Brand spanking new and never closed a deal

[Daniel Buck]

Hola BP friends,  I have been lurking around the BP forums and podcasts for a little bit of time now and thought no time like the present to introduce myself.  This is actually my very first post of any means.  I have been inspired by so many of you and your stories of success and hardship.  I think the journey is something of beauty in and of itself.  I still feel very anxious and nervous about jumping into my first deal (which i have not done at the time of this posting) but find comfort in knowing that this is not something that I will be alone in and have such a great community here at BP forums to help me along the way.  

I currently live in Fresno, Ca... work a retail management position and put in many hours there. Would love to have freedom of time to enjoy my children grow into wonderful people themselves and not miss all the milestones along the way which is why I am so interested in REI. I am very good with numbers and networking but am stuck in analysis paralysis phase so far. I don't have much cash to use in my beginning chapter of my investments but know I can find value in my strengths, and I am realistic when it comes to my weaknesses.

I have heard it so many times but what is the best tip you can give to get me out of my analysis paralysis zone and into a flow of investments? 

[Travis DeForge]

@Daniel Buck

1) Figure out what type of real estate investment you want to get into. Get laser focused on that. A lot of times when people start out with a new investment class they are learning so much so fast they learn a little about everything. Find what makes you the most comfortable and zone in on it specifically and deliberately.

2) Determine who your target customer base is going to be based on the type of real estate you decided on in step 1.

3) Come up with a list of criteria that would be important to that specific customer base. Sort those criteria into a few categories and rank them from most to least important.

4) Look at different areas that meet the top criteria that you have set. Once you have found a few areas that you assess will have your target customer base then it is time to start looking for the deals.

By knowing the "where" and having multiple options on standby for places you would like to buy in, it gives you the flexibility of being able to talk to several brokers in different markets and finding the property that is going to work for you mathematically in a location you already know is going to be effective for your target audience. Knowing that at least the location is right will give you a lot of peace of mind going into your first deal.

If I can help expand on this anymore for you feel free to message me any time.