Newbie in Santa Rosa, CA

[Russell Ponce]

Hey guys, I'm a newbie out here in Santa Rosa, CA (hour north of SF). I'm a husband/father/football coach/commercial driver. I've spent most of my life pursuing my passions, 20 years coaching high school and youth football, 10 years trying to become world class pool player (never close to world class but lots of fun).

When I got married and started a family I realized I needed to put that energy into creating a better lifestyle and future and eventually became intrigued and consumed with studying real estate.

I've spent thousands of dollars and hours studying courses the past year. I came very close to 2 deals a few months ago that didn't go through, and eventually I hit a wall and put real estate on the back burner for awhile. Now that I'm reinvigorated I'm using BP as my primary source for advice and guidance and I am amazed at the consistent support given here by some incredible people.

I started out as a wholesaler/bandit sign guy but with so many houses underwater I looked for another strategy. I marketed for private money and found a realtor I liked with the idea of buying cheap REO's and selling them owner financed. I liked that model because I wouldn't be responsible for repairs and there's a lot of people in today's market that have steady income but cannot get conventional financing (myself being one of them).

Kind of happy the deals fell through because I hadn't presented my plan to the community (which I will do in the appropriate area), and I just don't know what I don't know. Anyways, happy to be here,

Thanks,

Russell