Newbie from San Diego

[Chris Hansen]

One year ago I lost the farm... 80k (my life savings to date)... and 2 years of progress. I was devastated. 

A few months back, I hired a wealthy friend of mine who happens to be a financial coach to advise me.  We had some serious conversations about my relationship with money and my financial health.  He opened my eyes to some big blindspots I had around money and personal wealth, which were hard to hear and accept to be perfectly honest.  However, I trusted this man and down deep I knew what he was delivering was the truth.

Since then my reality has pretty much flipped on it's ear.  I've been digesting everything I get my hands on, things like: 

• Think and Grow Rich
• Millionaire Mind
• Rich Dad Poor Dad
• 7 Habits
• E Myth
• Bigger Pockets Podcast
• Cash Flow Podcast

I've been trolling the BP forums pretty hard as well. Now, I at least understand investor's conversations, whereas before I would tune out as soon as I heard the word mortgage or escrow.  At this point I would describe myself as literate, but not proficient. The details of most of the niches elude me, however, I know they exist and how to find the answers now.

I have been a marketing director and consultant for 10+ years in the hydroponics, organic farming, permaculture & sustainable industries.  I have a strong track record of increasing sales and building brands. I excel at producing vision, strategy, and managing projects. However, I never had an equity stake in any of my previous ventures. I was busy trading time for money.  I moved into marketing after a successful run at commercial photography and graphic design.  Then way back in the day I served in the USMC.

I am attending my first REIA meeting and Investor's Meetup this week to do some networking. I am an introvert, so I have to work hard to network and put myself out there. This is something I've committed to overcoming. I've been spoiled with amazing partners and sales people to do most of the interfacing for me. I've made my impact mainly as the man behind the curtain.

I have zero debt, however, I don't have any credit to speak of either. Not bad credit, just no credit. Which I intend to fix so I can use my VA Loan.

Finally, I started working with another investor here on BP a few weeks ago and we just bought a portfolio of 5 multi-unit properties and 1 SFR all with +20% caps in good neighborhoods. We are looking for private money or investment partners to do deals with and for small MFR's deals in the midwest.

If you are in San Diego, I'd be happy to meet for coffee or a beer.  

Cheers!! See you on the boards.