Confessions of a Motivated Seller

New Member Introductions
10yFollow

Confessions of a Motivated Seller

Michael M.
La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes

BP is great place. The world in general is not. Over the last year I have listened to all the BP podcasts, those guests who succeed are showered with praise and emulation. That's why we are here, we want to be like that success story, we want to learn, network and grow. While an investor may strive for the most profitable deal, it comes at an expense to the seller.

As I write this post a women has lost her wallet. It's a Coach wallet and looks full. I lost my wallet as a kid walking to school. I had $43 dollars to my name. Two weeks went by, I got a call from a house wife asking if I was Michael. Turns out she lived, ten minutes away from my childhood home and told me my wallet was ready to be picked up. I'm 41 now and never forgot the honesty displayed when my wallet, ID, and all my money was still intact. I offered the lady a $20 reward. She declined, so we agreed on two Peach pies her husband liked.

As soon as I discovered the Coach wallet from a window, another woman walked by, picked it up and started to walk away from the store with it. Not so fast riff raff. I notified the store manager about the wallet. It's safe and so that women's identity, credit cards, and cash. Hopefully she comes back to the store and inquires about it. She'll never know it was me, but hopefully good karma will never let her forget to pay it forward. Back to my confession.

I used to be a motivated seller. I had a low paying job, that didn't pay my mounting credit card debt. The typical motivated seller isn't savvy about real estate, doesn't value property correctly, spends too much and earns to little.

I made a few mistakes that led to my losing six figures off my list price.

1. Not selling in 2007 when the market was up. I sold in a down market instead.

2. Poor budgeting. I spent too much, earned to little, deep in credit card debt. I didn't earn enough to qualify for a loan.

3. I made the mistake of becoming HOA president and remaining so for 8 years.

4. I didn't educate myself about real estate. How banks low ball LTV when no recent comps exist.

5. Financially illiterate. I didn't educate myself about loans and DTI ratios, credit hard pull vs soft pull.

6. My list price was too high. Lower list prices attract bidding wars.

I'm homeless now, loosely living out of my car, and back to spending too much. In two years I'll be broke. Robert Kyosaki was also homeless for one week along with his wife, but he managed to get through it and come out ahead. Phil Pustejovsky was also homeless at one point in his life and got through it. I endeavour to do the same.

I most likely would benefit from having a mentor to guide me in real estate. I've setup a website in hopes of having something to show for my efforts toward gaining financial freedom from poverty and homelessness. While most "mentors" or "gurus" will be more than happy to take my money, I'm offering myself freely in exchange for free guidance. Perhaps that guidance is here on BP and technology can transcend the traditional barriers I've been conditioned to accept as gospel.

I already reached out to a guest on BP. He said I have nothing of value to offer him on his marketing for deals. He's right; why should he spend his marketing dollars on my training wheels? So I've assembled a few options for myself along with an about me. I'm interested in the vicinity of Walnut, CA, the Inland Empire to the Antelope Valley.

I've been listening to several real estate podcasts for several years without taking action nor getting my real estate license. Before me are various paths and I could use advice on.

First I need the lowest barrier to entry. A very high chance I'll get traction and make an income right away.

I've considered several career paths to give me an immediate stable income without a four year degree including:

Escrow assistant, agent or officer

Title officer

Real estate note investing

Buying and selling raw land

Wholesaling

Certified Apartment Manger (CAM)

That's my initial plan. Eventually I want to leverage time and interest, contracts and processes to become wealthy. I believe in myself, but I lack a good guide and an immediate living wage.

I could just get a real estate sales person license, pay the the expense and seeming futility of not earning enough money with listings, promoting the brokerage, while I network with title, escrow, home inspectors, real estate attorneys, brokers, REIA, and self help books until I stumble upon success or fail.

Podcasts are great but don't provide income unless I start my own podcast and promote my own products or affiliate links. No affiliate links are posted below. Here's what I've listened too so far.

http://realestateguysradio.com (generic real estate podcast)

http://www.richdad.com (rich dad poor dad, cashflow quadrant, 2 other audio books)

http://www.thenorrisgroup.com (real estate notes)

http://michaelquarles.com/author/michael/ (http://www.yellowletters.com (Whole tailing)

http://www.biggerpockets.com (real estate podcast with niche guests)

http://www.thelandgeek.com (buy and sell raw land, finance land notes for passive income)

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Napoleon-Hil... (personal growth, a positive worldview attracts other to you)

http://www.grantcardone.com/the-10x-rule/(Inspirat... speaker with no specific guidance)

http://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extra... (success is sequential)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/031623673X (personality types)

http://www.smartpassiveincome.com

Recognizing real estate is the best industry to succeed without a college degree, which may not be worth incurring student loan debt, looking for entry points into real estate, how quickly I can enter the industry and network, and weighing the return on value with various real estate pathways and strategies.

I need traction, income and advice. It could be worse, I could be a cripple or a junkie. I am neither, just a former motivated seller trying to get a fresh start in life, to learn to be the hunter rather than the hunted, and never again be a desperate motivated seller.

Before anyone gets teary eyed on me I'm sure the world is full of selfish don't give damns who are out for themselves. I have no illusions of finding gold here. Just reaching out just in case I'm off.

Respectfully,

Michael

3Reply
178 views

Most Popular Reply

Ricketa Buckhalter
Wholesaler · Chesterfield, VA · Member since 2016 · 8 posts · 5 votes
10y

I am a new investor just getting started.  All I can say is NOTHING HAPPENS FOR NOTHING.  Always remember that.  Just get back in there, learn as much as you can and always ask questions until forever.  We are here for you as your real estate family and although I am not skilled enough to give you real estate advice I am here for you emotionally and that is half the battle.  I agree with Angelina as well, start small, building your income back up and get to a place of some type of comfort, but do what you can while and when you can during the process and things will fall in place just stay positive.

Keta

3Reply
See this reply in the discussion

41 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Michael S.Pro Member
    Biggerpockets Support · Las Pinas, Metro Manila · Member since 2015 · 7k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    Welcome to the community @Michael M.  Great to see you moving despite setbacks.  Keep going and all the best to you

    BiggerPockets
    1Reply
  • Angelia Kinston
    Investor and Realtor · Alexandria, VA · Member since 2015 · 148 posts · 19 votes
    10y

    Hi @Michael M. I'm sorry your life has taken an unfortunate turn and I know you're not looking for pity. I am truly sorry.  I am a Realtor and wholesaler in Northern Virginia and the furthest thing from my mind would be to take advantage of someone. I always try to help my clients. Whether it involves buying and selling real estate on the mls or wholesaling off market deals. I help my motivated sellers by relieving them of a bad situation and providing the necessary cash they need for a variety of situations (I.e., medical expenses, paying tax debt, etc).  Since you are in your current position, I would suggest that you start out by getting a job. Any job you can find that will get you out of your car and into a place. You can think more clearly about what you want to pursue in real estate once your life is more stable. Keep a full time job, pay your bills on time, get out of the cycle of over spending and creating debt THEN you can begin to work real estate on a part time basis until you figure out what works best for you. Everybody in the world is not bad. Some still have legitimate care for others (even in real estate) Hope this helps some. 

    4Reply
  • Ricketa Buckhalter
    Wholesaler · Chesterfield, VA · Member since 2016 · 8 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    I am a new investor just getting started.  All I can say is NOTHING HAPPENS FOR NOTHING.  Always remember that.  Just get back in there, learn as much as you can and always ask questions until forever.  We are here for you as your real estate family and although I am not skilled enough to give you real estate advice I am here for you emotionally and that is half the battle.  I agree with Angelina as well, start small, building your income back up and get to a place of some type of comfort, but do what you can while and when you can during the process and things will fall in place just stay positive.

    Keta

    3Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    Thank you all for the emotional support. Letting go of my childhood home wasn't easy or pleasant. But the less I look back and the more I look forward, the better off I'll be.

    In southern California, most metro apartments are renting for a range $1,250 - $1,600. I could go farther out and save a few hundred a month, but then I spend that money in gas commutting to a metro city for employment. That's urban spral at work. In metro areas tenants are screened for earning 3x the rent. This means I need to earn $3,750 a month ($45k/yr), preferably in real estate, just to rent an apartment.

    The $45,000 question is:

    What job in a real estate has a base pay of $45,000 a year to start with only a high school diploma? I'm willing to get training or certification, but taking a commission only job won't put a roof over my head at age 41

    After digging around payscale.com, none of the jobs I mentioned have a base pay of $45,000 a year. I would appreciate any suggestions.

    Nothing is free in this world. So why read this post and chime in? Benevolence? I lost all my faith in "friends", society and politicians. But just in case, I offer to BP something in return just for reading my post. A fun fact:

    Which real estate job listed in my post has the highest base pay and longest tenure?

    If you said Escrow officer you'd be right.

    Escrow officer has a base pay of $31k a year, is 91% female occupied with 39% of the workforce employed for 10-19 years. - payscale.com

    I like digging and researching, it's fun and I get to do it alone. I just have to figure out how to make money from it...

    So escrow officers, do you own, or rent? Are ya scraping by? Do ya eat everyday or not? Wait, hold on, I know "don't flood my industry, were doing fine now, but after the bubble pops, it will get slow and well be letting people go"...and now we wait...

    0Reply
  • Jack Butala
    Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 515 votes
    10y

    Hello @Michael M. and welcome to BP. BP is indeed a great place! BP has so much valuable information on real estate investing. From the great forums to networking with experienced investors, you can't go wrong on this site! You came to the right place and I wish you all the best. You are not alone in your real estate ambition. 

    1Reply
  • Lia Taylor
    Murrieta, CA · Member since 2016 · 4 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    Hi Mike M,

    Like a lot of people, you've been knocked down in this economy, but I know you can get up.

    Step 1: Develope a powerful drive to improve your life.

    Step 2: Get a job. Check out Craigslist, careerbuilder etc. There are many positions paying $10 hour that you can start Tomorrow.

    Step 3: Obtain housing that costs no more then 25% of your NET monthly income. 600/ month max Rent a room or do a weekly rental in a motel.

    Step 4: Try to save at least 25% or more of your Gross monthly earnings.

    Step 5: Check out Dave Ramsey and The Richest Man in Babylon.

    Step 5: Pick up the phone and call the hiring manager of the escrow dept. Tell him or her you want a job as an escrow officer. Ask what you would need to get hired.

    Repeat steps 1-5 until you make it happen! Good luck out here. -Lia

    2Reply
  • Jerry W.Pro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Thermopolis, WY · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    10y

    Hey @Michael M., I have lived in my car, I feel your situation.  My advice is get a job first thing.  its nice to have food to eat.  I was lucky, had folks help me a bit with that.  Next find a spot, maybe a room at a shelter or a room for small rent.  CA is probably nice enough weather to live with the elements if needed.  You can find places to shower and wash clothes out in the sink for awhile.  If you have the drive you will be able to find something.  If you do a good job you will move up.  The steps may be tiny or you may get lucky.  You have experience doing something.  I have never worked in the industry but maybe you can find a job with some investor.  I have let a few guys live in a place I was working on in exchange for some work.  I made sure they had a few good meals, and I am sure there are more folks like that out there.  The trick is to be trustworthy and hard working.  The rest will follow.  Good luck, better yet go make your own luck.

    1Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    I accepted a menial job today. My hearts not in it. I feel guilty I'm not doing real estate.

    0Reply
  • Rebecca Zadell
    Manassas, VA · Member since 2016 · 74 posts · 15 votes
    10y

    It's not real estate, but it's a job. It's a starting point, from which you can build.

    Any updates?

    1Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    I'm still employed. Just about everyday I'm at work I think about real estate. That nagging voice in my head, "I'm not where I need to be, doing real estate". I'm sure there are plenty of snarky comments waiting on my poor methodology to achieving real estate nirvana. I don't care, I won't be hurt...

    My "WHY" is simple, I'd like to once again own my home free and clear, plus have enough cashflow to keep it. Yes I may house hack.

    Right now, I need a reliable base income to offset living expenses. I'd prefer to be in a real estate related field. At least I'll be using real estate related skillset I can use somedatime.In my spare time I have reached out several real estate schools, researched base incomes for real estate related fields, spoken to professors, real estate schools, etc.

    Basically the default answer is get a real estate sales person license (3 classes) then network, apply and specialize. Alternatively I can go to a non accredited educational offering and take ala cart classes, cross my fingers and apply to entry level positions. No job placement exists. Its all networking and level experience relative to the position open. A base pay from an hourly position is available from an escrow, title or certified apartment manager position. Real estate is cyclical and I'm sensing a market top, so I may or not make it in time.

    0Reply
  • Jennifer King
    Bellevue, WA · Member since 2016 · 154 posts · 57 votes
    10y

    @Michael M. I am new to real estate investing, so I can't give you expert advice. But I wanted to chime in to say "well done" for finding and keeping a job of any sort. It's not in real estate, but it is helping you stay afloat. Do you have a place to live now?

    I relate to your sense of where we are in the market cycle and maybe not being in a good position to invest this time around. On the other hand, when markets are peaking in some places, they are steady or still climbing elsewhere, so it may just take being willing to invest long distance. I am doing some short term crowdfunding investments for now while I get more basic education about the world of real estate. 

    I just wanted to encourage you to keep your chin up and keep doing your research! Just from what I've read on BP/heard on podcasts, it seems that having some experience as a CAM might be the most applicable to future real estate investments IF you want to own rentals. Maybe you can start a new post with those job titles as the headline, asking for more experienced people to weigh in on the issue. 

    The most important thing is not to beat yourself up for the position you are in. Stay positive, envision your future, set some long term goals then pick some short term actions you can do to work towards them. You will definitely find lots of support on BP! Take care and keep those updates coming!

    0Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    Thank you. I am staying with friends and saving several hundred dollars a month. I have a nest egg I'm trying to keep safe until I find the right property. Good suggestion, I will make a thread of my findings. So far  the National Apartment Association prerequisite for a CAM designation requires someone actually be employed by a management company or is already actively managing an apartment prior to applying for and being approved to enroll in the online class. I only learned this after calling their rep Stephanie.

    http://m.naahq.org/learn/education

    CAM designation opens doors for management positions, but real estate license seems to be the starting point. My local community college offers an online version qns is accredited so I might do that online this summer to get started while I hold down a job. I'm constantly listening to real estate podcasts, reading books and I'm generally obsessed with achieving wealth. I always wanted to be rich since I was a little kid. I gave up children and put off marriage. I really want to succeed, I'm just slow to get there, but I sure want it.

    1Reply
  • Anthony Aguillard
    Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2012 · 289 posts · 74 votes
    10y
    One day at a time Michael. You're on your way. You got the job, real estate will come in time. Congrats
    1Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    Update: I'm still holding down the job, passed on the 401k, not enough income, paltry company match, no control of fees.

    My general direction is to qualify for a traditional bank loan or one of the new lenders for a primary residence or duplex.

    My current vehicle is 15 years old, so I might have to dip into my house fund for something new. I know I should finance deappreciating asstes with cash flowing assets, but a hitch hiker I am not.

    At $28k a year gross, I won't qualify for house unless I can get owner financing.

    Im still very obsessed with listening to Robert Kiyosaki, Mark Poldosky, Bigger Pockets, and the Norris Group. I stopped listening to Michael Quarrels because he stopped producing content for free that I am aware of. I think these gurus are very much the same, fee for time oracles of past techniques. I'd listen to Arron Mazzrillo if he produced any content but he's got hands full I'm sure.

    Since most real estate agents fail within five years due to infrequent sales, I'm not bullish on becoming a real estate agent, unless I use the credential to get into property management of which I do have a background in.

    So far I'm a bit undecided between escrow officer or property management. Escrow officer earns a median $47k (payscale.com) while property manager earns a median $45k (payscale.com).

    My initial needs are to build a stable base income from which to live off of and and have enough left over to invest wisely. I'm just over 40 and the thought of sinking $40k into a college degree which is a static level of knowledge seems foolish. Corporate america commonly requires such a college degree who's relevance in our ever changing economy is questionable.

    Enough ranting from me.

    Defined goals: by years end I will have my real estate license as a level of credibility I will either use to gain a position in escrow or in property management.

    If someone offered me an a weekend gig in either I'd do it for free just to learn. Dan Lok a smooth talking guru, said he spent one year learning from hisnl mentor Mr. Pena of East Los Angeles, got paid nothing, but that was his million dollar year were he learned a lot and it helped him start out on his own. I'll be meeting people at some point after I get my license and I'm sure be donating my time in hopes of learning to make wise independant financial choices. Well that's my long winded update.

    0Reply
  • Brandon L.
    Real Estate Agent · Falls Church · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    @Michael M. You talk about Robert Kiyosaki a lot. In his books he always talks about how his sales skills are what made him a success. Learn some sales skills, you can learn the basics for free. Then maybe think getting licensed as an agent. Also your writing is interesting, maybe find a way to use that to your advantage.

    Good luck 

    1Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    @ Brandon L, your right, Robert Kiyosaki learned his sales skills at Xerox. I just listened to him yesterday. Commission jobs...hard to live off of but I need those skills. Thank you for the reminder.

    0Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    One of my biggest Robert Kiyosaki aha moments was the cashflow quadrant, how he was never satisfied being an employee, and how he wanted his money to work for him rather than work for his money. Most of the BP guests default recommended book is Rich Dad Poor Dad. I'm suprised how many rich dad imposters have shown up over the years trying to sue Robert out of his millions but I digress. Comisson sales jobs are some what plentiful. My main issue is that people don't like getting pitched. Building trust and interest are at the heart of podcast IMHO, and that's why podcasting often turns into another plug on the book on low and no money down real estate investing *cough. I've often heard information products have %50 margins and scale like crazy for years.

    0Reply
  • Chris T.
    Investor · Downers Grove, IL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 955 votes
    10y

    @Michael M.

    Another good sales gig is a door to door sales person. It is 1 of the toughest jobs out there, tons of no, door slamming in your face etc. 

    I only did it for 4 months selling books with southwestern company, but I have learnt so much.

    I would start attending local RE meetings (if you haven't yet), talk to everyone and offer your value to them. Offer things you can do for free, and learn from them. Everything starts with adding value. 

    Good luck to you and your RE journey. 

    0Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    9y

    Update, went to my first REIA. I met a local legend millionaire. He wasn't interested in mentoring. The meeting consisted of a hard money lender, a wholesaler, and several investors. A SFR wholesale deal came up. ARV sounded rosy (6 cap). But I remembered a guest on the BP show relating what bad experience he had in "that area". Low rents, tenants rough on the property, he never broke even and ended up selling at a loss just to be free of it. I was very surprised the old legend recommending SFR rather than a duplex. As I'm still homeless and jobless.

    I'm looking for a duplex or triplex to house hack. I'm looking for a deals everyday but it seems the deals are way out from major employers and density poor. Others have posted more elequintly on that scenario.

    Been listening to the Grant Cardone Cardone Zone. Keeping the faith...

    0Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    9y

    I have avoided being a renter for two years now. My family grew up renting. I am very familiar with the vicious financial bloodletting that occurs to renters.

    Robert Kiyosaki, Harry Dent, Grant Cardone, and others have all said a major correction in real estate is overdue. Even President Elect Trump has said the stock market is due for a significant correction. I can't wait until I get my own home again.

    In one of the BP podcasts, Brandon Turner jokingly mentioned something to the effect 'if you make a lowball offer that doesn't make you blush...it might be too high'. I've been making lowball offers trying to stay within an hour of 91744. I rather enjoy making low ball offers, because I know cash is king.

    "The harder I work, the luckier I get" - [Insert smart person here]

    0Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    9y

    Update: Back in August I quit my job. I never worked so hard to accomplish so little. Production environments can be brutal. I've been job hunting ever since.

    I'm glad I wrote this post. It helps me keep track of my thoughts.

    0Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    9y

    Update: Back in August I quit my job. I never worked so hard to accomplish so little. It felt nice to have a paycheck. Production environments can be brutal. I've been job hunting ever since.

    I'm glad I wrote this post. It helps me keep track of my thoughts. I am very gratefeul to each and every response given. Thank you all. When I succeed, you can hold me accountable to pay it forward. Perhaps I can write a book, open or volunteer at a homeless shelter. I'll think of something, and your suggestions are welcomed. I remain able bodied and I will continue updating this post in the member blog titled: "Mentee4Mentor".

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/9351-mentee4mentor

    0Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    7y

    November 2018. I remain unemployed. I have tenaciously acquired job interviews over these last two years and not succeeded in getting hired. I have since spent my savings on medical and living expenses. I was close to accepting a $12.50/hr job bit realized it wouldn't pay for an apartment. Los Angles County rents and housing prices are so disconnected from median minim wage and average base pay. Real estate speculators must be so proud of themselves outbidding shelter buyers for inventory. Los Angeles as a sanctuary city has more than swelled rents or housing costs. I'm surprised Costa Hawkins wasn't repealed. I hate Los Angeles County. It feels like a urine soaked sewer of desperation. Before I die I will leave it behind and never look back.

    0Reply
  • Bob B.
    Investor · Jasper GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    @Michael M. Maybe you posted the answer but I'm curious why you insist in on "being unemployed and homeless" in LA while there are plenty of job opportunities in other parts of the country where the housing costs are not as ridiculous as where you are?

    1Reply
  • Michael M.
    OP
    La Puente, CA · Member since 2016 · 102 posts · 21 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Bob B.:

    @Michael M. Maybe you posted the answer but I'm curious why you insist in on "being unemployed and homeless" in LA while there are plenty of job opportunities in other parts of the country where the housing costs are not as ridiculous as where you are?

    "Insist" isn't the word I'd choose. I'd need to ditch my girlfriend...She's not into relocating much. She has a job and I drive her around. She chips in for gas sometimes...She's a nice girl, I want to give her a better life... I've been trying to find a good opportunity nearby. Not a living wage to be had, so far. My strong suit is my class B license with airbrake. Another sh*t job leading to poverty and credit card debt. I've starred in this movie before...

    I also have been searching the country for a cheap piece of property for a number of years. It's often said the MLS is where good deals go to die. I've been reaching out to agents with all cash lowball offers. Legally, unless the seller explicitly states otherwise, listing agent is obligated to submit all offers to the seller. What I've found is that even if I offer these agents the opportunity to double end the deal (represent both buyer and seller), they won't even write an offer for 1/2 of asking price. To get out of the political gangstalking situation I was in, I gave up $100k off the top and $75k upside. My sale was under a notible amount of duress, but I made up my mind I was leaving the hood. Waiting this market out for a good deal has been rough.

    As far as "unemployed", I haven't found a "living wage" offer. There are undeserved stigmas hiring managers adhere to " you need a job to get a job" or "we're only looking for Bachelors degree graduates".

    I've applied for customer service, sales, state jobs, bus driver, computer graphics, resident manager, in Arizona and most of California. I have a class B license, I speak three languages, no criminal, clean DMV, excellent credit, high school diploma, Computer Graphics certificate from community college, experience in web development (WYSWYG editors, light admin work), six years of HOA president onsite manager experience setting the agenda, walking the property, supervising and negotiating with vendors...I'm no dummy. I am employable and an asset worth hiring. Unfortunately most of the jobs here suffer from the effects of a sanctuary city that has depressed wages and inflated housing prices in a state that makes it absurdly expensive to build new inventory. But I digress.

    I've started a few YouTube channels anonymously of course. Dabbled in affiliate income, which has been more costly than rewarding. Tried blogging. The employ mindset is a trap I've tried to avoid, but employers/want a mindless yes man who'll suck it up and work for less than a living wage.

    Sylvester Stallone was unemployed and was so broke he had to sell his dog when he wrote "Rocky"...Stallone mentioned, he knew that the trap of employment was conformity to living a poverty stricken life. Poverty is a state of mind more than anything else.

    ... I once spoke to a local legend who said being unemployed is the best thing that ever happened to him. He owns 40 homes he rents out in the area and doesn't even have a real estate license. I won't name names. I've met a few " names" at the REIAs. These gurus charge hundreds for teaching Sandwich Lease investing or how to use a real estate calculator. BP makes fun of these guys, and then has them on the show, go figure.

    Grant Cardone has often said you 'can't save your way to prosperity', he's right. I understand income is the key component to not only surviving life, but getting wealthy.

    I've so many times walked into an interview and thought, what a sh*t job with no future...Occasionally I interview for a job I know will feed me and "pay the rent"...That job has routinely gone to someone else. Some companies jerk me around so much I've interviewed with them multiple times. Its like 'we kinda like you because you keep showing up for rejection' but you ain't good enough for a living wage.

    Honestly man, there's more opportunity in California. I've been on more interviews simply because I claim an address nearby. I've tried getting a job fours away recently, cost me $500 for this interview, state job, benefits, pension, but, they passed me up.

    I keep tabs on politicians I walked away from, they like jet setting and selling out. They like using people, burning people. Making the right moves in life is a series of steps...

    I have plenty of sh*tty jobs in my life selling electronics at Service Merchandise, actually took a retail sales class to get that job, then my Mom died and the store closed.

    Refinishing and delivering furniture for big wigs. Bus boy at a eatery. Deli kitchen washing dishes, and catering. Graphic Artist, web developer, office guru, It department, school bus driver, charter bus driver, print operator, etc...

    One dead end job after another. Where's the big money? Where's the payday that helps me get to financial stability?

    That's the job I want. I know this guy from the REIA, he owns 40 houses, no real estate license he whispered in my ear being a landlord is the best job in the world...

    At my age (44) another job will just kill me. I need to catch up...

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free