Establishing a Plan at the Beginning

[Christian Lautenschleger]

Hello BP,

I realize "just do it" reigns in business, as well as corporate slogans, but I'm having some trouble in deciding what and, more specifically, how to jump in.

I probably have read more about corporate strategy and planning than the actual Xs and Os of REI.Why?Because when I think of a business to start, I think of how to expand it (which is an essential attribute to me).

I understand the basics of buying property, I believe, but I'm trying to wrap my mind how I can do that on a regular basis.I can buy some property this month if I want, but I want to learn how I can do that, and then buy another one ASAP (FWIW, I'm thinking about buying and holding -- renting out -- first, then I may branch out into other REI methods).

How did many of you start and how do you look forward? I don't recall really reading examples how to amass a rental portfolio (although I suppose creative financing can come into plan); from buying one property, doing such and such, and then buying another.

Right now I'm kind of at the point I'm deciding how I want to do things long term.Perhaps I'm thinking too far into the future, but that's how my brain's wired.Do I need to just dive in, or am I on the right track, but need to do more planning.

I'm not at all looking for a get rich quick scheme, but am looking for ideas how to build a business in the planning stage.

Thanks!

-Christian