So What Do You All Do In Your Real Lives?
Just curious. Thought this might make for an eye opening discussion.
For those of you who have a regular job and do REI on the side, what's your job?
For those who are now full time investors, what was the last job you had before getting into full-time REI.
I'll start. I'm still working full time and doing REI on the side. Although I hope to move over to doing REI full time in about 18 months. Anyway, right now I'm a Director of Human Resources for a leading investment bank.
Okay, now it's your turn. 
[addsig]
Sales Manager for Technology Company.
Full time husband and Father.
Independant Technology Consultant.
Training for Insurance and Mutual Fund Sales License.
Real Estate Investor.
I'm a telecommunications consultant.
However, I consider that irrelevant.
My "real job" is to try to become a successful real estate investor.
After all, it's taking at least 50% of my time.
I have done it all and now I am a Full Time Wholesaler/Flipper. Thank you
Why can't I post anyone anymore?[ Edited by herbk on Date 11/22/2003 ]
I have been a real estate title examiner for the past 18 years. Decided it was time I started making some of those profits instead of just watching.
Electrical Engineer at one of those really big companies. ooooooo
Been here 6 months and already tired of the corporate bull crap. People talking about ya behind your back, trying to make you look bad, and then they steal your ideas and make them their own.
Yup, time to quit. Looking to be out of here sometime next year.....July is the target month.
[addsig]
Real life? Hahah, I thought this was real life.
I supported myself when starting as a server...worked my tail off everday. You want to know what my schedule was?
Wake up 8 work till 11, got to server work, come back at 3, work straight till 2 am in the morning, everyday...
But I knew I had to do it to make it happen...and the fact is I will still do it if I have to make it happen.
Christian "The Solutions Kid" Beebe
[addsig]
Sold technology stuff at HP for a while, then returned to selling commercial RE investments, and continue to buy houses for long-hold. Row a scull 10 miles every morning, and don't miss emails nor conf. calls a bit. Need to buy 15 more houses in order to attain my critical mass. Good luck.
Lessee,
Own an internet company that survived the crash and is doing well. RE is my "second" full time job, then there are my 4 kids, dog, and bird which actually come first.
Another vote for Telecom tech. Jobs in my industry have been cut in half. I have been in this bus for 10 yrs and I am ready to move on to working for myself
What do you mean "Real Life"?
Do you think we all have "Fake Lifes" somewhere? LOL
You don't want to know what I do besides CREI! You'd get exhausted just reading it!
I'am supposedly retired; I take care of my husband, 6 dogs, 11 cats, 30 chickens, yard, huge house (3064 sq.ft), do all the chores and household chores, do the bookkeeping for my daughter's flea market, have my own booth there too!, translate in Court when they have non-English speaking defendants, run all the errands, take the car or truck for oil changes, etc. and..... do Subject to investing, clean the houses I buy myself, take care of all our personal finances too!
I may have forgotten some things, but that is about it!
Ladybug
So far, Ladybug wins.
Acquisitions Analyst for Multifamily here.
I think I would have a hard time feeding the chickens, dogs, cats, lions, tigers, and bears oh my.
I know there had to be at least one time where the dog's ate the cat's food.
Office / Sales Manager turned truck driver due to declining job market. Currently off on workers comp due to back injury. Thought this would be as good a time as any to get the ball rolling while I can devote 100% of my time to REI while getting a less than desirable salary from work comp. I am also a Minister in my church.
Nebulousd, you are absolutely right.
It is hard sometimes; the dogs do eat the cat's food and vice versa, also they like my husband's food!
The tigers and lions, bears have all gone on a Cruise! no worry about them.
Ladybug
unit operator at Exxonmobile in Baton Rouge and own my own catering service
Finance Manager at a GM dealership.
CRE is #2 for me...it has yet to make the money working 40 hours a week has
Hello out there.
Add my name to the techie list.
I am a Software support technician for the last 4 years and the 10 years before that were spent as a Quality Assurance Analyst for the leading Scientific product distributor at the time. I have not been blessed with the family that most of you have but I hope to have that fulfillment one day. I am also trying to learn and earn my way to Full-time Investor status.
I am working hard at it. I also enjoy learning from you guys...true soldiers.
stockbroker, hopefully not for long!!
I am a Director for a social services agency. To me, there is a salary. No more and no less. With real estate, the salary is no longer limited.
Independent Paralegal specializing in uncontested divorce, bankruptcy and real estate closings (purchase and sale) in the real estate industry for 13 years. Just recently starting working with a mentor which is very exciting. So far have put together two deals with him.
Drug Dealer...
pays good, then i roll the profit back into real estate to help buy more drugs.... oh yeah, if i have time, i work security on the side.
[addsig]
Hence the bag on conflix's face.
alexlev,
Glad to meet you.
FISHING Florida Style! For the really big ones.
John $Cash$ Locke
Because I HATE 9-5 jobs, I am in real estate full time, working with buyers and sellers, and getting back into real estate investment. Oh...and now I work from 9-9.
Well me, I work 2 jobs, both in Diagnostic imaging(MRI & Mammography), I'm in school part time(hopefully will become a Dr. or Physician Assistant), I am a mother to a 4yr and wife. I hope to make enough pretty soon so I can cut back (or off) the jobs and go to school fulltime so I can finish quicker.
Quinn
Well it looks like everyone has busy lives.
I am a Active duty Marine and dad of twins. Boy and Girl. I have been in the Marines for almost 8 years, but i am ready to get out and move on. I am Mechanic in the Marine Corps I am sick of turning wrenches and ready to hit REI full force.
Also happy Veterans Day to all the service men and woman out there.
semper fi
williy
I work for a large company primarily doing R&D in satellite communications. I also teach engineering and mathematics at two local universities. My third "job" is managing and acquiring residential real estate.
I really enjoy all three except that I concur with the quote, "No one buys real estate for the thrill of management".
Enjoyed hearing what some of you do!
-Ed
I BUILD HOUSES WORK WITH MY POPS I RUN JOBS CURENTLY RUNNING ABOUT 7 OF THE ALL FROM SINGLE FAMILIES TO 18 FAMILIES I JUST SARTED A MASONARY COMPANY DOING BRICK BLOCK WORK AND FLATWORK I ALSO RENT OUT MACHINARY AS WELL
Hello! everyone,
My husband and I own a carpet cleaning and dyeing company in Bullhead City,AZ. But my husband has had a few strokes and I do most of the work ( very physical) .
I've been interested in R.E.I. for a long time but still need to get my feet wet. I've been trying to find a mentor out here, but with no luck Anyone in my area?
Thanks! ctait2000
Swimming Pool Contractor
A lot of Marines on here aren't there. I thought the Air Force was the smart branch? Incognito! That's it! Marine as well here. Getting ready to go again 2nd tour over you know where. Haven't even been able to put together my first rehab deal. Might have to invest in that subject to deal. All is well though, save some money while I'm gone, keep the tax return, and hit the streets again.
A happy Vet day from me also.
Good day,
Jim
I am a senior legal and policy advisor at a regulatory agency. I do RE part time. Prior to that I was a lobbyist and prior to that I an insurance agent for 8 years. I'm 30 now but feel like 60 some days. [ Edited by jorge121 on Date 11/11/2003 ]
There are three of us in the LLC: mother and two sons-in-law! Sure is fun spending time with two good looking guys!!
I am Director of Client Services for a defined contributions/defined benefits recordkeeping company.
One son-in-law is a defined contribution analyst and the other is a civil engineer.
We just started in June. I am 52 and want to be my own boss for a change--tired of educating others about retirement plans, tax consequences, market trends, especially the last few years!
For the past 5+ years I have been self-unemployed. On most Mondays and Wednesdays, I play golf. During the rest of the week (as required) I run errands, do grocery shopping, do housework (washing, ironing, vacuuming, etc.). Weekends my wife and I relax.
REI is a sideline. On the first Monday of the month, I go to the courthouse foreclosure sales. During the rest of the month I do some due diligence on the properties coming up for auction the next month that I may want to bid on.
Happy Veteran's Day to all veterans and active duty service men and women!
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
My husband is a VietNam veteran and I thank him also for his service and sacrifice for this great country in which we all can live free!
God bless y'all!
Ladybug
Well, I've done quite a bit, but a master of "nada"..
Basically, I've worked at a bank, brokerage firm, retail sales, medical assistant, self-employed for three years providing home phone service, and temping...and I also once had 30 potbelly pigs, two goats, four dogs and about 18 pups from three litter...oh, and I must not forget about the iguana.
At the present, I just recently committed my time towards being a wholesaler/flipper until I stash away enough money to start REI'g.
And, as far as being a master of "nada", that has changed...because this has been a dream of mine for many years now and I'm willing to make the committment towards mastering this field and learning all that my brain will allow me.
Hi all!
I wear many hats. I am an inactive Certified Public Accountant, Mother of four - 10/8/5/3, wife, and RE investor. I am wondering whether to get my RE license. I am taking the course and think it may hinder my investing. Maybe I'll go back to CPA work and help you all file your taxes!
Courthouse researcher here. Research privately held notes, regular mortgages, and tax liens. Was in the IT field but I got tired of being laid off. The scary part is im making better money doing research than working IT.
RE Investor/landlord
my last job was in Sales and Marketing for a year. Before that I was in college.
When I was 16 I left Univ, my first year and joined the RAF, nobody told me that they would shoot at me. Not being very good at it I got shot down over occupied Europe and on the way home from escaping a PW camp way back in 1941, I bought my first apartment house in Paris and I was hooked. When we dropped the bomb on Japan I got there just in time to buy a nice house up on Red Hill two stops out of Tokyo Central. And so it went. I left the Air Force in 1954 they wanted to go and fight in Vietnam and being there with the French army on loan I disagreed. So I left. Sold the town house in Georgetown and came back to Calif. I became a Plumber, first honest labor I ever did, really enjoyed it. Janitor in a 60 unit and all the tenants were women. God if only I had known what civilian life was like. But alas I moved on and entered the field of Real Estate and I have been there ever since.
Last month I gave all my worldly possessions away and my now super rich many children are having a ball. The one in Paris who has been living in my apartment house now owns it and she is drunk with power she has announced that from now on she will no longer marry the men in her life, she will merely rent.
. My eldest son now goes to Japan on visits and stays at the house and does nothing according to the housekeeper. I have my doubts she sounds much to happy and satisfied. .
So here I am excited and on fire with desire to do it all over again.
Newbies of the group, we have nothing to loose but our dames er chains.
In celebration of this emancipation I am turning shipping containers into houses. Earthquake proof, fire proof and bullet proof, the perfect requirement for housing in Los Angeles.
I enjoy posting to all of you. It has been fun. Of course at my age certain personal pleasures are restricted damn so I post between 1200 and 3:00 in the evening.
I run my Preboom calls in the AM and I play with containers in the PM. A full life.
I am looking forward to another 14 years of an exciting time and only hope that I can achieve my life long goal, to die in bed at age ninty five, from a bullet fired by a jealous husband. God I hope he misses her!
Allors Lucius
Hi Everyone,
I am a radio engineer by day, and REI by night. Have been doing radio and/or satellite work for almost 10 years now. Tired of always having someone say "what/where/when." I am trying to get started in multi's. All the electricity has short circuited my "patience" nuerons, so I am trying to get underway as fast as I can.
Must say I have learned a lot in the short time I have been on the board.
Happy Veterans day!
Ryan
Well let's see. Formerly licensed realtor. pretty successful if i have to say so myself. Family issues, burnout & I left the industry. Went back to school learned to worked w/computers got into the IT field at a time when women in this field was a novelty. Worked first as a consultant building up my skillset. Went from one position to another all while increasing my salary. Loved it! Finally became associated with a companyWorked as a technical supervisor until downsized in 2001. Then went to one of the big cellular company's supposedly in the technical support department at a 1/3 less salary & get this all I do is customer service. so to say its a joke is probably an understatement. i guess i bought into that get an education get a good job & your set for what??? Now back to my love but with a different spin on it REI!!!my goal is to have RE support me & family where I can say "you can take this job & shove it.", but i'm not there yet. Working towards this goal to make it happenin the early part of 2004.
Real Lives?
I read this post a little while ago then came back to it. I noticed that most posters here ( and in most forums) use fake names (usernames). Some people don''t even put their city. Makes me wonder....
Anyway, this is my real life (and name, and city).
I am a landlord, RE investor, broker, developer.
Gregg
[addsig]
Last Night when I went to bed I was a prominent surgeon working about 20 hour per week. I owned my own little island off the coast of Australia with my own landing field for my Lear Jet. All of my properties are paid for and are all run by a management company who I depend on to simply make deposits into my account. Oh what a great life that was, until my wife woke me up, only to find that a toilet was clogged in one of my rentals. Ran out of the house with plunger in hand. Had to get thier quick!!! Jumped into my pickup only to find the battery was dead!! Oh what the heck..If I'm lucky, maybe tomorrow I'll dream of being JohnLocke.
Repoman
Licensed Private Detective & REI
I'm a 25 year old engineer for a semiconductor company and full time college student. Hopefully, I will be joining Dave soon in the self-unemployed catagory
-Chris
[addsig]
I'm I Husband, Father of four and a Pastor.
Ron
I am in the hotel industry in China, and have been for 15 years. I currently working in Guangzhou,China. My current job is director of real estate. Nothing that applies to this forum. I have 158 apartment (not owned by me), 200 offices, and 57 reatial shops to lease and services.
I can save on housing and food because this is provided by my company. My check goes to saving for houses. I bought 2nd home in Baton Rouge with no money down on 11/6/03. Thanks to all who write on this forum for others to read about your questions or suggestion to our problems.
garcia
Almost makes you feel good reading all these posts...but dangit Lucius, I've got to hang with you soon
Christian "The Solutions Kid" Beebe
[addsig]
Guess I'm the only grindstone guy...am I missing something? Construction worker...work mostly on bridges that need repair. Tired everyday when I get home and would like to get out of the rut. So please all experienced investors....ANSWER MY POSTS!! LOL! JK!
I do a lot of remodeling for friends (horray $15/hr) I sold cars for 5 weeks but they fired me due to their inability to communicate to me the magnitude of a particular occasion. (got some good sales skills) I have done construction untill my boss ran out of work. now I am trying to do REI full time (20 hr/wk) so I have time with my family.
I started a wedding decorating and catering busines but it is curently dormant because I can't afford advertising.
I hate 9-5 type jobs that take away your freedom and don't like free thinkers. I don't fit the regular mold.
Josh
_________________
"if you are going to be in Real Estate you better know how to fix a broken toilet"[ Edited by jpchapboy on Date 11/12/2003 ]
Well, I guess this must make me the second grind guy. I custom paint displays for auto shows. If you live anywhere near Detroit you will know what I mean. Hate it, and it sucks. Been doing it for 7 years employed by GM. The time comes when you just can't take it anymore. Real estate is the best vehicle out of the rat race that I can find. I'll either make it or die trying. Good luck everyone! Zach
I am a Network / Telecom Engineer, and have been for the last 6 yrs. I understand How Nebulousd feels. I am trying to make REI my full time job, but I somehow get sucked back into the tech side of my life. It is amazing to see how many have backgrounds in the Tech industry. The burnout seems to be real fast.
Another computer geek here, Looking for REI to help me break away from staring into monitors all day.
Dave
Oh let me count the ways.......first let me pinch myself to make sure i'm NOT Ladybug, we both do toooo much.....in my former life (when i left corporate America back in '90) i was Sales Secretary for a large radio station here.....since then, what i do now.....I own a residential/commercial janitorial service (since '88), secretarial service (since '91), professional organizer (since '95), author, volunteer, women & children's advocate., executive director of a women's professional networking organization which i founded in '94, mom of two, very busy daughters with social calendars as full as mine, wife, bookkeeper for husband's restaurant chains, and FULL TIME INVESTOR!!!!.....whew, after all that, i need a nap!!!!
[addsig]
I am in the IT industry as a IS Specialist for a small company in Western PA. I hate the daily grind and routine. I find REI exciting,challenging and rewarding. I am looking forward to success in REI!!
P.S. - I am soo happy and blessed I have found this site. It really has helped me to understand this business soo much more!! Thanks all
Data Entry Operator.
Want to do it pt for now till i really get good at it and experienced. I also have done notary. Want my own r.e. firm someday.
Information Systems - aka Computer Geek.
Full time Web Developer/Admin for a website you guys probably know of.
My wife has taken over the full time Property Management.[ Edited by joel on Date 11/12/2003 ]
I'm a newbie starting out, haven't really invested in anything except my home. I'm an insurance agent in debt but clearling that out really soon because of a refinance.
Hopefully, this new found cash flow can boost me from "afraid to spend anything" to a budget of $300 per month for mailers, signs, and other marketing techniques.
I'm a Probation Officer. But I hope not to be a Probation Officer some day soon. I'm also a RE Broker and manage our 23 units. I'm trying to just buy and sell houses for our portfolio now. Actually I'm trying to buy and sell my way out of being a Probation Officer.
I'd rather stay home and raise the dogs and play with my real estate!!!
Highschool Economics and American History teacher.
Notice most people are computer geeks (My wife is the head of IT at my school district) Why is that. Feel kinda strange being the only teacher.... Won't be for long. Want to be retired in the Keys....
Hi everyone,
I am 20 yrs old and work as a grill and prep cook in a family restaurant. Hot, greasy, monotonous work. I work in the prep kitchen with two women who are over 70 yrs old. THAT is what drives me to make rei work for me. I do not want to be that old and not afford to not work. I have bought three houses since I started in April. Live in one (will sell for much more than I paid for it in two years after some repairs.) Rent one (100 pcf) and one I am rehabbing, will sell on CFD for 10k more than I paid. Well I need to get to work on that so later all!
Carrie
Hey all another IT working fool. Decided a few month ago to get my Mortgage broker liscense. Got that now Im looking for a way to combine the two and make some money. Got 2 rentals thus far. Gonna start moving towards lease to own cause landlording blows. Good luck all.
I own a Medical Transportation company. I've been investing in real estate for about 3 weeks. I'm an EMT, and I try to do some volunteer work. I still haven't figured out what to do with my erronious MBA. I had a dog, but he died from a parvo virus when he was only 6 months old. I guess I need a new one now?
I'm a Maintenance tech / Electrionic Tech for the USPS. Work nights 10:30 pm to 7:00 am
leaves me most of the day to do this. I've been out on sick leave since 29 sept. Had 2 disk removed from neck . I've been spending a lot of time here and any place else I can learn something about REI. Plan to hit it hard once I get this stupid neck brace off. Went to a free rehab seminar here in town first thing I've seen spark interest in my wife. May try going that route first. Man giveing seminar will mentor if you buy one of his wholesales.
I am a jack of all trades, I have a construction business and we are #1 in our market (small market for remodel and #3 over all. We handle constructoin and have a plumbing division as well.
I have been and still am an active options trader and have been doing REI on the side for some years.
I am now sick of working every day (even for myself) dealing with employees, and the 60 hour weeks it takes to keep things growing and moving.
I am in the process of selling my house, moving to another larger market, and pursuing REI full time.
I am looking for the "passive income" that allows me to live the life I want to live and pursue the deal making that I love.
[addsig]
My business partner and I own a Manufacturer Rep Group.
I'm burned out.
My only real estate experience is the nightmare purchase of my home.
I love shopping for houses, so why not turn it into income? Especially if it doesn't involve sneaky real estate agents.
I've got the practical knowledge base, just no REAL experience yet. Trying to decide whether to take the leap or bird dog.
Well, I'm a young guy that just happened to move down here to Atlanta and meet all the right people.
Graduate of Lee University who taught middle and high school for 2 years and quickly realized that I wasn't old enough to raise other people's kids. After leaving the public self esteem center, I found a job doing support for the largest dental practice management software in the world.
On the side my beautiful wife and I manage our properties.
I am a Graphic and 3D desighner
I'm 20 years old (almost 21 on 11/24
You know those commercials that say
"I've got great news....
I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance" you know the lizard comapny...
I work for them giving people qoutes over the phone and selling policies.
In recent times I feel extremely motivated to get my first few deals together and go full time.
Computer technician! This is why I am studying REI.
civil engineer by degree (1993), software/web developer by trade until 2 yrs ago, then title clerk until last month, now full-time crei'er. all the while i kept a line of athletic/clothing and done some mediocre promotional work for clubs around the area - bringing acts to town and have held every cash job imaginable, from selling filter queen home filtration systems, to driving cabs, to selling advertising spaces on paper menus at cheesy diners. and this is just the legal stuff ... juss kiddin, there's nothin else. <cough><cough>
nebulousd
Ladybug, chickens? really? I've always wondered what they were like as pets (tasty I suppose) Ha!!!
Real Life....
Medicinal Chemist
Small company, got laid off 2 wks last yr.
Quitting by June '04 to be REI
Wow!
My life is pretty boring in comparison to many of you out there.
Well, first of all I travel across the country leasing up & marketing apartment communities that have high vacancy rate. The company I work for is based out of Atlanta, but my home town is Twinsburg, Ohio. I do Voice overs for radio & tv between assignments. Commentary for fashion shows & some runway modelling. Since I travel so much I check out properties wherever I am assigned to go. I give myself another year to go full time with REI.
I am a pretty good cook.
Not much else on this end!
Be safe all of you in the Armed Forces!
I was a Loss Prevention Expert for 19yrs and now I'm still a computer geek for a large computer retailer for the past 4yrs. No money in any of this.
I'm a REI parttime looking to do it fulltime.
Gonzo
Samedwin,
I hate to let you wonder about chickens as pets!
Let me tell you: they are wonderful pets and the hens (that is the lady chickens) lay eggs - taste way better than those you buy in the supermarket! - the roosters (the boy chickens) are just beautiful and they love to court the ladies all day long! the more the better (you guys out there, don't copy them!, these are animals and have no concept of morals! LOL)
In spring the ladies lay eggs and sit on them till they hatch and then there are the baby chickens, the cutest little things.
I just have to keep the roosters separated, when adults they like to fight and that can get very nasty! Right now I have too many roosters - somebody want some?
I have three big pens and am preparing to cover most of them for winter, don't want them to be too cold and have them freeze to death. I fill the pens with hay, they love that and cover the wire with thick plastic against the wind.
I hope this was some useful information? LOL
Great posts, it is really very nice to get to know y'all better.
Ladybug
Hello All
Like to take this chance to thank all of you for posting on this website. Been somthing for me to look forward to after a long day at the plant. I'm a production supervisor for a prominant and still growing modular home manufacturer BUT have always had the dream to have noone to answer to but myself. crei. is it.
Thank you all
ED
Full time Loan Officer and part time bird-dog. What do i do for income? I just look for a property with a large potential for profit--purchase it, live in it for one year then sell it--that will be my yearly income. Mortgage loans and bird-dogging pays my mortgage and bills...i guess you can say i'm lazy.
This is my first post here, and let me say how exhilirating it is to find others so thoroughly confused, utterly fascinated, and hopelessly hooked on REI. I've been researching REI for years, but mistakenly thought that it takes (substantial amounts of) money to make money. That myth overcome, I'm more than ready to jump in here in my local South Florida market.
I'm a wife, mother of a 2 year-old, successful Internet entrepreneuse for an automotive forum franchise, and I work full-time as a project manager for a web hosting company. I hate missing all the important moments of my daughter's life, and I hate the inflexibility of The Machine that is corporate America. I have no family support in starting my business, but that only fuels my fire.
Best of luck to all of us just starting out, and continued success to the veterans!
I'm a fulltime network engineer for a company that has big ideas but a small budget -bet ya never heard that before, right?
I'm also a part-time fishing guide.
I do REI about 10 to 30 hours/week. I'll be full a full time REI July1, '04 (that's 3.5 years faster than we initially predicted that we'd go full time -so REI works!).
Thanks,
OnTheWater
Currently I am a management consultant to the Account Receivables Management industry (AKA collection Agencies). I have been doing the consulting thing for about 1.5 years. Before that I was CIO at a large firm in Chicago and before that CIO at one in Atlanta.
.
REI is a hobby for me and has been for many years. You see, I grew up in in the RE world watching my mom swing all kinds of deals in Florida during the early eighties. So it's been in my blood for a while.
I'm currently working a deal with two partners and a Venture Capital group to fund some business acquisitions. Start gobbling up some mid-size collections agencies and build one really huge place. Within about 5 years we should be up to around $200 million revenue. That is exciting and extremely fun.
I devote whatever free time that I have to REI. Some weeks it's 40 hours, other weeks it's 5 hours, other weeks its none. Since I really enjoy what I do and get paid well to do it, REI will probably always in second place. But it sure is a nice second income.
Hi, I work for the federal government but I'm learning to be a Real Estate Agent/Broker. So, right now, I'm looking for home buyers in San Diego.
go figure!
Yes, indeed, Ladybug wins! But I have to say that I am glad that there is another woman out there that is in my line of "other" work.
I am a stay-at-home-mom with a 5 year old and 2.5 year old, 1 dog, 1 cat, 1 fish, 2 cars, 1 messy owner-occupied house, and 7 rental houses. Currently in escrow on 2 more, did 2 rehabs and 2 refi's this year, as well as landlording my own stuff.
Days are spent: preschool, playgroups, zoo trips, wiping runny noses, unglueing fingertips from construction paper, laundry, food, dog needs a bath, marble stuck under carseat, Green Eggs & Ham, "Mommy! He's breathing on ME!!!", baths, more food, sticky stuff on the wall, another story...........and then they sleep.............and I get on the computer and research, study, plan my next RE move.
Too cool, Ladybug. I want chickens someday. You belong atop a box, declaring your accomplishments to all who will listen - I will be there to cheer you on!
Good luck to all!
-Noel
I own 2 Fishing tackle manufacturing companies, a Freight Brokerage business and have some commercial REI. Looking to expand REI to residential and more commercial. Have 3 kids, no dog, love to fish, go on cruises with family.
Late 30's, looking to get set up in RE so passive income frees me to do what I want, when I want.
Thanks for all the great advice and info from all the posters here.[ Edited by fishbizbob on Date 11/18/2003 ]
Owner of a Lawn and Landscape Company in DFW.
Commercial and Multi-family Real Estate Agent
Full time college student trying to learn this biz so i don't have to fall back on my degree!
Currently working, 15yrs, for THE greeting card giant, in KC MO. Great company and great job, but my family and I want to get beyond the grasp of winter. Soon to be full time RE in SWFLA.
Alex
I am a full-time Clinical Trials Assistant for a Biotech Pharmaceutical company. Also I am a part-time "Bird Doger" who is sniffing out possible deals for any Investor who is interested, ready and willing.
Well another computer techie here... System support for a small mutual fund company for the past 4 years. --and a bit of a wild ride of late! Managed a small amusement park before that for way too many years. Have a wonderful wife, son and dog that keep me busy and happy! I am a newbie looking, like most of us here, to make REI and me a full time permanent thing. Have learned a lot since joining all you fine people here!
Good luck to you all!
pataz
Pretty successful mortgage broker in KC. Love my job and get to work my own hours, but want to work less and make more. Have learned a ton about RE and REI from this job (about 3 years), and work with investors daily. Love hearing them talk about the business, and getting free mentoring from them by helping them with the financing.
I am an Executive of a small construction company and I invest in Real Estate on the side. Full time Husband/Father!...and on the weekends I root for FLA ST Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
I own an ISP (nationwide coverage but local to northern california) as well as a small commercial building with some partners (got to have someplace to put the ISP). I also head up a network security consulting group that is attached to the ISP as well.... so LOTS of geek stuff. In the 'real world'.
-Jason
I am a professional photographer,self employed the last 21 yrs,I also do website/multimedia development.just started into REI this yr. as a means to create passive income for down the road as I dont have some nice pension to look forward too, seeing as I work for myself...but then I wouldnt trade my freedom for security anyday..
full time CREI now, but did commercial diving (underwater construction) worldwide..
Full-time mother, mother of 4 children, 2 step-children, and a 34-yr old child(oops, I'm mean husband.)
Part-time Mary Kay Sales Consultant
Part-time eBayer
Newbie trying to jump into the RE arena
Used car dealer... Not one like you might think. im the guy no one knows about. When you drive past a dealership a good prcentage of those cars for sale come from a guy like me....a WHOLESALER. The money is fantastic saved some dollars over the years. one big downside....no residual income. once the car is sold thats it! i hope to move into an appreciating asset as opposed to a depreciating one
S..[ Edited by WheelerDealer on Date 12/27/2003 ]
Work for Chase Manhattan Mortgage in administration.
Invested in real estate doing simultaneous closings back in the late 90's in Massachusetts before the seasoning issue came about.
Moved down to florida 3 years ago and about a month ago decided (procrastination) to start back doing real estate. I'm tired of working for someone else to make ends meet. I'd rather work for myself and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
With a job you have a small amount of financial security and no financial freedom (until you're fired or laid off) , but at least with real estate investing you have financial security and financial freedom and that's what I miss the most.......
I'm a somewhat recent college grad. I work full-time in the IT field as a Systems Analyst/QA Analyst/Manufacturing Engineer/Configuration Specialist for a leading software company in mail distribution. Realized I didn't want to spend to rest of my life working for some corporate company and getting nowhere starring at a computer all day.
Real Estate Investor/rehabber/landlord etc...
Aviation (forcebly retire : ie layoff casulty)
Sales (mucho yrs ago)
Retail (even further)
(family in Construction biz forever and ever)
Child of God
Spouse
Parent
Child
Friend
hejust the tip of the iceburg I know)
Real life: Union Organizer for a large building and construction trades union in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I love helping people find a better life for themselves. Only natural that I would be attracted to REI.
Happy Holidays to all.
Brett
I'm a high school science teacher! I'm just getting started in Real Estate. I'm not complaining about my salary, but its definitely not going to get me anywhere close to being financially independent. Unless of course I live in a used van down by the river!
Caroline
College Student here.
Done a bunch of different part-time jobs, and hated all of them.
Planning on full-time investing after college. If I'm not making more than 100k/yr in 1.5 years, then I'll go into industry and do REI part time.
John
Research Chemist, young (38), ready to jump into REI. Whether you're doing research in chemistry, RE, or whatever, you need to know the fundamentals of how to find and decifer information...long live the web!! I have some great techniques in using google which will make your eyes spin...something google won't tell you about.
Shoot me a PM..
With all those tasks at hand, Lady Bug certainly must have some great management skill or otherwise she would need an young octopus for assistant. Is there a "catch 22" how she accomplishes all of this? I do not know but I can certainly guess that she manages to do all she sad she does by following her management-guru script and business plan: Lady Bug takes care of her husband subject to an agreement that he takes care of their 6 dogs. Dogs have a lease option agreement with MR. Husband, payable in labor to take care of the cats and cats of the chickens, so Ms. and Mr. Lady Bug, as a mortgagee can easily avoid a petition for a SS sell buy eating 'em whenever they want, without putting any effort in the maintenance. Buy following this script, foreclosure as a process becomes obsolete.
What do I do? I reed interesting posts at TCI because I made all money I once needed to make, thanks to a secret connection ..... [ Edited by omega1 on Date 12/26/2003 ]
Automobile Manufacturer, Mobile D.J., & as of late REI. Which I hope to replace the first two very soon....
Thank you everyone,you all are very inspiring!And all are real people involved in REI,just like myself!
What a wonderful technique to make someone "talk"-just ask them what they do/did for living...
I am a professional dancer,performer,instructor.Working for myself,thank God!Unfortunately,even though I love what I do,$ is limited.
God damn,the smartest/wealthiest people on
earth invested in RE-it's too costly not to know anything about this business.
Success to all!!!
Just started REI and have a goal to be full-time in 1.5-2 years. I work as a production technician for a petrochemical company. I am sick and tired of working nites and every holiday that rolls around. Worse, I am tired of making money for someone else. My brother and I started a co. together and plan on hitting the ground running in Jan. of 2004. Have been reading and studying on here for a couple of months.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will enjoy the new year. Here is to some great investing and some wonderful deals.
John
WOW! What a response.
I spent 9 years in the U.S. Army (Infantry) and now I am a police officer tring to get become an RE agent so I can start this stuff full time.
Good Luck everyone!!
Tim
Work mainly on forclosures, so usually check them out at same time. My wife is invester with me involved. First one she bought, started work on it. It had garage converted to 2 bedrooms. so 5/2 all a/c, Payed $51000 cash had offer of 69,000 in 3rd week of purchse. No you will get 72,000 for it. Did not rent, took 12m to find a buyer. Reason according to r/e agent. Morgage co do not like 5 bed with no permits with them? News to me. Next one still renting. Next one just evicted renters still owe $900. Selling, then buy and flip maybe 2 at a time. Tom
I am a Senior Sys Analyst for a large bank. However my goal is to be a full time REI\Developer\Note Broker\All Around Bad Ass by year end.
I have not work for anyone in 5 years. I eat, sleep & !! Realestate I know that's hard for some people, but I like to get up when my eyes open not when clock tells me to. My last deal was in September 2003 I made $20,000. Me and my husband went to Germany for three weeks. I'm working on another deal right now. Purchase price $74,000 ARV $150,000. That's a gross profit of $76,000. These kinds of deal are available all over. You just have to find them.
I used to be a stay at home mom but since hubby's ceramic tile installation business is taking a noise dive, I work in insurance and hope to jump into RE very soon. I hate working for someone else. I was born to be self-employed!!
Yet another tech for the list. I am a Network Administrator and have been one for the past 4 yrs. I am just 24 ys old but I already see that corporate America is a dead-end street filled with backstabbers and liars.
I have been interested in real estate as long as I could remember. I just purchased my first investment propery recently(1br condo that I am renting) and I dove into creative realestate in September and I am still looking for my first creative deal....WISH ME LUCK.....
Robin
I am a sales manager for an international financial planning firm. I also own a property management business in upstate NY. Along with renting my own properties. My goal is to do RE investing and managing FT and financial planning PT
I am a alcohol and drug counselor parttime mailman parttime rei investor. working 9-5 takes away from you exploring other things in life so in 2004 I am determined to do be a fulltime www.investor.time is more important than money?
I am a lender, both residential and commercial. I specialize in investor loans, ie: pay option refi of home (80% LTV with a rate of 1.25%) to pull cash out and lower payments. Then using cash to purchase 1-4 units with 2.95% rate. It's the best of both worlds, lower payments, cash flow and increasing net worth and appreciation of properties while paying less taxes!! I have been buying foreclosures and reselling, now I am purchasing properties to hold onto. I am looking for lenders to train (no up front fees).
Presently, a statistic! Lost my job as an Information Technology Manager for a law firm that dissolved over 6 months ago. A career that went back over 25 years!
I am hoping to become successful in REI once I can clear the brain fog and get rid of the beginner's jitters.
I am the Director of Business Planning and Analysis for one of our business groups. I am doing REI on the side. I am totally passionate about investing in RE and am looking to make the leap to full-time this summer. I continually look at a financial plan of what it will take to get me there. So far, I am on course!!
Much Success!
Rob C. from Baltimore
Currently, marketing director for a home inspection company. Looking to make the transition ASAP.
N
Send a letter with "DO NOT FORWARD-ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED" written on it, then it should come back to you with the forwarding instructions on it. Try a service like "Ultimate White Pages" to get phone numbers and addresses, published ones anyway. Google whatever info you have, address, names, phone numbers, etc., you never know what may turn up.
At the county court building. You can check the probate records to see if there is a beneficiary, custodian or executor listed.
They are visable, they teach seminars and sell more books! LOL
is it just me, or shouldnt they be getting slammed with those truth in advertising laws?? :-?
there are so many ways to make money in real estate its not even funny. it sounds wild but by todays standards a million dollars isnt even alot of money. it can certaintly be made into alot more by investing it wisely after you make it. but most people who get rich quick like lottory winners go bankrupt anyways because they cant manage there spending. the avrg price home in manhattan n.y. right now is 1.2 million with most costing alot more then that. now ask me how the avrg person can afford that and i wouldnt have the slightest clue.
the best way to make money is to just go out and do it. if you have what it takes and make the right decisions you will eventually get there. half the stuff i read in books i dont remember the next day anyways. the best way to find out what works and what doesnt is by doing it or working with someone who is doing it. buy and hold, flip foreclosures, rehabb properties. the list goes on. pick one or all that you like and go out and do it.
"Truth" and "Advertising" are mutually exclusive terms.
nobody gets rich by sitting around and reading books. its applying the knowledge you obtained from the books that can get you places. but if its real estate knowledge your after your better off reading the many posts on this site. i have heard the pitch a hundred times, " i dont need to be selling courses i have enough money, the only reason i do it is to teach you how to make money" At 2k a pop obviously they are making ends meet. in fact they are probably making just as much off the courses as real estate, if there even active anymore. on the other hand i have heard gurus flat out say there selling courses only for there benefit so they can generate more income and get deals from people buying there courses who want to "team up"
read this site, ALOT. then go out and do it. nevermind the 5k seminars.
Well said ZinOrganization.
Thanks for keeping us straight!
Much Success!
Rob C. from Baltimore
you will be a millionaire in due time my friend, that is if its what you want and are willing to work non stop at it.
dont missinterpret my above comments and jump into the world of real estate with no knowledge whatsoever, because you will get hurt. but rather pick an area you are interested in and learn everything you can about it. this site will be the best place for that. as well as networking within your local REI group and community. then jump in.
oh yeah you can get some great discounts on used courses from Ebay. you get the same info without having to pay thousands.
thats where i am now. gathering info, deciding where i want to focus.
any courses in particular you would reccomend?
yes, i do have a few. after reading my above comments i sound like im completely against education and that is far from what i believe. i guess i was just responding to the question at hand.
but yes a few of the good courses out there are-
on subject2 investing - John Locks course which is available on this site is great. i think the other that i have heard good of is william tingle. i have locks its good.
for rehabbing - i would suggest Pete Youngs or Robbin Thompsons courses and videos.
for shortsales - i would suggest Jeff Kallers "short sale in a box" starter course (always on ebay for cheap) on this website in the products section the shortsalepro also offers a course which i hear is very good, and inexpensive
obviously there are many more courses out there that i have not read which im sure are equally great.
the website www.us.landco. offers most any course out there, but at full market value.
there are lots of courses out there that have an abundance of info, but you will learn the most by going out and doing title searches and negotiting with sellers and banks and contractors. and you will get all the specific answers you need of this site.
hope that helps
yes, thanks John for that disclosure.
i guess thats the risk you take for a better price. [ Edited by ZinOrganization on Date 02/18/2005 ]