OfflineHi, my name is Lisa and I've never been one to keep a journal. I've tried over the years, but I just never got into it. I thought this would be a good first post to the DG site and feel that it will help me track my progress in Dean's Success Academy as well as have something to look back on once I "make it". Since I have lot to catch up on, I will be breaking up these past couple of months into more than one post. So here is a little background...
I first tried to get into real estate investing in the mid '90's through another program. I was sitting at the closing table, and everything fell apart. To make a long story short: a little old lady didn't entirely understand what her Realtor had conveyed to her and she got scared, so I did not hold her to the contract. I don't anyone to ever feel like they were forced into a deal. I just wouldn't feel right about it. After that, life just got in the way.
I have always wanted to get into REI, but I didn't have the knowledge or money to do it on my own. I knew ... and still know, that it is one of the best methods to create wealth! I just needed some guidance.
I was laid off from work in March of this year and was wondering what I was going to do next. I don't like the idea of my life be under the control of others- telling me when to be at work, when to eat lunch and when to take a break. I've just never enjoyed routine and I have felt drawn to REI for a long time. Then one night, while watching late night TV, I saw Dean's commercial and purchased his book, "Profit From Real Estate Right Now!" and received "Be a Real Estate Millionaire" free. I also added the Foreclosure Finder kit to my order. That was August 31st, 2009.
Things started slow for me. I had a scheduled vacation the following week and did not bring my books. Then when I got home, I had a list of things that needed to be done around the house. So it wasn't until late September that I actually started reading "Be A Real Estate Millionaire"... I figured I should start with the earlier book. I tell you, I learned more in the first couple of chapters than I ever learned in the entire course I purchased 15 years earlier. It was amazing! I was so excited reading that book that I couldn't wait to finish before I started looking for properties, etc.
Howdy DG Family!
Well, it has been another day in RE. I don't know about all of you, but I have seen a lot of houses going fast to other investors. Yesterday I bid on a HUD home and today I lost it to another bidder by $1500.00. It was the first time I had bid on HUD, and for my realtor as well, so we had some issues at first. I think maybe I missed the opportunity to bid again, but I'm not sure. I will be asking one of the other realtors in the office tomorrow.
Yesterday I "killed" what would have been my first deal due to drainage issues and some repair requests. Actually, it was the drainage issue that really scared me. I wasn't sure what it would take to fix- or if the city would allow me to do what I needed, so I killed it. The lessons I learned here - 1)Don't underestimate the power of talking to neighbors!
2)Even though you may think you know what is wrong with a property- make sure you consult a professional - like an inpector.
Take care and I can't wait to see everyone on the other side of REI:)!
Lisa