RINA'S Daily Journal: Chapter Two - The SECOND $1M

HI RINA!! LONG TIME NO "SEE"!!

I know you remember me, because I pegged you to be that type of person. I followed you a LOT on your first journal... until I "fell off the face of the earth"... Now I'm back - heart and mind never leaving the realm of REI. I'm sure you will be glad to know that I made a small step in REI and purchased a tax lien a couple months ago. I'm kicking myself in the butt now, because I was just reintroduced to the idea of calling the owner of the property to "tap" their interest in signing the deed over to me. Hopefully this works... and I WILL be a staple again on DG.

Thanks (on behalf of countless of us "newbies", scaredy cats, people who just need a boost at times, etc) for all your love and support. I'll be "talking" to ya!

Zion Properties wrote:

Now we're wondering here.... if that skydiving excursion didn't pan out so well...

I realize that Rina didn't check in on this Thread since the Edge event.

For the record, skydiving was fun and our beloved Rina is fine!

Angela

always helpful always inspirational thanks and looking fwd to your new journal Rgds

always helpful always inspirational thanks and looking fwd to your new journal Rgds

Hi Rina, I am another academy student. I enjoyed some of your journal(very inspiring). I noticed you have lease/optioned some of your props. Have you done any sandwich lease/ops recently
not using any of your money?

Andrew S

Yes, I survived skydiving. LOL. (Angela, thanks for filling in! ) It was a blast!and, yep, I'll go again! Cathy B went with me, which made it all the more fun!

WOW, I guess I haven't been in here since the EDGE! As some of you know, I bought a new home on a northern MN lake (closed on it long-distance while AT the EDGE). Neither my AT&T nor Verizon aircards get reception up here and, because I'm in Duluth/Superior every day anyway (where my aircard DOES work, for biz stuff), I kinda waited (WAY too long!) to get DSL for at home, cause there was SUPPOSED to be a new tower going up in the area. Oh, well, Got DSL hooked up today, so HERE I AM, back amongst DG family, Yay!

The EDGE was fantastic, and it was so great to see everyone! And, yes, the dancers from Tausaula Productions (Lloyd's family) were amazing! And I gotta say Joe Jurek was also a highlight of the luau!!! LOL.
Dean really packed this year's EDGE event full of great speakers and success tips! SO fun to always be learning more!

I'm really excited to see what the Rock Bottom Blueprint program has inside. From my first "Dean encounter" (Be A Real Estate Millionaire) I have never been disappointed in anything he's offered. Matter of fact, every investment has returned many times over in Real Estate profits. (This actually isn't a plug, just thinking out loud here)

One thing that I've been learning lately is how to do more creative deals to make bigger profits: seller-financing, subject-to, wrap-around CDs, etc.. My wonderful MN partner, Tom Anderson, is brilliant and proficient at these kind of deals, and putting our skills together has proven to be very profitable (and FUN!). Interestingly enough I ended up partnering with him by answering a "We buy houses" ad he had in the newspaper. AND it turned out, even though he lived 3 hours away, I already knew OF him through one of the DG members' journals! Funny, huh? I can honestly say that 90% of my networking has come thru this site. Partners, PMLs, buyers, inspirers, etc. It's amazing.

Like Matt and Dean said on the call tonight, it's great to not have to think about/ worry about where money is gonna come from. Yes, it's hard when you first start out, but as you grow your skills, build your network, and prove yourself with your deals, the money FOR the deals will BE there. People now call ME saying they have money that they want to invest, can I do anything with it. They are ecstatic to be making 24/18/12% return with basically no risk. (Even paying 24% for short-term money, I still make out like a bandit because I can create such great flips fom the skills I've learned) Example: One recent flip, our PML made $7,000 in 90 days at 2 points a month. BUT, WE made $43,000 and didn't have to use our own money! How sweet is that?!

OR, if you don't have your PMLs lined up yet, go for the seller who is motivated and can seller-finance, or lease/option! And, yes, sandwich lease/options are great (see Greg Murphy, he's the sandwich lease/option king!).

My PMLs and buyers have come fom everywhere. Other investors, family, DG-connections, word-of-mouth. Heck, I was talking with Debbie fom southern WI yesterday, and she gave a referral for yet another HML/PML who only charges 6%! Now, he'll only lend for 45 days, but that's plenty of time for some of the strategies I use, and what a great deal on private money! Sometimes I'll create a deal around a new resource, just to try them. It's really fun to put things together and see yet another deal come to fruition.

Oh, boy, this is getting long-winded. Just thinking about the call tonight got me all pumped up. Even though I do REI every day, there's something about momentum (like Ali talked about) and positive reinforcement that gets our blood (and creative juices) flowing. SOOO glad to be back online in the wee creative hours of the night. Hope to hear from all my DG friends, and hope you're all doing fantastic!!! Hafta check out some journals!!

'Night and God bless,

Rina

Its great to hear that you're doing deals in Minnesota!

I live in the Twin Cities and go up to Duluth from time to time. Its a beautiful area in the summer time.

What part of Wisconsin are you from? I have a ton of family that live in the Green Bay area...

nice to read your Journal Rina looking forward to reading your second Deans rock bottom blue print was awesome all videos and online call fantastic.keeping it going.Thanks so much

Thanks for the hello, and welcome to the DG family! Hope you are well!

Dave, I've lived in the Douglas County, WI area for the past 25 yrs or so, just moved to MN! (If I was a sports fan, I wonder if that would mean I no longe qualify as a cheesehead?)
I've done most of my investing in this area, but have also invested across the country. There is no geographical limit in this biz. )

Wishing you great things to come in your REI!
Rina

On your move. It's always a thrill reading your journal. Glad to know you enjoyed the skydiving. Missed the call last night, not happy about that. However, must contend with the replay. I need all the information I could get. Glad to know everything is well on the home front. God Bless.

Sandra

Hi Rina!
It was great to hear you on the call last evening and wonderful to catch up with you here in your journal. Since I'm just recently back to this site after about a year's hiatus, seems I missed a lot (of course) including you moving to Minnesota. Congrats on the move! Exciting!

Sounds like you are going gangbusters on all sorts of things - it's great to see.
Well just wanted to say hi!
All the best,
Nancy

Hi Nancy! It's wonderful to see you back! And thanks on the congrats! I might live to regret it (moving even MORE north, which means potentially MORE cold!BRRRR!), but I got a beautiful lake property (220ft of frontage) at half-price! It was a listed property, miserably marketed, a "sleeper" as many would call it. I was thrilled to be able to pounce on it! And I LOOOOOVVVEE being here. So thank you much! Hope all is well with you and you are barrelling ahead in your REI. Your journal is on my list of those to catch up on! I LOVE the fun you put into your writing!

God bless!
Rina

It's so good to see you, my friend! Yep, the replay is there. Don't lose your confidence, sweet girl! You have done amazing things and have lots more awesome stuff to come!! Remember all that you've accomplished, and it's only the beginning!

Love ya!
Rina

Haven't heard much from the hinterlands up there. We have been having a nice hot summer though so I'm sure you are enjoying the lake. Glad you are now wired, hope to hear more from you. Was happy to hear your voice last night on the call.

Hey! Thanks again for such a fun time at the EDGE, and afterward in the air! LOL. Did you ever post any skydiving pics on Facebook?? I have a couple of us I still need to put on.

Yes, I have been so enjoying the lake! It's just the right distance from town (for me ), and SOOO beautiful. I had my mom and dad come up and spend the nght this week, my dad and I went fishing for like 5 hours, had a BLAST!! Then ate so much fish for supper we were groaning (nothing like fresh fish!). Have had a few other friends stay as well, other nights, so fun!

And not kidding you, on my drive to and from Duluth/Superior, every day I see wildlife: fox, deer (most DARLING spotted fawns), porcupine, rabbits, eagles, even a wolf!! And I have a pair of loons on my lake, along with hundreds of songbirds in the surrounding forest. I LOVE waking up to the sounds.
And, yes, I have just enough neighbors to not feel isolated. lol. The best thing is I got this place at such a steal (of course using Dean's techniques!), that I could easily flip it at any time for a huge profit. BUT I'm in love with it, so that is NOT in the plans. lol.

I did buy a house recently near Tulsa, though, for my daughter, seller-financed, and now it looks like she and my little grandson might be moving back up here, so THAT one I will either do a lease/option on or a wrap-around CD (not sure if that's what I'll call it, haven't done it before. lol). I have it under a 30-year seller-financed note (with only $2000 down), so I'll be able to definitely make some cash up-front and cash-flow in the middle. OR just sell it outright, because there is a good amount of equity. That's the nice thing about knowing what I know now, even on a personal real estate purchase using the same mindset for killer deals is just habit. There is never a worry about exit strategy, you automatically have that thought out ahead.

Well, after watching the videos again, I am so excited for the new students that are getting into REI right now. I expect the Blueprint to be the best thing Dean has ever presented to us. (I'm glad he worked his tail off, but sure hope he's enjoying his vacation now!)Those of us that have his previous materials are well on our way, but new peeps have an even GREATER advantage, so awesome!, so I think this year there will be even MORE millionaires made. wonder if Dean has any way of keeping track, he'll probably pass his goal and not even realize it! lol.

We're gonna be looking at some big multi-units this week. Sorta hoping to get into some of those now. Purchased a few SFRs and duplexes in the past month, raised monthly net cashflow another $2500 or so, and nearly nothing out-of-pocket. I sure love learning new creative stuff and each of these deals is sweeter and sweeter while being an adventure too! It's nice to have amazing partners! (like Laura and Tom. )

Speaking of adventure, looking forward to the DG cruise this winter!! (man, did I sign up for that yet??... definitely going!)

signing off,

Rina

Hi Rina,
Just had to stop by to say thank you AGAIN for all your insight! The main thing I hope to take away from your advice is to always "pay it forward"!
You really made the difference..! I will keep you posted!

Monique

WOW ! I cant believe you moved :0
Last I spoke to you ,you didn't mention it. oh well change is good sometimes. sounds like my kind of place even though im in the big apple city lol. hope all is going well for you my friend and i hope to hear from ya soon.
Richie

Thank you. I'm very happy to be able to share anything I've learned. Excited for you with your deals coming up, and finding the bank and investor products you did! Way to go!
It was great talking with your bank rep. You might be able to share the find with some fellow investors as well and do some quick cash stuff in the middle of your buy-n-holds. And, like I said, you'll have more private money coming to you than you know what to do with, having the set-up you've created. You are definitely on your way to reaching any goals you set your mind to!! CONGRATS!

Rina

(let me know if I said too much, I'll edit)

Hey, nice profile pic.

Well, if you're ever in MN/WI come on up and go fishing with me! And if/when I come East, I'll come take a bite of the big apple. (which reminds me, I want to plant some apple trees)

Good to hear from you! Hope you're doing well!!

Rina

I didnt catch on at first, i forgot i changed it. just two of my best friends from here Doing ok, I am working a few things but too early to say anything yet.
talk soon
Richie

Looks like you've moved up in my neck of the woods. That wildlife can get to be something to be aware of late fall through the winter. Had any sightings of the mountain lions/cougars yet?
Glad you are enjoying your new place. Is it time to change that part of your profile yet?

Sounds like N MN is for you. I am located in the Twin cities, and also own a cabin, not quite as far north as you. I know a Tom Anderson also not sure if we are talking about the same guy. Looking for any opportunities in the Twin Cities?

Rina,

Are you going to be at the meeting this Tuesday?

I plan on going so it would be great to meet up with you and some other DGers!

Hi Rina just wanted to stop by and say hi. Sounds like you are having a blast!

Hey all! Thanks for stopping in! Been quite an exciting year, will update soon, and SO EXCITED about EDGE 2012 coming up!! Woohoo!!

No mountain lions yet Michael!

Investor competition picking up in Twin Ports something fierce, but still grabbing great cash-flowing SFRs. (we're doing some wholesaling too, so give me a shout if interested)

I plan to start making it down to MNREIA again this summer. look forward to meeting up!

Congrats to the winners of the EDGE contest, and now to the finalists in Dean's Send Me Away Contest. YAY!!!

Rina

My wonderful long-time Realtor and friend Gail retired this last year. She was Awesome, and I miss her! BUT, I have been very blessed to find a never-thought-I'd-fill-Gail's-shoes Realtor named Melissa, young, competetive, motivated, and fearless, and we are tearin it up together! Woohoo!! Anyway, she shared a quote with me today after I shared some more investor knowledge with her. It was this:
"Live like you're dying tomorrow, but learn like you're living forever!

I LOVE that!

note to self. 4-5-12

Well, this will be a great REI summer! Have several props under contract, one no-touch flip closing end of the month, one rehab with $80-$100K equity when done, and one hopefully to hold with $500mo cash-flow. After this past week's surprise outcome I can move forward full-speed ahead. THANK YOU LORD! huge heart of gratefulness. I sure am blessed with some great positive people in my life that balance out the naysayers.
(never, never give up! there is light at the end of the tunnel! God is good )

me

Glad to see you back on here and that things have worked out (in a manner of speaking) Can't wait to hear about upcoming deals. Wishing you the best

Looking forward to girls only mtg at the Edge and actually having good discussion with you, Jen, Tammy and all the other amazing women in the DG family See you in a few days.

judi

Cathy, thanks! Closing on 2 more purchases tmrw&Tuesday, and one sale while I'm in AZ. Sure am gonna miss you!!!!

Judi, YES!!! I cannot wait!! So sad that not everyone will be at EDGE, but we are going to have a wonderful time getting to know and support each other, AND learn from each other. A hug and encompassing of like-minds is like "chicken soup for the REI soul" (hey, has that one been written yet?? lol Dean's next book..)

God bless! See ya soon!!

Rina