All Forum Posts by: Jason Miller

Dan,
They don't send any books with audible. There are book sites like netflix that send the books.

Audible is all download, but works with itunes and many other formats. I get 2 book credits per month for around $20. Far cheaper then buying at the store. They also have an option to buy each book. Most are $5-$25. I often buy the cheaper books and use my credits for the more expensive ones.

A third option is the local library. If you talk to the right people, often times they will order the audio book you request for their collection.

I honestly think about the neighborhood affect of bad properties. Rentals can be maintained to decent standards in low income neighborhoods. But deadbeats landlords who choose deadbeat tenants only hurt themselves.

Increased repair cost, decreased neighborhood appeal and property value, and the shear waste of time dealing with hassles. A neighborhood is defined by its occupants.

Decent folks, no matter the income, will not live in slums.

I have an audible subscription. 2 books for 15 bucks a month. Although I imagine I could probably do better through the local library. I have listened to around 15 books this year, many several times because the info is that good.

The New psycho-cybernetics (by far the best)
Think and Grow Rich
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Richest Man in Babylon
4 Laws to Financial Prosperity
Millionaire Mind
Goals, by Brian Tracy
Purple Cow
The Dip
E-myth
4 hour work week
Art of the Sale, Zig Ziglar
Total Money Makeover
7 habits of Highly Effective People
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Secret sauce, Steve Cook
How to talk to Real Estate Seller -Bill Guerra
Crashproof

I also listen to Peter Giardini's pod casts at blog talk radio, and his weekly market update at the clubmastermind.

BTW, every book on this list I would recommend. None are perfect, but every one of them has useful advice.

I agree with Greg. I have properties in 2 of the poorer neighborhoods in Denver. (not that Denver has a true slum), I keep the properties clean between tenants and require my pm to stay on top of upkeep. I will not have ugly houses. BTW, I also live in one of those neighborhoods.

Many of the landlords in those areas do not keep up the properties, will allow any tenant in, and have no regard to neighbors or the neighborhood. Some by choice, but most by lack of understanding of what takes to be a landlord. They also lack any reserves.

Those are the slumlords.

Guess what happens to those people, they do not cashflow in the long run and cannot afford the extensive delayed repairs when it comes time to sell. They then sell to me at a deep discount.

I had two attempted break ins on one of my rentals. The tenant is a single mother of 2. I have offered to install a security system and lower her rent an amount equal to the cost of the service.

I'm currently researching alarm services for rentals, but would love to hear what others have done.

I have to say, I'm enjoying this discussion. Mike has hit the nail on the head with stating that visualizing yourself successful will not make it so. Hard work makes it so.

I disagree that positive motivation is without merit. If it helps push a person off their butt and out the door to pick up properties, then it can be extremely helpful. It also helps create the self confidence that folks can achieve success. The confidence begins to erode away the fear.

Think of it as a catalyst in the equation. To get Success, add the ingredients of hard work and direction. Sometimes those ingredients need a boost to start the reaction. If the result is the product of success, then that motivational catalyst is a very good thing.

However, as Mike stated, to much catalyst and not enough ingredients and there will not be a reaction and the end product of success will not be created.

Mind if I ask how you solved the slab issue? Also great job getting the property significantly below asking price.

I walked through this house before the rehab. You have done a great job. The hardwood floors are outstanding.

Kevin,

Makes sense, thanks for the reply. I just wanted to see if there was a big picture item I am missing. Sounds like you have a good plan in place.

Jason

Kevin,

I know you stated that cashflow was not the top priorty on this property. I guess I'm still confused though. If you could take the equity from selling these properties and invest in much better deals in the same area, why not?

I can see not wanting to push a renter out, but besides that, why else are you holding onto the properties? Is there a larger objective I'm not wrapping my head around? It just seems that you are spending money that you don't have too. Or making less then you could.

I ask because I have two properties in a similar situation.

Jason