I'm really starting to get excited about this site and do see the value in it. I hope to be more active in posting and responding here...
Meanwhile, I see a lot of people here "thinking" of investing, "scared" to fail, "uncertain" of what to do or how to work a deal. Here are my two cents - Hook up w/ a mentor! Find a seasoned investor who will take the time out and show you the ins and outs of investing. FORGET THE EXPENSIVE GURUS! They are nothing more than mass marketers! Can you find a quality training program out there - yes. But, there is nothing better than finding someone who is personally committed to your success. Is this an easy find? No. But, there are a lot of good people w/ big hearts out there who enjoy helping others.
I was fortunate enough to have a mentor who I worked side by side w/. Our agreement was that we would split deals together. He usually charges $6k for his mentorship program. But, he saw that I was serious, I followed through, and that I would not stop until I was doing deals. Our 1st wholesale deal was a $9500 assignment fee. Since then we have parted ways but we frequently have lunch together and I pick his brain sometimes. He is always happy to help.....the knowledge that I gained is worth gold 10 times over!
Another important point for those looking to start out is this - you need the Nike mentality - JUST DO IT! Want to find deals? MARKET! Start off w/ a list of potentially motivated sellers and buy some postcards...send them out! Don't get discouraged if no one calls right away, just keep at it. Once you make that 1st deal and pick up that $5k check (I'm a wholesaler so I'm just talking wholesale deals here), take a minimum of 15% and reinvest it in your business. Repeat the process...don't try to reinvent the wheel. Have fun! Don't lie! Be positive and KNOW that you will succeed.
Whew, there's my rant. I better switch to decaf....