aerospaceman

I have been a stay at home dad for the last four years and I want to get started in real estate. This is not about money, it's about restoring my self esteem and confidence while stepping outside of my comfort zone of isolation. I haven't really talked to anyone in the last four years nor made any friends. I would really like to talk to someone from this area of Spokane or on this website. So my motivation is about Family, doing things for them and myself not about the money-about feeling good inside of myself then giving it back to help others perhaps in a similar situation.

There are two terrific websites that provide a wealth of information at no cost. They are Trulia and Zillow, use these sites to your best advantage. Due diligence is about crossing your T's and dotting your i's, or making sure your information is checked and double-checked so your fair market value is correct. It may be time consuming but it's worth the profit. My problem is turning the digging of info to actually applying effort. Taking Action is the key word! without this simple yet powerful statement, many people would still be watching the infomercial as a couch potato. I am guilty of this and I am trying to break through many of my own barriers to success so keep posted as I work my way to my first deal.

Can someone please shed some light on this subject for me so I can take action? We live in low income housing in Spokane WA under "Spokane Housing Authority" DBA "Northeast Washington Housing Solutions" and we have been told that we are not allowed to own any real estate or we will lose our housing and our section eight. I can't live like this anymore and I don't want my kids living like this anymore...can anyone give me some alternative ideas or paths to take? I want to take action but find I'm frozen to the spot else I create a situation where my children end up on the street. This is why I am so stuck. I am ready to take action; however, I need to solve this issue before I make a move so I am asking for possible solutions.

Believe it or not I can do html and I have looked at some xml programming for websites but I have never really sat down and tried to design a website. Maybe later I'll take the time and play around with it but for right now I have to do some basics like getting my team together, business cards, fax machine, and running over to the courthouse so I can start some offers in earnest. Until then I'll learn what I can by reading these wonderful posts.

Watching You Tube I came across a young man who was born with no arms and no legs, and his comment was it's not whether or not you fail but in how you finish. He said you can fall down, pick yourself up, and keep doing ths over and over again; but, if you quit and give up trying then you will never finish. You must NEVER stop trying, NEVER quit, KEEP going till you finish and ask yourself this one question: Will you finish strong?

Tonight I will be attending my first REI meeting and I have lots of questions. The questions I want to ask deal with subjects such as utility rates, boundary lines and growth, On/Off-Site Management costs, HUD, VA, earnest money deposit, contracts, figuring tax rates, making contacts/networking, team building, mentoring, and so much more! I am going to invest in my first purchase withing the next few weeks if everything works out here tonight. You should never work alone when going diving, working the high line, or other ventures that may be considered NEW. In the military we used a rope system of "OATH" O=OK, A=Advance, T=Take up slack, and H=HELP. In many gun classes they teach one to evaluate each situation using the color of the traffic signal light: Green=OK, Yellow=Marginal, and RED=Danger. What I am really trying to say is what ever method we each use to evaluate our own feelings, remember we never have to do anything alone; we have Dean's website forums and our own team under construction, or in place to help us succeed. When I complete tonight's meeting I will tell you happened and how it affects my future success. By the way, keep your great posts right on coming because I am learning a great deal from each of you that I can apply to my local area. Thanks.

Tonight I spent some time with a local REI Club and I feel as if I missed my mark. The club accepted my beginner status and my recently completed introductory studies to real estate. The meeting was begun with a round of personal introductions and business cards flying around as if we were at an indoor paper airplane convention. The lead was Chris, nice guy, so were the other advanced investors. We quickly settled in for the next two and a half hours listening to a case study about a local piece of property that should have been easy to purchase. Turned out the first mortgage had a junior or second and it should have been canceled but it became the foremost important piece of worthless paper creating a paper chase for any investor. The bank refused to cooperate with the experienced investor and to make a long story short...he called customer service and obtained the information needed to make the transaction possible with access to the internet to finish cross referencing the final details. A nice presentation, but I would have wanted something more attuned to a novice like learning to walk? The benefits are camaraderie, networking, lesson on the complexities of buy and hold. I know there must be some other lessons but being as tired and kids, and...it's been a very long day. I hope to hear some of your reflections on this topic and let me know how I can really get a bite into real estate.

Bill G.

P.S. Tonight I took my first step of action towards my new career in real estate investing.

Mike suggested that anyone who needs help understanding computers inside or out give me a holler. I design and build them for fun, giggles, and grins, hardware, firmware, and software to boot (puns abound!). If it's not too difficult I'll try to answer the question within 24 hours or sooner. I've never done anything like this but I'm going to swallow my stomach and help you out and help myself out of my shell.

There are times that many people may feel intimidated by going to a real estate agents office. An alternative may going to your local fair. Each year some real estate agents set up booths at your local fair and this informal setting may help you put your foot forward as it did me when I took my kids to our fair. I took action and had a really nice conversation that made me feel it was OK to approach them in their office. Sometimes we need a little extra breathing room to take our first talk.

I just wanted to stop by your guestbook and wish you good luck with real estate investing. You can do it! Each day continue to increase your knowledge with real estate and before long good things will happen. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

We received a 48-hr notice to enter for a property inspection of our apartment and my wife is flipping out. These inspections are a real pain in the neck! Have to clean and get ready for Monday mornings inspection.

Spent my last $5 plus wife's $6 for gasoline. My life needs to change for the better! I am going to buy and hold at least two sf home's before the end of the year. This would raise up my self confidence, self-esteem, and make me feel more like a human being. My family would be more willing to trust me and look up to me as a provider for their lives. Overall this would make me extremely proud and more I would enjoy being around "ME" as my personality and character may come back to the care-free everything is great attitude and help my wife and kids fall in love with me again so I would be VERY HAPPY.

Monday is just around the corner; My initial phone calls will go to several property managers then home owners insurance agents. Making screening calls to a few real estate agents to build my team is next...It's very difficult to step out of a comfort zone.

Even the best laid out plans can go astray. The Marines would say: Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome! Sometimes you just can't beat certain scenarios. We had been given a "48 hour Notice to Enter" for an inspection. Needless to say...we spent the last 47 hours cleaning and stowing loose gear. As we neared the completion of that goal I started to feel under the weather and eventually succumbed to being sick. Went to bed at 4am this morning and woke up near twelve just in time for the inspection which lasted all of five minutes so they could open a closet and check the lights. The inspection finally over, the bed invited me back for sleep which I gladly accepted. Waking up to the sounds of teenagers and children around 6pm was my cue to get up for their feeding and diaper changes.My wife was awake during this time and we always try to share the duties. My plans for Tuesday are to complete Mondays quest. Making phone calls to build my Team.

P.S. I accessed the free webpage and began to build my site. A great step in the right direction!

Today I received two of my credit reports, Trans-union (formerly TRW) refused until I can answer some credit questions over the phone. So, I am going to be working on restoring my credit first using the statute of limitations to remove old news. Then I am going to keep on asking until this is done and my credit upgraded.

Today will also involve calling several property managers; I am going to ask them about the trend of paying for utilities, water, and sewer. The next calls will be to home insurance companies to ask if there are any state requirements as to a minimum or maximum amount of home owners insurance so I can fill in the cash flow blanks.

Bill,

Welcome to the board. I too am relatively new the REI. Other than REI, we have several other things in common, I am an A&P mechanic & Pilot. My wife is a 1st officer for US Airways and a graduate of Embry Riddle ('91) out of Daytona.
Looking forward to hearing more about your endeavors.

Rick S

Hi Rick S,

Sorry for getting back late - I have a cousin up in Alaska who is an A&P, I need money so I too can get into A&P. My first success was getting accepted to Spartan School of Aeronautics for A&P but instead joined the Navy. While I was stationed in San Diego I was learning how to fly. When I transferred to Yokosuka, Japan I was getting near my 40 hours at Atsugi Naval Air Station. I assisted in restoring a T-34b and it was a blast. I am mechanically inclined but my wife says I sometimes lack common sense LOL. Amazing is the word, your wife being a first officer and to think what seems a few years ago women were not in the cockpit. Now about you Rick, are you a commercial pilot? My last big function at Prescott was a dinner where I met Rod Machado, I have met many astronauts like Frank Haise, The Original Rocket Boy Homer Hickham Jr., Engineers like Burt Rutan...Embry-Riddle was a seriously great adventure!

My wife and I went out on our very first triple night date with her friends and their husbands. The night was nice enough; however, my feeling was one of intimidation, fear, and a feeling of being stranded without control. Now you may be asking why is he telling us this? One important fact...we learn about ourselves when presented a situation we are not experienced and learn several things. The first is that it didn't kill us to take action. Secondly, it didn't hurt to follow through on our actions. Lastly, You will always find a common ground with whom ever you meet and become an effective listener. All of these learned lessons can indeed be applied to real estate investing and we can all replace our fears, intimidation's, and lack of control with empathy, confidence, and timing and maybe more to be used in each and everyone of our deals. Last night I learned a lot about myself and where I need to make improvements to become successful. WOW! did I make any sense? This is an epiphany for me and a new self image.

A recent visit to my county website per the "YTYP" book gave me access to their version of GIS info and platt charts which contain slightly different pieces of information than the state tax assessors office database. Just goes to show you one hand doesn't know the other hand is doing. This should illustrate how important due diligence is regarding the gathering of accurate information.

Bill G.

In the state of Washington and the county of Spokane, mobile/manufactured homes behind on taxes are under what's called "Distraint". Very similar to foreclosure? I don't know but I found it going through the tax clerks office of available online information.

Bill G.

The new 2011 tax assessments are coming out over here in Spokane WA and some have dropped almost $10,000 in value. So it seems like the bottom of the bubble is going lower but not dramatically dropping out. That's the news from way up her in the Northeast. Which brings to mind...how often does the Real Estate Analysis System get upgraded or take new property values into effect? Another question I have is does every house have to have an ARV? How important is this figure? I still need help trying to run the numbers. Thanks for any input.

Bill G.

The new 2011 tax assessments are coming out over here in Spokane WA and some have dropped almost $10,000 in value. So it seems like the bottom of the bubble is going lower but not dramatically dropping out. That's the news from way up her in the Northeast. Which brings to mind...how often does the Real Estate Analysis System get upgraded or take new property values into effect? Another question I have is does every house have to have an ARV? How important is this figure? I still need help trying to run the numbers. Thanks for any input.

Bill G.

Well its official, we lost our section eight and we now have to find an alternative way of looking past this problem, or find a way to accept it - welcome its energy - and turn it against itself so it becomes a win win situation. Speaking of situations.

I found a 5/2 and a water pipe burst. Massive damage to the interior and the dry board is being removed. They want $150,000 and I'm sitting here thinking of a short sale to the bank with real water damage and I looked for it today but it had been removed from craigslist.

Stuff happens...you need to beat the fear factor and just do it! As you can see I have a fear problem that roots me to the spot so I'm going back to deans TALD and his books and really pay attention. I am very motivated to get a home.

Bill G.

Hi DG'ers

Just posted below, the cut and paste job to Craigslist and expect some more reply's.

Cut and paste the following in your email:

Dear agent,

I'm an aggressive real estate investor and I am looking to grow my cash buyer's database. I want to work with you personally so that we can build wealth together. All I need you to do is send me a spreadsheet of all the properties that were sold in the last 90 days for cash. I'll need to know where the property is located and the buyers first and last name if you can get that. Also include the list price and the actual sale price. What I'll do from there is market to these cash buyers explaining that I have ways to find amazing deals that no one else can and that I want to bring them deals on a continuous basis. For every buyer I find on that list that I end up passing a property off to for a profit, I will give you 15% of whatever profit I make. Not a bad deal for just sending me a simple spreadsheet right? Again, I hope to work hand in hand with you so that we can increase our profits and build our wealth together. I look forward to working with you.

In Kind,

YOUR NAME

I am also going to place my website actively on Google. Wish me Luck!

Bill G.

Really tried to get to the last online conference call but my system blew up and the kids computer was in use while the call was in progress. Speaking of progress...the http://askdean.com website has the last conference call listed as October 2008. The main website has the last conference call listed as April 2010, this is a lot closer to the current call. Speaking of current, I have posted my ad on Craigslist for aggressive Realtor/Brokers, but no takers. Everything will work itself out according to his plan.

Seek, and ye shall find
Ask, and ye shall be answered
Believe, for all things are possible Do, and ye shall be rewarded
For God is with you in all things

Reading the books and visiting the website I placed the Craigslist ad for hungry real estate agents and I am starting to get hits, nothing like going hunting! Just takes a little knowledge plus action and you get results. The next step is to set up face to face meetings and take off!!! Ye-haw!!! Also, the recent reappraisal of properties (real low) has created a feeding frenzy and it's so cool! Thanks again Dean!

This morning I contacted Robert who is a Real Estate Agent and he suggested we get together this Thursday. We spoke about many factors influencing the real estate market and each others goals to create a positive cash flow over the long term. Right now I have a Real Estate Broker, a Real Estate Agent, and I have to call a CPA, a Real Estate Attorney, a Contractor, and I am on my way! I am working on getting some free bandit signs and printing my flyers. Lastly my book "Be A Real Estate Millionaire" has been ordered and should be here any day. Thanks Dean! Get Well Soon!

Finished looking at the ideas on the DG website and posted my version on Craigslist. Will expect the phone calls to start coming in tomorrow so I can really build my buyers lists. My previous entry was my plan to put out flyers and get bandit signs put out in high traffic areas. So here we go stepping out into the headlights to play chicken with my inner core beliefs and become a new person and a millionaire by following Dean's recipe.

My meeting with the real estate agent didn't go as planned since a last minute plan from my wife was put into action. This left me babysitting our children. Since this occurred I have not heard anything from the Realtor. I have called and left emails but no action on his part. Maybe he wasn't the one to work with me on my projects, I'll keep everyone up to date.

Hi, I'm trying to get in touch with other investors in the Alaska market. You stated that you have a cousin up here, would you please ask your cousin if he/she will be interested in talking to me? Thanks, Meshel

Looking at a house does not make the purchase. Falling in love with the house is not the way to purchase. The purchase price less the expenses and debt service may make the purchase price worth a look. This is where I get to become all thumbs and king of the klutz's. The asking price is irrelevant as we know to check both the assessors value of the property and use the RE Analysis System tool to get a good grasp of what price range we should begin our bargaining. In the mean time, we are suppose to be using our bandit signs, flyers, ads, and so forth in our marketing so we can find our motivated buyers. Somewhere in this little arena is where I get all flustered. Does anyone else have this problem? Made my own spreadsheet yet I don't get a positive cash flow when I run the numbers.

Recently I have gone through so much in my life, my plate you could say is overloaded. The resolve is to get my life on track and then do real estate. The thing is, I can do both but it will work better with a job. My current plan is working with the state to get employed at a work site and receive new job training. The training for IT Technician was just approved and I start Monday, and my new life has begun. Real estate for me is very important which is why I am seeking answers to my questions. When I get my first deal I will purchase the Set for Life Program. My current need is my own personal vehicle and until then I ride the bus. When you think things cannot be done, look really hard at yourself because you are the only one to push yourself and take action! The only thing you have to lose is time and a new learning experience - PUSH YOURSELF! It will not kill you and you really improve yourself.

Bill G.

Dean called them the so-called experts and you have to know he was right. These self proclaimed experts go around touting their real estate religion like prophets yet they turn out to be slight of hand court jesters keeping those who don't know in the dark. You have to educate yourself to realize that these seers are trying to dupe the uneducated public into believing their words spoken are the truth and recovery is right around the corner. HOGWASH! Knowing the market is the beginning and reading Be A Real Estate Millionaire proves that most don't know what's going on in the market. There are websites right now that are bending their truth in an attempt to create a better picture of the economy according to their vision. The truth may set you free but without an educated vision you not see your path. Just reading the book BAREM has opened my eyes and educated me so I can see the market with better perspective. Understanding which techniques to apply, and taking action. This is a great book!

Thanks Dean!

Yep, just another goal for me to attain but right now I'm being retrained and being helped to re-enter the workforce. This will give me funds to support my family and then work on my real estate goals. Some things have to be done first for survivals sake, especially when its my family then work on real estate. Even Dean says a job helps work out the kinks so you can be successful. If there was a way to afford the Set For Life system, I would; some things just affect people in different ways. You're doin a heck of a job Dean Thanks!

"Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things. The brick walls are there to stop people who don't want it badly enough. "

Randy Pausch

The Late Professor of Carnegie Mellon in his final speech before passing really drove this point home. These brick walls represent our internal core beliefs and eternal stimuli that makes us who we are and how we react. If we are to become successful...then we must rewrite our inner core beliefs and change our environment. It's like living in a virtual world because we have been programmed to believe what everyone else wants us to believe. We live in an artificial world, a virtual world created by others, it's not who we are or what we were meant to become; WE need and have to create our own world. We have the power to change, we must change, we will become the person we were meant to become by changing and adapting new programming. One person can make a difference! You can make that difference! I know how fear can paralyze and change can be a real threat. Your DG Family is here to talk you through it and provide all the support you need. Charge the hill and take it! In the name of a new you!

Reading the BARM book I think I got it right? The basic formula seems to be: ARV are what similar houses are selling for very near the prospective house you want. The repair costs you may estimate yourself but it becomes easier if you have a good contractor who will work with you and do what his training and experience makes easy. Talking to several title companies (make a visit) will promote familiarity and give you closing costs. A real estate lawyer can help you with the contract and using the correct exit strategies. Joining the local REI Club can get you more information and help network your career. Yet there is more information so reading more of the book is my short term goal.

Here is the deal, or so the book goes on to tell us at almost every turn; I'm glad it does it this way so we don't go off the beaten path. The first step is to clear your credit and here is a trick. Order your credit reports from: [http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm] BUT, order only one report from each credit reporting agency every four months. This gives you the opportunity to work on one report at a time. Keep a schedule! Write it on a big calendar or day runner, or what ever you have to keep track of the time. Always send the request to remove any in error report by using a dispute letter with a copy of the in error issues of the report, and it has to be sent certified mail. NEVER do it online, and NEVER send it registered mail; it may end up in the circlular file. Registered mail will cost less and give you a receipt that your mail made it to its destination and it was signed for on a date. This date becomes your marker for the 30-day notice to follow. Mark your calendar. You can dispute all the in error issues in one letter for one report. By the time you are done with the next 30-day demand letter, include a request for a new credit report.

More tips to follow.

Whether you believe in God or a great spirit or some similar deity, things happen for a reason or what goes around comes around; everyone is affected. Today my wife and I separated and are heading for divorce. Sometimes you must have something of a traumatic experience occur to cause you to take action. You must become who you were meant to become and take action in your own life. I first spoke about restoring my self esteem and confidence, unfortunately it doesn't come without the support of God or a spiritual self and a support structure. Deans recent lectures have been great and have made sense out of few things. I read your posts and they are very good so keep up the fine work and its these posts that will keep me going. Thanks everyone!

In life our being together begins in preschool and continues through the rest of our educational learning into high school. My belief is that our learned prejudices and emotions begin to take over and cause us to wonder without purpose. We must have a purpose, and a belief in a Spirit/God, to provide us with a life with greater meaning. Our lives were meant for greater things and should consist of a physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual self with real-attainable goals measured by deadlines, and goals that can be adaptable over that time line. My wife and I have hit that speed bump which has caused us to think about/reflect upon our lives and resolve our immediate issues, and remain steadfast that there must be more with God and real goals. Our Love/togetherness is often in question and is always being put to the test. One thing I realize is no matter the test, my DG Family will always be there for me and I don't need to test you, but I will always need to ask you questions and seek your counsel. Dean I want to say thank you for always being there for everyone and showing us that Knowledge + Actions is what's all about. I'll see you at the 2012 event!

Driving to an appointment I noticed a couple of cleaning trucks at one location and I thought - hey! Why can't we contact these commercial cleaning crews that clean houses, maybe they some information we could use as investors? I'm not talking about Merry Maids, but the commercial cleaners who clean estates. Can any one use this information method? Just a thought.

Hey, reading your Bio and posts, looks like we're fellow ERAU alumni and similar aviation background (mine was as a crewchief).

Anyway, how's things going so far,
let me know if you need something.

Wishing you great success!

In my hand I hold a letter addressed to an owner of a house that is vacant. According to the info he is a family trust so using Dean's Techniques I'm sending a letter in the mail tomorrow in hopes of having him contact me on my phone. I am so freaking out, got the jitters, but what have I got to lose? This weekend I've had time to watch more video's and gather information and take action. Especially since the wife has challenged me to do this real estate stuff stating "you've got nothing to lose and what's it going to hurt?" Always moving forward cause we can't find reverse."

My first offer to purchase has been sent and in as little as three days I may a reply. I am so freaking out inside myself because I have no idea what I'm going to say or how I should handle the call when it comes. I am out of my comfort zone and going blindly into something I feel is outside my capabilities! Oh My God! OMG! Still going to go through with it so there! I'll keep everyone up to date when things begin to happen.