http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#comments Comments from 'Which investors are the most successful? ' in Real Return Real Estate at BiggerPockets.com http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2116 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2116 Your right... any big business has systems in place and the guy at the top is making high level decisions that ultimately give him his life back and freedom to do what he or she wants. I think people just get caught up into thinking about how much money their saving and forget the big picture... http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2128 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2128 The E-Myth is a fantastic book, and a must read for any entrepreneur or self employed professional. A final note: most technical/analytical types seem to get bogged down in the details and don’t take action to close deals. At some point you need to “pull the trigger” and invest. Continued success! Marco Santarelli -- Norada Real Estate Investments http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2136 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2136 How do you seperate the fakers from the real deal? I want to learn from and associate with the people turning in the 6 figure + income stream. Any tips for finding the good mentors? http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2138 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2138 The most basic tip is to look at what the "DO" not just what the "SAY". This will tell you whether they are talking from experience or not. Continued success, <b>Marco Santarelli</b> http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2141 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2141 Some very successful people do work very hard and long even if they have the option to take much time off. They do have the choice and some choose to work more at what they find great satisfaction in. I'm just starting in REI and working more than ever and having a great time. My wife isn't too thrilled, but I hope to have the disclpine to seek balance once this new endeavor reaches critical mass. http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2143 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2143 Oh, and I have learned the lesson of the E Myth. I have a company with 15 employees that I currently work about 10 hours per week. http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2197 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_2197 Hey guys, thanks for the comments. EMyth was a real eye opener. Creating systems and seperating yourself from the daily processes is the way to go. It imazes me how different most people think, as a technician and do it yourselfer. Steven, Marco is right. Find the people that DO, not get you excited by showing you success stories from others or distant past then teach theory. You would be surprised how many investors are willing to help. We recently started providing free mentoring, nothing extravagant but we have helped some investors and it has been very rewarding. Best of luck guys!! http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_3581 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_3581 Words of gold!! The only defer I claim is that the amount of the investor's involvement depends on the scope of the business. If you own three SFRs the most you can do is hire a management company to run it. Obviously, if you own three 200 units apartment buildings, you probably want to create a subsidiary PM company to work exclusively on your properties. You must master the art of hiring people though... http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_3582 http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/497/blog_posts/2055-which-investors-are-the-most-successful-#c_3582 Great point Eddie. I know some investors who have around 100 SFR or duplexes and are miserable trying to manage them. I think about 20 properties is enough to hold. As you grow, the number of units at each property should grow. Maybe you start with 20 SFR, then end up with 20 apartment or commercial properties. Hiring is definitely critical, if you do not have the right team and systems in place then you have no foundation to grow. Thanks for the comment Eddie!