2 week progress

Ok, so its been two weeks since my first blog. That one was more of a purging post... this one is going to focus on what I've gotten done in the last two weeks. I think my experience in the RE field and access to the MLS is a big advantage... but I think it's also hindering my ability to take a risk with new ways of thinking. I'm working on it tho.. every day I get a little more confident and try something else. I'm kind of blending some of Deans different techniques and the brilliant advice from some of the pro's here on the site, to come up with my own system that works for me. So, here's what I've done so far:

- got a separate phone line dedicated to the investment side of my RE work
- posted an ad to Craigslist looking for investment partners in Dallas
- contacted a friend/mortgage broker re: the market and the local areas, to pick his brain about the most active sides of town. (side note, he was willing to partner with me if I could put some skin in the game.. too bad Im skinless lol)
- located 4 HMLs, 3 TLs, 2 possible investment partners (and a partridge in a pear tree)
- created a real estate resume detailing my personal REI history, professional history and education; for meetings with potential partners
- ran extensive MLS reports and located over 150 properties within 20 miles of me that meet the standard guidelines for fix & flips
- met with 3 contractors that I have worked with before, took them out to one of the properties Im considering, and had them give me bids. Got agreements from all three for discounted, high-quality work after the first two deals are completed.
- enrolled in a few extra MCE classes (besides the basic classes I take every year to keep up my Realtors license active) that focus on investing and marketing
- researched and reviewed TONS of real estate books, magazines, and TAR/NAR/CCAR articles in preparation for this new phase of my career. Spent about 2-3 hrs a day reading the forums here & taking notes.

There might be a couple things Im leaving out, but all in all I feel like it was a very productive two weeks. I am still looking for a partner to do fix and flips with.. I know thats where the real money is in my area, and I've found all these great deals, I just don't think I've found the right person who will appreciate what I bring to the table yet.

I may not have funds or credit, but I have knowledge, the connections, the free time to supervise AND the MLS access.. so I know I will find the right person who's willing to let me do all the work in exchange for a cut of the profits at the end. For now I will stick to presenting deals to the investor I agreed to work for last week. Even tho I'm only being paid as a Realtor, ya gotta start somewhere, right? Between my monthly bills and taking care of my kids on my own, the commissions I make off the regular home sales I do just BARELY covers it. So... here's hoping in the next two week update I get to report some scheduled closings!!