Hello from Canton Ohio

[Dell Schlabach]

What an incredibely valuable find, biggerpockets. Been exploring endless threads the past few weeks, at every opportunity, gleaning valuable nuggets to improve our business. Sidetrackig into the websites of member whoses sites are chock full of valuable information.

First started dabbling in real estate about 10 years ago, bought a small complex of five commercial buildings in a tourist area, spend a year renovated them and rented them out. Within a few month of completion, lost it all in a fire.

Did did a bunch of fix and flips, land contracts, rehabbed and kept a number of small (4-6plexes) multiunit residential, some single family rentals, couple commercial buildings, things went south in about 07, split with my partner to try and survive, worked day and night for another year to regroup and survive, the final collapse in 08, worst year of my life in every regard.

Borrowed a beatup pickup from a relative (after they repod mine, that was a fun day) and started working for a rehabber for peanuts. Worked a deal after about six month for some profit splits,. 2010 went on my own the rehabber funded my deals, found another contractor/lender to fund some, I did the work he funded the deals 50/50 split.

2011 hired a couple guys to help me, started a crew, did six houses. End of the year started a second crew, 2012 did twelve rehabs plus exteriors of four more by end of the year so the guys have inside work during jan feb (ohio). While I take a much needed vacation in fla.

Sitting on the beach as I write this. What a difference a few years of total unrelenting focus and comittment can bring!

Heading back to ohio middle of next week, we are starting two more crews when I get back.

I have a couple hundred questions to ask here over the next couple weeks as I develop and implement the systems that will allow us to ramp things up a couple notches.

I have learned a few things in this journey, so I plan to give back wherever I can as well, Its great to "meet" all of you.