Giving Back- What are you doing?

[Stephen Barton]

About two years ago I had the tremendous honor of finding this great website that we Investors all call "home". We stay busy each and every single day working toward that next deal and hoping that we will get a little further down that road towards achieving our goals. I have several goals myself and I want to share just one of those in this post- GIVING BACK!

When I found this website through my desperation of wanting to get into this business I found a colleague who ended up being my mentor- Brett Snodgrass. I had so many questions then and still do today. Our business partnership (I am proud to say) has grown into a wonderful path where we share information with one another, and not to mention making money together. When I approached my mentor/managing broker Brett Snodgrass I asked him if he would be willing to help me- not "hold my hand" but just guide me in this business. He agreed, but sort of made me make a promise- give back! 

I have been approached a few times in the recent months where a couple of fellow Biggerpockets members have reached out to me looking for direction. I am always glad to help someone who has never done a deal find their path. You know, in this business, we can get all wrapped up in where our bank account numbers stand, or how many properties we own- but what are we really contributing to the world around us?

I had someone reach out to me this week who bought into a "mentorship" program for $5,000. I felt so bad for him, as I had almost bought into the same exact program except I could not afford 5k at that time (thank God). Now, I get to help someone who is doing well in life achieve more by getting into real estate. He has a normal day job and makes good money but he desires the freedom that real estate can provide for him. To know that taking a few minutes out of my day to help someone get started (the way my mentor did for me and continues to do today) could actually change their life in a way that will forever make a difference is amazing. I pose this question to all who are investing: What are you doing to help others realize their dream?

I have to say on of the best feelings you can have does not come from money- it comes from knowing you made a positive impact in someone's life that will forever change them. The feeling of making a difference is something the world could use a lot more of. What do you think?