Get a clear picture of WHAT YOU WANT!

[Matt Lyons]

So, for the past 3 years I have been investing in real estate.  MANY family members and friends constantly ask me questions and want to join me or do what I am doing and want my thoughts and opinions.  I love people and this industry but I always hit them with ONE QUESTION immediately:  What do you WANT from Real Estate?  The answer to that question should help to focus on what you should be doing.  Just saying "I want money" is NOT an answer.  Do you want cashflow, do you want tax breaks, do you want a job, do you want appreciation.... Get a CLEAR picture of what you want first and foremost, THEN you can ask others how to best get there, until you have that picture how can you decide what path to take.  I want to go somewhere is not near specific enough...should you take a boat, plane, walk, car, train... 

Once you know WHAT YOU WANT from Real Estate, then you will know what to ask... that is the first step any newbie should make.