How do I move beyond analysis paralysis?

[Miki S.]

I have been reading books, forums, listening to podcasts and consuming information like crazy this past year. I feel stuck in the consumption of information phase and was wondering how you pushed yourself into taking action. 

~How did you begin investing?

~What led you to taking the first step?

[Bill Pate]

For me I didn't have analysis paralysis. My first deal I made an offer on was a great deal and I should have bought it, but I backed out because I couldn't bring myself to spend all that money. Please keep in mind I don't buy properties with financing, so it was very difficult to bring myself to spend all that money I had saved. After the property sold a week later I was kicking myself for 18 months because I knew it was a good deal. Later I ended up buying two properties for the same price as the original one. Things always work out and now I have all the confidence in the world. Simply let the math do the talking. Set limits like if you can't make a certain percentage NOI then walk away. If the deal is at or above your NOI target then go for it. If this is your first purchase it can give you jitters just like the first time you make any major purchase. I would start out with a small purchase to give yourself confidence. Then later you will know the pitfalls and have more confidence to make a larger purchase.