[Q.] I am trying to buy a home,
my credit scores aren't that high. Everytime my credit is
checked it pulls my score down even lower. Can someone refer
an agent who can help me purchase or lease purchase without
a credit check and put a lein mortgage on the property (without
paying down payment and closing cost.) Is this possible?
- L____
[A.]
Hi L____,
I saw your
post and that another user had referred you on to us. The
server, unfortunately is currently down for maintenance,
but I wanted to take the opportunity to encourage you to
visit us, perhaps you will find the site useful.
I also wanted
to pass along a couple of links you might find of interest.
It wouldn't be appropriate to post them on ____ forum, as
they lead to his competition to some degree, though if I
am not mistaken Mark is familiar with ____ and visa versa.
I would like
to preface the links by saying, like you, I looked at the
world with a consumer mentality, as most of us tend to do
till it dawned on me that the only difference between myself
and the so-called investors was in the way we approached
the process of buying and/or selling property.
I started
learning about RE investments in the mid '80's and started
buying, rehabbing and selling multi-family houses in New
England. I have since relocated to Florida and have turned
my attention, for the present, to the technical development
of RE resources.
But there
are a lot of different approaches, which don't necessarily
mean becoming a full-blown investor, but rather, learning
to think like an investor, research like an investor and
approach the market the way an investor would. I assume
you are looking for a single family home and there are creative
methods to go about obtaining them, for the purpose of resale
or for your own use or both. The world of RE is fascinating
and provides so many more options than the average consumer
typically thinks about, which is why there are so many RE
agents and brokers leading people who easily qualify along
the conventional paths of MLS listing to lender to sale,
leaving those of us with less than ideal credit (yes, I
have been in that position) scratching our heads trying
to figure out how we can get the house we want, too. RE
Investors are a good alternative, but rather than simply
point folks to Investors, when I get the chance I like to
point out to people that they don't have to be anyone's
pawn in the RE chess game. They have the option of empowering
themselves, reaching out to the metaphorical board and moving
the pieces themselves.
Anyway, that
was a lot more long winded than I had intended, but I hope
it is food for thought. The link I referred to is one of
many resources that we post at our site, this one specifically
about single family homes. It bears checking into. Click
Single
Family homes. If your mail program or browser doesn't
respond to the link, look in the right-hand resource column
on our site under
Investor's Tools.
Hopefully the site will be back up by the time you read
this! I just started a forum
of our own...not much action there yet but I would love
for you to stop in and let me know how you are making out.
Getting a bit of conversation going on the board would be
helpful to me! Feel free to reply, as well.
Hope that
helps.
Regards,
Bruce Macomber
After the fact it occurred to me that there was another
resource I could have passed along, with regard to the original
question of buying houses without credit, that also fits into
the spirit of the message I was trying to convey about self-
empowerment. So without further ado, here is a link to Controlling
Real Estate Without Credit Checks. Enjoy!
***********************************************************************************
[Q]. Hello Bruce,
I saw your post on the LIREIA group
regarding an article you have concerning rehabbing properties.I
know its been a while since you posted it(2/27/04) but I was
wondering if you could forward it to me.My partner and I are
trying to get started in rehabs,we actually passed one up
due to ROI we be too close to breaking even.But if you still
have the article or anything worth reading on REI,I would
definitely like to take a look at it.
Thanks for your help,
F____
[A.] Hi Frank,
Thanks for asking!
I can't recall for sure which article I had posted about,
but there is some good stuff here by Dan Auito, who has since
published a book, and started a forum of his own that is going
very well. http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11
There are links to his site and to a free download of
the ebook version of his book. But, if you go there, you have
to promise to come back and hang out with us, too. We're building
a pretty good little group.
Best of success and see you on the board.
Best regards,
Bruce W. Macomber
http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com
http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com/forum
http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com/free_fsbo
***********************************************************************************
*Reprinted from the Lease2Purchase.com
board after receiving a direct query from poster via email.
*[Q.] Hi everyone,
I am in the middle of reading an
e-book about TAX deduction for home
based business. I would like to take advantage of this
system. The book "It is how much you can keep, not how much
you make that counts" provide an e-mail to get info about
forming a home based business to take advantage of this tax
deduction, I contacted this e-mail many times without any
reply. I have the base for this home business, I have an office,
advertisement, postage computer, printer and other expinses
related to this home business. Of course, with the intent
to make profit.
Can someone refere me to a website
or an e-book that is easy to help in forming a home business
so I can take advantage of this tax deduction at least for
now, so by saving taxes I can focus on the business expenses?
Thanks a lot.
[A.]
Hi,
As you posted your question on a Real Estate
Investors site, I will assume you have at least some interest
in that area. These resources will give you some ideas that
can be applied in other areas of interest as well.
First, I recommend that you read two of
my articles and follow up on the links of interest you will
find within them.
Does
Your Site Sell? - don't worry if you don't have a site
- if you are serious about a home business this is a must
read and you will find lots of help to get you up and running.
Free
Leads AND Money While You Sleep! - This article is specific
to our own unique opportunity - if you read carefully you
will see you don't need to be an active RE Investor to cash
in on the residual income and marketable leads.
Questions? Feel free...that's why we're
here!
hth
Regards,
Bruce Macomber
***********************************************************************************
[Q.] Hey I emailed you
yesterday about putting this on Ray Como's board. I jumped on
board to get some feedback. You said you haven't really received
any. Ray is a full time investor in Pittsburgh, he sells courses
and gets thousands for speaking engagements. He is as big time
as it gets in the CRE world. Anyway I pasted it below. He did
say it looks interesting, That's good. - D_______
D_______,
The site looks interesting....but
also confusing. I cannot tell (at a glance) what [the site]
is trying to accomplish. I felt I had to read every link to
find out. I read the "inclusion" page and was more confused
(the confused mind always says no.) You must register to do
and or view almost everything which new visitors don't like.
And finally, the name, Neodemesne. I can hardly pronounce
it and do not know what it means.
Sorry, this is this
King's first impression.
Raymond Charles, I
King
[A.] D_______,
Ouch. Yes, he did say it was interesting...
First, let me thank you for seeking out some
meaningful feedback and presenting it to me. One of the toughest
parts of Web Design is the ability to look at one's own work
objectively.
Ray, thanks much for taking the time to look
at the site and provide some painfully honest feedback.
Let me see if I can clarify matters a bit,
last point first.
And finally, the name,
Neodemesne. I can hardly pronounce it and do not know what it
means.
I agree, it is a bit unusual, a bit cumbersome,
but, like the Neodemesne
Concept, it is unique and distinctive, and in the long run
will turn out to be memorable. The Internet is flooded with
thousands of variations trying to get 'Real Estate' included
in the name somewhere, and the urls are getting longer and more
convoluted: ~ realestatesolutionsyoucanusetosellyourhouseinninedaysorless.com
~ an extreme example, I know.
Neo - is a common prefix. It means 'New'. Demesne
is part of the English vocabulary, meaning 'extensive landed
property retained by the owner for his own use'.
As to the pronunciation, its pretty easy, once
you know how: Nee - O - De - Main.
I cannot tell (at a glance)
what [the site] is trying to accomplish. I felt I had to read
every link to find out.
On most websites there is usually a Frequently
Asked Question (FAQ)
page. Generally, that is a good place to find informative content
about a web site. Our site is no exception. At the top of the
page we have a bold header stating: New to Neodemesne?
Read this! which
provides a pretty good clue to the new visitor to our site as
to the best way to proceed, as does our very descriptive Site
Map.
I am well aware, as a Marketing Executive,
of the rule of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) and the surfing
practices of the general public, who click into a site looking
for immediate answers. The answers are all here, but, like anything
else worth pursuing in life, they may require just a little
work to find and read. As a consumer, I find my intelligence
repeatedly insulted by the Marketing methods perpetrated upon
the public as if we are a bunch of mindless sheep, or greyhounds
chasing a 'bunny rabbit' down the track. The visitor's we are
seeking to attract to our site are neither Simple nor Stupid
and possess enough interest and drive to read our inner content.
You must register to
do and or view almost everything which new visitors don't like.
This is simply NOT true. All the content of
our site is freely available to the unregistered visitor. Registration
is only required to partake of the paid
inclusion and residual
income program which is clearly described within our site.
In short, our main page is our front door.
Come on inside and look around. You will find we
truly do have a place for YOU!
***********************************************************************************
[Q.]
Bruce,
OK, I took a look at
your web site and read the material. I don't get it. I make
money by buying and selling houses.
If I lock in a state,
and I get buyer and seller leads from that state:
1. Am I the exclusive
recipient of those leads?
2. If someone else locks
in a zip code, do they get leads as well or instead of me?
3. I have paid for the
leads, but the only way I make money is if I can put together
a home sale from the leads, right?
4. Once I lock in a
state, anyone after me can pay for the state as well, or a county
and I get 10% of their fee, but who gets the leads?
T___
[A.]
Hi T___,
Good questions. I'll address them in order.
1. Am I the exclusive
recipient of those leads?
Yes. You would be the exclusive recipient for
leads in each zip code you "own".
2. If someone else locks
in a zip code, do they get leads as well or instead of me?
They would get leads, exclusively, for the
zip code(s) they own. Each zip code can only have one owner.
3. I have paid for the
leads, but the only way I make money is if I can put together
a home sale from the leads, right?
Apart from the residual
income aspect of our program, yes . I don't know how your
web service works, perhaps you don't pay anything if you don't
close on the leads they generate? But, if you do close, they
take a fairly good bite? Out of every deal? I imagine you could
end up paying far more over the course of a year than any of
our fees (which have a built in method to return even that small
cost as well as generate a form of passive
income).
Now would be a good time to touch on your question
from your previous email:
Buyers and Sellers already come to my
web site for just that purpose. What makes you think I need
to pay you for help?
I presume (because I never assume) that, in
addition to your web service referrals, you utilize some other
forms of marketing. Newspapers, flyers, bandit
signs, business
cards, etc. Certainly, that is a cost that is paid whether
the leads they bring to you close or not. With no possibility
to recoup the expense. But they constitute marketing methods
in addition to relying solely on being found through your web
service. A quver full of arrows is a good thing. We offer you
another arrow, straight and true.
4. Once I lock in a state,
anyone after me can pay for the state as well, or a county and
I get 10% of their fee, but who gets the leads?
There
are three lock-in levels and each only gets sold once, and
includes one zip code. The leads, as you now know, are assigned
on a zip code basis:
Should the unthinkable happen and an area totally
fizzles, producing no leads, the owner keeps the membership,
at no new annual
fee. Even if they had recouped their fee through passive
income. Its the least we can do. We can't guarantee that leads
come in, no one can, but we can and do treat folks fairly. Have
no fear!
I hope I have answered your questions to your
satisfaction. If not, keep 'em coming!
***********************************************************************************
[Q.]
Bruce,
Hypothetically, If I
were to buy my state for $299, a one time fee, and other people
bought the desirable zip codes in the Metro area they would
get the leads that are most valuable rather than me. I would
get leads from zip codes where I have no knowledge of the market
and that I don't care about.
What is the advantage
of that to me other than the residual income aspect which is
a small factor compared to doing the real estate deals from
the leads?
T___
[A.]
Hi, again, T___ ,
Assuming that you did come in at State
level, you would have the opportunity to choose whatever
zip code you want. If you wanted multiple zip codes, you could
get each additional for 10% off, because you 'own' the state
and a piece of all the membership action, including your own.
***Side Note***
You and I both know that the true Investors who are turning
houses for a $20K profit are not going to be concerned about
the residual income.
Admittedly, it is a marketing tactic aimed
primarily at the newer Investors who, perhaps, aren't as committed
and to whom "money while
you sleep" sounds like a good thing. And it can be a good
thing. There is nothing wrong with ending up with anywhere from
free membership to a profit via passive income. Between our
guarantee and passive income the fear of *p_ing* away the cost
of membership is removed.
The most beneficial aspect of the residual
income program is that it provides a built in incentive
for participants to tell other people about our program, and
to encourage their participation. Word of mouth is a powerful
form of advertising.
******
There is no requirement to shell out $299.00
for the state. Or even $99.00 for a county.
Just choose an initial zip code for $29.00 and get $5.00 off
all other zips of interest to you after that. Button up the
territory that works for you.
The passive income incentive at the zip
level isn't bad either. $5.00 per referral. If you have
investor friends in other parts of the state or country send
them our way and we'll give you $5.00 for everyone that signs
up. We just have to know you sent them. Granted, $5.00 here
and there won't make you rich, but if I saw $5 bills blowing
down Main St., I would bend over and pick them up. Wouldn't
you? Heck, someone could make a career just out of finding folks
for the thousands of zip codes all over the country and getting
them to sign up! And we hope they do!
When we were first considering creating a RE
Portal we didn't want to create a clone of all the other ones
out there. There would be no point. We wanted a unique approach
and I think we have found one. Even the odd name was intentional.
Everyone else is 'real estate' this or that. Neodemesne stands
out from the crowd, and through bookmarking and url histories
most people won't have to worry about getting the spelling right
to find us again.
Is it possible that no buyers or sellers will
ever submit to your chosen zip code? Sure it is. But there is
also every possibility that folks who you would not have encountered
will find you through our site. And we make your risk as minimal
as possible.
I hope that helps clarify further and, regardless
of whether you lock-in at any level, please join in on the discussion
forum. I am sure you have a lot to contribute and, who knows,
you might just pick up an idea or two.
Don't be a stranger.
***********************************************************************************
[Q.]
Picked up on your website
and reviews of A.D. Kellser, et. al. - -
Thanks for all that
- -
Now, I bought Sheets
a LONG time ago, and other books, naturally - had some modest
successes and one big blow up that sent me into chapt 7 (DeFacto
Eminent Domain!) on my 5th house. - right after I lost my
job to out-sourcing!
Still reeling from
bankrutcy, I'm looking for a genuine successful investor who
is interested in HIRING an apprentice. I figure if I can find
a mentor / guru / entrpreneur who has the success related
resources and the confidence to HIRE a trainee I'll get a
REAL 'hands on' pro who knows what he (she?) is doing. Besides,
I no longer have the financial (or emotional?) resources to
strike out on my own again (Strike Out? BAD choice of words!)
If you know anybody
would would be interested in hiring a $2,000 a month base
under commisision apprentice (terms and conditions negotiable)
I'd very much appreciate it if you could make introductions.
Thanks
J____
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
[A.]
Hi J___,
Utah, eh? Right in the heart of some of the
biggest guru bs slingers, aren't you? :-)
Can't say that I know anyone looking for an
apprentice.
My best advice is to go to your local rei clubs
(the real ones, not the infomercial guys) and re auctions and
start networking. There really is money to be made by flipping
deals to other investors.
There is one 'mentor' who you may want to talk
to. Brian Gibbons at http://www.creiu.com.
He makes his money off the back end of deals he walks you through.
It used to be $99.00 to get involved with him. That may have
increased, I'm not sure and he may not have any openings, but
he has some good ideas I'm sure he will share with you.
Also, register at our forum (its free) and
start networking. We have some great posts there. Search out
those by Dan Auito, especially.
Sorry to hear of your setbacks. Been there,
done that, have the t-shirt.
Keep the faith, brother. All things work together
for the good. Its just hard to see it some times.
Don't be a stranger!
Regards,
Bruce Macomber
http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com
http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com/forum
***********************************************************************************
[Q.]
Sent: Friday, July
02, 2004 3:05 AM
Subject: Looking for
a Mentor
My name is J____ and
I am new to the industry. i have read books on top of books,
but they all seem to have the same thing within the pages(a
whole lot of nothing). I am looking for a mentor in real estate,Can
you mentor me, or at least recommend me to an honest person
who is genuine about helping people and not wanting to snatch
their money and run. I know that may be hard, but there has
to be someone out there. I am 25 years old, just had my first
child, and I want to be in a situation where by the time he
is 5 his education and everything else is set. I know that
takes hard work, If all it took to be come wealthy was hard
work I would be getting pretty close. Any help you can offer
will be much appreciated. I saw you post on the note lounge
about creiu.com and I am
checking it out, but I was wondering if you had any other
suggestions?
thank you
J____
Columbus, Ohio
[A.]
Hi J____,
Off hand, I don't know anyone in your area.
But let me ask you this...what can you do with
a mentor, that you cannot do without one?
Sure, going off on your own, you might end
up 'leaving some money on the table' that a more experienced
investor would have picked up on.
On the other hand, unless you are lucky enough
to find a volunteer (slim chance), you are going to be giving
away a chunk of change to your mentor.
Perhaps its a confidence issue. Sometimes its
tough to take the first steps into unfamiliar territory.
Networking is the key, my friend.
Step 1: Register at our forum,
read through the posts and start asking questions.
Step 2: Find REI Clubs in your area and attend
regularly. Meet people. Ask questions. Get involved.
Here is a Google
Search to help you on your way. Many of the results are
web sites containing other information, free articles, forums,
courses (free, inexpensive and hype - choose carefully), in
addition to REI Club directories.
One that I recognize is lease2purchase.com.
Jeff has a decent course, as well as networking and club links.
Check it out.
Step 3: Start putting together a network of
professionals - legal, financial, and commercial.
Step 4: Make yourself known - YOU BUY HOUSES
- CASH - FAST CLOSINGS
Yeah, I know, you don't have cash for houses...that's where
networking comes in, once again.
If you have read 'tons of books', you have heard of 'flipping'.
Those investors you meet at your club and online will be happy
to pick up on a deal you have structured where you can all make
some money.
Do you have the time to read one more book?
Here is a gift for you. http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com/index.html#mb
Don't be a stranger!
Regards,
Bruce Macomber
http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com
***********************************************************************************
[Q.]
Hello Bruce,
What’s your opinion of
AD Kessler’s mentor program?
I became aware of you
and real-estate-investors-resource.com from your mention at papersourceonline.com
of the John T. Reed review concerning AD Kessler. I’ve been
in touch with the Kessler organization and have received an
“offer” to become a “student”.
I’m writing because I’d
like to request more info about the program you mentioned was
posted at your forum. You characterized it as ”Sounds like a
real mentor, actual one-on-one, step-by-step coaching through
RE transaction with minimal cost to get started, rather than
$$$$$ for token phone call/email support. They don't make $
unless you do.”
I’m very curious whether
you could point me to a link or further information on that
person. Have you learned more about this since you posted it
in April of last year? I’m rather curious.
I’m curious, too, about
your opinion of Kessler, if you have one. Regarding Reed’s review,
I find his comments often interesting and worth reading, though
I’m not sure how to interpret his take on Kessler. Reed seems
to dwell overly long in his Kessler review on his personal frustrations
with Kessler, so I’m less inclined to take the “not recommended”
conclusion seriously.
Nonetheless, I share
your skepticism about RE gurus. I’ve taken a few courses over
a period of many years. I’ve actually made some money, once
about $14,000 with an investment of $100, though it was not
easy.
I’d agree, most gurus
are not worth it. Many are scam artists. Kessler “seems” unique.
His magazine has some substance. If the access to their advisors
is as good as they describe, I suspect it could jump-start me.
I’d really appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks, R___
P.S. I “registered” at
real-estate-investors-resource.com but have not gotten my password. Please advise.
[A.]
Hi R___,
I haven't had personal experience with Kessler
and plan to keep it that way. He has consistently received
bad press, not only from Reed, but elsewhere. A quick google
found more: http://realestatecoursereviews.com/review/index2.php?item_id=17
There are SO many alternatives out there
these days for good RE courses. As far as mentoring, the best
approach is to network at local REI Clubs and forums and meet
real people to partner with in some capacity.
I was talking to the guy I posted about last
night, as a matter of fact. I don't know if he has current
openings, but its worth inquiring. His name is Brian Gibbons.
You can find him through his website at http://www.creiu.com
Unlike most of the 'mentors' he requests
a nominal amount upfront and works one-on-one through RE transactions,
taking a percentage off the back-end. He only takes on serious-minded
people and there is real work involved. He doesn't do it for
you. But, you sound prepared for that.
I checked our database and you didn't enter
a complete email address, which is why you never received
a confirmation email. The password is encrypted, so I deleted
the registration. Just reregister with your email address
and you'll be good to go.
Stay in touch if you like and let me know
how you make out with Brian and what you're up to.
All the best,
Bruce Macomber
http://www.real-estate-investors-resource.com
Ask
Bruce