Andrew Burgoyne

My Name is Andrew (Andy) Burgoyne. Like most on this site, my goal is to both to: (1). Network with those where mutual benefit can be obtained, and (2). Educate myself (and others when possible), in order to achieve greater financial freedom. Investing Goals: - To Obtain Small Multi-family Properties, and one day, small commercial apartment complexes until I have a cash-flow that will comfortably support my family and I. -I probably would not turn down a rehab project for capital gains, if the deal and potential was right. However, it is not my first choice for real estate investment. Real Estate Experience- As of writing this profile, over the course of 19 years I have been employed by small multi-family landlords, commercial apartment complexes, a nursing home facility, a demolition contractor, a new home builder, and for the past couple of years have been self-employed with Andy's Handy Services of New Jersey. Work Ethic and Real Estate Introduction- I unknowingly began my real estate adventure when I was 13 years old in upstate New York. The local library allowed me to sign up and be contacted with regard to work I might be able to do for someone seeking help. Just 2 weeks later, I received a phone call from an elderly gentleman just down the road from me, his name was Walter Cochrane, or “The Dean” (he is now deceased). Walter was a Superintendent for quite some time. And rightfully so, was very proud of the title he had achieved. So at his request, I have always called him Dean. What Dean needed help with was maintaining his 3-Unit multifamily home. Of which, one unit he occupied himself. I did not know how to do a lot then, but he was willing to show me and I was more than willing to learn. More than just repairing, cleaning, installing, assembling, and building, the most valuable experience and knowledge came from Dean’s mastery of discipline. It is because of this, I was held to the highest of standards in all I had done for him (and to this day, beyond). Keeping my focus on quality and improving efficiency. Sure, it was important to apply a quality paint stroke. However, it was also very important in how the brush was cleaned afterward, how the surface was prepped prior to application, how thorough the coverage was. Dean’s lessons were ingrained in me over 3-1/2 years, up until my family moved me to New Jersey. His mentorship for self-discipline of these standards remain with me nearly 20-years later. These lessons have then been applied to all the work that had been concurrent and followed. Including grocery bagging/cart collection, Children’s Entertainment, Restaurant Hosting, commercial telecom equipment installation, nursing home facility Maintenance, Commercial Apartment Complex Maintenance, Light Demolition, New Home Building, and currently my Self Employment providing Handyman/Home Improvement services. This has led me to excel in all that I learn and do. Beside work, these same strategies have been applied to everything including my hobbies (for which I have had many), including Windows operating system Administration, Home and Office Networking, electronics repair, carpentry, automotive repair, cable management, Home Theater Equipment, taxes, business accounting, and other *production* hobbies. Education- Formal Education includes: -High school Graduation -Vocational program Completion * Home Maintenance and Repair * A+ Certification for Computer Repair -Associates Degree (Devry University) in Network Communications Management Informal Education- My most valuable I have always tended to follow my interests. They jump from one to the next, often times jumping back to a previous interest. The motivations for them have varied. Either I wanted to know for myself (just to know), needed to know in order to help others, or was interested in learning just so I can save a dollar. If I did not know how to do something, I have always been able to find out how. This has been accomplished simply by seeking out anyone who knows about that something, more than I do. I firmly believe that we all have something to teach as well as learn from anyone we come into contact with. Thankfully for the internet, there is really no short supply of mentors for just about anything. Some mentors validate others, while there are those who contradict the other. Learning from multiple mentors of any given topic has been my greatest learning experience (strategy). The same is also true with books, it’s all about gaining the experience and perspective of another who has done what we are trying to achieve. My informal education has been imperative toward my freedom to follow passion, whether for work or leisure hobbies like kayaking, camping, and hiking. Financial Education- Growing up, I have never been surrounded by people who were smart with money. My closest encounters have really only been with those whom I have been doing work for. Not necessarily employers or long term mentors, but clients, where it would be (as I felt), an inappropriate topic to breach. Nobody taught me how to manage finances, and home situations basically left it up to me, to figure out. This has been a growing process, and even more so when I had switched from steady income to volatile self-employment income. Budgeting techniques have varied, but still kept me bewildered on how others can seem to afford what I could not. Using my informal education technique, I finally began seeking out mentors for my financial education. Even attending free ‘guru’ workshops. ***If you do this yourself, please be already self-disciplined to not make impulse purchases/ obligations****, the ‘Kool-Aid’ is often delicious. However, I attended knowing that, like a timeshare meeting, they would be pushing a product. I was also aware that my intent was going to learn at least ONE thing that made it worth my time to go. In fact, after attending I had learned multiple financial techniques that I was uneducated in. Now armed with a list of directions to explore, I began a path that ultimately led me here to Bigger Pockets. Typically, for attending these types events, you will also receive bonus items just for attending (for free), that may also have value to you on a financial learning journey. Currently, my worst debt was incurred by not knowing myself. The motivations for following my formal education was not fully my own, as there were seemingly societal pressures, and chasing potential salary promises as sold to me by representatives of the institution, as well as family members. At the time, I did not view schools as a business with sales personnel. I naively thought it was more for guidance for life in this world. As such, I continued in a program that just before completion, realized that what I was being trained to do is the opposite of who I actually am as an individual. To be stuck in one place, doing the same thing all the time was defeating to my soul, against my own nature. I now have a degree which I have no intent on using, and a debt that multiplied SIGNIFICANTLY through years of uneducated financial struggle. BUT, the experiences of this financial debacle, have motivated me to do better. Better at methods to spend money on that which multiplies money, to use credit for that which multiplies money, and use debt for that which multiplies money. Now (fully) understanding the importance of cash-flow, something I was familiarized with several years ago by a program called Microsoft Money, but didn’t understand ways to leverage. Personal SWOT- I feel it is important for any future business partnership or relationship to understand the other individual as complete as possible before engaging in potentially long term activity. For me, this is also true in my personal life, such as my current relationship with my wife, of whom I do consider a valid partner within our life together. Creating this relatively in-depth profile helps me to cement my obligation in acquiring real estate for the purpose of increased cash flow, so my family and I have the financial freedom that we have yet to fully realize and experience. It also allows me to bare myself in order to find the right individuals and organizations that feel similarly, and will be most mutually beneficial in business together. *Strengths* -I have a motived drive to continually learn and improve in almost every way. -My focus for producing quality is matched by few. -My thought process is analytical by nature, and strives for efficiency in all applications -Creativity and passion are what keep me driven -Critical thinking and Problem solving come naturally to me, with a genuine desire to help a person or situation. -I am self-sufficient, and self-motivating -My introversion allows be to be thorough in thought and planning *Weaknesses* -My introversion makes it difficult to surround myself with groups of people. Potentially keeping me from highly beneficial relationships and teams. -I Often prefer working by myself, to ensure quality control and efficiency---for social reasons and because incompetence and lack of similar goals is frustrating -I don’t care much for phone/verbal communication, or essentially being put on the spot. I like to thoroughly express true thought and intent through written communication. -Small talk frustrates me very much, I like to get straight to points. Seems to me most are the opposite? -I tend to over analyze things, sometimes affecting decision making and efficiency. -Have to go through a process when overwhelmed, can’t immediately shake it. *Opportunities* -I am very Handy, capable of producing a great deal of sweat equity when needed. -I possess the ability to troubleshoot situations and achieve viable solutions for rectification. -I am Driven to succeed and excel in all that I wish to do, including helping others achieve their goals. *Threats* -My current weaknesses will inhibit or prevent me from achieving my financial freedom. -Competition from those with teams will outperform me every time, and I will be left empty handed and stuck in life. -I will miss out on some of the best partnerships and relationships if I fail to network with the people who can strengthen my weaknesses, and I theirs. Of whom, may also have the same goals as myself.