Rick's Journal

Congrats Rick, I just enrolled myself and am going thru a similar process!

Hey Chris,

Thanks for responding. I checked out your journal and you are really on fire! I look forward to staying in touch as we go thru this.

Feel free to kick my butt when you think I need it!!!!

Rick

Follow my progress:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/35914/...

Today I had a meeting with one of my investor/buyers. She brought along a friend who is also an investor. Both of these people have investors backing them with deep pockets of cash. So now I have 5 investors on my buyers list in less than a week. Still need to get more, but now I need to find some motivated buyers. Will be placing ads this week, getting bandit signs and putting out flyers.

The investor that I met with today recommended a sign company to me that she has used. She says they are very reasonable. She also said that many times, handwritten signs work better than printed ones. (Seems like I have heard this before) This is interesting since the sign I saw with her phone number on it was hand written. Anyway, she says that this sign company will take a hand written sample that I would prepare and copy it onto blank signs. I had never thought of this before, but this sounds like a good idea. So tomorrow, I'll be getting a big marker and making my sign masters.

I wanted to ask, has anybody had much response from free ads on Kijiji? I put an ad on there a few days ago, but have had no responses. I had several from the one I put on Craigslist.

Also, what would anybody suggest regarding getting an 800 number voicemail system for someone just starting out?

So, we're moving along with getting the business going. I've been looking at my Edge DVD's and reading Dean's 'How toProfit ...Today' book.

Yesterday, I ordered bandit signs and magnetic signs for the side of my truck.

Today I'm going to go thru another lesson from the academy and go thru the documentation for my LLC which came today. We are now officially Brock Properties LLC.

Monday I'm going to work on flyers and putting an ad in a local paper as well as do another lesson. I'm also going to do some networking using a local online networking group. Gotta meet some more people and get some more buyers on my list.

After that, my signs should be ready so I need to pick them up and get them out along with my flyers.

Gotta go. Need to print out the workbook & guide for my lesson.

Follow my progress at:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/35914/...

Today, I was finally able to get to the section on the HUD website where I could get the bidding history for a house. By doing this, I was able to identify several bidders who were stated to be investors. Names only, I have to try to find contact information for them and try to lock them up as additions to my buyers list.

By the way, I determined that every state has a different setup when navigating through the HUD site. Chris (check his journal) had stated that he was able to find bidders history in Rhode Island. When I followed his steps, it was different for Missouri. So if anybody needs to know the steps for Missouri, just let me know.

Also today, I lined up another buyer for my buyers list. That makes 6 for me. I posted another ad on Craigslist, so hopefully I can get more. By the way, I got this buyer from Craigslist from a posting he made. He works for a real estate investing company and has loads of investors with cash to close in as little as 7 days. So check out these kinds of postings to get to yours.

Well, gotta go. Gonna review a coaching course and then compose my flyers which will complete my to-do list for today.

This past weekend, I watched my 'Facing the Giants' DVD again. This is an excellent movie that I would recommend to everyone. This time there was one scene that really hit home with me with regard to my real estate investing. Maybe it will touch someone else as well.

This scene is between a teenage son, David, and his dad, who is confined to a wheel chair. It takes place after a football game where David missed the first field goal that he had tried in a game situation. The dialog goes like this:

"Dad, I don't know why they even let me on the team."
"Did you do your best, son?"
"I knew I was going to miss it before I even kicked it."
"Your actions will always follow your beliefs, David."
"Dad, I can't even kick it straight."
"And I can't walk, should I just stay home and pout about it? ..... If you accept defeat, David, then that's what you'll get."

Today, I heard Matt Larson say on my EDGE DVD that he always believes that he is going to get the houses that he bids on.

We have to believe that we are going to be successful and use that belief to drive us to do the things we need to do and not get discouraged.

Rick

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Psalm 18:1 & 2: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

This past weekend, I watched my 'Facing the Giants' DVD again. This is an excellent movie that I would recommend to everyone. This time there was one scene that really hit home with me with regard to my real estate investing. Maybe it will touch someone else as well.

This scene is between a teenage son, David, and his dad, who is confined to a wheel chair. It takes place after a football game where David missed the first field goal that he had tried in a game situation. The dialog goes like this:

"Dad, I don't know why they even let me on the team."
"Did you do your best, son?"
"I knew I was going to miss it before I even kicked it."
"Your actions will always follow your beliefs, David."
"Dad, I can't even kick it straight."
"And I can't walk, should I just stay home and pout about it? ..... If you accept defeat, David, then that's what you'll get."

Today, I heard Matt Larson say on my EDGE DVD that he always believes that he is going to get the houses that he bids on.

We have to believe that we are going to be successful and use that belief to drive us to do the things we need to do and not get discouraged.

Rick

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 18:1 & 2: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

This past weekend, I watched my 'Facing the Giants' DVD again. This is an excellent movie that I would recommend to everyone. This time there was one scene that really hit home with me with regard to my real estate investing. Maybe it will touch someone else as well.

This scene is between a teenage son, David, and his dad, who is confined to a wheel chair. It takes place after a football game where David missed the first field goal that he had tried in a game situation. The dialog goes like this:

"Dad, I don't know why they even let me on the team."
"Did you do your best, son?"
"I knew I was going to miss it before I even kicked it."
"Your actions will always follow your beliefs, David."
"Dad, I can't even kick it straight."
"And I can't walk, should I just stay home and pout about it? ..... If you accept defeat, David, then that's what you'll get."

Today, I heard Matt Larson say on my EDGE DVD that he always believes that he is going to get the houses that he bids on.

We have to believe that we are going to be successful and use that belief to drive us to do the things we need to do and not get discouraged.

Rick

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 18:1 & 2: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

This past weekend, I watched my 'Facing the Giants' DVD again. This is an excellent movie that I would recommend to everyone. This time there was one scene that really hit home with me with regard to my real estate investing. Maybe it will touch someone else as well.

This scene is between a teenage son, David, and his dad, who is confined to a wheel chair. It takes place after a football game where David missed the first field goal that he had tried in a game situation. The dialog goes like this:

"Dad, I don't know why they even let me on the team."
"Did you do your best, son?"
"I knew I was going to miss it before I even kicked it."
"Your actions will always follow your beliefs, David."
"Dad, I can't even kick it straight."
"And I can't walk, should I just stay home and pout about it? ..... If you accept defeat, David, then that's what you'll get."

Today, I heard Matt Larson say on my EDGE DVD that he always believes that he is going to get the houses that he bids on.

We have to believe that we are going to be successful and use that belief to drive us to do the things we need to do and not get discouraged.

Rick

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 18:1 & 2: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

This past weekend, I watched my 'Facing the Giants' DVD again. This is an excellent movie that I would recommend to everyone. This time there was one scene that really hit home with me with regard to my real estate investing. Maybe it will touch someone else as well.

This scene is between a teenage son, David, and his dad, who is confined to a wheel chair. It takes place after a football game where David missed the first field goal that he had tried in a game situation. The dialog goes like this:

"Dad, I don't know why they even let me on the team."
"Did you do your best, son?"
"I knew I was going to miss it before I even kicked it."
"Your actions will always follow your beliefs, David."
"Dad, I can't even kick it straight."
"And I can't walk, should I just stay home and pout about it? ..... If you accept defeat, David, then that's what you'll get."

Today, I heard Matt Larson say on my EDGE DVD that he always believes that he is going to get the houses that he bids on.

We have to believe that we are going to be successful and use that belief to drive us to do the things we need to do and not get discouraged.

Rick

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalm 18:1 & 2: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the great tip on we buy houses. Reminds me that I have a friendly realtor. Need to give her a call.

Thanks again,

Fanbot

Sorry about the multiple duplicate postings. My computer was acting slow so I would stop the transmission and then hit Post again. Looks like DG was taking each one of them.

Rick

I had a meeting today with another investor/buyer and I'm excited about working with him. This guy has a lot of contacts in various aspects of real estate investing. I told him that I was involved with Dean, he said that he is the best. He was really pleased to know that I am part of Dean's academy. He said that he has both of Dean's books.

So now my buyers list is up to 8. This is good.

I have started looking for properties and marketing for same. I finally got my bandit signs so I have started putting them out, and I have my flyers printed up. I will be working on distribution over the next few days.

I really enjoyed the conference call last night. Jeff Jensen's information was outstanding and encouraging. Thanks Dean for allowing Jeff to share.

Last week I met with SCORE which is part of the SBA. They are helping me write my business plan and other aspects of starting my business.

Well that's about it for now. Gonna spend the evening with my wife, probably will watch a Christmas movie.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Luke 2:10 & 11 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Way to go on the buyers list Rick! Keep it up!

I just got caught up with your journal. WOW! You are getting a lot accomplished. A while back you asked about kijiji we never had any responses from it but do well with CL. Do you find that where you are?

You are doing great with your buyers list. It's nice that you got to meet one of your buyers and her friend who is also an investor.

I wish you the best in REI.

Merry Christmas to you & yours.

Lea
SPR Property Solutions, LLC

I do get some response from Craigslist on my ads looking for investors. I posted an ad once looking for sellers but with no luck. There are too many other similar postings out there.

One thing I did do was to respond to an 'I buy houses' posting and asked the person if I could bird dog for him. He said sure and I got all of his information and he is on my buyers list.

Have a very Merry Christmas. Celebrate the Christ Child.

Rick

Well, it's been a while since I've updated here. I've been busy with my business and enjoying the holidays.

Since the last post, I have added another 2 or 3 to my buyers list. 3 or 4 of my buyers have indicated a strong desire to help me learn the ropes of real estate investing and kind of mentor me. This is a great encouragement. In fact, one of these buyers had an associate of hers go through a house to help me learn about estimating repair costs. That was great!! I have also been building my sellers list. I have several houses that I need to be looking at this week. I have been working with one of my buyers on one of the houses that I came across the beginning of last week.

I have also been working on my business plan. Boy is that a lot of work. I have several pages handwritten already and am only about half way done. Been working with SCORE, which is a part of the SBA, for guidance and counsel on that.

Also opened my business checking account this week.

Hey!! As I'm writing this I got a call from somebody that saw my bandit sign at a shopping center. His brother is about to lose his house and wanted to know if I could help. I told him to have his brother give me a call and we would sure try. WooHoo!!

I have been putting out my signs all week. I called several local police departments and none of them allow signs on the public right of way. (I had a few confiscated before I knew this.) So, what I have been doing is placing them at shopping centers since this is private property. I place them at exit areas where people will be stopping or slowing down as they are leaving. This has generated some calls for me.

Have also placed some flyers around but no response to them yet.

Well, I'm excited about getting some sellers and buyers hooked up in the next few weeks. This bird dogging is a lot of work but a great way to learn.

I also came across a website this week that has tons of listings for non-MLS properties. I haven't spent a lot of time on it but it looks like it will be very useful. It's MyHouseDeals.com. Check it out.

One thing I have learned is that I need to get more organized in keeping track of my buyers and sellers lists. There are lots of details involved that must be managed. The academy lesson on bird dogging teaches that success in bird dogging is based to a large degree on credibility and reputation. Have to be super organized to support that.

Well, hope this brings everybody up to date.

Happy New Year to all.

Rick

Well hey, things are looking up this week! I was able to get 2 contracts written.

I was contacted a couple of weeks ago by a guy who saw my bandit sign. He has a place that he completely gut rehabbed to the max back in '06. Hasn't been able to sell it and is tired of making the payments. He wants to get out as quickly as possible. I contacted one of my investor/buyers to see if she would be interested in taking a look at it. We met the owner there on Tuesday and she wrote a contract with him. She put him in touch with a guy she knows that buys notes. He said he would be willing to do this on this house. Hopefully this will work out but if it doesn't, my investor has other options. During the conversations at the house, the owner mentioned that his son had a couple of properties that he might be wanting to get rid of . He called his son who talked to my investor. She called me yesterday to say that she was on her way to write a contract with the son. If the deals go through, I'll split the proceeds with my investor.

This whole experience was very educational, encouraging and rewarding. It's great to see some tangible activity from my efforts.

WooHoo!!!!

God is good.

Hi Rick, I've been trying to figure out how to get the bid statistics as well. No luck, you're good for figuring it out on your own. Listen, I'm from Texas but I looked at the Missouri site and even though it's a different management company it seems to be the exact same setup, exact.

If you could help me out with the steps you used I can try it on my end. If it works I can then do an update and let people in my area know how it works as well.

Thanks,
Monty Ortiz

I'll be keeping good thoughts and say a prayer for you that this deal goes through. Sounds like you might have found a little gold mine

Lea
SPR Property Solutions, LLC

You are certainly on your way to stardom in the real estate world. Congrats and thanks for sharing your deals with us. I always enjoy a great ending. God Bless.

Sandra

Thank you for sharing. I look forward to reading more of your journal.
Donna

Rick, sounds like you had some really great things going! Where are things at now? Can you update us?

Eagerly awaiting...

Andrew

Wow, I am really motivated by you! I am almost 30 days into the Academy, and am on Lesson 6. I have my business name but don't have the funds yet to secure it. Tell me what your script is when you call the "We Buy Houses" ads. Aren't those typically investors only?

Peace and Blessings,

Hey Chris,
I have an 888 number with eVoice. It is very inexpensive, can forward your calls, and has a very professional "hold music", as if they are trying to reach you. Check it out at:http://www.evoice.com/

Peace and Blessings,

WOW WOW WOW i just started the calss last week dont know if i should finish everything first or go out and try 2 find investor/buyers/sellers. what should i do? TKS THOMAS. my email is tellajoe@****

Well friends, I'm back in the saddle. I was going good in my RE work when I took an out of town job for 14 weeks last spring. This kind of slowed me down and dampened my enthusiasm somewhat.

I want to get back involved though, because the conversation and encouragement here is very important.

Since I last posted I have 3 deals going. I bought a 2 family flat through a short sale for $5000. It needs a complete rehab so I am seeking to wholesale it to someone who can do the rehab and either rent it out or live in it.

I have also purchased a property using my self-directed IRA. I am in the process of rehabbing this one and intend to sell it. I'm not totally rehabbing it. Just enough to get it pretty good, then a buyer can come in and add the finishing touches to make it their own. I will be selling it for below market value, make a pretty good profit for me and enable the homeowner to have some built in equity.

Then, last week, I put a contract on another house that needs some pretty good rehab done to it. Using hard money for this and financing the rehab out of my HELOC. Got this one a great price so should be able to make quite a bit on it. I'm in the process of getting bids on all of the rehab work.

I'm also wanting to get more heavily into wholesaling. I understand the concepts pretty well, but am struggling with the prospect of submitting a contract on a house and then not being able to sell it. I don't have the resources for that scenario. I know that this mostly depends on having a great buyer's list, so I guess I just need to work harder at that. Any suggestions or ideas that anyone would have would be appreciated.

Gotta get going. Meeting a window contractor at one of my properties.

Rick

Lea,

I'm back in the saddle again. I've been out of touch for a while. My RE work got interrupted by a 14 week out of town job. Couldn't figure out how to keep it going while I was gone.

I noticed that you had posted on my journal before I left so wanted to get back in touch.

Since I last posted I have 3 deals going. I bought a 2 family flat through a short sale for $5000. It needs a complete rehab so I am seeking to wholesale it to someone who can do the rehab and either rent it out or live in it.

I have also purchased a property using my self-directed IRA. I am in the process of rehabbing this one and intend to sell it. I'm not totally rehabbing it. Just enough to get it pretty good, then a buyer can come in and add the finishing touches to make it their own. I will be selling it for below market value, make a pretty good profit for me and enable the homeowner to have some built in equity.

Then, 2 weeks ago, I put a contract on another house that needs some pretty good rehab done to it. Using hard money for this and financing the rehab out of my HELOC. Got this one a great price so should be able to make quite a bit on it. I'm in the process of getting bids on all of the rehab work. Also waiting on the commitment from my lender.

I'm also wanting to get more heavily into wholesaling. I understand the concepts pretty well, but am struggling with the prospect of submitting a contract on a house and then not being able to sell it. I don't have the resources for that scenario. I know that this mostly depends on having a great buyer's list, so I guess I just need to work harder at that. Any suggestions or ideas that anyone would have would be appreciated.

Hope your investment activity is going great.

Rick Brockmeier

Keep up with my progress at http://www.deangraziosi.com/comment/reply/35914/67278

Donna,

I'm back in the saddle again. I've been out of touch for a while. My RE work got interrupted by a 14 week out of town job. Couldn't figure out how to keep it going while I was gone.

I noticed that you had posted on my journal before I left so wanted to get back in touch.

Since I last posted I have 3 deals going. I bought a 2 family flat through a short sale for $5000. It needs a complete rehab so I am seeking to wholesale it to someone who can do the rehab and either rent it out or live in it.

I have also purchased a property using my self-directed IRA. I am in the process of rehabbing this one and intend to sell it. I'm not totally rehabbing it. Just enough to get it pretty good, then a buyer can come in and add the finishing touches to make it their own. I will be selling it for below market value, make a pretty good profit for me and enable the homeowner to have some built in equity.

Then, 2 weeks ago, I put a contract on another house that needs some pretty good rehab done to it. Using hard money for this and financing the rehab out of my HELOC. Got this one a great price so should be able to make quite a bit on it. I'm in the process of getting bids on all of the rehab work. Also waiting on the commitment from my lender.

I'm also wanting to get more heavily into wholesaling. I understand the concepts pretty well, but am struggling with the prospect of submitting a contract on a house and then not being able to sell it. I don't have the resources for that scenario. I know that this mostly depends on having a great buyer's list, so I guess I just need to work harder at that. Any suggestions or ideas that anyone would have would be appreciated.

Hope your investment activity is going great.

Rick Brockmeier

Keep up with my progress at http://www.deangraziosi.com/comment/reply/35914/67278

Welcome Back! It's good to see your post. Glad to hear you have so many great deals in progress and I'm looking forward to hearing about how everything unfolds

Lea