The Plan - Practice, Repeat, Refine

One thing about life that is so incredibly difficult for people--and I wish schools would focus on this "technique" more often--is practice.  Repetition and refinement.  Do it again. Focus. Over and over and over.  Acquisition of knowledge is great, but without practice and refinement, it is near meaningless.

I learned this early because I began studying music and taking piano lessons when I was 6 years old.  All my music teachers instilled this simple concept:  if it's too hard to play like it's supposed to be played, break it down and slow it down.  Anyone can play a single note, no?  One note builds onto the next, one bar becomes the next bar, and before you know it, you are playing a melody, you are playing basic chords. You ARE making music.

I'm not a great golfer, but I LOVE the game.  I've only improved significantly during those periods where I practiced intensely, with complete focus.

One point here, is the importance of great teachers.  A teacher who cannot communicate the goals, who cannot understand her student, who cannot frame a "lesson" that overcomes bad habits, is not a teacher you need around.  

Bigger Pockets has GREAT teachers, not only from the founder level (Brandon, et. al.), but within the community.  Inspiring, caring, wanting to see others succeed.

In order to win, you must plan.  This is the overall purpose of technique and practice.  Where are you going?  Here's mine:

1. 1. Get a job in place again (I left the media/advertising world out of frustration and unfulfillment)
2. 2. Do one fix and flip utilizing hard money.  Aim to clear $30k.
3. 3. Buy 1st home through owner-occupied FHA financing (househack, but not necessarily with the intent to live in an intense rehab for a long time)
4. 4. Get other units rented ASAP.
   1. Rehab immediately
   2. Sacrifice!!
   3. Get your unit livable. Reduce stress.
5. 5. Buy a multi-family.
6. 6. Do another 1 - 3 fix and flips in yr 2.
7. 7. Align with Brandon's 7 year plan to 7 figures.

I'm not gonna lie.  I'm terrified.  I'm terrified of all the possible surprises.

- What if the house I buy has unknown structural damage, or unknown tax liens, or title issues, or some other horror story I've read countless times from people in this business.

- What if I buy in the wrong area of town and misjudge the return or the crime or the schools?

- What if all of this is just a big joke on me, and the reality is that you need hundreds of thousands of dollars to truly enter the RE game?

THEN AGAIN, what do I have to lose?  I hate working for someone else.  I NEED to be free in 5 to 7 years.  I have no choice but to TRY.  And then work the plan.

Will my early skills in good practice and refinement play out in RE as well?  I'll keep you posted!