Red to Black ~ A Success Story in Progress

[Joshua Martin]

Hey gang,

  This isn't a first wholesale deal for 20k, or a knock out flip, or even really an investment at all. It's much more modest, but I did want to share for two reasons: 1. I just became a biggerpockets pro, and I told myself I wouldn't do that until I did my first deal (and it's only kind of a deal ;) And 2. I've officially gone red to black in terms of start up costs.

I only discovered REI and BP about 11 months ago, started saving money, paying off bad debt, and getting things in order. I got my license about 8 months ago, and dinked around with that for another two before signing on to a brokerage. So, realistically, I'm only sharing that in less than six months at the brokerage and actually taking action, I've built up a solid network of investors in my marketplace, know who to call when the deal comes in, I've sold 2 houses, one under contract for a buyer, a listing went up yesterday, and a few more in the works. With the closing coming up in early to mid-March, I'll officially have made a few thousand dollars beyond my expenses incurred. I also have a two family rehab project under contract that should cash flow very well if I can manage C properties.

  Point being, get in the f-ing game. I'm hardly accomplished, but I've learned so, so much more in the last six months of sending mailers, door knocking, cold calling, and whatever else I do to stay busy than I did reading investment books (though both are required, I suppose). And the other point being the progress doesn't feel rapid but looking back six months it's so obvious. I met a guy who has become a friend off of here about 9 months ago, and neither of us was really doing much beside planning to get into real estate, and we were just talking a few days ago about how for we've both come. (He's now up and running as a commercial broker and just closed his first deal with more in the works).

  It doesn't matter that I haven't started with the 20k deal. I bet the reality is that very few do, and the guests we hear on the podcast (and all want to be like, c'mon now) are the exception rather than the rule. I bet for most investors it starts and builds slowly with one decision and move at a time, hitting singles and doubles rather than the home run we all want.

  I'm in the game, it feels good, the money will come, and my success is inevitable. Or as a friend here on BP likes to say, "Persist and you will win!"

  Thanks BP. 

Best,

   JTM