Question to all......

I have had DG's materials for almost a year and I have not landed my first deal yet. In my area Connecticut things are very different than the rest of the world and this can be very discouraging. Seminars attended and yet to join the acadamy is not affordable for me, no family members will help, I do not have a car to attend Investment clubs, etc. Listening to Carol Stinson video (Gain the Edge)gives me hope. I may have to located properties outside my state where things appear more flexible. Keep the faith.

Hi:
Your situation is what??? I know that sounds like a dumb thing to say, but let me tell you about me.

I look like a guy who lives in a mobil home at the beach like the tv show, the Rockford Files.

I don't own a suit and don't want one. I wear surfer wear and my hair is long. I have a fu man choo beard.

I didn't even graduate high school and have only a GED. College was never in my plans. naysayers? my friends and family were like whatever, when I told them I was going to do this, and to this day they are like whatever, good on you.

No one cares what you look like, no one cares about your background. Didn't you decide to do this because you wanted to get out from underneath your situation? all the things you just said here never entered into your mind when you made a decision to do this, so why does it after the facts?

I'm trying to keep faith and I always will. And yes, I did get into this to get out of my situation. It's just discouraging that's all. But yes I did think about the situation I'm in before I bought the first book a year ago. I just don't think people would even take me serious. I'm still in the beginning stages. After all that I've read I would very much like to be like that Greg Murphy guy in the books. Something about him sticks in my head. No money down is fantastic, and I literally have no money lol Idk...I'm not going to give up that's for sure. My whole life I've known I would have my own business, never knew what tho. But real estate has intrigued me since I was young. It's one of the neccesities of life. I know things don't happen over night but I'll keep trying to figure something out...

RSloverll, Keep on keeping the faith. Yes, you can succeed. Everyone faces challenges in REI. I think I understand what you mean about people not taking you sesriously. When I first started talking to other investors I was concerned that they would think I was too inexperienced and not want to talk to me. Or maybe they would get bored in the conversation with a newbie. I felt somehow fake (looking back I think I was too hard on myself.) Fortunately for me I love talking to and meeting new people so overcame this pretty quickly I had no problem admitting what I didn't know. However, I knew from reading PFRN and this site that I would keep learning. Everyone has to start somewhere. As you move forward, taking action, go to REI meetings, look at properties, do your research, etc., etc. you will become more confident in yourself and your abilities in REI. Most importantly take action. I wish you great success!

Lea

RSloverII I truly can understand your pain.

To give you a quick background on me. My husband and I had both lost our jobs. Our home got foreclosed on, our car got repoed, and we ended up living in the basement of my mother in laws house.

I got started in RE because of all this and more. I wanted to let you know that Yes it does take money but if you have the time, the patience, and the willingness to learn and move forward from rejection then YES YOU CAN DO THIS!!! With very little money it just take alot of doing.

No money no cell phone no problem.

I used my mother in laws phone ( which had no long distance, no call waiting, and no voice mail.)

Also most of my communications were done by email so that saved me big time with calling especially with long distance numbers.

There are so many things that you can do for free that as long as you keep going there is no way you will not be able to succeed. Once you close one deal then get the success academy and go faster with money and time as your leverage.

You have read deans book. So first things first RSloverII Build your buyers list. This can all be done for free. And here is the best thing about the whole thing. These forums right here are a wealth of information. SERIOUSLY. Any question you have someone is bound to know the answer and be able to help and guess what ALL FREE!!!

You can PM me any time I would love to help if I can. Although I am no expert I can tell you how I did things to at least get started with very very little money.

I hope this helps:)

Set up you mind to succeed! As a man thinketh, so is he. Let your actions follow your mindset. Prove your naysayers wrong.

What clothing size are you? My husband has several outfits he doesn't wear anymore if you would like a more casual business look. (no suits though). I know people who do this without a car. I have to do this with 4 kids in tow. Don't worry about what people think of you. If you can borrow someone's car when you have a meeting with someone, do it.

I was watching the Edge and Matt said that he came into the bank all decked out in a suit. IN came Dean to the bank to meet Matt in jeans and a t-shirt for the interview at the bank. You don't have to wear suits.

As you begin to take action, your confidence will build.

No matter your obstacles, you can do it! If you tell yourself you can, you will. If you tell yourself you can't along with the naysayers you won't. The choice is up to you.

You already have the drive, motive, ambition, and determination. Go for it! This site is free, so use it to your benefit as often as you can.

It is CERTAIN we will SUCCEED!

Richard,

This is very possible. Keep a positive frame of mind and surround yourself with people with the same mindset. Join your local/state real estate investors association. Read Dean's books and take notes if you need to. Anything is possible. Best of Luck!!

Use your time wisely. Read Dean's books to gain some education. Use this forum for answers. Look for deals around your location. Even birddogging can be a great way to start.

In the final analysis, the only opinion that matters is yours. Don't let the negative energy wear you down!!!

The journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step so all you need to do is make a decision - THE DECISION - . Then you need to feed your mind with the good and the positive. You choose what you will think and do with every breath you take. No one else is going to pay your way or take care of you especially not in the style or way that you desire. I like the 5x7 3 ring binder and use it all the time as a catch all everything. I make notes, lists of things to do, lists of things i am grateful for, things i would like to do, what i would like to have, some parts are journal of dreams or nightmares (not many of those). Keep something like that going for you so you can refer to it as needed and make updates. Next you need a plan and read Deans book over and over and over and stay connected to this website. It will feed and nourish you. You schedule time to go look at houses and to see people in real estate offices, banks, county clerk and recorders office, and so on. Yes yes yes you can. You must believe. If it is to be it is up to me (you). What the mind can conceive it can achieve. Hope all this inspires you. Take care of your health eat your vegetables and make it happen.

i understand what you mean, but i was reminded of something after reading these posts. we forget to look at what we have, not what we don't have. as said in the posts above, look at what you have and be thankful for it and use it. it will take you farther than you think. i try to make it a habit to list at least 5 things each day that i am thankful for. i set up a free account at www.gratitudelog.com and i post it there. it reminds me to be thankful for what i have and quit concentrating on what i don't have. many people have become successful who started out with what you have or less. you can do it too!

I said the same thing about NJ last year. But, I was wrong. Foreclosures are taking place EVERYWHERE. You should study the section in Dean's book about sandwich lease options. Almost any person who is facing foreclosure should listen to what you have to offer. The bottom line is this...these strategies can be used anywhere, including CT. Dont't let yourself talk youself out of taking action because of a an imaginary obstacle.

Mark

Wow! I'm amazed on how fast I got a response to this post. Thank you to everyone commenting. I'm re-reading the books starting today and taking everyone's advice that I can get into serious consideration. I want to make it happen....period.

We have all been in the same boat at one time or another, unfortunately some people are still in that boat but are getting closer and closer to putting there feet on dry land... Read and study, you have the tools at your fingertips, maybe partner up with someone at a local REIA club who can help guide you a little, build up your confidence and self esteem. Stay motivated , take action because you will be successful as we all will, kt might just take some of us a little longer.

Here's to your success my DG friend.

-Martin

She does everything almost entirely online, without leaving her home. People can't tell if you are emailing from a mansion or a cardboard box. The same goes with talking on the phone. If you believe it can happen and practice being confident and sound enthusiastic when you talk to people, they will believe too. Take action every day. The more you stumble, the more you will learn. Everyone in every career in life has to start somewhere. But, you have to start. Use the internet to build your buyers list, the knowledge you will gain as you take action will give you the confidence to speak to others and as you begin to network, things will fall in place.

Just get out and do something!

Four months after close/possession of a condo, we are getting an $11,000. bill for back HOA fees. This was not on file when we bought it and we currently have an offer on the property (it's for sale). There are no liens showing on it at the moment.

We just bought the property (May 2010) and the fees date back to 2008. Had we known we would not have purchased it. The tenant ruined the unit upon move out, so we had to put in alot of money to repair it, and replace the appliances/light fixtures he stole.

Are we responsible for this bill and why was it not brought to our attention before this. We had a very low offer a week after it was listed. Had we sold it then we would never have known about the debt. Now we have an offer to close in 10 days and am nervous that it will not close because of this dispute. Already with this new offer, we will only cover expenses, but because of all this mess, I want to be rid of it. If we owe the money, then we will be out of pocket for the entire amount.

I need advice and quickly.

Thank you.
S

I just received Dean's book about 3wks ago. I read Dean's book within a day or two. Then started to write myself notes to fall upon. I figured this would help once I finally get on track. This past week I have come onto member website. This is so helpful and everyone is eager to give as much information as they can. I am single mother of 3 children. My older twins have moved on with their lives and my youngest(17yr old) daughter passed away last December in a tragic accident. I have decided if I can get thru the day dealing with the loss of my child. I have enough strength and optimism to succeed with Dean's approach to No Money Down system. I wanted to thank everyone for the detailed information that is given. Also, their much needed enthusiasum.

deb
pennsylvania

For you, things might look kinda blurry, but all you have to do is change the way you look at life, change your perspective ! Be thankful that you have a roof on your head, clothes on your back (who cares about a suit), and a family. Even if they're are not the best for support, know that they are still your family and you should be thankful to them. If you can't find anybody to support you, become your OWN support system. Don't ever let words get to your core, unless they're POSITIVE. Keep reading and may I suggest to also read a book called 'The power of Positive Thinking,' by Norman Vincent Peale. Hopefully, it will help you get your mind right and help you stay positive. Don't give up, keep going at it, persistence will pay off.

To your success,
-Gabriel Do Carmo

Unfortunately, the general rule is that the current owner is responsible for any accumulated fees because the HOA only has the property as their legal recourse to collect them. If you purchased title insurance when you bought it, the outstanding amount may be able to be shown as an oversight on their part, in which case they might pay it. In the future, it is always wise to contact the HOA directly and get a letter stating the current balance AND call the utility companies that can attach the property for unpaid bills (in Ohio that is the water company) and find out the unpaid balance too. I hope things work out for you but please explore the options on how this occurred as $11,000 is a pretty big surprise.

alot of great advice above and i would like to extend a congrats for asking the question to all of us on here.there are many who just read these posts and never respond to anyone and never ask any questions.these are the people that may sit on the sidelines forever but YOU have gotten up and dared to get involved on here by asking for advice so to speak and you now see everyone on this site wants you to succeed as much as you want it. i am SURE you will get many more dgers that are willing to help you get your feet wet .the first step is in asking questions and you have started the ball rolling and broke the ice.as suggested above,READ,READ,READ and ask more questions.be patient and everyday your knowledge will build if u just take some rei action.
stay the course,you will look back and be glad you did!!
jay

The books are great, they really are. It is never going to be the system I follow or ever would follow. Not that I don't believe in the techniques, I just do things differently.

This business is not easy and anyone who says it is is lying to you. The majority of people in society believe that the only people who deserve to be rich are those who wear a three piece suit and work on Wall Street, or are Donald Trump, Bill Gates, etc.

Look at Forbes magazine this month. It highlights the wealthiest people in America. One of the wealthiest is a Russian guy who used to be a taxi cab driver in New York City, NY and he went on to be a billionaire and he looks like a guy who never wore a business suit in his life.

You need to get over this looks thing, the no one is going to take me seriously thinking and go out and make money.

NewsFlash..............No one here who is just starting out is going to be like any of the success stories in Deans books until you start doing it and doing it over and over again.

Let me ask you this, if you don't make offers, will you ever buy a property? If you don't ever buy a property, are you ever going to make money at this?

I had a better year last year than I ever have. I did 76 deals and made enough money to buy a 7000 sq foot home on the ocean in Fort Lauderdale. I would have never got to this point in my life if I never made that first offer when I started.

If you make an offer that fits a sellers needs, do you think they won't take you seriously?

Very true statements you just said. I totally agree with you. You said you bought a house in Ft. Lauderdale, so I'm guessing you live in FL. If so, what part?

Thanks,
-Gabriel Do Carmo

pauljacobi said it perfectly: "Let me ask you this, if you don't make offers, will you ever buy a property? If you don't ever buy a property, are you ever going to make money at this?"

In others words, as Nike might say, "Just Do It!"

or as Kobe Bryant might say, "You can't make the shots you don't take"

Mistakes are part of the game. It happens. But don't let it freeze you out if you really want to make real estate your passion.

I live just off Las Olas Blvd, 8 blocks from the ocean.

When he started out, he was 17, with dirty fingernails, and he described himself as a 'greasemonkey' because he was always working on cars. He got the deals. It wasn't what he looked like that got him his deals, it was his drive, determination and focus on his goals that got him where he is today.

Looks aren't what you need to focus on most, but building your knowledge and confidence. People will see and feel your determination. Make the best impression you can. You will make mistakes and have failures. You'll need to pick yourself up many times and swallow pride. If you can do that, you'll do fine.

Can anyone tell me, are these two programs one in the same, or are they separate and different programs.

Thankyou.

From reading your post I feel the best advice I can give is honesty. A lot of people speak of their misfortunes and bad circumstances and then everyone else tells them to keep their head up and believe and eventhough that is the most important thing it's not all.

When you decide to do this you need to take a deeper look and be honest with yourself of where you're at and where you want to be. If you have terrible credit, no money and broke as can be then at least you know you're starting point. So rather than trying to figure how to be rich in a year or two, take baby steps to get back on your feet and some money in the bank.

How is your job treating you? Are there any other jobs in town that could pay you more or be more flexible to allow a part time. Start working on rebuilding your credit. Be disciplined and start putting money away every week, even if it's only pennies, you need to get in the habit of paying yourself first. And before you know it you'll have enough saved up for a down payment. Then you buy your first property and the rest is history$$

I know this all sounds too easy, but it really is. You need to be disciplined and patient. Rei is not get rich quick game, it's a lifetime of learning, a lot of patience and a ton of fun, but before you get to the fun part you're foundation needs to be built.

To all those who posted before me, it is great to listen to your thoughts. I have some of the same. You do have to realize this takes time and patience. I want all to happen tomorrow, but I have to settle myself down, and work through it using those baby steps. We are not only going to build a business and bank account, but we are building relationships and will become a better people from this journey. So glad to be apart of the DG Site. Blessings to you all.

Go to realwhosaling.com and it will give you all kinds of ideas on how to get started. You could also birddog which is what I am doing. There are a lot of things you could do to get started but most of all don't give up.

Hello RSloverII

Never let your situation get you down. Of course someone will take a chance on you, but first you have to believe they will. You might find someone that owns some rentals and just wants someone that he/she could trust to take over the properties. You might be an angel for that person. If you don't look for opportunity, then you won't find any.

Like Zion said earlier, “as a man thinketh so is he”... So how do you thinketh? My first boss, Marion Brabham and his family moved to Charleston in the 40's in a depression buggy. He said he didn't have 2 nickels to rub together, but that didn't stop him. He eventually got enough together to open a grocery store and later opened the first Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

A friend of mine moved to the U.S. from Africa. He went to college, but when he graduated no one would hire him. You see he had a heavy African accent. So after he graduated he drove a cab. He didn’t feel down on himself. He saved his money until he had $10K. He later saw a closed convenience store and looked for the owner of the building. After her spoke with the owner, the owner let him rent the place and gave him the equipment inside (refrigerators, coolers, and the like). He used some to the $10K to stock the store with popular supplies. Now to make a long story short, he now owns this store, a number of other stores, 2 car washes, and a host of residential properties. He never would have found this opportunity if he didn’t ask.

There are lots of true stories like that. You can be one of them, so finish your story. You got to believe that you can succeed, and find a way to make it work. Please keep us informed.

Ty

I love the wonderful stories. There are some amazing books out there to read that will also help in this too.

I just finished 3 feet from gold. Its pretty awesome and its a true motivator too. Check it out see if helps as well. There is also the one and only always amazing "Think and grow rich" you should check that out first:) if you havent read it already.