OfflineI just thought I would post some interesting facts about myself just in case you guys think I was a rocket scientist before I started real estate investing. Trust me if I can do it so can you.
The year I started real estate investing I had over $10,000 in credit card debt.
I lived in a small apartment. It was 300 square feet and I had to lean down to walk into the bathroom.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was in second grade. Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading and spelling.
I had to take a special education class for reading in 7th grade.
I graduated high school with a 2.55 grade point average.
I got D's in math in high school.
My parents were dirt poor while I was growing up. We had to go on food stamps when I was in 5th grade.
My dad told me to never buy a house because you will never live long enough to pay it off.
I didn't have a job when I bought Deans "Think a Little Different" program.
I got made fun of almost everyday in high school because of the clothes I wore and the car I drove.
Right before I got into real estate my ex-girlfriend broke up with me. Her mom told her I was lazy and I wasn't worth staying with.
Growing up our family of five ate the same food every day. My parents fed a family of five for $27 per week.
In high school my best friends mom didn't like me parking my car in front of her house because she didn't want the neighbors to see it.
My dad called me stupid on a regular basis as I was growing up.
My seventh grade basketball coach made fun of my shoes in front of the entire team.
My mom told me all time that I could accomplish anything in life.
I got beat down by some many people on a regular basis growing up that I just got used to getting back up.
I don't give up.
I will outwork anyone.
I went 10 days without eating once because someone told me I couldn't do it.
The only way to stop me from one of my goals is to kill me.
I read between 50 to 100 books per year.
I don't watch TV anymore.
Get it done!
You've got to find your obstacles and call them out! Unsheath the sword, and do battle with whatever it is that holds you back!
You sound more like my up bringing. It is the 'can do attitude' and 'no more of being poor' in you that made you sucessful. I'm glad you share your story because I starve many a time during my youth days too but I knew that something better awaits me out there. I think the world wants to control us but those who take action and hold the world in their hands are the ones that will be sucessful in life, like you did. I wish you the best my friend in your endevour and may GOD richly bless you for your contribution on this site. At least for me I really learn a lot from it.
Cheersss!!!!
I'm happy you didn't listen to all the negativity, moving past the hurt isn't easy, is it?
I can relate to what you say, I come from a similar background (family of eight).
Parents had no time, I was worthless and to top it off my X treated me just as badly (actually, worse). People didn't understand why I had such low self esteem but they didn't live it and saw only what was displayed in public. I suffered, my kids suffered. All that has changed, I picked myself up, dusted the bad off and moved on with the help of great friends & family. Now, life is good & I'm married to a great man who supports my decision to persue REI.
I didn't give up, and I'm happy you didn't either! Your contributions here are greatly appreciated and help me keep moving forward without looking back!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Dawn
Life's a Dance you learn as you go...GET HAPPY FEET!
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed no hope at all." ~Dale Carnegie
Cbrpower....
I can relate on some levels, some better and some worse. I enjoy reading your post because despite all the obstacles your WILL POWER and DETERMINATION to SUCCEED is far beyond measure.
I guess that ex-girlfriend is regreting it now. LOL! I'll see you at the top shortly.
Thanks for everything bro!
"The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity." — Peter F. Drucker
I just found out that a good friend of mine ran into a girl that I went to high school with. She told me I was a loser when I decided college wasn't for me. He told her I owned over 40 properties, some of them being multi-million dollar commercial properties and her jaw dropped! The first thing she said was "the Matt Larson from Aledo? that can't be?" He assured her that it was true! YYYYYEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!!
You've got to find your obstacles and call them out! Unsheath the sword, and do battle with whatever it is that holds you back!
I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!!
LOL! LOL! I would like to have seen her face when she found out what you own now.
Your story is so sad but inspiring too. I am just so sorry you had to go through all that in your young years. Just look at you now! You are so successful. 
"THE ARCHITECT OF YOUR DESTINY IS YOURSELF"
"SUCCESS WALKS HAND IN HAND WITH FAILURE"
CBR, you are SOOOOOO far above anyone that ever looked down on you. And you probably always were. NOW you are just a RICHER, much more knowledgeable version of the awesome YOU that you've always been. Never forget that. There will always be people that are critical of you no matter what, "He's too poor." "He's too rich."
But you are you, and that's who we love!
I know, WAY too mushy. But you really are a hero. It will never be any different.
So glad you're still LOVING THE GAME!!!! You make us love it, too.
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
Matt,
You overcame so many obstacles and you have that burning desire to succeed which is what's needed.
When you get a chance please respond to my email I sent you on HUD.
Thanks,
Jason
"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.”
Napoleon Hill quote
I bet all kinds of emotions are running through her head. It never fails. But she'll get over it.
Keep rising broham and Enjoying the GAME!
Peace..........
"The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity." — Peter F. Drucker
Wow, powerful!
Agree/ditto Rina here!
INCREDIBLE mindset! INCREDIBLE growth/journey!