New BP member from Miami FL

[James Moesch]

Greetings,

My name is James Moesch and I was born and raised in Miami. My fascination with REI began when I was 21 years old working for the Federal Government as a Correctional officer. I was at work, (or in prison lol), and around 2am two different Real estate infomercials came on each of the TV's. One was a tall professional businessman promising wealth with "No Down Payment". (Sound familiar?). The next screen featured 2 little guys pitching the Cash Flow Generator. Realizing that I didn't want to retire earning half of what I couldn't even live off of today, I decided to take the leap. I got the free book which led to the $2000 boot camp in Tampa FL. Best investment ever. It lit a fire inside me. I was surrounded by people who were motivated to better themselves. Just like this site Bigger Pockets. It took over a year and thousands of miles driving neighborhoods digging for deals before I made my first check. It was $1500. But wait, before you laugh, I have come to learn that that check was worth more than face value. Perhaps it was worth more than all the checks to follow combined! That first deal gave me the self confidence to continue. Now I know that it works! Eventually, I become a Federal Air Marshal after 9-11-2001. Can you guess what my cover story was when on the Job? I was a RE Investor on a business trip lol! Wow, the power of the spoken word! I was able to save up enough $ from a few deals and my job, found a partner, and bought an "Ugly" Franchise. Well, after 5 great years 2008 happens. I LOST EVERYTHING! Including my self confidence. I went from Millionaire, (on paper), to working at Sears for $6.00/hour plus commission. And I was thankful for it! Fast forward to present: I am now a security contractor for Nuclear Power Plants working the night shift. And I'm also back in the game! I just completed one of my tired and true methods for finding deals: Direct mail. The phone is ringing and I am on the cusp of my first contract in a long time. Is it wrong to be nervous again? That's how I was feeling when I just made the offer. I was fearing rejection. But then I remembered:SW4 "Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Someone's Waiting!" So here I am, starting over in a newer, different marketplace as a newbie once again. I look forward to getting to know the members here and learning from all of you.

Here's to our success!

[Mehran K.]

Welcome to BiggerPockets @James Moesch, thanks for much for sharing your story and introducing yourself. It's great to have an experienced investor join the site that has seen both sides of the REI coin. Newer investors like myself should pay heed to the many lessons you're able to share :)