The Journey to Freedom

On Fri I had it with my income providing day JOB. It was a long week with long days 10-12+ hours which I'm not used to at all and it was just 3 days (tues- thurs). On Fri I received call that there was going to be open house on this bank owned property that the bank had emailed to their investors including me. They received the deed back to it and it was mostly renovated already. Interesting the bank was paying to replace the kitchen counter tops and the kitchen sink. The only thing I'm not sure about was the water heater, furnace, plumbing, and I can't remember about ac; thank goodness for pictures. Anyway the open house was Fri at 3:30 pm. Not good when you're supposed to be working. But I have flexible job and decided I needed to do this no matter what. I just decided to work Sat am instead of Fri afternoon and it was for 1 eval only and 35 miles one way. It was the greatest and best decision ever. Also after that I called my friend and mentor, Greg, about looking at his house he bought for $9,000. He already has been working on it for like 3 weeks I think. He estimates about $40,000 repair costs; basically they gutted much of it and had to lift some of the house up to make even. It wasn't even looking at the house that was good. It was the conversation right before we were leaving. When I become wealthy I will have many stories to share. It was personal but yet general to those that are successful and what takes place before that success. Many on here may know what I'm referring to. Everyday my real job gets tougher, more demands, and I'm not happy anymore. But I have to look at the big picture and be thankful for my work which I am very much thankful. This is what's going to force me to do real estate and get my own system in place. We all can do this. It's not as hard as I'm making it out to be. I thank the Lord for this bank sending me this email to get me back on track.

Anyway because the bank had already shown the property earlier and then on Fri and the bank said they had some other investors to show it to I thought I should act somewhat quickly. In email they wanted $60,000 and at open house the banker said the president wanted them to start at $65,000. It's a 2 BR, 1BA, 1 car detached garage, slab house, it sits on a corner lot and nice neighborhood; kind of a semi busy street but didn't seem too bad. It already has new carpeting, vinyl flooring, paint, bathroom sink new, toilet new. So I sent email offering $55,000, 30yr, 5.0% fixed rate, no down pmnt, bank pays closing costs and contingency of house inspection and partner approval. Oh it didn't have any appliances. I'm pretty sure I can get $700/month rent in this area as a minimum. Taxes are about $1,000 and insurance I figured about $500. Anyway it would be about $200 cash flow. We'll see. I'm not holding my breath as there were quite a few other investors offered the same opportunity. The bank offered in initial email, no down payment, fixed rate, and will pay closing costs. So I figure many others will jump on this opportunity.

Blessings to you Cathy!
Cathy L

Catching up with all my DG fam and saying hi! Nice to read that you've been busy and making offers. Other investors or not its great you put your offer in - its like the lottery - you gotta be in it to win it! But of course the best part with real estate is the odds are on OUR side

Laura,
Thanks for stopping by. Good to hear from you. Your posts and words of encouragement mean more to me than you'll ever know. Thank you my friend. And I'm sure you're tearing the REI world to pieces. As Shane says, 'I will see you at the top!'
Cathy

Well my daughter leaves tomorrow for a week to go visit her dad before she leaves for Germany for a year. So I hope to get more done in the REI world. I am calling bank tomorrow about the offer I put in as a follow up. I also have another contact of an asset manager that I want to follow up with. It's not that you can't get a good deal on the REOs but those listed on the MLS, everyone else is seeing too. I watched Carol Stinson on the Empowering Conversations and I like that she did alot with the preforeclosures so I may turn my attention to that direction. I feel as though they're on the market, they're hotcakes. I have been procrastinating long enough on making phone calls to FSBO. I'm signing off to go call 5 FSBO no matter asking price or anything. Just to practice my phone skills. I can do this.
Cathy

I can't find my phone and don't know where my charger is located to charge the phone. But I'm going to Craiglist and check things out there. I am going to catch up on some DG journals too.
I can and will do this!
I am a millionaire!
Cathy

YES YOU ARE!!!! (A MILLIONAIRE)

I feel your enthusiasm and your drive to make IT happen no matter what!! Im rooting for you girl!! Keep up the amazing work!!

God Bless,

Gorgeous Frazier

Thank you so much for stopping by. I so much appreciate the words of encouragement. You must be reading my mind. I have been thinking about you alot the last couple of days. I need to get on here more and read the journals. so many to follow up on. I can't wait to get caught up on yours.
Blessings to you my friend,
Cathy

I havent been on too much lately being on my camping trip with no internet connection, but back home for 4 days and then heading on my cruise to Bermuda with my mother and aunts for 7 days. Can't wait to see Bermuda but chomping at the bit to get re-ignited to work real estate too. Keep us posted about the bank offer and will be sending you a PM.

Kristin

I have to say I had to laugh when I read that you were signing off to call FSBOs and then couldnt find your phone But on to plan B and craigs list! I've always had a cell and a landline phone, but since moving to Wisc. only have a cell. I've lost it few times and cant even call it to find it haha. Keep on keepin on my friend...you'll find the strategy that works for you!

Hey my friend Laura. That is so me. It was awful. I think I'm fighting satan with this real estate stuff and mindset. I will get there and I will never
'g_ _e _p'

I posted a new idea or at least for me a new idea: Becoming Your Own Banker which is a book by Nelson Nash. I highly recommend it to supplement your real estate knowledge. The idea is you use a dividend paying whole life insurance policy. You put money into the policy and then you can take a loan against it tax free; yes it's tax free. Do I need to say again, TAX FREE. For me I will be able to take a small loan ($1200) fairly quickly once I get all of my other investments (approx $6,000) combined into this account. Also I'm closing all of my other investment accounts other than my work 401K or 101K, haha. I'm putting the $200 I was paying into my investments into this policy. I will have a death benefit of $144,000 to start with. The loan will be over 2 years and they (the company I'm using will help me with all of this and how to maximize the concept). Guess what I will be able to take another loan after 1 year for more, like $1,600 and you just keep going with the idea. The idea is this builds over time and at first financing through another bank looks like might be better but after like 7 to 14 years you can see a change and big one. The book, BYOB, has an awesome example. The difference is like over $500,000. This also is an Awesome way to leave a legacy to your family. I don't know why I didn't know about this sooner. I was always told you just need term insurance. I am so excited about this idea. Please send me a pm if you want the company I use or their website. It's an awesome plan. You have to see the example in the book.

OH too as it builds you actually expand and have multiple policies, loans. I'm still learning. But you do have to pay yourself back to make it work and I advise having an experienced company, individual, that is knowledgeable and such to help you.

Blessings,
CAthy L

Also my daughter, Autumn, is leaving August 26th for her junior year of high school to Menden, Germany through the Rotary club. This has been somewhat time consuming but I have to get over the excuses I'm giving myself for my lack of inaction with the real estate. I am still reading and such but not really taking action.

I also have been doing some searching for the 'Burning Desire' to become fiancially free. I went back over my 7 levels. My work too is driving me to insanity that I deeply need something different; I can hardly stand walking into one of my buildings with little post it notes treating me like a 2 year old. I think there is a higher spirit that knows deep down I want something different so is driving me to get out of my JOB.

How do you pack for a female 16 year old for one year? The rotary has helped and we've talked to many people. We still have to buy gifts for her families too. We did meet through email her first host family. It's so exciting for her but I won't lie that as it gets closer reality is sinking in. It's just been her and I for 16 years. I know this is outside of real estate but we all have families and other things going on too. Just thought I'd share because this is more of a family to me that you realize. Thanks to all for not giving up on me and for your never ending support.

Blessings,
Cathy L

Not sure how I missed it, but just saw your journal and decided to catch up. My husband and I have hosted several Rotary exchange students. It is always great to learn about different cultures. Hope your daughter has a fantastic time abroad.

I too am a little stuck in REI have been making offers on REO's and FSBO but no joy yet. Trying different owner financing strategies, I'm sure eventually I will hit on something. Right now I am working on sending out postcards to homeowners who are behind on payments.

Wishing you the best of luck in REI and in sending your daughter off Europe.

Thank you so much Cathy for your post. I am so happy you stopped by. It's always nice to hear from the DG family. All we can do is keep at it and like you said try different things. I wish you the very best.
Blessings to you,
Cathy L

Back in the Game but for me it's no longer a game. My life is depending on this as my work is stressful but yet unlike so many others, I do have a job and I'm very thankful for that.

But I read somewhere that if you keep telling yourself something and write your goal down and read it everyday the powers that be will make it happen. I think that that's why my job is getting to me, my mind knows there's something different for me and that I need to do it and do it NOW. It doesn't happen without you putting in the work of course but I think things at work are getting to me so much that it's pushing me, driving me to do this even moreso. I can't explain in it words so much.

I have told others my mind has been my worst enemy but now it has to be my friend and be creative and overcome "F_ _ _". I can no longer use my mind as an excuse. I can no longer use I don't have time as an excuse because we all have 24 hours in a day and if all of these successful DG members can do it, if Matt did it working 60+ hours/week and commuting for hours a week to make this work then I can do it. If Carol Stinson did it with 7 children, almost losing her house, and needing to make it work for her from home then I can do it. If Greg Murphy and Randy, Rina, Laura, Rob, Jan & Jeremy, etc., & Dean himself, damn I have no excuse. My tears can no longer be an excuse, my self pity parties are over, I can't blame anyone for my inaction. I am responsible for all that has happened to me. I can't use my chaotic house as an excuse: no matter the physical house clutter, mental clutter, body clutter, family clutter. I can't use the 'shy' excuse either or 'the lack of self confidence'. These are excuses with no justification. There are no excuses. Time is of the essence for me. I just have get out of my work and not be a slave to a job anymore. I want time- time to spend with my new great niece and maybe be able to help care for her down the road so my niece won't have to put her in daycare unless she so desires. Time to travel the world- visit my cousin in London, visit my daughter in Germany next year- be able to care for my parents if they need me- be a mentor, leave a legacy. Money is good not evil if used in the right manner, it's the love of money that can be evil. I have to know that it's okay to want to be a millionaire that I can do so much more good in the world. That God wants us to prosper and use it for good and give back which I do and will.

So now what? Got all of that off my mind. Now I can focus and take ACTION. I actually posted 3 ads on Craiglist after watching Matt Larson's empowering conversation. I'm actually not sure what to say when I receive a call but we'll see what happens. I made some bandit signs but have to overcome and actually go place them. I am actually going to put one in my yard. Also I asked parents if I could put one in theirs.

Well off to store to buy the stakes to tape signs to and go place them. I think I have 20 of them so that's a start. Fear here I come.
Cathy L

I just love your transformation in your mindset through the past several posts. I am very impressed with your determination and drive to finally get off your bum and take action! Its what it takes. And once you break through those first fear barriers things will grow like a snowball rolling downhill! You have had your personal conversation with yourself haha, and now have direction, and no more excuses to be made! Here is my latest favorite quote:
"you can make excuses, or you can make money". So go get em girlfriend

Laura thanks for stopping by and checking in with me. It means the world to me. Love the quote!
Cathy L

I agree with Laura. Man was i a scaredy cat i would put things off for days because i would have the negative people in my ear saying i couldnt do it and i would continue to fail. I like the empowering conversations with dean and carol. She said in order to transform your think process you have to remove the negative thoughts and SUBMERSE yourself in positivity. Where Positive things are thats where you should be!! Its amazing what happens after that lightbulb goes off and you see that although you are not where you actually hoped to be does not mean you CANT do there!! FEAR should be what you should ALWAYS use to drive you to REFUSE to stop!! Use what your biggest FEAR is if you do not make a change!!

I see bright things for you!!

GOD BLESS

p.s get caught up on my journal many things to read loll

Long time since last post. I'm still here. I didn't feel good today in afternoon; worked my JOB in am. I don't know how Randy did it with Matt coming and he was sick. I don't think I could've made it through and mine was just a sick headache.

Well I think I posted that I placed 3 Craiglist ads and so far only 1 call but that's okay. The call was from good friend, Jake, who is now working with/for Matt. So I was able to really find out what Matt looks for mostly and it was just a real good conversation. I made these signs up to post. Hopefully tomorrow.

This is on a side unrelated real estate but on my mind heavily. My daughter and I had funeral on Fri. and also a little 7 year old boy in our town passed away that was fighting Cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma (?), abdominal. Please pray for his parents, Matt & Leslie Perkins and their 2 younger daughters, Natalie & Emilie; Gabriel 'Gabe' is their son. It was a long battle; I just can't imagine losing a child under any circumstance.

You Go Girl!
Love you!
Cathy

Well today we went to see my brother so he could say goodbye to his niece, my daughter, since she will be gone for the year, 11 days and counting. I'm so frustrated with my current job. I did watch Dean's video on the set for life and signed up for the call on Tues night which is the same night and time as our REI meeting so I think I will get on the call unless anyone thinks differently. Also I sent email to success academy which I hope will help me get back on track. So much to do. Here's 2 short term goals that I set for myself: I'm afraid of even posting them because I'm afraid I might fail and not meet them but this is my accountability so I have to make them happen.

1. I will have $5,000 assignment fee in 30 days from at least 1 deal.
2. I will in 12 months have a positive cash flow of $3,500 per month.
(no. 2 will replace my current take home pay so I can retire from my job and do REI full time.

Love you, You can do It!
Cathy

Hi.
Action steps from yesterday.
1. I did send email to success academy outlining my request for help basically. I was told to call when I had the chance.
2. So I did call Mon evening. I was fortunate to speak with Eric. I was 'emotional' to say the least. I spoke of my frustration with my current job and how I need to get back on track and focus again (I will never let this go; this is it for me). In a nutshell he got me refocused and gave me the awesome support I needed at that time and even grounded me. I have all these ideas but they're all over the place.
3. One thing he recommended as well was to get in touch with realtor I had been working with; I hadn't been in contact for awhile. So I sent a nice email to her.
4. I posted a bandit sign in my own front yard. I think it needs to be bigger and now rain has kind of messed it up some.

Well those are the steps I took Mon. Eric also told me to do 1 action step with real estate each day.

So after this my step is going to contact real estate agent and have her get me some expired listings and cash offer listings.

On a side note I took my daughter to Red Lobster for one of her favorite meals, ultimate feast. Then we stopped at some stores to knock off her list of items for Germany. I also bought a couple T-shirts from a local ice cream store that's very popular, Whitey's Ice Cream, for gifts to give host families/friends. 8 days before she leaves.

This is it. I love the quote from the call tonight that Dean stated,

THINK LESS, DO MORE, GET RESULTS!

that is so me; I think too much but no more excuses.

One step at a time,
You Go Girl!
Cathy

I am excited about this. I haven't yet started my policy but will get a call soon for the physical that is required. This will help me so much to build that legacy for my family and yet make myself some money and not give it all to someone else. Also there is a workshop that Nelson Nash himself will be a speaker so I plan on getting there this fall somehow.

Also I forgot to mention I talked with a dear friend in Bolingbrook, IL (Chicagoland) and the house next door to them is going to be for sale but isn't listed yet. The owner was doing a rent to own but that didn't work out so well. Now he's fixing it up in order to sell but my friend told me it needs quite a bit of work and not sure if just cosmetic but I think so. So that's another to do. I have the address so after this I will look up the property to find owner. I will call the academy and see if I should send letter and what info to include. I have no idea motivated or not.

It's just ironic that I made the decision for no excuses and to refocus and bam, a lead. I was laughing in my head really. God doesn't ever leave us; it's us who stray away from Him, but when you're ready, He's waiting for you and ready to help you. I give Him all the glory for everything.

Well I stepped away for a moment and in the meantime I sent my realtor an email about changing some of my criteria, and added the cash sales and expired listings so just have to wait. I also let her know that after the 26th I'd like to go look at some properties. In the meantime I think I will focus on the for rent ads and FSBO ads because I can do that on my own in my own time.

I think I need to redo my Craiglist ads as well because I've only received 1 call out of 3 ads and that was from Jake who works with Matt. I think I posted that already though.

It's easy to get sidetracked but it's also easy to get back in the game with a little help.

You Go Girl,
Love Ya
Cathy

I posted awhile back 3 CL ads. My first response was from Jake and Matt team; but then today I received a message from someone that has a house to sell. I have to send message back; I'm going to ask if I can call them and what time is best.

My other dilemma is the Set for Life system. I wasn't on the call today but I really don't know what to do. I have much information and it's not really about all the info. Because without action it's dead: faith without action is dead (it's a verse in bible but can't remember where right now). I told myself no excuses. I know someone that put $25,000 on credit card for her education and now she's a multi-millionaire. Now the cutoff is tonight I think and I'm just not in the right mind to make that kind of decision. Here's a quote I need to keep in mind:
Procrastination leads to constipation (it's something like that anyway)

My JOB is frustrating. I need to keep my vision on the future and what I truly desire and want. I also need to figure out what I'm willing to give up in order to get this show rockin'. As Dean said: "Stop thinking, Take Action, Get Results"

I also wanted to say something about the academy. The coaches and staff are very good. My problem wasn't them or the program; I cannot blame someone or something else for MY lack of success; it's me. I am responsible. I didn't utilize it like I should have but the good news is even though it's past my year, they're still there for me and with a helping hand or should I say ears and mouth. YOu know if this program works for even one person, then you need to ask yourself why isn't it working for you. We all have stories or excuses. I can't use excuses anymore. When I sit and watch a movie because I'm tired but can't sleep, I made that choice instead I could have read a book. It's like food and health, you have a choice to eat ice cream or a piece of fruit. Lame I know but I just wanted to get that out there. Really what one must do to be successful in anything they do is TAKE ACTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(the above was more of a pep talk to myself so forgive me if I offend anyone that reads this)

Love ya Girl, You will make it!
I have faith in you!

Cathy L

Baby steps, I will do this, I can do this, and as Richie stated Never, EVER give up and I won't, I can't.

Good Job stay motivated. Sometimes it is hard and we all get down. Just get back up an refocus. You can do it.
I think it is a good idea to use this as forum a sounding board. Sometimes it is good to get those feeling off of your chest. I do and I don't know if anyone ever reads them but thats ok too.
It is baby steps at first then to toddle, then you walk then you walk faster then you run then you run really fast. As you learn you will get more confidence and with that you will suceed. Keep going girl. You can do it!

My dear DG sister....I feel you and all you are going through. I was there! I know you have it in you to get yourself back on track. Remember the power of positive thinking! Where you focus your thoughts is where you are going to be. So get back to envisioning yourself ALREADY successful - make it NOW in your mind. Get rid of the "I will be someday" thinking and start thinking " I AM RIGHT NOW".... then throw your shoulders back, hold your head high and start taking the action you know you need to do! Fake it till you make it girlfriend....and I dont mean that in a deceitful way...but just project yourself as a successful real estate investor to those you deal with and it will change everything! So theres my two cents advice hahaha

Donna thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I so much appreciate it. I think I'm taking snail steps right now then maybe I'll start crawling this week, haha. Thank you though; I do appreciate it.

Blessings to you,
Cathy L

Laura, my DG sister. You have no idea how much it means to me to have you cheering me on when I know you are so busy. I've seen you post in so many others as well. Thank you are the only words I can ever come up with to tell you I appreciate your support so very much.

You must have been reading my mind by the way. I was just thinking about the vision of my life and where I want to be. It's not the first time I've thought about this but needed the reminder because you can lose that vision which then you lose that burning desire. What triggered it for me was when I stopped by Shane's journal to see what's been going on with him. I read one of his posts about him and his wife talking about owning property by the water up there and owning a yacht. Then I thought about me. I've read what you're saying as well in other books but it's more powerful coming from someone you know. I am successful, I am wealthy. I need to tell myself this everyday. I also envision a check for $5,000 for my next deal.

I really wish I would have hung out with you and Rina and the others more at the Edge. I was a bit shy, not sure what to say, and it is what it is. Take care and I wish you the best on all the rehabs you have going on right now. Amazing but so deserving,
You are the best,
Cathy L

Thats whats so great about this site- we are all here for each other! I wouldnt be where I am without it, and all my DG fam! Glad to have sparked some renewed focus for you. I know first hand how easy it is to fall into the rut of non-action, non-positiveness (is that a word haha) and it takes a little push to break out. You are awesome and I know you will have great success! And you know, I dont think we are THAT far away from each other, are we? Maybe one of us can make the trip - or even maybe a meet in the middle somewhere trip to brainstorm together. I know Dawn would join us in a heartbeat too! and REI vaca that we can all write off Keep your eyes on the prize friend

I love road trips and no you're not that far. I would love to meet Dawn, you, and Rina if you all had time. I will have much more of it coming very soon. Autumn, my one and only 16 yr old, is leaving this Thurs for her year abroad to Germany. Although I will miss her I will have some extra time to work the REI world. Has anyone ever packed for a year for a 16 yr old girl, uggh! Thank goodness for comprssion bags, haha!

Take care Laura and great success to you!

Cathy L

Ok Eric told me to do something action oriented everyday with real estate. Although I may have missed 1 day. I'm doing pretty good especially with all the packing, preparations with my daughter's big trip that I posted right before this one.

Recently I received a call from someone about a house for sale. We've been playing phone tag alot. It's my turn to call him back about it. But he did tell me it's a divorce situation and it's with a realtor as well. I do have address and just need to look it up now and do my research and also call him back tomorrow.

Secondly I received email from a local bank about a house they have on books so called to see if I could see it and asked about repairs. In email bank said they would pay for asbestos abate things upon completion (have to get more clarification on that one) and said if anyone can come close to 30K it's theirs with good terms. I did find out there's some water damage. Also it's a questionable area but will drive by. I did check total view and it was estimated at $70k

Then tonight my daughter and I got pedicures with another mother/daughter. The mother and her husband own a dentistry, their both dentists. I asked if I could give her a flyer to post and she said she didn't have room to hang but could pass them out as they leave. So that's a big to do, make flyers, I may order some postcards and colored so I can track them and see what happens. Also I didn't think about this until now but I should have asked if they would be interested in investing in real estate or what type of investing they have in place already, hmmm. Another talk down the road with them.

I just feel as though I'm back in the game. I just have to stay focused on my dream(s) or what successful people call goals.
I am wealthy
I am highly successful beyond my wildest dreams
I have $5,000 assignment fee by sept 20. ( It's close to 30 days I think)

You Go Girl!
Cathy L

What a beautiful Saturday it is in my world. The weather is outstanding. Well Autumn, my 16 yr old (my only one), is in Menden, Germany. She made it safely and I got to speak to her. I can't deny that I miss her terribly but wouldn't it be great if I was debt free, financially free that I could retire from my job or work part time and have more time with her upon her return home next summer. Vision and burning desire, that's what it's all about. So thank you Laura for reminding me of that. And, well, now I have no excuses. But I have to get my game plan on and get busy with this REI world.

I can do this. I still have hard time why I am not where I want to be; what's holding me back but I can't think about that. Just take those action steps and you can do it Cathy.

Love ya Girl,
Cathy L