Trust Bigger Pockets

[Dan Stouffer]

I have been meaning to become a more active participant on this site, but as someone who is still scratching my way to uncover my first deal, there is little value that I can provide this community. I wanted to share a recent experience that I had, however, that further substantiated this site and empowered me to continue with this journey. I am hopeful that other "newbies" will benefit as a result. 

A few weeks ago, I called the listing agent for a house directly behind my own and inquired if he would be interested in seller financing, as I knew he had inherited the property and had recently rented it out. The listing agent continued to ask me questions and commented that I seemed like " a sharp guy" that had " a lot of energy" and wanted to meet me to see how he could help/mentor me. I was thrilled. Without giving much away, he is one of the most successful real estate agents in my area. 

I met with him a few days later and we spent about an hour talking. Most of the time he was asking me questions and how he had flipped houses before too. It didn't take me very long to realize that despite his overwhelming success and experience, I didn't learn a single thing from the conversation. He spoke with a lot of bravado but when it came to actual analysis, I realized that I had learned far more from listening to the Bigger Pockets podcasts. 

This might be common sense, but I think with people like myself who are starting out, you need to realize how much information is available through this site as well as the podcasts, and to not be intimidated or awestruck by the success of others. Keep educating yourself and trust the wisdom of this entire community. 

[Russell Brazil]

There is a lot of good information on the site. However there is a lot of crappy information as well. 

The #1 way to be successful is simply to copy the strategies that successful people use in your particular market.