Am I Just Too Laid Back?

Business is purring along – got a few substantial projects rolling right now. It’s nothing really all that exciting, but the usual bag of real estate investor issues – a little rehab, a notice from the city about an overgrown yard, some repairs that need done, a vacancy to deal with, keeping after a handyman, lots of bookkeeping. And on and on.

Actually, I do have one exciting detail to share. I recently experienced another real estate first. I had two properties with dog poop on the floor (yes inside the house) at the same time. That’s a new record even for me! What can I say, keepin’ it real on this blog! I promise to share the real life of true investing here – grit and laughs!

But that crappy situation aside, I lead a fabulously unexciting life. But I kind of like it that way.

Sometimes I wonder, am I just too laid back?

Real estate investors are supposed to be type A personalities. Maybe you’re vaguely familiar with the personality types – there’s A and B or A through D or even 16 types depending on who you believe. Typically type A is competitive, aggressive, and impatient. Type A’s are supposed to be your strong leaders, the entrepreneurs.

Sadly that just isn’t me. I’m too laid back. I do like to win, I like to move things along, I like to knock out big targets. I can be a Nazi about things like making sure my investors are taken care of and seeing that people are treated right. But getting worked up over things just isn’t everything to me. In fact allow me to blow your mind a minute – I’m not even all that motivated by money. Oh it’s nice, but there are sooo many things it can’t buy that are really valuable.

I like to think being laid back makes me calm and even handed. But of course it also has its drawbacks. I’m sometimes too easy going when a firm schedule is needed. I listen to too many people’s stories. I let paperwork stack up. I can be a lousy property manager for example. In fact I’ve engaged an independent property manager this year for that very reason. That and property management can suck up a lot of time.

So where is the right balance? What is ideal? I just don’t know. I keep my plates spinning, but a couple always seem to be falling to the floor. At present my marketing isn’t looking too hot. My goals are a little cob-webby. I probably have moved along slower in my career than I could have if I were a harder driver. But I also take time to hang with my kids, walk the dog, be active in church, and mess with projects around the house.

Can an investor thrive in this entrepreneurial field who isn’t so hard driven? Let me know what you think. I’m just glad that this great business we’re in has so many options.

P.S. Type A’s – I love you. I just rather come in on the wave behind you instead of racing you.