OfflineHello DG Family!
We decided to combine our journals since we are in this together.
Our friendship began about a year before we started investing in real estate. We actually met online while playing a video game LOL. But it shows great partnerships can come from anywhere!
dominoafekt's Real Estate Autobiography:
I started getting interested in this after I saw Dean's infomercial when I was jobless, just got out of high school, and looking for anything other than my web hosting business to make some money. I took a leap of faith and actually ordered something being advertised on TV, although I did research on Dean first and found this site. That is when I really knew this was real. After seeing this community do nothing but help others for free, I ordered the Think a Little Different Course. I got it through PDF form but I printed the whole thing out and read it when I was alone because I was embarrassed to even be considering it.
That course got me extremely interested in wholesaling. But I had NO idea where to start, so fear soaked in and I got unmotivated from everything.
I soon after got a VERY nice job in the Sears Tower 86th floor as an Intern for a trading firm making 10/hr out of luck. I soon then was promoted to the IT guy, fixing all the computers, and basically doing odd jobs for 13/hr full time. While working there I found myself getting re-interested in real estate when I was running low on money or wanted to advance, but the fear always set back in right away, and I'd go back into my routine.
A few months later I got kicked out of my dad’s house for a very dumb reason. So I lived at my friend’s parent’s house while I went apartment shopping. This is where I really learned how to be independent. I already was more independent than most of my friends but this REALLY kicked me in the behind.
I am 20 now, and still have the job to this day, but a few things have changed. I got promoted to Junior Trader in July for $50k salary. I work night shift from 8pm-6am with an hour commute each way. I am away from home 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Some people would kill for this job and the salary (especially at my age), but the night shift is really depressing me, and my boss is never satisfied. So the stresses of this job outweigh the reward. This is why I want to move forward with real estate. Don't get me wrong though, I am extremely grateful for the job I have, I just want to move onto more than that. I would much rather do something I love for half the pay (not saying REI is half the pay), than something that depresses me and stresses me out on a constant basis.
After this promotion I got all this extra money and knew exactly what to do with it. This promotion gave me the confidence and dampened my fear enough to dip my foot in real estate.
I always knew that investorinmissouri was interested in real estate like I was, so I talked to them (her and her husband) and we concluded that we should partner up and go 50/50 on everything. I also found out that they have already started on some of it; you can read about that in hers.
Ever since we established the LLC together we have made one deal so far. She or I will post more info on the deal in a separate post.
All I can say is that I couldn't do it without her, and I give her most of the credit for our first deal. While I was mostly distracted with my full time job, she was kicking but down in Missouri doing all the hard work on it! 
We are starting to spread out in my area in "Chicagoland" and Northwest Indiana as I am currently building our buyers list for this area to get started. We are moving slower out here cause of my job, but at least we are starting!
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I have posted her original journal, so some of this might not pertain to this post. Just think of the following as a separate post.
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investorinmissouri's Real Estate Autobiography:
Well today is Saturday at about 11pm. I came to deans sight to look for possible buyers. But then I got so involved in reading and found that maybe I should start a journal so that I can reflect back to where I started and how far I progress.
I have to say that when I first started it was a year and a half ago. I have come so close only to see my deals fall threw every time.
But with the help of a good friend and amazing partner I have gotten back up again with the hope that since I have failed now is my time for success.
The first thing we are working on is our buyers list.
So far we have run classified ads online, called for rent , we buy houses, and why rent when you can own ads and I have even posted a video on Youtube.
Lastly we have done two weeks of bandit signs. I think we finally found a method that fits well with out the signs blowing away LOL LOL.
At this moment my partner and I have 6 buyers on our list. 3 that are active and 3 inactive possibles for the future. Not to bad I would say.
I look at all the phone calls as practice. I can hear the confidence in my voice as I speak to each person. I know exactly what to say now that I have done so many calls. It is like having a new job. At first your unsure. Checking your every move. Then with time you get faster, better, and get amazing results. It becomes natural instead of uncomfortable. When I get in that state of mind of fear and rejection. I just remember my why. It motivates me to push past the rejection and gives me the strength I need to keep on going.
Well I can see that coming out way. This definitely takes dedication. But I have a big why in my mind. HUGE WHY. And this is what keeps me moving and going no matter how many no's, voice mails, or rejections I get. For every no I know I will finally get a solid YES!
So here is to finding my 20 to 30. Wish me the best Dean friends and I will be posting my progress soon 
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Our goal for now is to replace both of our salary's and set them to 50k for the time being which we would need to make around 10k a month for this to happen. This way I can quit my job, and she can live comfortably while we continue.
Our big goal is to get 1 million in equity within the first few years!!!
I might edit this original post if I think of something else to add.
We thank you all for the great support and hope everyone succeeds at their goals!
Dominic
Are you new? Check out my NEW and IMPROVED Guide for Beginners! http://deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/everything-else/128413/domini...
Your story should be an inspiration to all of us.
To be starting young enough to see your dreams. And a good partner is so valuable.
Your post also about how much is too much. Money isn't they problem, it is the why and how. So go for it!! Your post makes me more excited about finding a good partner!
Good luck and stay focused on those dreams!
Sandi
Thanks Sandi!
It's always nice to see supporters
We are currently up to about 15 buyers on our buyer list and we have a very promising deal in the works!
To sum it up we bought a house in her area for 4k, and found a buyer to pay 12k for it in 10 days! We will have the buyer under contract as of Friday and the deposit of $500. After that we get the extra $7500 within 30 days! I am so excited to finally get some progress done. They really mean it when they say after your first deal everything clears up!
I hope you have quick success in finding a partner! If you are looking to invest in Kansas City or Chicago area give us a PM and we can figure something out for a few deals!
Dominic
Are you new? Check out my NEW and IMPROVED Guide for Beginners! http://deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/everything-else/128413/domini...
That is a great story, I have read some of your responses before on posts, and I thought, this guy knows alot. I do know how you feel about your job, sometimes the money just isnt worth it, if you truly dont like what you are doing.
Thanks for the posts, and I may be contacting you soon to help me with a deal.
Take care,
Curtis Fillers
(Charlotte,NC)
Big dreams, big goals, big whys! These are the reasons we are able to push threw all the negatives. We keep going and going strong.
Can I ad that this is work. I mean WORK! But it is the best work I have ever done. I feel accomplished, I feel like my efforts are being seen and rewarded and I feel like it is worth doing the things I do for a change. I know we are going to get there
one step at a time maybe two ;P
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
congrats to both of you!! Just proves you can do anything if you put your mind to it and work at it with 100% effort.
good luck and i cant wait to see you knock down deal after deal.
richie
Keep it up both of you. I am impressed with your work ethic (at 20 -whaaat?) and your determination. A thought on your buyers list - its worth the cost of membership to join you local real estate investment group. You get to network regularly and you will find buyers here plus a lot of "free" education.
Best to you both!
Gena
Blessings & Favor,
Gena.
Follow my Blog: www.genahoriatis.com
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
Psalm 1:1-3
Thanks Gena,
We actually belong to one and are about to join another one here in Missouri. It is an excellent source of buyers. And sellers too.
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
Hi, I am in a similar situation, I am in Iowa and I found someone that is interested in doing a lot of work in Arizona for me. He seems pretty motivated and I am thinking that maybe we should start an LLC if we get going on this. After getting a few properties under contract I think I will suggest doing the same thing. Good luck and thanks for the idea of an LLC, it is an inspiration.
Hey,
Awesome user name. Your investment career could be like the domino effect! I have a brother who used to trade on the floor at the board of options on La
Salle. He hated it. Now he is in an office somewhere downtown. I am trying to get him to give me names for pml to fund my deals. I'm just starting out too. He's quite the skeptic. Got any ideas on how I could get some names for that? I've been working on trying to get my first deal for about 4 months, arrrg! Great story!
Peggy
It got my attention. Thought you had already made that million. Congratulations on finding a good partner to work with. Great success to you both. God bless!!!
Shellsell
makeba and dominic !! congratulations on your taking action with what u r learning.It is inspiring to see all the work and action that you both have done !!keep up the momentum and you will reach your goals .be patient and stay the course.YOU have the whole dg team behind you !!
jay
Click Here For homepage www.jaysthilaire.com
need to sell ? http://www.jayhousebuyers.com
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CHECK OUT MY JOURNAL http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/20063/...
Keep moving forward Good job so far. One deal at a time. Congradulations and continue success.
To get something you've NEVER HAD
DO something you've NEVER DONE.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. NO we have not made the million yet that is our big goal. We are positive that it will happen. We make sure to take action every single day toward achieving it. I have to add also they by taking action we have learned so much. The best way to learn is by doing. So dont be afraid. Just DO IT.
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
What an amazing story! I truly wish you all the best in acquiring those deals. Please list the details when the transactions are completed. Thanks for sharing your story of success. God Bless.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I'd love to find out if anyone may be able to give me some insight on the negative affect of getting a home on contract that has been listed on the mls over a year? Seems to be un appealing to investors.
Please respond
Charity
I love your motivation and how you overcame the fear of rejection.
For me, I designed a game called Rejection Therapy back in 2009 to encourage myself to get out of my comfort zone more. It's here (if anyone wants to try it): http://rejectiontherapy.com
older listings are great. They could be a potential lead. It also could be a good indicator that the sellers are motivated and might want to sell at a discount.
I know for us personally we look for listings that are at least 100 days old or more. we submit offers on those all the time.
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
We were pretty busy over the weekend. I spent the weekend going over ads, driving for dollars, and looking at listings on the MLS.
I spent alot of time also reading all of Carol Stinsons Journals. I wanted to get a new source of motivation and energy because we have been hitting a lot of no's lately.
On thursday we had a great lead on a home in which the sellers and I had agreed upon a price. After the agreement I decided to market the property which I had HUGE RETURNS on. I had so many people interested that wanted to view the property.
Bad news I was unable to get a hold of the sellers till the next day to schedule viewings for the people who responded to my ads.
Anyways long story short. They changed there mind, I in turn had to call back 6 people who wanted to view the property and tell them that it was no longer available. UGH!!! Talk about seeing the money slip right threw your hands LOL!
Anyways it was a great learning experience. I know now to be sure that when I speak with the sellers to make sure that ALL parties involved are together we we talk and discuss options. I also know now that I will always bring contracts with me even if I don't think they will sign them.
Good news I now have 6 new buyers HA HA HA!!!! So it all came out good in the end.
Today is Monday and my plan of action is to hit the flyers hard. I am also going to spend about 4 hours calling on ads and building more on my buyers and sellers lists.
Honestly I have the buyers, now is the time to focus on the sellers. Here we go! here is to having 3 deals under contract by the end of the week. This is my goal! I am even more pumped too now that I heard dean say that they were in KC woot woot!!!!
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
I forgot to mention this.
While I was driving for dollars we talked to several people in the neighborhood. I was not shy at all because I wanted to give them my business card and also find out more about the area and the homes.
You would be amazed at the information you find out. I had one guy show me 3 more homes that didn't look vacant but he told me they were. So I left and note and we did a look up to mail a letter to the owners.
I also had another lady who had just got home from church tell me that there was an investor who bought over 30 homes in the area that we were in. WHAT!!! to bad she didn't have the investors info LOL that would have been awesome:) I am going to try to find out who it was:)
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
You 2 make a great team and I wish you much success!!
About the investor who bought 30 properties in the area, can the lady point out or give you the address of any of the properties? If so you can find the investors name on the city records and go from there. Good luck with this.
Lea
That is a great inspiration you have going! Look forward to seeing you succeed. Keep moving forward and the deals will always come, just never quit!
Wow that is a great idea Lea thanks:) I will check that out for sure. Hopefully we can catch the same lady. We will try to go again on Sunday around the same time to catch her.
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
Today in property searching I connected with another wholesaler. Pretty excited hopefully we can have a great business relationship going.
contacted several for rent ads but no takers so far. I will keep going though. Also I got in contact with the name on one of the vacant homes we found and found out that it is actually her daughter in law who owns the property. I left my name and phone number I hope they will call me soon
Just curious what percentage is everyone else doing their properties at?
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
Keep your good work & dream. But watch out of your health. Get good nutrition & rest. Money needs good health to build up & to enjoy it. I hope you & your dad have great relationship from now on. Family is above money. God bless you. You're great.
Keep up the great work and keep us posted on all of your successes.
Rick
Rick Merritt
Trident Realty, LLC
Weak is he who permits his thoughts to control his actions; Strong is he who forces his actions to control his thoughts. --Og Mandino
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This is great motivation. I wish you guys the best!
Last night the owner of the vacant home got in contact with me. It looks like she is not ready to sell just yet because the home has sentimental value for her. Good news is when she is ready she will contact us first thing:)
We have submitted 6 more contracts 1 countered back at full price. Going to look into more. We have 4 viewings scheduled for Wednesday and I am researching 10 more vacant homes today.
My plan of action today will be to call on more owner ads, for rent, and investor ads. We also will be driving for dollars for a couple hours as well.
There is an investor meeting tonight in my town so hopefully we can attend that one as well. I will be bringing cards and flyers.
Here is to an amazing day:)
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
Great Article. Both motivating and Inspiring. Heart warming as well. Please accept my prayers to both of you.
Blessings,
Daryl Mau
For every adversity there is the seed to an equivalent or greater benefit
( W.Clemente Stone ) Founder of Combined Insurance and Author of The Power Of OPM
Ok so I got a huge reality check today. In all this time we have been estimating rehabs. The more I do this the more I am finding that I dont really know how to estimate them. Some people say one thing another will say something completely different. I am completely confused now LOL!
Today I spoke with another investor who has his own rehabbers and he can do a complete rehab, floors, roofing, plumbing, painting, windows, the works for 25k. I am Like WOW!!! really LOL totally had it estimated at 40k. What am I doing wrong here.
I have heard it to many times that we are over estimating our rehabs. So please any of you savy rehabbers or contractors I would love to get in contact with you to help figure out costs of things. any info would help.
Good news this means I can go higher on my offers hahahaha!
When you say thank you, you are telling the world that you want more. Say thank you every day! It will bring joy, and it will bring so much more.
www.virtue-investments.com
to a post that you might find helpful.
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/property-rehab-fixer-uppe...
Lea