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All Forum Posts by: Gabriel D. Zapata

Gabriel D. Zapata has started 13 posts and replied 71 times.

Quote from @Gregory Schwartz:

I’ve been on a journey for about eight years now, moving from a negative net worth to a modest level of wealth, with goals to keep growing indefinitely. Honestly, I don’t think my happiness or sense of contentment has measurably changed during this time. I’m just as stressed as ever (just ask my wife). While I’m more financially stable, that hasn’t translated into feeling more secure—I simply take bigger risks now.

That said, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished. It’s the same sense of pride I felt climbing the ranks as a Marine pilot. My wife and I spend a lot of time together, we take vacations regularly, and I prioritize my health by working out 3–4 days a week and getting 7–8 hours of sleep most nights. I’m as healthy as ever, and I make sure the journey doesn’t come at the expense of my well-being or relationships.

If ultra-wealth is the goal, I think the true joy lies in looking back and appreciating the progress we’ve made along the way. That’s what drives me.

Is it worth it? Not sure, i guess check in with me in another 8 years :)  But I do know I wouldn’t be happier doing anything else.


 Hey Sir, Semper Fi, 

Happy to hear a success story out of the Marine Corps. If there's anything you ever need don't hesitate to reach out.

Post: Looking for a mentor

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25

Hi Good Evening, Amanda,

There are plenty of different opportunities to grow down here in the southern CA region! Tomorrow night there is a virtual Meetup that's called NSDREI (North San Diego Real Estate Investors). Which isn't too far away from you and would be a great networking event to have you at. It's going to be Jan 21 @ 6pm but I'm sure you need to pre-register. Hope to see you there!

Post: I’m bored…. Anyone need help? In central California.

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25

Hey brother, first off, I'm very sorry to hear about your wife, prayers and blessings from my family to yours. I am not in your area, but I invest in your area and around the region of central California. I would love to connect with you!

Post: Notice of an Independent Solar Energy Producer Contract

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25
Quote from @Eddie Fernandez:

Don’t know the answer to your question but just wanted say Semper Fidelis! from one Marine to another.  I’ll stay tuned to see what comes about about of your question though.


 Semper Fi brother! Maybe if you're inside the Oceanside area sometime we could grab a beer!

Post: Notice of an Independent Solar Energy Producer Contract

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25
Quote from @Bill B.:

My GUESS is these homeowners have been tricked/screwed in to signing a long term power purchase agreement, often with no buy out provision. There are some really scummy solar sales people out there that tell homeowners they can get solar “for free”. Then they lock them in to a SLIGHTLY lower initial cost per kWh. But they have an escalation clause every year to eventually put them above market. Many even include a set monthly amount. So if the homeowner saves energy or goes on a long vacation, they still get charged 100%. (They could have a base amount of 1,000kwh for $120/mo. But if they only use 50kwh, they still owe $12-  They’re basically setting up an annuity for the solar company. 


 Appreciate the response! I assumed the same thing, but I just wasn't familiar with this terminology until I looked it up on Google. I guess to get a definite answer I'll have to cold call to get see if all these people are behind on their payment or it's just a standard practice behind some salesmen!

Post: Notice of an Independent Solar Energy Producer Contract

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25

Good afternoon, everybody and Happy New Year,

For those you that utilize services like PropertyRadar, PropStream, etc. I notice that "Notice of an Independent Solar Energy Producer Contract" comes up a lot when filtering through Liens. Granite, I know CA tends to see a lot of this; more than likely due to a lot of people owning Solar.

My question is the owner that has a lien status associated to this Lien description (Notice of an Independent Solar Energy Producer Contract), is this a standard practice of just owning Solar (thus wasting time prospecting these individuals) or does this simply mean they (the solar company) took out a lien against the owner because the solar company is trying to collect their money.

@Jake Thorpe Hey Jake this is a great post! Hate to hear the guy claimed to be a Marine, whether it’s true or not, I have come to realization no matter the person you have to trust your gut about a person and this article only secures those feelings.

Post: Finding good off market deals

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25

@Guy Dan Hey Guy! I asked the same question lol! I assume a few things but nothing can really be for certain until he confirms but I assume potentially from prospecting activities as a real estate agent

1) Direct Mail

2) Door knocking

3)MLS access(real estate agents have access)

4) media marketing

But again I can only assume! Good luck brother keep me up to date with your journey!

Post: Finding good off market deals

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25

@Diego A. Hey Diego question for you, how do analyze these deals ? You said you’re analyzing 50 per week m, I’m wondering how you keep a steady flow of prospects per week ?

Post: Tools to Find Appreciating Areas?

Gabriel D. ZapataPosted
  • Investor
  • Oceanside, CA
  • Posts 78
  • Votes 25

@Rob Duhon

Hey Good Afternoon Rob,

From the research I have been doing for years I believe that there are previous publications on this question that can help you out., and I’m sure you’ve found some in the last 7 months. (BTW this is a great place to look and ask help for a lot of questions) I know when I research my farm area(my hometown) I’m looking at the news for any updates in a certain area, for example when a Walmart was first getting introduced it showed up on the news and the living area was getting very popular when it was built. Now some down side is it’s never a guarantee like how they said a Costco was going to be put in near by but surely enough these were just rumors from friends and family. I believe you have to get to know people in your area(make friends, meet real estate agents, or even construction workers can help you out with areas that are getting more and more fabricated). I know I kick myself in the butt for a house that my mom told be about that a lady was having trouble making payments on, sure enough a few months later she sold the house way underpriced and it appreciated tremendously do to the fact that it was growing in a well known area!