FREE. 2 tickets to Biggerpockets REI Summit

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FREE. 2 tickets to Biggerpockets REI Summit

Michael Quarles
Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes

I want to send two people, either individuals or a couple, to the summit by paying for their admission tickets. My way of saying Merry Christmas.

To enter to be chosen tell us why you and how this summit will help you. The best story wins.

Be as open with your thoughts as possible. Entry closes Christmas Eve 5pm pst.

I'm going to ask Joshua and 3 others to judge for winners however your voting will help.

12Reply
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Most Popular Reply

Andy Bankston
Investor · Kennesaw, GA · Member since 2010 · 158 posts · 61 votes
14y

Michael,
First of all, thank you for your very generous gift. This will not just be a one time Christmas present for the lucky winners, but it is a gift that can potentially continue to give for a very long time due to the knowledge and opportunities a Summit like this can create for someone. I'd love to throw my hat into the ring for this one.

I've worked hard for everything I have, which makes it awkward for me to tell someone "why me", why I should be considered for such a gift. A little background: I'm a 33 year old Registered Nurse working as the night shift charge nurse on the neuro unit at a Children's hospital in Atlanta, GA. I've worked here for almost 11 years now. I just got married last month and I have a 9 year old son.

Helping others -especially sick children- has always been a passion of mine. But the rewards of this job also come with a fair share of physical and emotional stress and exhaustion. I feel like I am now reaching a point where I want to start helping myself and my family plan for our future. I think real estate provides the perfect opportunity for that.

I was eight years old when I realized the potential in real estate investing. My mother worked long hours to provide for me, and we had just moved into another rental house. Her parents and brother also moved in with us because they needed someone to take care of them. She was not in a position to be able to buy a home and explained to me the difference between renting and buying a home. That's when the light bulb went on! "You mean we have to pay this man each month to live here, and when we're ready to move the house is still his and we get nothing?" I said. "Whether we live here one year or 30 years, it's still his and he just moves somebody else into the house and collects their rent? When I grow up, I can just buy some houses, let other people live in them and pay them off for me!"
That's when it "clicked", and I haven't given up the dream ever since.

My grandparents have since passed away, but my uncle still lives with my mom along with my aunt. My uncle has been battling cancer for the past 5 years or so and my aunt moved in this year after her husband passed away. My mom is still taking care of others all these years later and I want her to be able to stop working and enjoy retirement... and finally be able to take care of herself. Again, real estate offers the perfect opportunity for this.

How will this Summit help me? I'm pretty new to this game. I currently own one rental property and one rehab property that I just can't seem to get finished. My three month flip has turned into an eleven month saga becasue my 9 year old son was assaulted by his stepfather this summer and my rehab funds have gone towards attorney's fees as I'm trying to get custody of him. After I finally get this house finished and sold, I want to continue to build a rehabbing business. Eventually I want to use some of the rehab profits to start purchasing some multi-family units for buy and hold. Finally, I want to ease myself out of nursing. I won't quit it completely because it's a great job to be able to "fall back on" if need be, but I won't miss the long hours and heartache for the kids. The incredible knowledge and networking I could gain from the Summit would provide me with a great headstart towards building my businesses and securing the future for myself and my family.

If you've read this far, thank you!
Michael, I'm sorry if this turned out longer than what you were requesting. It doesn't look like I'm going to have any extra funds at this point to make it to the Summit, but if somehow I can figure out a way to make it, I'd love to shake your hand and maybe share a beverage with you to thank you for your generosity towards whomever the winners may be. Thank you for your consideration and good luck to any future entrants.

Andy Bankston

3Reply
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37 Replies

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  • James Vermillion
    Lexington, KY · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    14y

    Michael, what a gift that will be! You rock!

    0Reply
  • Demond Bradford
    Real Estate Investor · Surprise, AZ · Member since 2011 · 51 posts · 2 votes
    14y

    Do I reply to you? or do I send it to your email address?

    Let me know!

    Thanks in advance

    Demond

    0Reply
  • Michael Quarles
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    14y

    I was hoping forum posts

    0Reply
  • Arthur Garcia
    Specialist · San Dimas, CA · Member since 2011 · 350 posts · 122 votes
    14y

    Michael,

    This is great! I'd be happy to help vote.

    AG

    0Reply
  • Demond Bradford
    Real Estate Investor · Surprise, AZ · Member since 2011 · 51 posts · 2 votes
    14y

    ok will do!!!!

    0Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    14y

    Michael - That is a very kind gesture. I will need to recuse myself as a judge in this one, though. Best of luck to all who take Michael up on this offer.

    Demond - I believe that Michael wants you to share your story here for all to see.

    I'm looking forward to seeing the responses!

    Podcast Guest on Show #100
    0Reply
  • Andy Bankston
    Investor · Kennesaw, GA · Member since 2010 · 158 posts · 61 votes
    14y

    Michael,
    First of all, thank you for your very generous gift. This will not just be a one time Christmas present for the lucky winners, but it is a gift that can potentially continue to give for a very long time due to the knowledge and opportunities a Summit like this can create for someone. I'd love to throw my hat into the ring for this one.

    I've worked hard for everything I have, which makes it awkward for me to tell someone "why me", why I should be considered for such a gift. A little background: I'm a 33 year old Registered Nurse working as the night shift charge nurse on the neuro unit at a Children's hospital in Atlanta, GA. I've worked here for almost 11 years now. I just got married last month and I have a 9 year old son.

    Helping others -especially sick children- has always been a passion of mine. But the rewards of this job also come with a fair share of physical and emotional stress and exhaustion. I feel like I am now reaching a point where I want to start helping myself and my family plan for our future. I think real estate provides the perfect opportunity for that.

    I was eight years old when I realized the potential in real estate investing. My mother worked long hours to provide for me, and we had just moved into another rental house. Her parents and brother also moved in with us because they needed someone to take care of them. She was not in a position to be able to buy a home and explained to me the difference between renting and buying a home. That's when the light bulb went on! "You mean we have to pay this man each month to live here, and when we're ready to move the house is still his and we get nothing?" I said. "Whether we live here one year or 30 years, it's still his and he just moves somebody else into the house and collects their rent? When I grow up, I can just buy some houses, let other people live in them and pay them off for me!"
    That's when it "clicked", and I haven't given up the dream ever since.

    My grandparents have since passed away, but my uncle still lives with my mom along with my aunt. My uncle has been battling cancer for the past 5 years or so and my aunt moved in this year after her husband passed away. My mom is still taking care of others all these years later and I want her to be able to stop working and enjoy retirement... and finally be able to take care of herself. Again, real estate offers the perfect opportunity for this.

    How will this Summit help me? I'm pretty new to this game. I currently own one rental property and one rehab property that I just can't seem to get finished. My three month flip has turned into an eleven month saga becasue my 9 year old son was assaulted by his stepfather this summer and my rehab funds have gone towards attorney's fees as I'm trying to get custody of him. After I finally get this house finished and sold, I want to continue to build a rehabbing business. Eventually I want to use some of the rehab profits to start purchasing some multi-family units for buy and hold. Finally, I want to ease myself out of nursing. I won't quit it completely because it's a great job to be able to "fall back on" if need be, but I won't miss the long hours and heartache for the kids. The incredible knowledge and networking I could gain from the Summit would provide me with a great headstart towards building my businesses and securing the future for myself and my family.

    If you've read this far, thank you!
    Michael, I'm sorry if this turned out longer than what you were requesting. It doesn't look like I'm going to have any extra funds at this point to make it to the Summit, but if somehow I can figure out a way to make it, I'd love to shake your hand and maybe share a beverage with you to thank you for your generosity towards whomever the winners may be. Thank you for your consideration and good luck to any future entrants.

    Andy Bankston

    3Reply
  • Andy Bankston
    Investor · Kennesaw, GA · Member since 2010 · 158 posts · 61 votes
    14y

    I cannot believe that this thread appears to have slipped through the cracks. Come on folks, don't pass up such a great opportunity!

    0Reply
  • Shaun Rourke
    Involved In Real Estate · Orlando, FL · Member since 2011 · 10 posts · 1 vote
    14y

    Very generous gift !!!!

    0Reply
  • Shannon M.
    Involved In Real Estate · Columbus , OH · Member since 2010 · 68 posts · 23 votes
    14y

    This is a great idea. Very generous. Less than a week to sign up.

    0Reply
  • Will BarnardPro Member
    Moderator
    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    14y

    So far, only one official entry, that is surprising! Come on BP nation, the event will be grand enough, add to it a free ticket (a generous gift at that) and you have a homerun!

    Hopefully more will see this post and enter the competition for the two free tickets offered.

    @ Michael - I would be happy to provide my input for judging if you wish.

    Podcast Guest on Show #130
    0Reply
  • Michael Quarles
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    14y

    Will it would be an honor to have your help.

    I am wondering if pride is getting in the way of some jumping in.

    If anyone has any suggestions on how to increase response I would love to hear.

    0Reply
  • Ryan B.
    Investor · -, IL · Member since 2010 · 409 posts · 616 votes
    14y
    Originally posted by Michael Quarles:

    I am wondering if pride is getting in the way of some jumping in.....

    Think you probably hit the nail on the head.

    0Reply
  • Steve Babiak
    Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    14y
    Originally posted by Michael Quarles:
    ...

    If anyone has any suggestions on how to increase response I would love to hear.

    From the sounds of the one entry so far, travel and lodging might be expenses beyond what the entrants are able to spend ...

    0Reply
  • Michael Quarles
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    14y

    Great point Steve.

    All I can say is that if someone thinks the expense of travel and accommodation is out of their grasp they're right.

    Real estate investing is in a lot of ways is learning how to gain creatively.

    Should I back the decision date back a little?

    0Reply
  • Andy Bankston
    Investor · Kennesaw, GA · Member since 2010 · 158 posts · 61 votes
    14y
    Originally posted by Michael Quarles:
    Great point Steve.

    Real estate investing is in a lot of ways is learning how to gain creatively.

    I agree wholeheartedly. I'm going to do everything I can and find a way to make it to Denver!

    0Reply
  • Michael Quarles
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    14y

    There is only a little over 30 hours left.... Anyone else want to go to the Summit?

    0Reply
  • Renae Bliss
    Involved In Real Estate · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2009 · 124 posts · 7 votes
    14y

    All I can say is, just read my posts! I NEED THE EXPOSURE, the experience, the networking, the guidance, etc.

    A year ago in July, I was in the hospital fighting for my life dying from Septic Shock (have hospital records to prove it). I shouldn't even be here! It has taken me at least the past year to recover, go through cycle after cycle to make sure all the deadly bacterias are out of my system & that there is no threat...

    THIS IS MY TIME TO SHINE!! I wnat to do it for myself & my children!!

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    SFR Investor · WY · Member since 2011 · 115 posts · 15 votes
    14y

    Michael,
    I just saw this thread for the first time today, yet I read BP most days. The reason: I tend to go straight to the forum that I am still reading cover to cover, and don't usually peruse the newest threads.
    Perhaps other newbies are doing this too?

    Could you add this thread or a new post to each of the other forums to get more exposure?

    Thank you for your generous offer BTW!! (I'm not taking advantage because I'm still absorbing all the knowledge here on BP, and at the local REIA, and getting going on my first property. Next year, I will attend.)

    Jean

    0Reply
  • Michael Quarles
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    14y

    I have decided to be my annoying self and bump my own post as an attempt to gain more traffic...

    Who wants to go to the Summit?

    0Reply
  • Mark UpdegraffBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Rochester, NY · Member since 2010 · 1k+ posts · 701 votes
    14y

    Thanks Michael,
    It is members like you who make BP the premier place for all things RE!

    I love asking questions and networking with professionals. There is so much insight that can be learned by asking the right questions of those more experienced. Tuition at the School of Hard Knocks is very expensive. I have the utmost respect for my elders, and cherish the wisdom they are gracious enough to bestow upon listening ears.
    I also love answering questions and helping others when I'm the subject matter expert. I've always been keenly observant and it is a big part of the reason I love RE investing. In order to maximize profits, we must be subjective as well as objective and I love how interconnected they are. They are both needed to process different modalities of data, correlate their effects, and make predictions on future value. But it isn't guess work! I'm a firm believer that you can't have science without creativity. Albert Einstein sums it up the best: "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." IMO, the sources are our observations.
    The BP Summit will help me recognize the many different activities RE professionals are involved in. It will help me gain insight into the complexities and challenges of real estate development. It will bless me with new friends and fresh perspectives. It will lift my spirits with stories of success. It will save me heart-ache and head-ache through others experiences. Most importantly, it is a unique learning environment. Creativity yielded through collective collaboration is amazing, and this site is proof. The BP Summit will surely be a powerhouse of novel ideas spawned by the participant's interactions with each other!

    Regardless of who the winner is, I hope to be a part of it :D

    Merry Christmas to all!
    Mark

    Podcast Guest on Show #112
    Updegraff Group Realty4.746 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Andy Bankston
    Investor · Kennesaw, GA · Member since 2010 · 158 posts · 61 votes
    14y

    Glad to finally see some more activity here! I'm definitely still hoping to be considered. And scratch what I said in my earlier post about not knowing if I'd have the money for the trip; I've worked some things out and I'm going to be able to make it happen after all. Thanks again and Merry Christmas everybody!

    Andy

    0Reply
  • Michael Quarles
    OP
    Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    14y

    We have a winner.....

    Andy Bankston

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    SFR Investor · WY · Member since 2011 · 115 posts · 15 votes
    14y

    Congratulations Andy! You will learn so much, and you will leave there so energized. (And thanks again to Michael. This is so super.)

    Jean

    0Reply
  • Jeff S.
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    14y

    Very nice Michael.

    I was hoping Andy would win. Stepping up like that took guts.

    May the good fortunes follow you both.

    0Reply
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