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Is this a cult? Subscribe to Is this a cult? 22 posts by 19 users

sarahheck


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40 posts

Seriously, since joining this community and reading these forums for the last 2-3 days, I don't believe I've seen a group of more enthusiastic, motivational, inspirational group of people in my life!! The only thing I can compare it to is some crazy religious cult (I'm not religious so please don't take offense) You people are downright evangelical about real estate! It's amazing. I've certainly felt like a different person since coming here.

One thing I've noticed since I started here is that I haven't been watching any tv at night when I come home from work. I come home and I'm on the computer researching and coming up with ideas for my business plan. I'm kind of realizing how things like tv, video games, entertainment, etc, are just huge distractions to keep people from taking action to change their lives.

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Oxy M.

Real Estate Investor
brooklyn, New York
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119 posts

Or maybe life is a distraction from the TV. Blew your mind didnt I?

Joshua D.

BiggerPockets Founder
Denver, Colorado
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5561 posts

Sarah -
Thank you. No this is not a cult, however as you can tell from the enthusiasm and support of the members here that thes forums have truly become a thriving real estate community!

Join us . . . . brains . . . . brains . . . .

Seriousy, I'm glad you find yourself researching and working out your plans . . . it means that you, too, are now enthusiastic about making a change and jump starting your investing!

We're glad to have you here! Be sure to share the " cult" with all your friends!

Matt H.


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452 posts

we call ourselves " The Club of Rome"

tash


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16 posts

yeah, I have noticed that too... even though I dont post much (too much to read :) )

just remember the internet can be a distraction from life too...........

Ryan W.

Real Estate Investor
Amarillo, Texas
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1405 posts

Don't be fooled by the cult leader. Josh is just trying to bring you into the fold before you know what's happening.

Lol, sorry just kidding.

I was reading Trump's The Art of the Deal today and he was talking about how every truly successful person he's met has a heightened obsessive nature about their business. They are neurotic with their businesses.

This captivation is what leads to success. Success requires it. Success is a demanding lover. It requires your persistent and consistent highly focused attention to open up its treasures to you. Obsession with its secrets is what will give you the energy to break through. It feeds you on your journey.

The key is to balance that ambition, that fire within. If you burn yourself out too quickly you won't have enough to get you through the long journey, but if you don't keep the flame stoked enough it will go out just the same from the wind blowing on it. You must keep the flame alive and bright, but make sure you have plenty of wood for the cold winter nights.

Feed the obsessiveness, but direct it. Control it to produce.

Lou C.

Real Estate Investor
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33 posts

I agree, Ive looked at and read through alot of RE websites and most either try to sell you expensive courses or just dont have any good info. This one is by far THE BEST.

Ryan, I like what you wrote. All of my free time AND my drive time has been devoted to learning RE, property analysis, crunching numbers, etc. I havent even made an offer on a prop yet but Im feeling a little " burned out" already. Looks like I might have to chill for a minute and " balance the ambition" . I might even just put the audio books aside for awhile and just start sending out Letters of Intent and see what sticks. Also, Im feeling a certain anxiety about the properties Im crunching numbers on because 1. they are 4 hours away from me and 2. they are in a not-so-good section of town. They have good cashflow for the price though... I just dont want to mess up bad and get stuck with something that could screw my life up for the next few years.

Ryan W.

Real Estate Investor
Amarillo, Texas
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1405 posts

Investing 4 hours away can definitely be a challenge in itself, and I personally would recommend that you get started closer to home.

Now the idea of investing in the not-so-good section of town, depending on your exit strategy, I wouldn't worry about that too much. I primarily invest in the not-so-good part of town and do very well with it. Now you'll want stay away from the worst part of town, but the not-so-good parts will usually give you a good balance of cash flow potential from rentals/owner carries and resale value from rehabs. Because of the financial advantages of lower end property they also attract other investors, which is always a good benefit for wholesaling too.

Robin V.

Real Estate Investor
Reading, PA
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218 posts

saraheck,
What you are doing is surrounding your self with like minded people. This is necessary when you have nay sayers who are not knowledgable with their negative vibes. Even though I have been investing for a while, I have found this to be one of the most informative sites out ther in web land.

John C.

Real Estate Investor
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3399 posts

While some communities are better than others I have found that most groups of RE investors who are actively investing (including those getting started) are very open to sharing information. They like to trade details, make suggestions and otherwise help each other do more and better deals.

Having a focus other than TV is certainly more likely to improve your financial future.

Good luck and enjoy the reading.

John Corey

Ryan S.

Real Estate Investor
Chicago, Illinois
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1057 posts

I agree, local REI Clubs that have people that are ACTUALLY Investing will be useful resources. There are several clubs out there where the focus is on selling you products, services, etc.

I guess it is just like TV, some channels are good for you and some just have infomercials. ha.

James M.

Homeowner
Carrollton , TX
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127 posts

Seriously, since joining this community and reading these forums for the last 2-3 days, I don't believe I've seen a group of more enthusiastic, motivational, inspirational group of people in my life!!

Yeah, it is a pretty phenomenal thing this community has. I have only joined yesterday and just through reading people's posts really gives you the sense that you are part of a group that really wants to help each other out. It's like one big giant team .

Joshua D.

BiggerPockets Founder
Denver, Colorado
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5561 posts

If you guys feel that way, then we're doing our job. I'm glad that everyone feels the positive vibes! Welcome and enjoy! Hopefully, once our newbies become more experienced, they can give back to the community like our experienced guys do!

Jared C.

Real Estate Investor
Fort Wayne, IN
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426 posts

I have really enjoyed this group. I joined a while ago but felt I needed a little more experience beore I posted more. Josh, you guys are certainly doing a great job!

Ed C.

Real Estate Consultant
Wildomar, CA
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108 posts

Birds of a feather flock together. On this site you'll find a lot of people who are very passionate about RE Investing. They have experience and the truth is that no matter how much experience one has there is always more to be learned. Sharing ideas among like minded people leads to better education, this is a forum where people give and get ideas from each other (people who know what they're talking), don't have to be afraid to ask a question, and can get a positive motivation. We keep each other on track to attain our goals. It's a place where people know where you're coming from and don't judge, but try to guide. It's not a religious thing, it's an entrepreneurial thing.

Joshua D.

BiggerPockets Founder
Denver, Colorado
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5561 posts

Nicely put, Ed.

Dick G.

Residential Lender
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Star Moderator

1205 posts

I usually turn the T.V. on for ambience until something comes on that's tries to capture my attention, then I turn it off.

I like what Ryan said about the Burning inner Fire.

Get excited and enthusiastic about you own dream. This excitement is like a forest FIRE -- you can smell it, taste it, and see it from a mile away.
Denis Waitley

Alex A.

Real Estate Agent
Minneapolis, MN
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10 posts

In comparing the forum to religion or some religious or cultic experience - it is true that there are the zealots who are SO flippin' POSITIVE.

I want to mention that there are people in every genre who love to talk the talk, but when it comes to walking the walk - it's another story.

Investing can be difficult and scary from time to time - just like (in my opinion) real spiritual-growth is...

Those who will truly succeed (whether it's at Zen or investing) it takes COMMITMENT! That means a willingness to do your homework, look at numbers, follow the instruction of your " guru" and " take the pain" of the fear of failing and being outside of your comfort zone (until you are comfortable being uncomfortable)...

David S.

Real Estate Investor
Verne, IN
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104 posts

Funny thing - Psychology

I have always had an interest in REI, started early, slacked off, started again, took a brake.......get the picture?

Anyway, like to have more $$$ for the nicer things for the family, it makes life a little easier.

Like Forest Gump says " One less thing to worry about"

BUT, I got FIRED up, on our last deal.... my three daughter (two in high school - one in Jr High) rolled their sleeves up and jumped in.... BIGTIME.

They did everything... paint, carpet, framing, drywall, cabinets....everything.

My 16 yearold even dressed up and was at both our Open Houses and walked and talked the business.. Telling folks how WE did this and that ... we even had the laptop out with before and after pictures of all of us working at different stages. Everyone got a kick out of it. Mainly the wife and I and that was it!!!!!!

I (we) are hooked!!! and off and running.

07 goals were short; 08 goals are INTENSE ! but attainable.

Besides the $$$ and running my own business, now the girls know its theirs too and we are in this for the long haul.

PS .... the house sold to for the list price!

Just my $.02 thanks for letting me babble

Stan M.

Residential Real Estate Agent
Hallandale, FL
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27 posts

Great story, Dave! And your kids are learned a positive working lesson. They will think and act differently from now on. Keep going with a good example!