Tracy Lynn's Journal - As transparent as it gets.

After finishing my morning routines around the house, I logged on the site to do some browsing and see if I could get some questions answered through the forums. About 45 minutes into reading all kinds of posts I get a phone call from one of Deans people at the Success Academy. I sooo badly want to get into it but Im still saving.

So with the extra little jump of motivation I received from the call I decided, there's no time like the present. I had gotten myself all pumped up and ready to get started on something. So I went through some of the first steps in the book again and I decided I would print out some flyers. I just used Dean's examples and used my cell phone as contact until I can afford a recorded answering service.

When I went to print out the flyers I noticed that my printer cable that connects the two was missing. Great. So there goes that idea. I suppose everything happens for a reason. The flyers will just have to wait until I can connect my printer to the computer. Until then, I'll just keep up with the site and study the book some more. Everyone is out of the house today and I have the day off work so Im taking advantage of this rare silent tranquility. ahhh..

So I've been wondering, if I was able to print my flyers. What on earth would I say if someone called?! How scary. Exciting, but still scary. Then I got to thinking. This is a very big city. Where do I want to focus? Where would it be most profitable to invest?

I grew up back and forth from Sacramento Ca. and Santa Teresa NM. Santa Teresa is a city sistering el paso but its in new mexico. Well, I remember when Santa teresa was nothing more than a country club known for its golf course and two little subdivisions of houses that were seperated by about 4 miles and a small high school right in the middle of nowhere. Well now the city has grown sooo much. I am amazed at all the activity every time I visit. I use to live in a new apartment complex that was built next to the subdivision of houses my grandfather lives in. He has owned his home there since the early 80's. The apartments were built in 1999 or 2000 but I lived there in 2004 the year I graduated from the high school in the middle of nowhere.

Now there is a new highway that connects ST to ELP. Along it is a trail of new housing. Beautiful single family homes on one side and much larger even more spectacular homes on the other. There is still plenty of open land which makes for lovely scenery. It is so peaceful and just nice to drive around. There is a jogging trail along the entire stretch that is sided by a cotton field (which smells wonderful if you've never been on a cotton farm). Its so refreshing. On the TX side of the state line all kinds of things have been built. Theres two hotels that just opened. A "Rudys" which is BBQ food with country store and a gas station all in one. Another new Shell station across the road with a howdys store and a new Carls Jr. right next door. Also right next to all of that is Canutillo (another sister city in TX) and there is a brand new outlet mall that has been extremely popular. Back to the area by the new highway there is plenty of things to do. There are all kinds of dining nearby as well as amusement parks, grocery stores, a few really nice spa's, just all kinds of things. Both cities really are growing and its all coming together very nicely. Im wondering if this is a good place to start investing.

I suppose I'll dedicate my day off to driving around the housing area out there. Its going to be a waste of a day of peace at home but I hate it here anyway and like I said, its just so lovely out there. Well, Wish me luck!!

Fingers are still crossed. Maybe I'll swing by my Grandfathers place and see if he has some computer cables in the garage I can use for my printer.

Welcome to the DG family. Good to have you here!
Congratulations on a great decision to get into Real Estate Investing!
Hope you are able to dig up some printer cables for your flyers. In the meantime, you have the world at your fingertips. You can advertise on Craigslist and other free websites. You can even create your own website. You've got a great plan to get out and start looking at properties. Every experience pushes you ahead. Also, you can start building a buyers list by running ads and attend a local REI Club meeting. Here's a good site to locate one. http://www.reiclub.com/real-estate-clubs.php
Although it looks like it might be quite a distance to the nearest one, you might be able to connect with some local investors. Never lose your determination, whatever your circumstance. I remember a time when my family lived in tents for 3 months when I was a kid. Probably wouldn't be as much fun now, but I guess what I'm saying is nothing can hold you back unless you let it.

Wishing you all the best and hoping to hear great things!

Rina

P.S. sorry to hear about your cat.

Thank you so much for reading up on my journal. It means so much that someone like yourself who is so successful with what you do actually takes the time to show concern and support for someone like myself. I had completely forgotten about the other means of advertising. Its funny how I get so nervous and overlook simple details like that. Thank you for the redirection. I Love this website!!!

Today actually went really really well! I had a nice drive around the westside of town. I didnt find any FSBO's but I did find plenty of houses for sale by different real estate companies. I wrote them all down in anticipation of having the courage to dial one of them up some day soon. Hopefully by that time, they will have been on the market longer than they'd like to have and be willing to make a deal with me I also made better notes of accomodations in the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

I stopped by my Grandfathers. He didnt have a USB for my printer but he did have a certificate for a free venti latte at starbucks. I have cut espresso out of my daily routine as to save for the coaching. So as soon as I left Grampas, Hello Starbucks! Not only did I get my long overdue dose of espresso but I ran into a good friend of mine. We got to talking and I had Deans book with me (I always have it with me) so we got started on that. He was actually interested!!! AND! He just so happened to have a USB cable for my printer right in his car! Its funny how things work out like that. I was sooo excited. He wants to help me too! I dont know why I didnt tell him first. He's been a great friend of mine for about 10 years now and has always been supportive for everything I do.

I know Dean says to tell everyone you know about Real Estate and I should have done that. But when I started with my family and fiance, after getting their reaction, I was terrified to tell anyone else. I couldnt have been more wrong. This day has been so blessed!!

I have to work tomorrow at my oh so lovely job. (I tried to dress up the sarcasm a bit . But I am going to tell everyone about my start with investing in real estate. I only work from 11 to about 4 or 5 so I will still have plenty of time to dedicate to this site and my future by working on my steps to success with Deans system. I Love this new boost of hope!!!!!!

Hi Tracy....

It so good to have you as a part of the DG family. I could write a ton of stuff but in hindsight, I can't emphasize much more than what Rina already wrote, so I'll just say "Ditto".... lol

I have been able to get to know Rina and she is one terrific lady and she really is just as genuine as you can see. In fact she is just like Dean, so maybe that's whay she has been so successful! I know one thing, with my limited experience with the DG website, she really does care! Therefore, I agree with her 100% and it's a great start.

Definately don't ever let anything get your hopes down becuase time will tell. You are absolutely right on how funny it is that things just seem to fall into order. In fact, I just commented to your boyfriends post that basically said that if you stay positive and keep that energy alive, the "good stuff" will ultimately come your way. Well, based on your last post, it looks like it has already started!!

But besides that, I know your boyfriend simply cares for you and doesn't want you to get hurt. I can really appreciate that and it sounds like he is a good man, but hey, you just started and the time table is different for everyone. It might take you one month, ands it might take me an entire year, but you know what? I know it will eventually happen!! Besides, what do you have to lose? NOTHING.... At least I don't, but I do have a lot to gain & learn even if I don't do a deal tomorrow!

I wish you and your boyfriend all the best! Every day, stay as positive as you can and you will see a difference. I promise you that!

Take care and God Bless,

I think many of us in this country feel pretty beaten down lately with the economy and the toll it's taken on everyone financial well-being (or not-so-well-being...as the current case may be-LOL) But know you're not alone out there. My husband and I are just starting our path on the road of REI and we, too, are trying to push through many money problems right now. We just had to relocate to NC from MA and it's been quite a transition, but, you're right in saying this site always provides a boost when you're feeling a little less than confident.

Good luck and keep writing in this journal and I'll keep reading!!

Suzi : )

Wow. I am almost at a loss for words (which is pretty amazing for me ) The support here is phenomenal! I didnt even realize that Justin had posted on Deans video. I dont think he was being very nice now that I think of it. Either way, he will one day apologize when WE prove him wrong and everything will be just fine because I have already forgiven him. He still harasses me for getting on the site or reading Deans book. Its starting to bother me less and less everytime I get on here and see how much support is out there. I Love it.

Thank you Robert, Thank you Suzi! I really needed the support and I truly appreciate it!

Work today was pretty lame. I was scheduled at 11:45 and it was so slow that half of the servers were cut way early, myself included. I clocked out at 1:30. Can you Believe that?? One hour and 45 minutes of work. I served 3 tables but I did make $35. Which isnt too bad compared to what others made for that time frame, but I have set a goal to make $300 this week. I cant get to that by making $35 a day. So coming home to your posts of encouragement was very refreshing. Again, thank you!

I filled out Deans "fast start" form. Of course I was teased for it, Argh. But as a result of it I decided that I'm going to set a goal. Tonight Im going to make a detailed list of steps ultimately leading me to making my first deal! I almost feel like im jumping the gun a bit, but why not right?? I mean I've read Deans book and I know that doesnt make me an expert but over and over again Im reminded that I have all the tools right there in my hands as im reading. So, I will go through everything I have highlighted and tabbed (this book looks like my high school alg2 book did--haha) and I will make a list of dated daily goals.

I went to the site Rina referred me to (Again Rina, Thank you for your support and encouragement) Unfortunately I didnt find anything in the El Paso area. There was D/FW which is 10hrs away and San Antonio-8hrs. Well, I didnt check NM. Hang on. **crossing fingers** nope. Just Albuquerque. Thats about 6hrs away. Im not going to stop looking though. Really, El Paso is a pretty big city. We have a very large army base and next year we are due to receive some 10,000+ soldiers. So housing has been growing like crazy! There has got to be some sort of investing groups or realtors willing to work with me. Right?

If anyone has advice for me on that list im going to make I would greatly appreciate it. I overlooked the alternate methods of advertising, which should have been a given, but thankfully Rina was kind enough to remind me. Who knows what else I may be overlooking :-/

I'm sorry I haven't been on in a while to welcome all the new members into the DG family. I used to stay on top of it with Rina, but things have been hectic and busy lately. I'm glad to see you've started your journal and are well on journey to investing. Don't hesitate to ask for help or support, that's what we're here for. Glad to have you with us! =)

Welcome to the DG website community. You will find a tremendous amount of information and inspiration here. The DG Members are great at providing information, inspiration and support. Congratulations on getting Dean's book because it has an abundance of information, tips, strategies and techniques.

Dean's book, programs and the DG wesite can provide you with the confidence and information to change your life! The key is to stay focused and do not be conerned if family and friends are critical. Sometimes people criticize things they do not understand. Good luck with real estate investing. We look forward to reading about your progress and future real estate deals! Believe and Acheive! - Joe

Thank you Elena and Indiana-Joe for your confidence it really does make a difference in my life.

Im currently working on my steps for my goal list. I feel like ive run into a wall. Most likely because my fiance is playing xbox live and he's not the quietest person in the world on that headset. That and the TV is blaring with the sound of gunshots. I have my sound muffling earphones on but my computer is litterally right next to the television and right in front of the window to the backyard where 4 murderers wont stop barking!

So far this is what I have:

1. Organize my list of houses for sale by category and price. One page per house with details of seller and property info. (Category meaning, is a FSBO, REO, etc.)

2. Look up FMV and compare to asking price. (write it in column form)

3. Create notes per page that detail purpose for my offer. Note as needed to identify each potential deal individually for easy recollection. Get to know potential properties.

4. Write down what you will say to each seller explaining who you are and your intentions. (seperate paper not in notebook of property details) Use example from Dean.

5. Create irresistable ads to attract sellers and buyers (seperate and make individual ads for each) Websites, flyers, business cards, etc. (going to go with ones that Dean posted as examples and tweak to fit me)

6. Find a Real Estate agent. (since I havent found any by word of mouth I am going to use matts strategy and send out mass messages online and by fax... now to find a fax machine.... hmmmm... )

7. Prepare a list of appropriate questions to ask potential Real Estate Agents I may want to partner with.

8. Find a good broker. Same method as finding a real estate agent.

9. Prepare questions for broker.

10. Print out list of agreements provided by Dean and study them. Study Study Study!!

11. Research good places all around town to post flyers and cards. . . . . Go post them!!!!

12. I pretty much get stuck here. I keep trying to go over it and match things up in the book to make sure i didnt leave anything out. but there are so many distractions here. To top it off, it just started raining.. tink tink tink the wind blows the rain on the window. *sigh* I suppose I just cross my fingers and pray for the best?

Okay. Im going to go over it again. Wish me luck.

Despite todays misfortunes, I have somehow decided that my day wasnt that bad afterall. I went into work today at 12 and just like yesterday, it was pretty slow. I was one of the few kept on the clock and in a pretty good section too. From what I made today I was able to take out $50 to add to my "success acadamy fund" only 362 more happy george washingtons to go.

Well the sad part, the last table of my shift took both copies of the credit slips (after they pay they get two slips, one is theirs the other they write my tip) So when they take both copies, their bill is still paid for but I have to enter a zero dollar tip. I only get paid 2.13 an hour as a server and by the time taxes and benefits eat away at what little I get on paper, im left with nothing. Leaving me with only tips to rely on as my source of income.

It was nice and rainy out as I walked out to my truck after work. I get in my truck, start it up, turn on the wind sheild wipers-- but wait, what is this?? rain still on my window?? It turns out someone decided I didnt need my windshield wipers as much as they wanted them. Yep, someone stole my wipers. Justin (my fiance) had just given me new rain x wipers for my birthay aug. 23rd. So that put quite a damper on my day. (im really bad with puns ) and it was a really scary drive home.

I received a piece of mail from my bank today that included an informational packet about a first time home buyer tax credit. I hadnt known about this till now but apparently in order to qualify I have to purchase a home before december 1, 2009. The credit amount is equal to 10% of the homes purchase price but maxed at $8,000.

Now I want to add to my goal list. At first I was thinking about just doing assignment deals to start with and rent an apt for my fiance myself and our babies to avoid the forbidden trailer. But now im thinking I may as well just buy a house for us then later rent or sell it. In order to afford buying a house Im thinking: 1. apply for a home loan through my bank. 2. make money off of some deals if I can pull it off soon enough. 3. both... if possible

I dont know. Does this all sound crazy? Am I missing something?? Ugh. I need to find a real estate agent. A good one. One that can help me get something done quick.

I have organized my list of houses by category and price along with details of contact info for the sellers. Now im going to look up the FMV using the sites Dean provided on page 130. Im hungry and its making it hard for me to stay focused. Food would be nice.

The subject line says it all!!

KEEP GOING GIRL!!

Have a great weekend..... and EAT something! lol

So Im here going over Deans book once again and I simply realized that had it not been for Dean making all of this possible, I never would have known about REI. If I hadnt known that, I wouldnt have been on this site. If I never got on this site, I never would have met such wonderful inspirational people to keep me motivated in pursuing my dreams and make it that much closer to a better life.

In short, I was inspired to find, on this site, people who have joined but not taken action, and hopefully return the favor I have been blessed to receive and hopefully be able to help someone else get chasing a brighter more successful future.

Wish me luck in wishing them luck

Work today was decent. I was upset that I had to work a dinner shift. I havent worked a dinner shift for about 6 months. Lunch shifts are my preference. I didnt make what I aimed for but there's always tomorrow. Unfortunately thats a dinner shift too.

Not too sure what is wrong but every few months I get this terrible pain in my lower back. I think it might be something from a car accident I was in back in 2004. I was tboned in an inersection because some guy decided red meant drive 50 mph right into me crushing me into the middle of my car. It started acting up like this earlier at work. When i inhale, my lower back tenses up and sends a sharp pain up my spine. Unpleasant to say the least. I have to take quick short breaths and stand lopsided. very awkward looking and oh so very painful. :'(

I wanted to get started on my ads but it is really painful sitting down. Im going to try laying facedown with a hot pack on my back. Hopefully that will help and i can get something productive accomplished.

If anyone knows of any back pain remedies, stretches or exercies... i would love to hear them.

While I struggled to get to my computer this morning to watch Deans weekly blog, of course my fiance got upset with me, but I managed to get to here. As I was watching I couldnt help but smile. It was as if he was speaking directly to me! Did he read up on my journals? No, he just knows exactly what to say!! As for the part of his blog about him charging to much, I should have Justin watch that. Dean is the best! I am so inspired everytime I read his emails, blogs or watch his video posts.

This week, I am having the most painful and difficult time with my back than I have ever had before. It irritates me because I cant work until further notice because of it. I had a budget set up for saving for Deans coaching program. Now that has to be drawn out a bit longer than I had wanted.

After watching Deans blog I thought to myself, "everything happens for a reason." Well, I decided this was my reason for not being able to work. I am going to dedicate every moment I have to getting ready for my first deal and many more to follow.

So I am going to start at my list again. So my next step, FMV. Find out what houses Im interested in first working with and getting an offer ready.

My tummy is growling and pizza ads are playing on the TV in the next room
I usually just eat a little something at work so that I can save more for Deans program but since im not working today Im just sooo super hungry. Ice chips?? hmm... we'll see how that works out. Until then, Im getting started on that list! It should keep my mind distracted from my tummy.

Hey Tracy, Things are going good so far. I have just recently started coming onto this site a lot more seeing how it is so beneficial!!! and everyone's so encouraging. So far since I've joined I have opened an LLC called Spencer's Investing LLC (my middle name hahah) and have currently been talking to realtors/brokers and lenders. My only problem right now is I don't have a job currently because I am going to school right now and in the past I haven't had 2 years work history for the same employer which I know is somewhat of a requirement for a traditional mortgage. So I was told to try and build a relationship with institutional lenders like small banks/credit unions. My goal right now is to close on 2 properties before this year is up. The list I have on the foreclosures is ridiculous!! 1100-1800sq/ft houses in nice neighborhoods going for 45-70K. The market value for most of the homes I'm sure is at least double! They are in excellent shape too! I just hope like wht you said I'm not letting opportunity slip away by trying to figure out this whole obtaining financing!!
I haven't had the chance to read most of your journal entrys but I hope your coming along on your journey and achieving your goals and great success!! but I'll for sure be back here! Hope to hear from you soon!

Just checking in. You've had quite a week! I'm sorry to hear about your back. Take it easy.. and get something nourishing in your tummy! (ice chips ain't gonna cut it )
You deserve a big CONGRATULATIONS for all your hard work and determination! Congrats on all you've done so far! You are taking a lot of steps, and it can only bring you closer to success. Thank you for sharing all of it with us. It is really fun to watch a bright young mind set on a goal and making it happen.

Rina

P.S. I'll be praying for your back. Please take care of yourself.

I cant emphasize enough on how great it is to get encouragement from someone like you who has been through a similar situation and made it so far with REI. Thank you for taking and interest in my progress. I dont take it lightly And thank you for the prayers

I just did a post on this in the forums and decided to repost it in my journal for reference. If anyone reading here didnt reply on the forum and has any advice to offer now, I would greatly appreciate it!

I decided to see if my county offers foreclosure listings online... Yay!! I found them, But (you knew there was going to be a 'but' didnt you?) Im finding it difficult to understand. There are hundreds of questions and doubts running through my mind every second as I navigate the list.

Im going to drop off doubt and go with just a couple of questions for now.

The list is just numbered 1-147 all dated for 10/06/09 and then # of pages ranging 1-4 most of them only one page. When I select one it brings up a document with the address of the property on the top lefthand corner.

Then it says "Notice of Substitute Trustee Sale"

1. What does that mean?

Then it goes on to say:

Deed of trust dated xx/xx/xx
original mortgagee: xxxxxxx
current mortgagee: xxxxxxx
mortgage servicer: xxxxxxx
bla bla blah bla legal description
Date of Sale: 10/06/09
Time sale begins at location xxxxxxx
and then a bunch of mumbo jumbo about the mortgage
company.

That brings me to my next question:

2. If I want this property, do I have to go through that mortgage company?

3. If I go to the county courthouse on date of the bid, can I hold the property under one of Deans contracts holding it for 30 days then assign to a buyer in that time frame? I have to use the "no money down" strategy as I have no money.

I just randomly picked one of the forclosures and looked up the property info on every site dean lists on page 130. I know he says pick 3 but I wanted to see which sites I was the most comfortable with.

4. The prices listed on the sites, is that what I should offer for the house or should I go a bit lower? Or is it one of those things where I have to look at the property and factor in physical attributes?

5. I dont have a Real Estate Agent yet, can I do this without one until I can find one?

Okay. I suppose I'll stop at that for now. If I am missing any steps or if there are any that someone would like to add, please feel free to do so. I keep thinking im missing or overlooking something.

Thank you so much for any help you can offer.

Well. I way overslept Today. I didnt get up until 9:30 I hate when I do that. My back is still hurting but its not as bad as it has been. I can walk standing straight up if I take small steps. AH!!! just like Deans video blog!!! Small Steps!!!!

Okay so I have gotten my daily chores around this horrid house done. I have to go to the store today. Not looking forward to it because I hate spending money these days but I suppose I have to eat sometime. I have limited my list to the bare necessities. Milk, cereal, bread, etc. Then I have to go to the office of my internet service provider. I was sent a bill for a $30 installation fee but my copy from the service techs shows that I was only to be charged $9.95. Im also going to visit Gran. Gran is Justins grandmother. I make it a point to visit her no less than three times a week. Then Its back here to see if I have gotten a response to my forum post on forclosures.

So. Small steps. Here we go.

So I was able to get everything done that I set out for today. My mom teased me all day because I look really silly walking . Good news though! I was able to get a $30 credit with the internet company for all my troubles That money is going straight to the DG Success Academy fund! Also at the store today I picked up some eye catching colored paper to make flyers on. It was a stack on clearance because it was opened and the dark blue paper was missing. So, I got 200 sheets of paper (pink yellow green and orange) in perfectly good condition for only 99cents. yay bargain! I finally got some food too. Now I have to stretch it out for a few weeks.

My back is still not so great but I have the day off tomorrow again. Gran wants me over tomorrow so I will see her but the rest of the day I will be making flyers to attract buyers and sellers I'll also see about finding a good REA.

I was also thinking earlier... Elephant Butte. Its a lake almost two hours out into new mexico. My fiance's Dad has a house out on the lake there. We go out there fishing a lot and it just popped in my head that I should check out the RE market there. Hmmmm.... thinking good positive thoughts

Well, Im off to my dreamland, I love dreamland.

Goodnight my DG family. See you tomorrow.

Okay so as I've before I have been trying to post answers, help, advice, support, etc. to other memebers of the site to give back the support and advice I have been blessed to receive from all of you.

Well in the process I thought to myself, "why havent I started making offers?? where am i at right now with REI??" I suppose I thought that if I could help answer others' questions that I should be fine on my own.. I dont know.

After some review of my list and trying to get started on it I feel like Im just running into a wall each time. I dont know why. It seems simple right??? UGH. I dont know...

So I decided to start from square one once more. Im going to re create Deans list of action steps at the end of each chapter in his book Profit From Real Estate Right Now. Consolidate it and just start from step one.

Small Steps... right? Okay. Here we go. Im off to make my list.

So today was a productive day as far as im concerned. I feel like I got a lot accomplished. I did a lot of practicing with Deans action steps listed throughtout Profit From Real Estate Right Now. There was one downside of the day (it wouldnt be a day in the life of me if there wasnt a downside ) I do my best to make the best out of every day and the best of every bad situation so its not really bothersome to me when something does go wrong. So todays not-so-down downside, I was sitting here typing and out of nowhere, it starts hailing. No warning to me by radio or TV because I confined myself to the computer and did what I could to shut out everything around me. Well, what started out as a few tinks of tiny hail, turned into sudden cracking of quarter sized hail.

Everyone started rushing to their vehicles to cover with tarp or move them to cover. I could hardly get out of the chair as my back is still out of it. Well after all the excitement, I went out to my truck and there it was-- my windshield, nice and cracked. It looks like it took a good chunk of sky ice right smack in the center of it and it cracked all the way through to both sides. Its still in there and im told its safe to drive.

As irony would have it, just last week my windshield wipers are stolen on a day its nice and rainy. Then the day after I get brand new windshield wipers, my windshield gets a hideous crack all over it. *sigh*

So back to the good and fun stuff. I went through Deans book again today and as you know I decided to make a new list. Well I made it from all the action steps Dean wrote throughout his book. Matt Larson followed Deans instructions to the T and look at him now!!! So I typed out 53 steps straight from Dean right out of his book. I retyped them word for word as a checklist. Im not sure if its okay to post it here since its verbatim from the book but just incase youre curious they are on pages 28, 41, 68, 88, 107, 119, 171, 201, 218, & 247.

Im going to do everystep. From making a list of things im grateful for, all the way up to the part where I take action and change my life forever!

I cant wait.

I posted a forum topic with several questions that have gone unanswered. Its titled, "Understanding County Forclosures & Contracts Step by Step." I posted it under, Buying Foreclosures, REOs. Short Sales, FSBO, MLS and More.

If anyone reading here would be so kind as to shoot over to it and possibly provide me with some insight, I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you.

So I have been workin quite a bit at this list and I think I may have finally turned Justin!

This morning, Justin and I were out catching up on some errands because my back was feeling much better. I decided to stop by some places that I knew might excite him. I stopped at an electronics store. We walked around and looked at some TV's and sound systems and he is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to video games, TV's or anything electronic. He asked me why we were there and all I said was, "well, Christmas is coming up isnt it?" Immediately he was darting all across the store saying, "this is cool! I would love this! This would be nice! This is great but too expensive." On and on he went. Then we went to a furniture store, looked at some bedroom sets, living room models, entertainment centers. I told him thats what I wanted. He said, "Tracy, we dont have a house...." then a lightbulb went off in his head and he just gave me the look.

I begged him to just go with me on this. Then I took him to a brand new subdivision on that side of town where three different models of homes were being shown. I got him to walk around with me and asked him to tell me what he liked or disliked. We had a great time. When we got back in the car I asked him, "wouldnt it be nice, to buy all those things in the stores you looked at and wanted today, drive them to Our Home and set up our own house finally?" He said, "of course it would but we cant afford it" I asked him to just hear me out. I told him that we could have all those things. I just need to really get started with this REI thing. I told him I knew I could do it but that it would be so much faster and easier with his support. I told him I needed his help and opinions without the criticism. At that point I got a bit teary eyed. He sighed, hugged me and said....."okay"

Can you believe it!? He said OKAY!!!! I was so excited! I didnt want to dump too much info on him at one time so all I said was that by Christmas, I want us to be in our own home and with Deans strategy we could do it together.
I just hope he means it and really sticks with me on it.

***Cross your fingers!

1. Spend more time on deangraziosi.com (positive people).

2. Block out negativity. Avoid arguments with family. 'News diet', stay off the phone as much as possible, avoid listening to gossip.

3. I am grateful for:
The joy my 3 cats provide me with every day.
Family. They are mine and I do love them.
My job. Its not much but at least I have one.
Prayer and Freedom to do so.
My health. Cliche thing to say but very true.
Dean and the DG family. Without them, my future is the present.
My truck. Its old, weathered, abused and ugly, but its my truck
...There is more but I'll spare you the details

4. News Diet. Substitute DG website. Done!

5. Eyes out for property up for sale or rent. Definitely done. I get so excited everytime I see that sign waving at me or that unkept yard with a vacant driveway.

6. I think a good area to invest in would be the Santa Teresa area, the far east side of town, and in some areas of the northeast. ST is a fast growing area and theres so much there now. Far east side of town as well, it's definitely stretching out there towards Horizon. Ft. Bliss and Ft. Biggs has been expanded and there will be 10,000+ soldiers moved out there next year.
*****still need to work on finding rent costs in those areas****

7. Practiced writing classified ads, then I decided to go with the ads Dean gives on page 61. Im sure I'll come up with one of my own after I've been at it for some time and know exactly what I want.

I drew up a couple of yard signs. They are drawn with pencil and marker. I havent decided if im going to have them printed or just handwrite them all. I will end up getting the business card professionally printed and I already have a website and a couple designs picked out.

8-10. I have decided to post Everywhere! On roadsides, grocery store bulletin boards, ask hospitals, websites, apt.'s, mail post cards if possible, divorce attorney offices, anywhere I can possibly think of. What I'll do is carry flyers, cards and bandit signs with me in my truck and everytime I see a new place to advertise, I'll be ready.

11-13. Im going to use COA Network that Dean recommends. I will have to work more and save up a bit longer until I can get it. But I will get it. I have set a deadline for getting it and thats October 5th.

14&15. I have the contact info for my county courthouse, hours and least busy times. I was informed the best way to keep up with their info is through their website.

Okay. Now off to work on the rest

16&17. Internet property services/Government agencies. I have made a whole section in my favorites tab for auction sites, foreclosed/siezed sites, FMV sites and others alike. I will make a point to check them as often as possible.

18. I dont receive the newspaper but I was able to go to the local paper website and find info on default notices in my area.

19. The only auction I know of so far is downtown at the county courthouse the first week of October. If I dont find one sooner I will attend that one.

20. I have several houses from different neighborhoods listed that may possibly be my first deal

Okay. The next step is calling a seller to find out why they are selling. Im not sure what I'll say exactly, but I will let you know when I do!

I think thats pretty good for today. So its off to bed for me now. I go back to work tomorrow. Hopefully my back will make it.

This morning I woke up with the mind set of it being Saturday. Well Its friday. So I was suppose to work at 11am and its 2pm. oops... Now I have to play the game where 5 different managers have to pull me to the office at different times and tell me what I did wrong, bla bla bla. Ugh. I cant wait to be rid of the "on the clock" jobs. Im counting on the REI bizz to take me so far. I just hope I make it.

Since I've already messed up going work today, which I needed to work anyway so its not like I did it on purpose, I may as well continue working on my list of goals.

So, Here we go. Step 21. Gonna call a seller..... a bit nervous.

And no I didnt leave a message, I was way unprepared.

sooo, step number....

22. I told a friend today about me trying to get started with REI. She said she was wanting to rent a house. Her and her boyfriend are having a baby. She is 16 weeks into her pregnancy and wants to be in a house in less than two months... not sure if i'll be able to help.. what do you think?

23. Justin aunt is a Realtor in texas but she lives in another city so we dont speak regularly. Usually just when she's in town visiting gran. Well since step 23 is ask for a good REA... I called her up... RUDE! :'( She basically called me a bottom feeder and said she was too successful of a Realtor to let her rep get laughed at by trying to pittle with someone who is bound to make only pennies per deal. I guess I wont be speaking with anytime soon.

24. contact several REAs and see who wants to work with investors. Well after step 23 this one ought to be fun. Im going to use Matts approach and send out a bunch of emails. also going to call a bunch on monday.

what a great day. cue phony smile.

Good job on listing and accomplishing your steps. When you do make it big in REI try not to rub it in too much on Justin's aunt. Well, at least you knew in short order who you DON'T want to work with. lol
Keep your spirits up.

That is WONDERFUL that you got Justin excited about your REI! And for you guys to find a house would just give you a sense of peace and confidence I think. Keep looking and then get focused on one deal and make it work. The more you do, the more confident you'll be.

Good job on calling the seller, even if you did hang up without leaving a message. That was a step. Now try calling one this weekend and do a little talking. You'll start to get the feel of it. And remember we are all rooting for you!

God bless,

Rina

P.S. Can you leave a link here to your "Understanding County Forclosures & Contracts Step by Step" thread?
(oh, here. got it):
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/buying-foreclosures-reos-...

P.S. Hope your back is getting better.