If I had to Start Over - What would I do.

[Michael Zuber]

Having reached Financial Independence via Buy and Hold Rental Properties I am often asked by new Investors “What would you do now if you had to start over?”

The following is my 6 Step Plan if I had to start over, it might not be sexy but I know it works.

• 1) I would immediately look to understand “Need” verses “Want” in my families monthly spending. When I started all those years ago we were spending 100% of what we earned and over time we got it down to 50%. If I had to do it again I would be far more aggressive and cut faster and deeper as this game is won by Earn, Save and Invest. Step 1 – Lower Required Monthly Expenses
• 2) I would look to increase my income from my Day job. If this meant changing jobs so be it. I need to focus on raising my Earned Income so I can Save and Invest more. For me this would mean getting a highly leverage sales job and crushing it by working 60+ hours and aiming to be the #1 sales person year in and year out. Step 2 – Earn more Money
• 3) I would wake up early and learn my market of choice. I know that I must learn what a Bad, Average, Good and Great Deal are in my market of choice. This could take 90 days or so but I would spend 1-2 hours everyday reviewing and learning my local market. Step 3 – Learn my Market
• 4) I would look to grow my Network and Get my Down Payment and Credit Right. I would try and meet 2-4 New people every week in my market, ask for referrals and make sure I am setup to get good rates on my first 4 investment loans via down payment and good credit. Step 4 – Get ready to Make Offers
• 5) I would start making offers on Good and Great Deals in my market. By executing Step 3 I will know what 1% or 2% of listing are not Bad or Average Deals and I would start writing offers that make any yes answer from a seller a “Great Deal” for me and my buying criteria. Step 5 – Start Executing
• 6) I would keep looking to add One Rental at a Time for as long as it took to be financially free again. Step 6 - Repeat

In the end this 6 Step process is not revolutionary, keys on living below your means, working hard at your day job, getting after your side hustle and holding on for as long as it takes.

You can do it!!!

Michael