Hello Community

[Bob J.]

Hello Everyone,

I'm just joining the community. I've been reading the forums for several months now and believe this a truly a great place for investors to help each other out.

I believe we live in a great time where we can so easily ask questions and get support from other like minded people on the internet.

This is a cool forum. The moderators do a great job of keeping foolishness to minimum and there always seems to be someone out there willing to help those with questions.

About Me: I've been studying and working with real estate for several years. I first heard the word 'foreclosure' when I was 9 years old and it was happening to me and my Mom. I didn't really understand it until later when I saw all those get rich quick infomercials in the late 80's. That's when I fist got interested in real estate as a vehicle for financial freedom.

Of course, most of those infomercials are just scams and it took me a long time to figure out the truth. (That's why this is a great forum.) But a great thing happened in 2002 - I lost my job and eventually was homeless for a while.

I say that was a great thing because I really believe in turning terrible situations into awesome opportunities. So while I wasn't working I spent all day in the library reading every book they had about real estate investing. I eventually figured out how to buy a house with no money down and without credit. I bought my first property using hard money. I didn't even have a valid driver's license and I bought a house!

Now I'm specializing in doing short sales and REO's. I'm looking to learn more from others with real world experience and to share what I've learned so far.

But I guess the biggest thing I've learned so far is that this is an amazing country. You can hit rock bottom and still have opportunities to do great things for your family and help others.

Sorry for the long winded post, but I like to remind myself and others that we have so much to be grateful for because there is no limit to the things we can do.

I'd also like to share a poem that keeps me inspired and hopefully it helps others.

I Do Not Choose To Be A Common Man by Dean Alfange
I do not choose to be a common man
It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.
I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.â€

Thanks!!!