All Forum Posts by: Michael Maier

I read the same post. I did a search on my name and the first results were for a LinkedIn account (not mine, I don't use the service) and a German counselor and physician (1568-1622) to Rudolf II Habsburg. There was also Maier Racing (unless it's really extended family that I've never met, no relation). Growing up, there was another guy that shared my full name in the area.

Thanks. I looked into that, it was listed as a SD. I suspect there's more going on than what I know to look for at the moment. So, the natural inexperienced question is why it shouldn't be considered.

I was going through realtor.com and found a property for $12,500. Based on the pictures, it's definitely a fixer-upper (the majority being the basement). Going through a county website (Lucas County AREIS), the last sale was in 2013 for $39,000. If I understand the data field for Taxes and Values correctly, it could sell for $50,000. Current taxes due are $1,349.12. The neighborhood is listed as static (not improving, but not in decline). When I checked it out on my smartphones map app, I found it's in a neighborhood I used to work in and is a few blocks from the University of Toledo. I don't have the money for it, but I also see an opportunity to either fix/flip or fix/rent to college students. Any recommendations?

An excellent question that more people need to consider. Right now I work as a temp for an auto supplier. I've upgraded both the union and company from dislike to despise. Sure, the bills are getting paid, but I interact with my wife maybe 10 hours one week and 16 the next (13 days working, 1 off). It's been a trying time for us. Over the last month, I've seriously entertained the idea of simply walking away as a result regardless of the negative consequences of that decision. Being financially independent, to me, means being able to not worry about money coming in while focusing on our relationship. Having once worked as a non-emergency medical transport driver, being financially independent means affording the best nursing care (when I get to that point) possible and not be dependent upon the government paid facilities that honestly scare the blazes out of me. I got into a Facebook debate with a friend over wealth. Money can't buy happiness, but it buys the time to pursue the happiness. While I'm not looking for Trump or Gates sized wealth, I am looking to buy the time to be with my friends and family more. And maybe (if I can do well enough) open a private school for inner city kids, give them the education needed to go far in this world.

While I freely admit to wanting to make the money, I know there's no easy way to do it. Bigger Pockets, from the blogs and forums topics I've read thus far, is a very valuable resource for information and meeting others, experienced and new. That's part of the required leg work. Getting myself to the REIA meeting tonight and the Than Merrill workshop this weekend puts me face to face in meeting others. That's also part of the required leg work.

Spending money on workshops, association memberships, subscriptions to RE websites (like foreclosure.com for example), etcetera is dependent upon the person doing it.  The question of "Am I comfortable with spending $X on this?"  While I won't intentionally make mistakes, I know they're inevitable and I can live with that.  I'll learn and grow from them.  

The only insight I can offer is doing a lot of reading here and listening to the podcasts offered here. I went to their free seminar run by some student/associate (1 hour) and they had a guest speaker talk about tax liens (another hour and a half and still going when I left), and left feeling........not sure how to describe it. Best I can think of is heavy on the sales/fear pitch, but also they were predatory, like a shark kind of predatory. Not sure which "scared" me off more, that feeling or the $1997 (which I didn't have).

In reading this, and a couple others, I can't help but chuckle at myself. I attended a free Than Merrill seminar in Perrysburg, OH and bought the three day workshop (which is next weekend) for $200. If I recall correctly, it was a day or two after that I found my way here to Bigger Pockets. Because of the way I am at work (I pushed myself perhaps too hard), I'm going to talk to my doctor Monday and see if I can get some extra time off from work to let my leg (and the muscles) heal more from surgery. With that time, I'm planning on going to the workshop (lots of sitting), but also the local REIA meeting Tuesday evening (normally wouldn't be possible, work is usually 5p-4a). I'm willing to learn from as many sources as possible. What I'm not willing to do, nor am I able to at this time, is pay hundreds or thousands for "advanced courses".

Thanks for the welcome.  It'll be great to start a new chapter in my life.

I checked out the local REIA meeting times, unfortunately I won't be able to go as I'll be at work.

I'll look into wholesaling more.  From some of the forum posts I'd read, it seemed to be a little more difficult for an inexperienced investor get involved in.  

Hi everyone, I'm Michael Maier. I was born and raised in Toledo, OH and lived most of my life in the metro area. I work as a temp at the Johnson Controls Northwood facility supplying Jeep with seats. I've no experience with real estate beyond what I've read here and in various books. My interest in real estate comes from wanting to take back my time and resolving the income/debt ratio. Working for a Jeep supplier isn't bad, but life revolves around three things; eat, sleep and Jeep, 13 days on and one day off. While I'm not against hard work, I also want more time with my wife and my friends. What I'm interested in doing, at least to start, is foreclosures and single-family rentals.