From This Day Forward-Kareng's Journal

From This Day Forward-Kareng's Journal

Well, here I am! After seven weeks of devouring this site every single day for six to eighteen hours per day, I am finally starting my journal.

I never saw any of Dean's infomercials, but I did see the last five minutes of The Hansen Report when he was on as a guest. So I ordered the book. I was just ready. Of course, I had been "ready" many times before. Like so many of us, I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of "Get Rich Quick" deals and none of them ever worked. I have participated in dozens of the MLM deals and (sigh) am still dead broke.

But this was just a small investment, and I took the chance! What the heck! I could always learn a little more. I am admittedly, a self development addict! I know enough about MANY things to hold interesting conversations with just about anyone, but I am an expert on nothing.

But that is going to change! I am going to become an expert at REI! I had just gotten my RE license here in CA a few years ago when all heck broke loose and the market collapsed. I worked my tail off for six months or so without making a penny and when I was going to have to invest in more classes or let my license go, I had no more money to invest and let it go. My husband had recently died and I had to go back to work for money. Ugly thought...

When I got Dean's books, I knew enough about RE to see that this one could REALLY work. He gives us ALL the steps!

My three daughters are all grown and gone from home, so I have no distractions there. I do have a full time job, but whatever...

I devoured Dean's books and immediately got on this site, where I have been planted for weeks! I saw that Anita was in Southern CA and tried to contact her, but no luck. Then paydirt! On one of her websites I saw that she was having a probate workshop and signed up! I was SO excited! I made up an excuse to be off from work that night and my daughter got out of her plans so that she could go with me. The night before the workshop, I went back on Anita's site to copy the info and realized it was dated 2009! A year ago! Thank goodness, I didn't make the three hour round trip. But what a bummer!!!

But now a lucky break! I am having to have my knee replaced (well, that part's not so lucky) but I am on temporary disability leave with my job for at least three months! I actually am not planning on going back until after New Year's, but they don't know that yet. Should give me some good time to get things started with REI!

Like Carol said when she started, failure is not an option! It is what I must do! I am closing in on retirement and I have no retirement plan. My job is very physical and I cannot keep doing that! (explains the bum knee) and I cannot have my children having to help me pay my bills! I have been totally independent since the age of 16 and am not planning on that changing.

Today is my birthday! Both in real life and symbolically with my RE journal and my new life as a Real Estate Investor!

I am thrilled to be one of the new Graziosi Investor babies! (I did NOT say babes!) So here's to us and many years together sharing our highs and lows!

Salut!

Karen Griffin

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Wednesday, September 8

Like so many of us here, I am starting with no money and crap for credit, so I am planning to start out wholesaling initially to generate some cash.

I am interested in starting out doing probate deals. Looks like there are many of them out there and no matter what the economy does, there should always be probate. Sherri (Grazi2Graziosi) has a terrific thread on this site and the info there should give me a great start. Thanks Sherri and everyone who contributed to this thread.

Tomorrow, I am planning to get my business cards ordered and see what I can do regarding personalizing my website that Dean has so graciously provided. I need to go into some other areas of town to see if I can find some of the smaller local papers and look for Notice to Creditors and proceed from there.

My oldest daughter is planning on working this with me. I will learn what to do initially and then teach her. She works fulltime also and just got married four months ago, so her schedule is tighter than mine. My daughters and I have amazing relationships. We are each other's rocks. I am lucky that I am surrounded by positive support.

When I first started all this, I was pretty scared, too. One day, I just thought, so what's the big deal? I am just looking for people who have money and want some good investments. Then, I am finding people who have property that they are eager to sell and put them together. Simple concept? Yes. But not necessarily an easy one. I just need to work hard and not give up the search. I can learn what I need to learn, I just have to keep looking a find the buyers and find the sellers.

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Welcome to the family

Welcome to the family Karen.
My suggestion is to always look at the glass half full. Work hard at it and attend as many REI club meetings as you can to make connections. You may already have connections since you did have a RE license. Maybe people you worked with.
Also keep in mind if you do get a great deal locked up you can net work with other wholesalers if you need a buyer. join linkedin, realestatedealmakers.com, and a few other sites to make connections. I cant remember them all Smiling
good luck and Never EVER give up!!

Richie


Karen

welcome! you will love it here and a journal is a good way to keep you motivated, accountable and help others as you go along your journey. have fun with it! Smiling

__________________

Linda, Army EOD Mom
you can follow my journal at http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/45351/...
IT'S ALL GOOD AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING OUT PERFECTLY FOR ME!
Fear equals:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real


Thanks for the tips

I am open to any suggestions. Thanks!

Thanks for the welcome Richie and Linda!

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Hello Karen

Welcome to the DG family Karen...
I just wanted to stop by on your Journal and wish you the best, if you keep pushing eventually you will get whatever you really want.
I will see you around.
Best Regards,

Daniel

__________________

"Don't compare your life with others. You have no idea what you are getting into."
"No compares tu vida con otros. No tienes ni idea de lo que se trata tu travesía."


karen

happy birthday on weds and happy birthday to you for starting this rei adventure with this site,deans strategies and all the support of the dg family.i know the knee is a bump in the road but on the positive side ,it is a great time to learn the rei strategies .good luck and i admire your dedication for self development.I have the same attitude and strive to keep it for life.this site and deans team is in my opinion the best path to financial freedom.keep taking action with what you learn and the support on this site is overwhelming.
to your success !!
jay

__________________

Click Here For homepage www.jaysthilaire.com
need to sell ? http://www.jayhousebuyers.com
Need me to FINANCE a home ? http://www.jaysrenttoown.com
CHECK OUT MY JOURNAL http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/20063/...


Hey Karen,

I am new at this myself and am going to start out wholesaling but want to get into rehabbing after about a year. Your outlook sounds just like mine and I am glad you are here. I look forward to reading your journal.

Glodean (Glo)


Monday September 13

Daniel,

Thanks for stopping by to post in my journal. It is great to see that someone is making it happen in Southern CA. I think that sometimes I am just overwhelmed by the enormity of so many areas to work in and don't know where to begin. I know, I know, just one step at a time.

Jay,

Thanks for the birthday wishes! I am concentrating on learning all I can until after the surgery (this coming Fri) and then going to get busy, busy. I figure it will take a couple of weeks to get thru the pain (I have had one done about five years ago) and then I will be ready. I KNOW i can do it! But I must take the first steps.

Glo,

Welcome to you on Dean's site too! I think we have found a wonderful place and I am planning on staying. How 'bout you?

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Monday September 13

I have spent the last few days going to many areas of LA looking for the small local papers in search of Legal Notices for probate properties. I cannot figure out where they are being posted. In approximately eight papers that I have found, I have found a total of THREE notices! Well, at least that gives me a few numbers to use to go to the courthouse to learn how to do the research!

I will keep looking! I am so disappointed that the main thread where I was getting so much info on here has been mutilated!

I have been reading and reading other DGer's blogs and am learning a tremendous amount! My surgery is later this week and as soon as I am able (not loaded up with pain meds) I am going to start running ads for buyers and start calling rentals and FSBOs. I just don't want to be having people calling me while I am in the hospital or so out of it I dont know what I am doing.

Just getting started I will need to have every wit on full attention!

I am to the point now that I REALLy do just want to get going!

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Way to Go Karen!!

Hello Karen I just had to stop by and give a shout out. So happy to have another motivated spirit that is apart of our illustrious DG family. At your rate you will not even be starting that job of yours anymore. Keep up the Great Work and I will see you at the TOP!

Regards,
Shane

__________________

"People Build People"


Saturday November 6

Well, it has been awhile, but here I am again!

I had the knee surgery and it was a longer time than I planned before getting back to mental clarity again. The pain meds kept me out of it for awhile and even though I have not been taking them for a couple of weeks my concentration level has still been reduced. Getting more back to normal.

I have still been popping in here for very short times reading and keeping the fire smoldering, but it's time to bring out the bellows and start that blaze going again!

I have arranged to be out of work until Feb 1, so that should give me some time to really get busy. Posting here will make me have to perform too, so I don't look like a loser. Smiling

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Your VOWS!

Hi Karen,
From this day forward! Yes, you are officially married to this site. Welcome to your new DG family and much success. Here you will find all the support you need both professionally and personally. I am a witness!

Peace and Blessings,
Sheila

__________________

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.”

- Nelson Mandela


Tuesday November 9

Sheila,

Thanks so much for the welcome! I spend so much time on this site, I FEEL like I am married to it! It's addicting!

I see you are in LA. I would love to talk to you and see what area you are pursuing (wholesale, flips, etc) It is a little intimidating when everyone keeps saying the techniques don't work the same in CA. Have you found any good REI clubs here?

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Sunday, November 21

Hi Everyone!

I am not so good at posting on my own site, even though I am always following so many others.

I have been putting in many hours everyday-still studying and reading and learning.

I have decided that I am either going to work on lease options or doing "subject to" and assigning them. I have been getting very familiar with these and lining up the paperwork I will need.

I placed ads on CL (Owner Financing) for two days (for tenant/buyers) and got four responses. One was a broker who says he has done 100s of these types of deals and would like to work with me. At first, I was hesitant, but he explained his background which was quite impressive. He also teaches REI tactics at a University. Maybe he could be a contact for expired listings, etc or could hook me up with someone with investor mindset. We decided to get together on Monday to chat. (I figure I can always learn something) He suggested meeting on his 70 foot yacht that he uses for many of his business meetings.... I immediately said, "I am sure your yacht is beautiful, but I don't know you and would prefer meeting in a public place..." You've always got to be on your toes.

My second call was a student investor from that Armando guy from TX that had a TV show's investment class. He was doing calls for his homework assignment.

Then, I got two legit calls. One was looking for a rental prop and has $10K to put down. I am not sure if she would be as serious of a buyer to take over someone's loan as someone who lived in it themself. Any thoughts on this?

The last one sounded good. $20K down and looking for her own family.

I am working on getting fliers made and start putting them out maybe this week.

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Monday, November 22

Was awakened this AM by a text msg wanting to make a cash offer on my ghost ad I placed. Another buyer for my list!

Tomorrow I am meeting with a broker who is interested in doing some deals with me. He uses the same type of deals I am planning to work on (Subject to). Got to put on my "fake it 'til I make it" shoes.

Got my biz cards printed and a ream of canary yellow paper to print fliers! My daughter is coming home from NYC for a week and I have already planted the seed that we will be putting out fliers! I am figuring parking lots at malls and Target stores this time of the year will be loaded with cars to put fliers on. I may get run out by security but will unload a boatload before they catch me. My philosophy in life has always been "It is easier to ask forgiveness than permission".

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Hi Karen I'm glad I keep

Hi Karen

I'm glad I keep bumping into you on this site, you always make me smile.

I'll be watching, you keep moving.

Jim Kendrick


Jim

Thanks so much for stopping in! It was starting to get a little lonely here!

I'm always happy to make you smile. That was a sweet thing to say. Smiling

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Karen

Guess what? I was just finishing another post,and your topic was next in line so we meet again. Have a wonderful day.

Jim


Hi Karen

I hope you are healing well from your knee replacement surgery. Your time off will be nice to get lots accomplished in REI. Good work recruiting your daughter to help put up bandit signs Smiling It will go faster and be more fun with the 2 of you doing this together.

You mentioned in an earlier post that you are looking in some local papers for Notice to Creditors. You might be able to find them on line. I wish you the best with probates and all that you do.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lea


Best of Luck Karen

I wanted to wish you a speedy recovery and a Happy Thanksgiving too! I actually work in a rehab hospital (my day job for now) and have patients every day who are recovering from knee replacements. It can be tough but you sound like you're doing great! Congratulations! You also seem to be positive and moving quickly in developing your business. That's great! All the best to you, I know you'll make it!

-Allison

__________________

Life is full of choices, and these choices become your reality... YOU are in control of your future! YOU decide the direction your life will take. YOU have to make things happen, no one will do it for you!

When opportunity knocks, will you answer?


Wednesday November 24

@ Lea,

Thanks for the well wishes and the suggestions for finding probate notices.

@ Allison,
Thank you also for the well wishes. Looks like you are a newbie, like me. Good luck to you, too! We definitely have been given great tools and support system. Now we just have to make use of them.

Today was a little frustrating RE wise. I had decided to do Subject to and assign them-in and out- but now with the SAFE Act, I think I will need to go back to L/O plan. No sweat, my alternate exit strategy. Eye-wink

Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Karen Just wanted to say

Karen

Just wanted to say have a nice and safe Thanksgiving.

Jim


Friday, November 26

YIPPEE!!! I got my wings! Did you all hear the bell ring? Eye-wink

Like everyone else, I don't have the foggiest what I did to get them, but I humbly (actually, rather giddily) accept this honor!

Thanks Jim, for the Thanksgiving wishes. You are turning out to be my number one cheerleader! That could be a BIG job! And it is greatly appreciated.

OK, I have had my holiday. It is time to get busy. I have wings... They must be stretched.

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Good Morning Karen Now that

Good Morning Karen

Now that you have your wings,what do you think you can slack off.
Its hard to cheer if I have to go to the back section to find your thread, when I want to check up on you.

Its been over five days sense we danced. I hope your feeling okay.

Jim Kendrick


Hey Jim!

Once again, thanks for stopping in. Smiling

I have still not recovered from whatever this is... I am coughing and sneezing and can barely talk. Every evening I think, "OK, tomorrow, new ads" but the next morning my head is splitting, etc. Sad I don't want potential buyer/sellers calling and I am incoherent.

Even so, I am studying, googling more info on the internet and preparing my forms. And, of course, devouring info put here by our wonderful friends.

I want to get something done before the end of the year!

Gotta strut these wings!

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Hi Karen

I love reading your journal. You have such an optimistic nature and that makes reading your thoughts such a joy. Have you ever considered calling the local papers and asking them when they print the probate notices? That may not produce what you need, but it can't hurt.

Best wishes on your recuperation.


Hi Marilyn!

Thank you so very much for posting on my journal.

And welcome to the family! Looks like you haven't been here very long. You will absolutely LOVE it here! But, be warned, it can be quite addictive! What a terrific bunch of addicts to hang with! Eye-wink

I called the paper when I first started looking for the notices. I was on the line for over an hour and was transferred to at least 15 different people and none of them had a clue! I finally hung up in disgust when they started to transfer me to people I had already spoken with...

I have decided now that I am, first of all, going to focus on lease options. The market here in CA is so upside down and Ranger16 has come up with a great plan to make L/O work here. He has done 27 of them since just starting in June! He has been very helpful in giving me tips, as have a number of the others on here. I am so excited to get started, but I just don't want to start out placing ads and not being able to talk to people. Sad

Have you thought about what area you are wanting to specialize in yet? Have you read Dean's books?

Good luck to you and please keep in touch.

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Good Evening Karen You need

Good Evening Karen

You need to heat up some cider and put some rum in it, It will help that cough and if it doesn't, what the#@#@ Rum and hot cider is good anyway.

Glad to see your up and running.

Jim


Jim

Sounds like a plan! I knew I liked you!!!!

Karen

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Karen I don't know her name

Karen I don't know her name but you remind me of that southern bell on that TV show Designing Women.

Jim