Analysis-Paralysis. Advice for Beginner in Pittsburgh, PA

[Kashiff Miles]

[Theresa White]

@Kashiff Miles, I totally understand feeling antsy to act but not being financially ready to pull the trigger.  In my day job, I have an incredibly challenging project that has a ton of supporting tasks required, and I sometimes get overwhelmed by it or lost in the effort.  I learned some effective means for dealing with it, and can see those means being modified for any intimidating project that takes time.  For you or anyone who is interested, here's that attempt at applying it to newbie real estate investors...

Try mapping out on paper your financial timeline to Deal #1, and using that to build a deliberate action plan that shows you're taking real steps every week in the right direction.  I'd suggest this timeline be by week, with weekly goals/tasks (such as deal analysis mentioned above, getting through a reading list, attending networking meetings, driving or walking neighborhoods, setting up your financial accounting systems, building any templates or checklists you'll need, etc).  Include a place to record your financial progress every week, so you can compare what you think will happen now to what you actually make happen.  This will always let you know if you're on track, and allow you to adjust if necessary.  On every Sunday afternoon, consult the objectives/tasks for the upcoming week, consult your calendar, and build out your week's schedule to make it happen.  Check off the items on the big master plan as they are completed.  

With such a visual plan, while you are feeling impatient and amassing your funds, you have the comfort/knowledge of seeing the proactive steps you've taken along the way and know you're better today than yesterday.  You're not just waiting--you're killing it!  And when doubt creeps in or direction is lost or impatience is leading to impulsivity, you have at your fingertips that solid plan built in a solid emotional state to refer to for motivation and reassurance.  

Map it all out, put it in a planner that you carry every day or hang it on a wall where you'll consult it every day, and leave room for some edits. 

I'd say "Best of Luck," but I think you'll be just fine.  :-D  I look forward to hearing your success stories!  If you end up making something like I've suggested, I'd love to hear how it works for you.  For my day job, it changed my life, I swear!