Jason M's Journal

it's great to see you're starting your journal. Do you have a buyer's list? Do you have any buyers that might be interested in that parcel of land? Find out quickly what the owner owes (miss payments). See if you can get it lock up under contract and assign to another end buyer for nice profit. But you got to move quickly though 21st July will creep up on you before you know it . I'm hoping that day, I will close on my first deal, as well dependent upon whether Seller accepts my offer.

Hi, I am AMAZED at how fast our time really does fly by. Here I am, 10 days after my very first post and what have I really accomplished ? I have to admit not too much.... sadly. I do not have a buyers list ready, I do not have a sellers list ready. I still am reading the book tho... even tho I took some time off and went up north 2 hours for the weekend to visit my parents and see how things are around the old homestead (which tragically burned down in total in Feb. 2, 2009 and is currently being re-built).

I have to admit I am a skeptic. Why would anyone sell a house at a 50% to 70% of market value ? It just seems to good to be true. And, the thing I am thinking is that even tho you can buy at a great deal - you may not be able to sell it either as people are scared and not buying. SO, then - you'd inevitably become a landlord and I think everyone knows the horror stories that it can turn into (concrete in the toilet, smashed in drywall, burned carpeting, cat pee is awful smelling, broken out windows all around, etc.).

So, I have had to spend some time reverting back into my normal profession as a self employed guy with my normal problems that I do sick of. Anyway, these are my thoughts right now.

One good thing.. I did speak to a Dean coach verey briefly over the weekend and we may even talk more in the future. We did have a time set up for today (Monday) but it appears that neither one of us can adhere to it. lol

Still..... amazing how the time does fly by. I still would like to be able to provide a better life for my 3 boys (ages 5, 3, and 5 months) so we will see. I know I need to take action and it is VERY lame to sound like I have no time - but, I think for me it is more of a sense of uncertainty and being a skeptic too. No risk, no reward as they say. So - I am going to make a very concious, forced effort to make some actions happen this week !! FOR SURE !!

Congratualtions on starting your journal and do not lose sight of your dream. Think back to the "why" you wanted to start with real estate investing and why you ordered the book and saw Dean's program at the right time.

I can tell you first hand, we are ordinary people that live in Indiana and I am finding deals at 50% to 70% off FMV and in some cases even less. Yes, you can do this to in your local area! You may need to look at a lot of properties and make a lot of offers, but when you get one, it is a great feeling and you then believe! Keep the faith and good luck with REI. It will happen and you will find the great delas, but first you have to believe you will. Confidence will find success! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Hi, I just thought I would add that it is now 7/22/09 and I have not really gotten any further than when I first set off in this new adventure. It is frustrating to juggle a full time job and then some since I am self employed and a family life and all the little extra things that life seems to throw my way too. I am beginning to come to the conclusion that I may have to just back off and put this little project aside for a few years - until I am in a better position to spend the time doing it and being able to afford to do it as well. I have a strong urge to be a real estate investor but I have to fight that and be in the " real world " since I have to generate enough income to support my family. Do not be surprised if I do not come back for a long, long time.

Good luck to those that can do this !
(Time, patience, knowledge and financial stability are all necessary)

Your correct in the knowledge that it takes time away from other things, but If you really want to make it for your family to where you can be with them to enjoy there life as well as yours, stick it out.....Turn the tv off and get on the computer. You may have to make 10,20, or more bids before one comes in that will work for you, but if it takes a little longer, so what. Put out the effort, you will be glad you did in the end. By the way, I'm not with the DGadmin, I'm just a broke little investor with bills out the quasoo.. I even have been given a tax foreclousure notice on my place and it is paid for. I have no other income. So, your not alone in this, and you can do it, if you want it bad enough. Good luck

erh is right you have to find that balance to pursue your goals to achieve what you want. I'm balancing REI right now while starting a new quarter at AiA. If you really want this you will make time! Pull out a day planner if you have one and/or make a schedule calender using Microsoft Excel showing all of your activities and see which blocks of time you can free up to do your REI.

I do agree with ERH and AltCamel. I was already to hang it up yesterday and - ya know, I do not think I can. I can't stop thinking about real estate. And, I ran into an ad for a local place that works with investors too so I am going to chat/visit with them on Monday. I am going to get in touch with a couple of real estate agents I know too and discuss how I plan to proceed forward (looking, sifting thru properties). I believe that looking at the county tax value compared to the price along with factoring in the estimated costs would be a good way to go.

I do appreciate all the words of motivation and inspiration !

- Jason

I am sure it has been done before - but is it a good idea to go to a property management company that represents other investors and try to find a buyer that way ? I am assuming that the property management co. would be very cooperative. Also, would it be wise to offer a small finders fee for this service to the property management company ?

Hi, I am once again looking at real estate. I have been struggling with my existing business and just no longer have the burning desire for it as I once had.

I am hoping to actually accomplish something this time besides just talk about it. Research and reading are good - but only for so long.

The time for action must come soon for me or I will see a slow, painful downward spiral of epic proportions.

Please wish me luck and prayers as I move forward, carefully and systematically.

Thank you,

Jason