is a life changer for me. Read Totally Fulfilled. The overlooked book that is shadowed out by the REI books. It really will change your life around; do all the exercises; your eyes and mind will be opened and prepare you for success! You CAN do this!

I just bought that book!! It's around here somewhere... I'll start it tomorrow.

I've hijacked a neighbor's internet connection It's sporadic at best and it's not right.. but, shhhh.. don't tell anyone

Just today I was wondering of your whereabouts... I'm glad to hear that you're still pursuing your rei career... baby steps will get you there!

Keep up your determination, and your wonderful sense of humor!

wishing you success,

Valerie

You're already thinking like a winner, a survivor, a doer again. It's just that getting yourself moving towards something. That first part is the hardest and the further you roll along the momentum builds and maintaining that pace is easier. OK, this all probably sounds corny and cliche but so what. Cliches exist because they're true.

I could go on and on about depression and how I DO relate to you but I will spare you that. I do sympathize so much with you and your situation and wish I was able to help you out. Truth is I'm not doing much better myself until I get some money coming in. My motivation is desperation but I remember that worked for Carol Stinson and it worked for Dean himself too.

I know this will pay off for us both. We just have to keep doing all we can and not quit. Besides, what else are we gonna do, right? I know my days of depending on a day job and employer are over. I could probably get work in my old career but I don't want to shift focus off of this new life direction. Instead I'm putting all my energy, time, and frankly too much money I don't have into this because it's something I control and therefor can and will make it work.

I'm hoping I will see you at the EDGE event next year. You just have to believe it yourself because everyone else here already knows we can do this better than we do.

Now just step back, relax, take some deep breaths, then do something. Whatever you feel up to, and can access. Continue being creative and finding ways to deal with things. Just try to make some little bit of progress each day. That momentum will build and before you know it you'll be coasting along with your hair in the breeze.

I'll stay in touch.
Steve

that I was going to just PM you with that last post but thought maybe someone else that reads it might benefit from it as well. I know most of what I have taken away from this site was from comments never intended for me. So if anyone going through a similar tough time in their life gets something out of the comments in here, even better.

Steve

Steve, you are so awesome!! I thought I responded to this around the time you posted it but I don't see it. Thank you so much, Val, as well. It is taking a while but I'm slowly making my way back. Typing on this phone is very tiresome, but I figured out how to use it as a modem (it's extremely slow) so I at least can access most things. I don't think I can view videos so I can't watch Dean's weeklies, but oh well. Ok, see you guys soon!

Hugs and Love to you wonderful people!!

P.S. I don't have $179 to join my real estate club or I would've done that a long time ago.

Hi Lisa

I really empathize or sympathize or both. I'm not to clear on the distinction, obviously. Since you can't afford the REI clubs one alternative I suppose is to use blogs like this one for local REI networking. Maybe linkedin.com and meetup.com also realtyjoin.com, (a newer one) intended to be like facebook for real estate pros, might be a good way to find and share with investors, agents, and such in your area. One of the ways that worked well for me to find buyers was to post ghost ads on craigslist. Also if you locate auctions taking place near you that's a great way to meet some local cash buyers for your list.

Just some ideas that you probably already are familiar with but I thought I would mention just in case one of them is new to you.

BTW: Don't worry about replying. I know it's very difficult for you to do so. I do appreciate you getting back to me letting me know you are still on here though.

Best wishes to you sis
Steve

you are so resourceful! I can't believe you're reading and writing all this on your phone!
I'm glad to hear that you are still working on you rei; as I said earlier, even if it's just a little a day, the important thing is that you don't stop trying.
It's all about taking action, and I know that you will succeed because you have a tremendous determination!

Hugs and love to you too!

Valerie