Newbie asking for help

[Joshua Swanger]

This may seem like a silly question but when coming in contact with more experiences investors is it OK to just ask if there is anyway I help you out or is there a feeling out process? I understand mentoring someone or even taking the time to help someone out is a big commitment. But as a newbie I have a lot of questions and I just want to take action. Thank you.

[Karl Krentzel]

Originally posted by @Joshua Swanger:

This may seem like a silly question but when coming in contact with more experiences investors is it OK to just ask if there is anyway I help you out or is there a feeling out process? I understand mentoring someone or even taking the time to help someone out is a big commitment. But as a newbie I have a lot of questions and I just want to take action. Thank you.

Excellent question @Josua! 

When it comes to mentoring, I think it is a bit like a school. 

You remember how it used to be.  When you were about to learn something new, you got a textbook, some lessons from a teacher, and then you had to go out and do homework. 

In Real Estate Investing, it is much like that.  You have several advantages that many of us who are reading this post did not have.  

The Internet! 

Your "Textbooks"

So in that same vein as an old time school, your "textbooks" are all available free of charge to you here on the Bigger Pockets platform, and additional people who post (like myself) have informational blogs and podcasts that are there to assist you in your learning.

Your School Teacher

It is true.  "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."  Make every preparation you can to educate yourself freely via the web.

Learn as much as you can about your particular specialty.  When it comes to your "Mentor" there are several people in your marketplace who have a "Pay It Forward" Mentality. 

You can find groups on Facebook (The Red Pill Investor Public Version comes to mind) that have thousands of members from across the country.  It is highly likely that you can find someone you can relate to in that fashion!

Your Homework

Just like any responsible teacher, they did not let you "out of class" without some homework.

I don't know if you have kids, but I've got two.  Every night, those two girls are working 2-3 hours on their homework.  What do I do?  Play X Box or something equally useless.  

If I were smart, I would devote that same mentality to my business!  2-3 hours per day of honest to god "Home" work!

Writing contracts, previewing homes, talking to Realtors®, Calling FSBO's, Lead generation by any means necessary! That would be the homework any responsible Mentor would give you.

The Bell's Ringing!

At the end of the day. You must take action!  We spend a lifetime of "Get Ready, Get Set, I'm Almost ready, I think I know enough, Maybe I don't, Okay I'm ready to write a contract, if nothing else gets in the way."

We need to be more action minded.  "Ready, Fire Aim!" is a more powerful motto.  If you are an investor, your inspection period will allow you generally enough time to get out of any bad deal.  So if you come across anyone with high motivation, but you aren't sure what to do, then ACT!  By acting now, you will save yourself THOUSANDS later.

Have a Powerful Sales Day!