All Forum Posts by: Stephanie Dupuis

Tacoma had deals.

I will add the following:

• If attacked, make as much noise as possible - attackers don't want attention. Loud noise will often stop them. The ladies who got away from Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway screamed like holy h**. They also kicked and fought for their life and got away. The others didn't.
• Always know your exits - be ready to get to them.
• Always know where the people are. Two people can attack also. Let them know you are watching them, when needed. Look them straight in the eyes.
• Your husband won't save you. That's magical thinking. Please rethink this one.
• Never get in the car. If you get in the car, you are as good as dead. It's better to die outside of the car, than suffer the torture that will occur by getting in the car. Fight, make noise.
• Use your "spidey sense". More importantly...do what your spidey sense tells you to do. No second guessing. Don't give yourself time to second guess it, quickly act.

First, I am not a REI mentor. I can only speak on mentoring from my perspective as a mentor in my first career field of music and education.

Mentoring others is fun. As a mentor you have the opportunity to pass on information you have learned from the mentors you had (who may be inaccessible or deceased). And in my case, I have had the privilege of having some of the best mentors in my industry. As a mentor you are also able to pass on information you have learned on your own, much of it through school of hard knocks. It's simply a thrill to help another learn and grow in a way they will be unable to do without you helping them.

But...mentoring is only as pleasurable as it can be if the mentee executes the information that you take the time to provide. Many students believe they are listening and following the information provided to them from their mentor. In reality, the mentee is doing what they want. If you find a mentor distancing themselves from you, examine your execution of the information you are being given. Follow simple instructions. Do what the mentor says first. If that doesn't work, then tell them. Work through it together. If you have concerns, tell them. But, don't simply ignore the information. That's how you lose mentors. My thoughts on it.

Mentoring is a skill. Not everyone is a good mentor. It may take awhile to find one that works. Being mentored is also a skill. An important skill. Once we learn to be mentored, we'll find mentors throughout our lives, and thank goodness for that. Mentors are golden and I'm grateful for mine. Beyond words.

The "very interested, call asap" are red flags to me - mostly because...and this may sound childish...but, you're a tenant requesting me to call you ASAP? If you're "really interested", why don't you pick up the phone and get ahold of me. Sounds like you need the unit, not me. These contacts are either scams or less than desirable future tenants.

The other thing, my other thoughts with the "asap" inquiries is that these applicants tend to be less than stellar. It's mid-month, and why do they need a place "asap"? Did they get booted out? etc. I'm suspicious. At the end of the month, though, I chalk it up to the usual procrastination of renters waiting until the last minute (which baffles me, but...whatever).

...when your friends ask you how you're doing, and you tell them how many properties you've viewed and offered on this week.

...when you're invited to your agent's birthday party of close friends.

...when you enjoy tenant applicant calls from CL because you think they are entertaining, not annoying.

...you enjoy bullet-proofing a rental property so tenants can't destroy it. ("There's no way they can ruin this now!")

...You watch your spending because every penny spent is a penny that can't be spent on a future rental.

...a bad smelling house excites you.

...when you see a house in disrepair, you see "Discount!"

Love it! Nothing like a unified effort. This email made my day - "Go BP!"

I may send one more vote in just for fun. Say something like, "I accidently came across this incredible site on real estate investing..." blah, blah, blah....

k - now sending #1 ranking thoughts to Forbes Mag. (big wink)

Hi @Andy Robison

It's on my profile now for download as well as in the fileshare on BP. Let me know if you have questions (email or message me).

Stephanie

Welcome! Yup, I also found this site accidently. Enjoy and look forward to seeing you around.

Done. Here is what I sent if anyone wants to copy/paste/adjust to their liking for ease:

This is in reference to your article:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthasharf/2013/11/01/seeking-your-nominations-for-the-best-websites-for-your-money-2013/

I nominate BiggerPockets.com

Reasoning:

1. ease of use

2. Incredible apps

2. b. Membership is free.

3. Incredible access to live professionals who are actively investing in Real Estate

4. Realistic investing knowledge - no hype, anti-guru, BiggerPockets.com saves many new investors from losing their hard-earned money in the investing word and instead helps them make money wisely. BP filters reality from hype.

5. BiggerPockets.com helps educates quickly with real time knowledge.

6. Up-to-date - BP is live. If an investor has a question, it is almost immediately answered by a knowledgeable and active investor with years of experience.

7. Local and National knowledge - Real Estate is both local and national. The network on BP has many investors. Members have access to investors in their local area and can access information specific to their area when needed. A member will also receive responses from members on a national level.

8. Nation's Best - The Nation's Best Real Estate investors are on BP. This is the best real estate investing site in the world. I belong to many real estate investing sites. BP is my "go to" site time and time again. Clearly, "The Best" financial site.

9. Truthful Information - BP has set up a process to eliminate poor information and expose truthful information through its moderating, membership posting, blogs, and articles. Investors can trust the information they receive on BP. This has been time proven.

10. No solicitations - No solicitations are allowed on BP. This is an investing site. Not a selling site. BP is a site created solely for the purpose of educating investors and growing the knowledge of real estate investing and it works.

11. There is heart and soul in this site from both the operators, moderators and members. Investors love BP. Go to BiggerPockets.com and see for yourself.

I highly recommend BP as a nomination for Best Financial website. Please give this recommendation serious consideration.

Stephanie Dupuis

Real Estate Investor

Kitsap Property One, LLC

Bremerton, WA

Thanks @Zach Schwarzmiller