Originally posted by @Robert Berganza:
Robert,
A big thanks to you... All of those you've mentioned have great insight to this subject and more.
We don't get paid to share our experiences or knowledge... Neither do we claim we know everything.
There are those like myself, @Will Barnard, and others who always try to stay ahead of the curve and learn from our peers...
Why do I help those like myself in real estate?
When I started in the 90's... I found someone who I thought would mentor me in the right direction.
Back then, before the internet took off, real estate professionals, especially the 10% we know in real estate, who take 90% of the market, would have to post in the local newspaper, page upon page of advertisement. Some spewing their resume and others, their listings in trying to corner the market of buyers lingering or searching for a deal.
I eventually befriended a Realtor and an experienced successful associate (also a Realtor) who had licenses in real estate.
I, a roughneck tough guy from a poor violent neighborhood, tried to capture the desire to make a difference for myself and at the time, soon to be family.
I attached myself to any living and breathing person with knowledge I could.
With a limited section at Barnes & Noble's bookstore, which was less than a average height man's wingspan, had to apply my newly found lessons and find what I thought would be a great mentor.
I trusted and respected these Realtors; following their every move for months. I would visit frequently, just to be a fly on the wall, and pick up any nugget of information to catapult me to the next level.
While they wore their suits and ties, and I wore my jeans, shirt, and cap... I became a shadow in their day to day negotiations and operations.
Then one day, after months of shadowing, I had the nerve to bring up the subject of buying real estate with little to no money down and wait for it.... Cash back at closing.
These two men, who I respected, who were an outside influence from the words I read in books... Laughed at me. When I say laughed, I mean they bellowed laughters that echoed off the hallway walls. Not to mention, tears in their eyes.
After getting past the yearning for wanting to commit violence (I was young and rough) to those two who scoffed at me... I decided to redirect that fire and dive into my own self belief. I allowed their betrayal and disrespect to fuel my desire even more so than before.
Truth be told, even my family was skeptical and mocked my plans in real estate.
Months later...
I proceeded to acquire the first eight properties, which included multi-units, to close with little to no money down and wait for it... Cash back at closing.
What's the moral of the story?
Don't allow someone else to dictate what your ultimate goals are in life, much less real estate. What can or cannot be done, will be done; depending on your educated calculated effort provides.
I'm not saying, reinvent the wheel. Instead, formulate a game plan, execute it, and most importantly, allow that passion and desire to flourish you into getting out of your comfort zone to grow as a real estate Investor/Realtor.
I could go on and on...
I hope this helps and provides you a reason to continue to pay it forward to those who are new to the business or who are just seeking guidance or answers.
Why?
Because we are only one person away from our blessed season.
Just my two pesos.
Vote if you agree or like.
Big Henry
