My First (Second) Deal!!

[Shawn Connors]

Hey BP,

I know the title may be a little confusing but let me explain.  My actual first deal happened about a month ago.  From networking a roaming the internet I was able to link up with a local investor.  He had a stream of leads coming in that I was helping him work and I was able to get one under contract.  The property was in a depressed city where it is difficult to find buyers.  After about a month and good amount of renegotiating with the seller, my partner at the time, decided to close on the property himself.  I was given a small commission and walked away.

Now to my real success story...

Fast forward about 1 month.  Again through networking and roaming the internet and BiggerPockets I was able to get connected with my new and current partners.  We have been working together now for about 2 months and since then have closed on our first deal together yesterday (4-8-16) and have 3 more under contract!!

Details:  The lead came from another wholesaler in the area.  My partner and I met the seller, walked the property and talked with him for about 2 hours afterwards.  It was his family home, their were 4 other siblings, and their father had recently passed.  He was savvy to investing and wholesaling so it was very easy to work with him.  We were able to negotiate a price that worked for him, but he had to make sure his siblings were all on board with it too.  After a few days, I reached back out and they had all agreed to our price.  I met with him the following Sunday and locked the property up.  My partner had a buyer that was looking for a flip in the area and we assigned the contract to him.  The process was very smooth and has been a  great learning experience.  We have another closing next Friday and two on the 29th.  

I started in REI back in July of 2015. I had invested about 4k into my business and it took me 7 months to collect my first check, which was $600. On this deal I was able to make ten times that and next week will be about the same. At some points I had my doubts, but I kept at it because I truly believed. I am not a religious person, but I have a great deal of faith in REI and the determination to succeed no matter what. If there is anyone out there who still has doubts, who still does not believe that this will work, keep going because you are at the turning point. Keep marketing, keep networking and keep your feet moving. You don't have to be a genius to make this work, but you do have to be tenacious. I was able to do this all while working a full time job, 50-70 hours a week, as a chef. If you feel like you don't have enough time in the day, make time. I wake up 2-2.5 hours before I have to leave for work because my future and my family's future depends on it. If you feel like you don't have the resources to get started, find the resources. I started with a small amount of cash, but through networking and meeting other investors, I have been able to generate leads without much marketing. If you feel like you don't have enough knowledge to succeed, start learning!!! I listen to podcast every single day, I read every day and I talk to other like minded individuals everyday because I am still very new and need all the help I can get.

In closing, I wanted to thank the BP community for the continued support and help that you have given to me.