All Forum Posts by: Grant H.

After a couple of days of "driving for dollars" or "biking for dollars" in my case, I thought to myself there has to be a better way to track where I have gone then tracing my routes with a pen on a Google Maps printout. 

First thought was making an app for this myself but turns out there is already a great free one that gets the job done called DriveBuy REI.

Tracks where you have gone, and you can zoom in and hold down your finger on a house, and it drops the address to a leads list. You do have to keep the app open and phone on for the tracking to occur but this was not an issue for me. 

You can pay to get owner information instantly as well which is quite nice, do get a few for free though. Also can go online and export your list as a .csv free of charge. Out of the apps, I tried out this was the best free option!

If you'd like more information on Driving for Dollars this article provides some good info.

Would reach out to @David Ounanian for some info

@Wesley W. Wow this is an awesome process! Screenshotted for future time-saving reference.

@Matthew Scott As Christopher mentioned would look into the 203K, you can bundle all remodel/renovation expenses into the one loan. That being said you can’t complete it yourself and need to use approved contractors. Great way to access money for repairs at a low price.

Great post, had to read it a few times but enjoy how you broke the numbers down and showed this isn't the best use for your $. Bummer almost everything came together but it didn't line up.

Is your land value assuming that someone else would be interested in the return a new-build would have on the land, unaware that they could be getting a better return elsewhere? Seems to me rent would have to rise significantly and sf costs decrease for building to make sense assuming you are able to find a similar in place deal next time you were considering a build.

@Mindy Jensen Great example of synergy between job and opportunity for real estate investing

@Kenton Coffman Could certainly be the connection you need or will be able to point you in the right direction.

@Bryan Clement @Andrew B.

I certainly notice a correlation between exercise/what I put in my body and everyday work success. Yesterday I had a big BBQ meal for lunch and didn't exercise, safe to say was a pretty unproductive day. Today I biked to work, crushed fruits, veggies, chicken, and eggs and it's been a whole different story. Here are three things I would suggest through personal experience, a lot of great points already mentioned:

Have a "why":

After a few workouts, maybe even a month or so there will be a time where yah think hmm I don't feel like exercising and eating right this week. Having a "why" really helps you get through this. For me, its how I look. Yes, there is plenty of other benefits but that is honestly my biggest motivator. After my aforementioned lazy day yesterday I was just chomping at the bit to go today. Maybe it's your kids that motivate you, maybe like you said its how productive the rest of your day is, regardless as Simon Sinek says "Start With Why".

Start with something small

The best way to start may just be taking a walk around your block 3 times a week after work or maybe somewhere during lunch. This might sound incredibly simple, but its something everyone can do and you suddenly you start building a routine. "Small" means different things to different people, but just like in real estate it's not a good idea to start with an 80 unit building if it's your first deal. Another example, if you always eat out, try cooking a meal for one night this week. Small attainable steps to get the train moving!

Meal Prep

This is by far the most helpful thing I do, helps me save money and eat right. Might sound a bit odd but Sunday afternoons I make a big batch of a few meals and boom, have lunch and dinner for the week. For example, yesterday it took me 3 hours to make tacos and slow-cooker salsa chicken. Now all week just a minute in the microwave and I'm ready to go. Make my own trail mix using the same idea. Honestly, don't have the motivation to cook every night so this strategy is perfect for me.

Random Tips:

Go to the grocery store on a full stomach and with a plan. Honestly, if I don't buy junk food, I'm not gonna eat it. At least for me, I'm motivated to eat what I buy from a monetary standpoint. And if there isn't any junk food to eat the healthy food gets eaten.

Just cause its healthy doesn't mean it can't be delicious! Hummus, guac, salsa, are all big winners in my book. Sweet potatoes and the aforementioned trail mix are also a personal favorite.

Start working out with friends, family, or a group class. The accountability can really help you keep moving.

Make it convenient! My gym is on the way home from work and only a mile away from my apartment. Food is prepped and ready to eat. Help get rid of the excuses. 

Agree with @Jay Hinrichs water can be your best friend!

Hope this helps, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have!

Grant

@Jason Albeinat Haha this gave me a good laugh, would appreciate updates as this situation continues!

@Asya Anderson Certianlh I feel quitting your job is not the smartest idea. Instead build your real estate portfolio as you keep working. Certainly seems to me you could do a turn-key while still working if your planning to hire a property manager. Would also consider doing a house hack when moving to a new location or even renting your current property out upon moving if that’s an option. Ultimately quitting your job for real estate at this point seems like a huge risk with limited upside. Keep doing both and with the right mindset and deal you can have low risk and positive upside.