New Forum: Start Your Journal Here - Read First

Click on "Member Journals" (to the right of "Home") at the top of this page (or click this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/forum/47) and then click on the "Post New Forum Topic" button and off you go!

I have 2 of Deans x? amount of books. I read Profit From RE Now, and am starting it again tonight. I just saw a home with a repo sign out front so I will be looking in my 2 books and here on the DG site for more info on what to do with such a property. This is in a great neighborhood and easily rentable to College students as well as affluent families. Problem is that homes in my town have lost as much as $400,000 on prices so I know I need to be careful and take a hard look at Dean's material and get to know what is a good price now.

I have a lot of experience with basic building maintenance and an excellent green thumb so I know someday I can make a profit quick with those skills and Dean's books.

Thanks DG Admin for the website (By the way I'm in Web Design classes and you guy have a great and usable site!) and this journal feature. This means I've taken my 1st steps in joining the Real Estate & Investing career field!

z-Steve

I just finished Reading "Profit from Real Estate Right Now". and I am excited to start out in RE (AGAIN). Back in 2004 I took the Florida RE Licensing course and exam and passed (the 1st time around) BUT that was only just the begining I signed with an agency and soon discovered it costs alot to start out as an agent (MLS fees; Broker fees; NAR fees; and E&O insurance) and that is just to start out and many of these fees are due monthly in addition to splitting any commisions with your assigned broker. I managed to survive about 2 years without much success. I did read up on some good RE people like Kiyosaki, Barnett and Keller; and even took a course put out by Dwan Bent-Twyford ($10 - $10,000 in 30 days). But still trying to earn a living pressed down on me with Rent, Electricity and Child support. I had to turn back to 3 JOBs just to get by. I am barely getting by right now; over a month behind on rent and electric; trying to support my aging mother; supporting a wife and kid overseas along with past due child support to Arizona. Life aint cheap. So much for supporting myself on a WalMart job alone...
I picked up Dean's book and Read it ravenously in 2 weeks. I am on the 2nd time throuh now. I particularly Liked Carol Stinson's approach with assingment contracts though calling rentals. I like the IEE approach too and many fellow WalMart employees want homes... What a Source of buyers... I am anxious to start up and dig myself out of this hole I am in. Please all you smart people here in DG please guide me and help me out here. Here are a few questions I have:

Are assingment contracts really the cheapest way to start or Bird dogging?

How do I work with an RE agent that wants to provide Foriegn Cash buyers on local properties. Should the agent get part of the action and how much?

Should I follow through with reinstating my RE license in Florida? Will it be a hinderance or a help? I passed The RE licensing course again and only need to test again.

Should I worry about setting up an LLC right away? I have an offer from a foriegn source and I am sure the State of Arizona (past due child support will swoop down as soon as a check comes thru in my name) I currently Pay regularly thru that Wal Mart job.

If I can get these questions answered right off I will follow thru and ask more as they come up ... I am currently reading "Be a Real Estate Millionaire" and checking this site on a daily basis. I am REALLY REALLY DESPERATE here and need a hand up before i go under for the third time.

I have read "Your Town" and am not confident yet but I am going to look at my first property on Friday morning. Wish me luck please, and pray for me. I need all the help I can get. I want to take Deans academy but I need to make the money to do it.

i found an old house with a stable of used cars also included is a small country store, i want to rent to own but i am not completely sure of what creative strategy i want to use, they want its on the market for $305,000, i have this investor friend that is helping me out.

Hello all,
I am just getting started, and I need lots of help. I've read many stories that are very encouraging to me, so this is a new day for me. I am very short on cash at the moment but have lots of knowledge. I am looking at the process of assignment of contracts to start. Do I need cash to secure a property under contract?

Time to take the bull by the horns and dive into this. Just completed the 4 videos of the "Rock Bottom Blueprint", I have been in touch with the academy and looking forward to taking the course in the near future. Need to learn as much as I can from DG and everyone here. Called a realtor today to start looking at properties (He is a Gem!!) Just got to get some details down. August 3rd, a good day to remember.

I have decided to start a journal today, I am going to keep track of my progress this as 1 way. I have done the following.

1.) Ordered Deans books ---- Have also read them
2.) have followed the weekly blogs since getting the books
3.) have tried to be a winner in the different contest my congrats to all the winners of the i-pads and house.
4.) watched all the rock bottom blue prints videos
5.) listened to all the live tele conferences
6.) within the last 1/1/2 hours of closing I bought the rock bottom blue print.
7.) within 2 days I have done all but a few items listed under homework most time consuming, is watching totalView videos.

I have been a member of the DG family since 2007. I have not really focused on real estate, because of illnesses, making it hard for me to spend time putting in the work. Because of my illnesses I have to start from scratch. I was broken financially and emotionally.

I just got the Rock Bottom Blue Print and I am determined to make it happen. I am really excited and I thank Dean and his team for this blue print to a better life for me and my family. I now have a sense of direction for my real estate investing. I also now believe it is possible to be successful inspite of illness, that was not the case prior to today.

Hello - I just made my first call to find a real estate agent - only one Remax (small town)and the receptionist transfered me to the owner and he wants to meet in person tomorrow. I said yes, but geez, it's so much easier to sound confident on the phone. What should I do - meet or put him off. I am just starting this program and don't know a thing about real estate. Watching video but still on the first page on the 30 days quick cash.
Any suggestions? Talk about going in the deep end of the pool.
Thanks,
Christine

I have wanted to invest in real estate for several years. But, I allowed circumstances and distractions to deter me from this endeavor. But, the pure genius of marketing the RockBootomBlueprint in a webinar marathon got my attention!

The simple, no frills approach to wholesaling was what I needed to kick-start my foray into the depths of real estate investing. So when the payment plan was announced, I jumped in before my analytical brain rationalized the urge away!

08/06/2011
Day 1
Opened the RockBootomBlueprint and was amazed at the amount of information packed into such a small package. 30 Days Quick Cash Formula was so full of links I was almost overwhelmed. I couldn't concentrate on Dean's video for wanting to dive into the rest of the page! Where will all these links take me?

"7 Levels to WHY" I have done the WHY exercise before, but never looking at emotion and loss! What a paradigm shift! To be honest, I glanced at it and kept going the first time. "Aw, I've done that!" Later I thought, If you knew so much, why are you here seeking guidance? That's when I committed to be coachable by the blueprint, and to engage in the journey! The journey. One of my friends always references life as a journey!

Goals. They poured forth in four main categories:

- Restoration
- 6 Streams of Income
- Generational Wealth in each of the 7 aspects of my life
- Making the Difference

I will not discuss nor detail these now, maybe latter.

I jumped into DG.com, created an account, and now what? Where do I go? Oh yeah! I have the blueprint! Watched video and started posting.

TotalView was another, seen it moment! I valuate property all the time. Nothing new -- or so I thought. Great information. Tools to FIND IT! SELL IT! and LOCK IT UP! Wonderful tools. Jaw dropping links. Wow! I evaluated a couple of properties. Nice tools but even nicer things to come! We are gonna wipe the floor with other investors. They won't know what hit them!

Find the Perfect Real Estate agent that understands investors. Ok, being a know it all again! When will I get over myself! My realtor friend called me at 3pm when I was on my way home to log into the webinar. A seller contracted him to list an investment property for sale. He called me and said he had to list the property by Tuesday, can I put a deal together? So I said yes, let me look at it.

My first offer. My first time locking it up. More later.

I am Posting my Rock Bottom Blue Print Progress : This is day 5

1.) I have completed all Homework on page 1

2.) I made 1 call to a Re-Max real estate agent introduced myself and asked questions, I just checked my e-mail and sure enough he has sent me a list of REO homes in my area some are brand new listing's and he also sent me a probate estate.

3.) so I am pumped up at this point, I just don't want to be to dumb sounding

4.) When I made my first call I had to talk myself into it and then when I did it wasn't so bad, still lots to learn but I will get there.

I have been hard at it! Working on setting up my team. Found a buyers agent in two states and quite pleased!

I sent out almost 50 e-mails stating what I wanted for an agent, yet only received 8. One was even snide and made me laugh!

Moving on!!

Can't wait for the deals to roll!

Peace,

MissJulie

Rina,

Wow, I'm sure you are quite humble about it but I'm gathering you are the blessing to all. Every thread I have visited...there you are. All that bling under your picture says it all.

I bought Deans books 6 months ago and seldom visited them but then "BAM" I had enough and made the decision to make it happen. Even though I had the books, I bought the RBBP and we're off. Half way through one book, reading as fast as possible. Can't wait to get that new "30 day" book introduced today.

Contacted RE agents who referred lenders.
2 didn't call back. 1 stepped-up ready to help and excited to be part of my team. Already sent me listings and looking for more deals for me.

Getting LLC, now in progress. Setting up a full fledged company.

Still stumped by the assignment/ no$ down but eager to master.

David F.

Hello,

My name is Matt Livingston and I just started the process of becoming a successful REI. I am working with my mom on this new and exciting venture and can't wait to get started. I'll keep you all updated with my progress.

Matt

Greetings everyone,

This is my first time posting to the site so I hope that I am doing this correctly and in the correct location.

Here is a deal that I am working on but I have a few questions to see if my numbers are right.

I found an REO listed at $144,900 (4BR, 2BA, 1634 sq ft). I calculated average comps using the information aggregated on www.totalviewrealestate.com to do the calculations exactly like Dean and Matt Larson talked about in the "30 Days to Real Estate Cash" book.

1)The average prices from the comps = $233,000
2)The average square footage from the comps = 1707
3)The average cost per square foot = $137/sq ft.
4)The cost per square foot on this listing is $89/sq ft.
5)I then apply the 85% ratio used in the examples from the Rock Bottom Blue Print to get $144,900 * 85% = $123,165 or $144,900 - 6% (Commissions) - 3% (Buyer's Market Adjustment) - 3% (Bargaining Adjustment) - 3% (Closing Costs at Sale)= $123,165
6)$123,165 - $10,000 (Rehab Cost) = $113,165
7)$113,165 - $20,000 (Profit) = $93,165 (Max Offer)
8)$93,165 - 10% (Starting Offer Delta) = $83,849 (Starting Offer)

Does this offer seem like the right place to start? If so, I can start working through the rest of the other homes in the filtered list I received from my realtor but if it is not, I would appreciate help in tweaking the details.

Many Thanks!

Hello everyone,
My name is John. I am just starting out here after attending Dean's "Insiders Edge" seminar.. I am currently on Social security Disability, My wife works and gets a fair paycheck but I want more out of life. So I am just reading Dean's book "Be a Real Estate Millionaire" and had to tear myself away from it to get to the Weekly Blog. I am setting my goals and trying to get my wife onboard, but she is a hard nut to crack. We have just finished a bankrupcy and my social security benefits are a mere pittance. I thank GOD that my rent has not increased in the ten years I have been here,We are basically living from Paycheck to paycheck. For me I know it is time to MOVE ON. I will let you know how I am doing day to day and hopefully if you see anything desperately wrong you will send me a red flag. I live in the San Diego California area and am looking for a sopnsor/mentor to help me get my feet wet.
John

I just finished the blueprint Page 1.
There are parts that are confusing and frustrating.
1. Page 23 homework #5 states to watch the blueprint page #1 video with Matt and Dean yet I am not able to locate this video on the website.
2. After reading Matt's conference call about calling agents to find properties I was frustrated due to the questions he instructed to ask agents. You really have to sort through the 10 pages to get to the questions you should be asking agents. So when Dean gave the web link and the end of Matt's section with a script, I was relieved until I went to the link and found it was not a script but a letter to send agents. So should we be talking directly to the agents or send letters?
3. Page 43 starts out with requirement #1. The information we are to request in this requirement comes out of the blue. I was very confused and went back through the previous pages because I thought I missed or overlooked a step. But there is no explaination for doing this step. I kind of figured it out in the homework section I think.
4. Page 44, do your own research, I don't understand what I should be looking for in the news other than the couple of examples given and from what I have seen in the news, nothing is developing so I don't see how this helps. Do you have any suggestions for what section in the newpaper I should be reading?
5. In the homework section #3 states to start another file... What other files am I adding this one to? I can't find anything in what I have already read that gives me other files to create.
6. After reading posts on Dean's website as instructed,I seem to be more confused due to conflicting advice. Several post reccommend getting an attorney for legal documents and other say the opposite. Which posts should I be taking advice from? Not sure which are investors I should be listening to as advised.

I was hoping that this book would have been more of a listed step by step process. I am a little disappointed at how confusing it is set up which makes me hesitant to get started.

Sincerely,
Valerie

Well I thought I submitted my first journal entry but I don't see it. I guess it was deleted. Very dissapointed because I didn't mean for it to sound like a complaint but rather I needed questions answered. Bummer!!!
I don't have my book to re-enter questions.

Oops!! Nevermind! I found it!

Hi guys! Well, here goes. After 3 long years I finally decided to start a journal. It's taking me forever to get up the nerve to take a step forward. I have all Dean's books, Empowering conversations, The Edge 09-10-11 (yeah, like I said, 3 years)! I even joined the success academy and let it go to waste, but I really enjoy reading all the posts & Dean's blogs. I've bought and sold a couple of properties-made alot of $ on 1, lost alot on another. I guess I just got frustrated from being burned. One thing I did learn is what not to do, which is just as important! I've been following the success of alot of DG members and very happy for them. I think it's time I get moving, too. I know I can count on everyone on this site for help and encouragement. I wish I would have known back then all these strategies! I'm hoping this journal will keep me accountable. So here's to a new beginning-better late than never!
Thanks for reading, I'll be back soon! (Oh yeah, my wife is setting me up here, so the pressure is really on)!
Jim

All you new REI's, congrats! I just wanted to let you know that you should start your own journal, as opposed to posting in this thread. All you have to do is click on the topic, "Member Journals", at the top. You will then find a button at the top that says, "Post new Forum topic". Click on that, and it will open a fresh "thread" to start your very own journal. You can name it whatever you want, and from then on, you will have your own "thread" to post in. Good luck!

Hello Everyone, Prince Adhola here. First I would like to thank Rina for being inspired to have a space for the Newbies like myself to spread their wings along side all the experienced hands. Thanks Dean for having more Faith in us than we had in ourselves and thanks DG Family for all the Love, support, and knowledge sharing on these Forums. I have been a silent reader of the various forums particularly the 30 Days to Cash forum, occasionally commenting but have decided to finally step forward and tick off another task assignment -- done!! I pray my entries will be as inspiring to others as others on DG have been to me.

My Journey began just over three weeks ago and it has been a steep learning curve with loads of info to read, absorb, and regurgitate. But as Dean said in one of the many training video's posted on totalviewrealestate.com,and I am paraphrasing -- "so you take a wrong turn, who cares, nobody will yell at you, shoot you and you won't loose any money..." How true and yet paralysis by analysis has been the limiting factor for the better part of the last couple of years since the recession hit and the RE market tanked!! And yet somehow through the gloom and doom of the recession I managed to hear the faint voice of reason in Dean Graziosi. It resonated with me because deep down I knew what Dean was saying to be true. As the saying goes, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear..." And so it was that Dean did that fateful day and the rest as they say is history. Thank you Dean again.

The difference for me as I am sure it was for many a DG'er besides the rock bottom (pardon the pun) reached in terms of zero savings & finances, messed up credit, foreclosures, repo's, etc was, Deans offer of the 7 Levels Deep Analysis exercise which really forced me to succinctly crystallize into words what had been mere thoughts for months/heck years! The exercise was a tough Love exercise in a pleasantly rewarding way as it forced me to think -- I mean r e a l l y think about what I said my goals were! In the end I arrived at a simple statement of purpose -- My Why. This has fueled me like a nuclear fission reaction for the past three weeks.

I am just about to go out tonight, Friday evening to post my very first batch of Bandit signs around Walmart and the surrounds, like Robin Hood in the Nottingham forest to help the needy and afflicted!I have already received my business cards, mailed out about 30 letters to my 90 days cash buyers, and even dared to tackle the probate lists at the local county office. I am emboldened, I stand taller and walk stronger in the knowledge that I am in control and nobody can take this knowledge away from me even if they do take everything else away. I am now assembling all the requisite tools for a lifetime of success and I have you Dean and the fellow DG'ers to thank.

I will post more updates as I progress but suffice to say that the RBBP program and the 30 Days to Real Estate Cash book, (if you don't already have a copy) are must haves for any budding RE Investor. They are the 1,2,3's the A,B,C's on how to get from zero to Hero in a very short space of time if you adhere to the program and remain honest to your goals and the work plan laid out.

I must leave you now as my next homework assignment beckons in page 4 of the RBBP. Best wishes to you all and thanks so much for the support.

Newbie PrinceAdhola.

Hi Valerie,

Thanks for taking the time to share. I am a newbie like yourself and would like to offer some advice if I may. As Dean says, try not to spend to much time thinking and "just do..."

Plough through the 30 Days to Cash pages and homework assignments and it will all start to come together and make sense . I felt much the same but stuck with it and the deeper you go into it the clearer the picture becomes. Have faith in the system and use the forum for support as there is a lot of information already posted by people who have already been through what you and I are going through and there are questions-- and answers posted in the forums on topics you are unclear about particularly in the 30 Days to Quick Cash forum.

Get so deeply involved in this course that you can't back out on yourself! have you completed the 7 Levels Deep exercise? That has been fundamental to my staying the course especially early now when we are caught betwixt and between -- that is we are far enough along and yet still too new to have seen any noticeable results.

Please feel free to contact me by PM or any of the DG family on the forums, etc and as you have already began here, document your progress as this will keep you accountable to you. I know I will. Lastly, stay positive and you will have positive results! Good Luck, stay strong and I hope I was helpful.

Best,

PrinceAdhola

Newbie Frank here, age 60. Totally retired in July 2011 and looking for a challenge. I started a new career as an internet marketer, but my wife says all I do is stay in my room on the computer and we don't do anything together-- she has a point there.

Dean somehow found his way into my emails and I liked his videos. I decided to order one of his books as I always wanted to get into real estate and he sounded like a straight shooter. I read "Profit from Real Estate right now" and it got my attention. I saw the Edge 2011 videos and I was stoked. But life has a way of putting things on your daytimer that you aren't expecting.

In mid-August Mom was on a ladder putting a rubber snake in the front yard tree to convince them to find a new roost and keep their droppings off of her car. She lost her balance landed on her back breaking a finger on her right hand. Mom is 78, lives by herself and is determined to do things her own way. She has been walking with a walker and a month later is doing much better. She has basically been helpless for the last month and I did my share in taking care of her for a couple of weeks. Her improvement has been amazing.

My time away from home in Alabama to take care of mom in Illinois gave me some time to go over more of Dean's material and contemplate retirement. I don't want to become lazy in retirement. Neither do I want to have an income restricted by social security, government regulation, retired pay or the poor state of the economy. With the advice of the DGfamily I hope to become a successful REinvestor.

I ordered and read Dean's "30 days to real estate cash (the go fast no fear blueprint)" and upon my return to Alabama got my wife Alice to join me in the 30-day blue print challange. I'm excited to have her as a willing team partner.

We'll see how it goes.
FDR

I have been diving into the edge videos and am really excited about getting going on starting to start and complete my first deal. I am so glad that I received the opportunity to get the course and see all te coaches and mentors, I always have them on hand and if I have to review anyting I just put in the DVD. I have been looking through te MLS, Craigs list and the courthouse. I am getting started after Going to te EDGE home study.I am looking for some partners here in the San Diego County.

This isn't the area for posting your journal. Follow these directions to create your own journal:

• Click on "Member Journals" (to the right of "Home") at the top of this page (or click this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/forum/47) and then click on the "Post New Forum Topic" button and off you go!

Thanks & Good Luck!

Hi all,

New to the whole real estate investment business, looking forward to getting started and creating a successful opportunity!

Always in need to learn!

Zeepe

I was discourage by a person who game me the wrong message, but I have decided not to let it put me down. I am in control of my own destiny.

I have been trying to get all this information ingraned in my head until it makes me feel I am part of it. I want to feel confortable.

But, I just realized, I have to get out of myconfort zone and take action. So, let's do it, Angie! I don' have to take my time, I have not time! I am running now!

I will keep you posted.

It has been amazing to began a journal and observe where I am at during my real estate journey. I have been developing moment to moment strives with daily clarity to know I was born to win. This is my second or third journal posting. I am reading as well as studying the 30 Days Cash Book. I am finding myself going on the forum more often. I have been reading all members post remarks. The fire in my gut is igniting.

" You Don't Have To Get Right, Just Get It Going "

I am breaking something in my life.I have spent way too much time watching T.V. I will only watch T.V. when I am watching educational and business stuff from DG. I have been stretching myself quite tin and I have decided to just do wat is absolutely necessary to enable me to enjoy my life to it's fullest. Te Money I am working to receive is only so my wife and I can go on a REAL vacation, enjoy a great holiday season, spnd more time with family, Start a Sober living Home, and Help as many as I can. Dean,You are right JUST DO WHAT EVER IS WORKING" I have started my team building and am getting my
buyers and sellers lists together. I am so glad that I received the EDGE 10 I am starting with the stratagies of Joe and Stacey, and Greg M.