Jay Decima ("Fixer Jay")

[Account Closed]

Anyone try the strategy outlined in his books?

He goes after ugly older houses in lower middle neigbhorhoods (not war zones). Preferably multiple sfhs on large lots. Uglier the better. More deadbeat tenants the better. Fixes them up and holds them for cash flow. When he does sell, he offers owner financing.

He operates in Northern Calif, Redding I think.

TC

[Rick H.]

I'll summarize where I think Jay's approach makes sense:

FixerJay's target market is the lower (but not lowest) end of the rental market and he excels in demonstrating what to do and not to do in order to profitably work this market.

Jay has several books and home study courses that are representative of the market he prefers. His preferred strategy is to acquire clustered houses from a seller who has mismanaged the group and willing to accept paper that allows the buyer to still see positive cash flow.

I first met Jay when my friend Mike Cantu insisted we travel together to Redding, CA and take Jay's 3-day, hands on, property rehab course. Lots of fun. I got to see lots practical approaches that I would not see in a textbook or read in a discussion forum.

Jay's target market is the section 8 tenant. He knows how to keep his properties in good order yet do so profitably. I'm not new to real estate, however I appreciated seeing his approach, methods, strategies and tactics first hand.

Jay's made his money in real estate, not training. That's an important distinction to understand when checking out educators. Also, he ain't no spring chicken and well into his seventies and, although sharp as a tack, he won't be teaching forever.

It may be true that you can learn much from books, CD's and free forums. Personally, I enjoy seeing things and meeting people in person and see for myself if it's real. There are plenty of people on this and other forums who are very opposed to spending money on education that they believe can be obtained without the personal interface. I see this as operating in a vacuum however just because it's not my style does mean they're wrong or that I'm right.

I just remember what the difference between ground school and building flying hours was like when I got my pilot's license.