The Journey to Freedom

Thank you Ronnie, I needed that tonight. I have this clear wet stuff running down my face from my eyeballs and it's great to come here and read what other people are doing and how they overcame their fears.

I did talk to my good rei friend here in town and she helped me out and calmed me down. She gave me some names and I made the calls to get the estimates done but the problem is they won't get done til WEd and the bank I'm getting loan from called me today to see if I had the estimates completed. So this is definitely a learning deal. And I'm all about learning.

Again thank you Ronnie.
Cathy L

I just got done reading some of your journal, beginning, some of middle, and end. I loved the whole dress scenario. Next year at Edge I will have to be a bit more brave and associate with a lot more people. It was great to hear what you've accomplished; and you are so deserving of everything you're receiving now.
Blessings to you my friend,
CAthy

Look at you go! You are doing this I know you will look back on this and be so proud of yourself and your accomplishment. You have a huge cheering section and I am rooting for you along with everyone else.

Take care my friend,

Lea
SPR Property Solution, LLC

Lea,
Thank you so much. Your words are so encouraging and needed. I also caught up on your journal. Can't wait to meet you sometime maybe at the next EDGE event.

I will definitely look back on this and wonder what it was all about. I'm still fearful about the rehab work that it will be more that what I anticipated but even so if I do a lease option on this it will make money and so it may not be the $20000 profit but it will be a profit no matter. I have so many ideas. Also I just watched Dean's video about destruction and I already lost the exact name but that's exactly what I'm going through; no one knows how close I was to walking away from this deal and my realtor was very supportive but I told her I have to go through with it even if I lose money because my fear would win and I am no longer letting fear beat me down. Last night I don't think I could have written those words but I'm like a roller coaster. And I know I'm not alone. I know I don't write alot about the actual action I'm taking or my goals. But for me this is right now an emotional/mind change, metamorphizing (is that a word?)

Well I'm at my real job and just got asked about rei from a CNA that her son is interested in and I think he may have talked to Matt but not sure. I will give her info on this site and my info as well. Actually she made a comment like, 'I wish I had the money to do this'. I informed her there are ways to do it without money. More on that later.

Update.
I did make calls and scheduled some estimates and one was done already this am for the roof.

Got to go!
Cathy L

A New Day and I feel a whole lot better about this deal. Even if I spend $20,000 on rehab I can make some money on it (which I don't think it will cost me). I have all of the estimates scheduled that I think I need to do. I just have to contact the lawyer as he already put time in on this so I'm using him to do the closing which is probably a good thing and since I switched lenders I have to let him know that and also about the closing date. Molly was a huge help as she gave me 3 names and told me to call right away last night. That's the thing about fear you just have to go past it and move forward no matter what. I watched Jan and Jeremy and I've seen Laura's as well for the empowering conversations. They are worth gold to me. There was a part with Jan and he sent Matt a PM and Matt sent a PM back to him saying he wouldn't get any sympathy from him. I need that kind of gusto; I just cry when I'm nervous, scared, and just don't know what to do. Self control is a fruit of the spirit but I think God forgot to give me the vine for that one, lol. Tonight I watched the Jan and Jeremy's empowering conversation, I contacted realtor, roofer and he already did his estimate for the chimney repair and some siding repair, electrician returned the call back and left message with GC to change the time as my realtor couldn't meet at that time. The bad part is it's 11 am and I'm not sure what to do about my real job as it's a 35 mile one way drive so not sure about going in early or later in day. I'm leaning towards afternoon. Well off for the night. I did get caught up on some more amazing journals too.

Action everyday keeps the fear away!
Cheers to you Cathy for going through what Dean called Creative Destruction! I watched his video blog and realized that's exactly what I'm going through.

Oh I forgot I am going to the toastmasters meeting this month as it will help me with my confidence and speaking skills. I get so nervous so this should help. I was going to wait until my daughter left but I think it's important now to do and not later.

I just got off the phone with my mom and she mentioned my daughter was a bit quiet today and my mom asked about the Germany trip and I think my daughter is a bit nervous and it sure didn't help her to see me upset last night. I have to be better about that. Here she's taking a risk to go live with 3 strange families that speak a different language that she has to learn, eat different foods, etc. She and I both know the experience will be worth it but the anticipation can eat at you; the unknown. I'm so proud of her for taking this challenge and I hope she will embrace it with everything she has. So many of you I'm sure pray so pray for my daughter, Autumn, and her adventure to Germany. I only mentioned this so that we realize everyone has to face their fears and that everything will be okay but you do need someone to lean on every now and then.

Blessings to all,
Cathy L

Interesting Day is all I can say. I keep fighting the battle of fear and I think I'm finally winning through this leg of the deal. The next will be the rehab part and then lease home or hold and rent or turnaround and flip. I think you're supposed to know that up front but I'm not real sure about anything. Closing date set for June 17th. I had the general contractor, flooring guy, roof guy came out yesterday, and electrician. It took all day practically and I still had to go to my real job and didn't get there until 4:40pm. I did stop by the lender's office to drop off all the paperwork. I asked if they had a certain limit and he said no; I can do as many flips as I want to. So I think I'm ready to start looking at more properties. Usually I want everything already figured out and I don't with this at all because it's so new to me and outside the comfort zone. The GC (general contractor) was a big help and he did say that I might want to use him because of me working full time. The only thing is I don't have a lot of room to pay the cost of a GC but on the other hand the cost might be worth it because it would be done correctly. I'm overwhelmed too with all the demolition and removal of items both in the house and the yard work. There's a huge printing press in garage. It was funny to have the GC there and the flooring guy as both are investors themselves so had some insights. The flooring guy does a lot for our local REI group. The GC told the floor guy to include both prices with and without removing carpeting. Then I called Molly too when electrician had arrived and we talked a bit and she told me, 'talk to my mom if you want any sympathy' I had to laugh because of just watching Jan and Jeremy on the DVD with Dean and what Jan said about PM Matt and Matt's response back to him; it was about the same response. So this was my day in REI world. I did demonstrate some good self control in front of GC and such but had to turn away a couple of times to take some deep breaths as the costs might be more than I anticipated but the roof and electricity were about $1,400 total so that wasn't bad. The electrician recommended just to do the minimum.

I really liked watching Jan and Jeremy's and Laura's of course (empowering conversations). I'm so impressed how everyone didn't give up and how Jeremy kept in contact with Jan and now they are a team. It's amazing. Also how Laura kept at it and didn't give up and now her and Rina are tearing up the country. There's so many amazing stories on here.

I have to be honest; I have never seen a single Dean infomercial, sorry Dean. I don't watch much TV and I haven't had cable TV forever (I think since I left home when my daughter was 2, haha, sorry mom and dad that you had to put up with me until I could get back on my feet). I found out about Dean by Matt, do I need to say more.

One of my goals is in 1 year I can quit my real Job and do this full time; that's a big goal but even if I achieve 50% of that goal that will mean I've increased my income by 50% and you can't complain about that. Plus if I can get rid of my debt and not have to drive back and forth that would save me money too. But I do desire to achieve the status of a real estate tycoon. I do know though that you have to be able to manage what you have right now so that you can receive more in the future. That's why I'm trying to get my house in order and fixed up, my finances, and my health (physical and mental) in order too.

I am going to work on getting another deal this month. I really need to work on the wholesaling to get that quick cash. I need to give myself a kick in the bootie and go post my flyers tomorrow. No excuses.

You Go GIrl!
Cathy

You go girl, out there making it happen with the big boys!

I will be right there listening to all your experiences since I hope to be right behind you with my own property. They wouldn't budge much more on the home I want for my family, but then I told the agent I would need to go finance with rehab money since it wouldn't make money as a wholesale. He said they wanted cash, but like Dean said, once that deal is at the closing table, it is all cash to them anyway no matter where it came from.

Have to track down mortgage broker first thing in the morning to see how fast it might be turned around, and if I can work it out I may have my first deal. Time will tell, so wish me luck!

And keep us posted too my friend.

Kristin

Kristin my dear friend. I can only imagine what you're going through. I will definitely wish you the best of luck. Good luck with financing. I forgot to mention in the garage of this house is a very large screen print table(s); there's 2 but not sure if both for same use. Also in shed is riding John Deere lawn mower. I think it just needs to be cleaned/tuned up, etc. I'm still nervous about getting all the work done but that's part of doing something new out of your comfort zone. I think I am going through what Dean calls Creative Destruction and yes I know I repeat myself. Now I just have to get the final cost estimates and send to bank so we can close on the 17th. This will be no. 3 in only about 2-3 months. WooHooo!
You can do this!
You go Girl!
Cathy L

What an education you're getting, and what a deal! You've got items in the garage to sell on ebay. That's double the fun. I'm really proud of your progress ... congratulations, girl.

Hi Ronnie thanks for stopping by and isn't that the truth. I also saw some little gardner/garder/garner (can't spell anymore) snakes in garage when the general contractor was going through garage; thank goodness they weren't in the house, lol.
Cathy L

Well I'm spending time on here. I'm so happy for everyone that's making some deals happening. Gorgeous you're Great and what a deal indeed.

As far as myself and this this this deal that will take me to my death bed if I keep dwelling on the negative and not look at the positive; I keep telling myself $10,000 profit and my other side tells me you're going to lose money and it goes back and forth all day long. I am my own worst enemy. I will learn. You think one would learn from their first deal and take their own advice. First deal got house fairly decent with new carpeting, mostly paint and a few minor repairs (that's the one I assigned to Matt). This new deal that I'm supposed to close on Thurs, got it under contract for $40,000 and needs a whole lot more work than the first which means I didn't do my due dilligence as well. I don't know what I was thinking or wasn't thinking, lol. I about died again after I saw the estimated repair costs from General Contractor; let's just say this it was more than the house and I'm not joking but I won't have him do all the work and such. You know the story about a man that's asking God to send help; he's stuck on an island or on a ship or something and 3 different people by ship, plane, and boat or something ask him if he needs help and he says no, I'm waiting for God. Well he ends up at the pearly gates and asks God why he didn't save him and yet God had tried 3 times. Well that's the way I feel a bit about this house because the bank had asked for more earnest money and I did call local investor mentor and he told me to say no but I 'felt' (emotions) bad about delaying closing. I was a wreck at the realtor's office and should have walked away right then. But the positives are I have learned a whole lot and my realtor even told me that I had more balls than she does and that kind of surprised me really. I didn't say anything at first.

Today I did call the academy about this one but not soon enough and my game plan is if I close on time (which is still up in the air) I will post on Craiglist for rent to own to a handyman or something because if someone can do much of their own work then it's still a good deal.

Also just today I was reading a section out of a book, 'Change your thinking, Change your life' by Brian Tracy
And appropriate timing one section was on 2 magic questions to turn failure into success.

1. What did I do right?
2. What would I do differently?

I really can't answer these yet because I haven't closed on this deal yet but I will keep everyone posted.

Plus it doesn't hurt me to make mistakes I actually need to so I know it's okay. It's what you do with the mistake that's important and I thought those questions will be an asset.

One other thing I learned is to F O C U S an acronym for
F ocus
O ne
C ourse
U ntil
S uccessful

I just wanted to share and I know I will survive.

Best of luck to everyone in the REI world! Go Get those Deals!

Love ya girl!
Cathy L

One of the big reasons I didn't walk away either is Fear. I didn't want to stop because of fear. I even told realtor I have to do this because otherwise my fear would win. But you need to be smart and not emotional which I have to control better and I am working on that. I don't know. I've heard Dean and other speakers talk about your comfort zone and right before you step out of it or get close is when most people will quit and I didn't want that to happen either. I'm diving in without knowing everything and it will be okay. Thanks so much Dean for this site.

I believe in you!
Cathy L

I have been using Matt's 25:1 formula, which can be scary at times when you don't look at the property before you put in the offer. One thing I have been seeing, when the property is in real rough shape the seller realtor always says they will not put in an offer until I have seen the home. This is usually a sign that it needs a lot of work. Since I am in the construction field I am comfortable coming up with my own preliminary estimate. If you putting offers in a 50% before asking, you will usually come our OK.

Another thing happened as well today. Before the Edge I found out about a property in AZ that would be going into foreclosure from someone that lived in my area. I passed on my info to a mutual party and she informed me that she did give them my info. I was hoping to get address to look at property while I was out there but didn't get address until I got home. Then today the gentleman called me and left message that the house is going into foreclosure tomorrow. I really can't help now. I might keep my eye on it.

That's it I think finally.
Cathy L

That happened with the deal I am currently working on. I already gave them $1000 and now they want me to sign their P&S and send an additional $2000. And I really don't want to since I may need that money to help with closing costs. I have not heard back from the lender today and that has me a bit worried since I need to know exactly what I need to attempt a closing within 1 1/2 weeks.

Keep at it and we will both make it through!

Kristin

Hi Kristin and thank you so much for stopping by. I think sometimes I spend too much time on here and not enough on the action to get me to freedom if you know what I mean. If I had to do it over again I would stick to my guns and not give more earnest money so that is one of many I learned through this ordeal.

Cathy

Hi Chris. Great to hear from you. You so are always so helpful. Thanks for the advice and I will keep that in mind. My realtor really wants me to see properties first so I think I will stick with that for the REOs but who knows. Anyway thanks again.

Cathy L

Bad Storms are no fun. They can take the wind out of your sails. They can ruin your plans. They can damage your property. They can take a life.

Today is Father's Day! I can only hail praises to my own dad. He's the most creative person I know with talented hands of creating beautiful things out of paper and recently made my daughter a beautiful bracelet, macrame (not paper).

What do the 2 above have in common. We had bad storms on Fri and tornado touched down in a small town nearby. A father drove down to where his daughter was working to make sure she was okay. But what happened was the father placed his body over his daughter's to save her. She did survive but he didn't and it was his 58th birthday. I keep thinking about this story but don't know why. I guess because this is truly unconditional love. We never know when a 'storm' will hit us. But the truth is the storms will hit. How will you handle your storms?

Cathy

However you look at it you have to buck up and get going again when you fall, stumble, trip. I need to call the academy but don't even know what to say, ask, or do. I'd really like to find a true accountability person that we could meet or talk weekly about goals (long, short, and weekly/daily steps to get there) so I don't feel so alone. Even on this site I'm not alone but there's an enemy out there that lives in my head. I have to start telling myself that I'm my best friend and not the enemy.

My job that I receive income from right now is.....challenging (that's a good word). So that should be my motivator for real estate. My dilemma is putting in offers and what to use. I have 2 mtge companies i have proof of funds letters and then there's the coastal funding. But my problem is I want to focus on assignments and I can say I have a buyer's list (besides Matt too) but with putting in financing instead of cash you have to allow more time and requires appraisal and all so just not sure how to handle putting in offers through my realtor. One solution that I should think about is the FSBO homes and just put in my own offers using some contracts that I have copies of and such. I think I will add a clause too that says something about partner's approval as long as I don't have to state a name, we'll see. So to take action tonight I have been procrastinating on this but I am going to call a minimum of 5 FSBO adds no matter if they look motivated or not. Also I might try calling out of state just for practice sakes. I can do this. I have to be out of this job by next year and do the REI full time. Anything's possible.

Get back in the game, Cathy
Love ya girl
You are worth it
Your family is worth it
Cathy

Well I'll be honest I didn't call the FSBOs. But I did look up a property my daughter had found vacant. It is bank owned but as far as I could tell not on market as of yet. I did go to bank's website and sent email to get more info so just have to wait and see. That's it for now.
Go Girl!
Cathy

You are still moving forward and that counts for everything. If you would like to have weekly phone calls to update each other about what we have accomplished, then I am glad to do that with you. Pick a time and day and we can set something up if you'd like. Being accountable will definitely help me too.

I am still in negotiations for the first deal which is still in the works. Once this one is moving forward a bit more smoothly, then I will focus on getting other deals set up. I just ordered cards that have "$1000 for Property Locators on deals I close" printed on the back. Beautiful cards from Vista and can't wait to get them.

I also went with a Google Voice local phone number that will ring to my cell. It is free and I cancelled the Patlive 800 number. Got to save where I can and most people prefer a local number anyway.

Let me know what you've been doing and keep smiling!

Kristin

How is it all going for you? I also took some time off from the site this week, but found out that it actually inspires me more when I check in every day or so, even if just to read some posts.

Still in the countering stage with the home, but not stopping with that one. I recently ordered cards from Vista and on the back I put "$1000 for Property Locators".....and as soon as I get them I will post some CL or local paper ads looking for some Property Locators, or good old fashioned bird dogs to help find those properties not yet listed on MLS. Used the Google Voice number and that will ring to my cell, or I may just have it go to a voice mail, still thinking about that.

Check in with me, and I sent a PM, so hope to chat soon! Keep smiling...

Kristin

Its been so long since I've posted in your journal....but I'm keeping up with you and love your determination...and you are right...you gotta get out there and take action steps everyday...remember its the small baby steps that get us to our big goals! I love Kristins offer to be RE 'buddies' and check in with each other about your weekly accomplishments! That was one of Deans suggestions at the first EDGE - and its a good one. Not only to have everyone on here that supports us - but to have a personal contact where you know you are going to say "I did this" or face up to saying "I didnt get anything done"....great motivator

Thank you Kristin. I just sent you an email to get started with our weekly motivation and to achieve our big goals. I realize I'm not alone and that's been a battle for me. I feel all alone and when you think that then that's what you get. I'm reading Brian Tracy's book, 'Change your thinking Change your Life'. Very good and the second time is better and gave me some insight into what's going on with me. Thanks and can't wait to talk to you soon,
Cathy

Thank you Laura. It's so nice to hear from you. Thank you for your encouragement. Even though I haven't posted too much I haven't given up at all. I made a mistake and for me that's huge but I know now not the end of the world. I just have to figure out a way to put in offers without using coastal funding and/or bank letters even though I qualify and have proof of funds. I would like to make them cash offers so I can assign the deals. I actually have a couple of buyers now. Matt told me once to look at FSBO and so need to just do that. The only way to overcome fear is to face and do that which you fear. I did face my fear of failure in some regard with the mistake I made but did stop me for short time but now I'm back in the game. I am going to MI this week, Thurs - Sun for Central States Conference for the Rotary for my daughter's foreign exchange program. If I have a chance I will look around the college for possible rent units and such. Also she will leave sometime at the end of August. I would really like to have enough passive income next year so I can take a month off from my regular job to visit Europe, see my daughter for like a week and then visit other places.

For real estate I am also thinking of going out of state like so many others. I wonder if I might have burned some bridges here. I need to send realtor message as I haven't heard from her since this all went down but know it will be okay. I did get message back from bank on a property my daughter found and have a name and number to call and follow up on for asset manager. The 2 places I'm considering is possibly Maple Grove area in MN and/or Bolingbrook, IL (suburb of Chicago). I know there are many foreclosures in Bolingbrook and not sure about Maple Grove but I have friends in both cities and would give me reason to visit and also maybe I could have them on my team to do some leg work if needed. Don't know if any of you are buying/looking in those areas but let me know if I can help or be of assistance.

I am learning much but did take a short break from it; I would never quit, that's not an option. I just have to find my system like so many others have in place. I know I am making this harder than it has to be but know this... I will WIN. I will SURVIVE. I will be a MILLIONAIRE! I will be WEALTHY! I will have the best RELATIONSHIP with my DAUGHTER! I will get out of the Rat Race!
Thanks to all of the DG family, your journals keep me motivated and moving forward.
Love to you all,
Blessings,
Cathy L

I admit that it has been a while since I checked in on your journal, but I am so thrilled to see that you are taking action and running towards the Promised Land. You will, Win, Survive, be a Millionaire, be Wealthy , have the best Relationship with your daughter, and get out of the Rat Race, because you said so.

With your attitude I am bound to see you at the TOP!

Best Regards,
Shane

Just verbalizing your goals will make them that more realistic to accomplish. I have started a journal where I write down my goals each day and keep a card with them listed that I look over several times a day. Telling yourself that you are good enough to be wealthy, a fantastic mother and friend to your daughter, become that millionaire and survive to get out of this rat race is the first step and you are well on your way!

Kristin

Hey Shane. Nice to hear from and thank you so much for your encouragement! I can't wait til we all are at the top.
Cathy L

I haven't forgotten you my dear friend. Many things can try to get in the way but I always know where to turn back in order to get back on the right track. Thank you for all of your help. I too had been writing my goals daily and looking them over and then I stopped for a bit. Thank you for your help, can't wait to get back in the game. I feel as though I've been in the monopoly jail without the 'get out free' card and no doubles have come my way.
You Go Girl!
Cathy L

There, I gave you my card.

Send me a message when you can set up a definite time for us to chat or even email. Still here for you girlfriend.

Kristin