So, without further ado, let me help you put this into perspective.  Suppose you were a sincere aspiring Real Estate Investor who, back in 2008 or 2009, purchased some short sale educational program.  It may have been in the form of books, CDs, DVDs, or seminars.  It also probably cost $500.00, $1500.00, $2500.00 or more.  Let’s assume that everything went along as planned; you diligently studied, comprehended and applied the “full court press” to this endeavor. 

If you did exactly as you were told and the wind was blowing in the right direction, you started to buy properties from short sales.  Good for you.  Now, 2-3 years later you are compelled to look back on where that has taken you.  Knowing what we do about the U.S. housing market in retrospect, you can probably conclude that your properties would now be in default, if not foreclosure.  Why?  It is because you didn’t see the forest through the trees.

Simply buying properties without an intelligent real estate investing business plan, will keep you busy, but in the long run you will be broke!  The point is: You have to understand market trends and all that they represent. 

In previous articles I have commented extensively on “demographics” and how they play into the “bubble” we experienced and its subsequent “burst.”  Understanding how we got here in the first place can and should directly influence the REI business decisions you make today!  One reason is that the key to knowing when and how the real estate market will rebound lies in understanding these basic, historically proven principles.

I recently produced a program for beginners and experienced Real Estate Investors alike who want to do it right the FIRST time.  It’s called the “Real Estate Investor’s Guide.”  Interestingly, this entire program speaks very little of techniques but, rather, aids the student to rise above all of the hype; to understand what the really big REI Gurus have known for years.  Many lost fortunes in real estate over the last few years.  Yet there were those who lost little to nothing and are building on their REI wealth today.  Why not be among those who are able to clearly “see the forest through the trees?”

C.J.:      This came from a personal setback in my life in 2007 on the heals of two decades, making millions as a highly successful Real Estate Investor .  I thought I wanted to retire, but when you find a niche that you love, it’s different.  That’s when I founded Invesdoor.com.

EVAN:  What was the most difficult part for you when you were starting your business?

C.J.:      Like everyone else – fear of the unknown.

EVAN:  What was the best part for you when you were starting your business?

C.J.:      The knowledge that I was doing what I truly wanted to be doing.  I don’t live for my job.  In fact, I was set to retire in my 40s, when I went through a divorce.  Now, I am still in business…but I don’t work, because I am doing what I want with my life.  I love helping sincere Entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level.  It gives me great satisfaction to watch their delight as they realize their dreams.

EVAN:  Can you provide some basic tips for entrepreneurs who are interested in starting their own business?

C.J.:      Professional growth MUST follow personal development.  The old wisdom was that anyone setting out to start their own business must have education, capital, contacts, market research, etc.  These are all good to have, yet more important than all of them combined, is to start with the proper mindset.

As one of America’s leading entrepreneurial Mentors, I discovered most aspiring Entrepreneurs believe that obtaining those other assets will insure their success in business, yet most new businesses fail in the first couple of years.  My discovery was the actual reason why they fail and here it is:  “It’s not what you have, but who you are.”  This is a scientifically sound concept that is backed by hard evidence.

Of course the entire notion runs very deep into the universal pattern of growth that I call the “internal growth dynamic.”  In fact, I have written extensively on this subject, copyrighted it, I lecture on it and hope to have a full length book for which I will seek a major Publisher by the end of 2011.

EVAN:  What do you think entrepreneurs struggle with the most when starting their business, and how do you think they can change that?

C.J.:      As I stated earlier, fear of the unknown can be paralyzing.  The solution: get a mentor; not just anyone who calls himself a Mentor, but a genuinely qualified one.

My advice is to seek a qualified mentor in your industry; one who has 1) ample experience, 2) measurable success, 3) is a good teacher and, perhaps, 4) has a vested interest in the success of your business.  The business model for my mentor for life! partnership plan is built this way.  It’s working and the results we are seeing are phenomenal.

EVAN:  How does an entrepreneur know they are buying into the right business?

C.J.:      It all starts with your core desire.  You must fully understand why you want to be in business.  “Making a lot of money” is merely the byproduct of doing what you believe in and doing it well.  It should not be your motive.  Being of service to your fellowman is what is really rewarding.  That is how you live your life with significance.

So examining your motives should preempt the rest of your business plan.  It’s like Covey said; “Begin with the end in mind.”

Whether or not green rehabbing is for you – you decide.  Even so, there is a principle here that has to do with more of a long-term perspective as opposed to instant gratification.  Don’t weigh your choices by short-term gains.  What I mean is:  “Green” is a way of life.  It’s not just using specific materials and working with municipalities to qualify for green programs.  It is a sustainable way of running your REI business in every facet of management.

For example, the Sierra Club has suggested some positive ways of going green at work that are both environmentally as well as financially rewarding:

1)      Use Energy Star fixtures and bulbs along with timers and motion sensors to turn off lights when not in use.

2)      Turn computers, monitors and printers off at night.

3)      Buy recycled paper and supplies….then recycle it.

4)      Don’t buy plastic cups, plates or cutlery.

5)      Rethink your travel.  Be conservative and carpool when possible.

6)      Telecommute whenever possible.  This will save $100.s per year!

7)      Create a healthy office environment, especially if your office is in your home.

These are some great tips.  You will likely have the most success implementing these tips once you resolve to think green and sustainable in everything you do.  Although,  may seem to be the expensive way to go right now, your real estate investment business cannot afford to ignore the green revolution.  From a long-term perspective, it’s the only thing that makes sense.

Why was this happening?  I had logged over 70 dives and had gotten more than the necessary training to equip me for this.  Now I am faced with the fear that I could not see ahead or behind me and all that I had been trained to do was momentarily forgotten.

Fear of the unseen or unknown is paralyzing and happens to small businesses every day.  Many sincere folks make the sacrifice to get educated…even borrow huge sums of money to do it.  Yet, doing it all on our own is fear-inspiring.  Entire armies have been faced with crushing defeats because of the fear of the unknown.

So, what did I do to overcome this obstacle and how does it apply to you, the entrepreneur?  To begin with, I was reminded of the need for a Mentor (like a Dive Master).  Doing it all on our own is the toughest way to build a business.  The huge Blue Chip companies that accomplish great things are merely a cooperative arrangement through which synergy is attained by collectively providing a needed service to their fellowman.

Secondly, I was reminded that even the most experienced people can succumb to negative thinking and positive reinforcement is good for everybody.  The old adage: “No man is an island” is no less true today.

So, what is the hardest part of building your business?  That’s right.  It’s getting started.  If you have gotten adequate training and have carefully weighed the pros and cons of your business mission, there should be nothing to hold you back from taking action.  Trust your training.  Trust your Mentor.  Realize your dreams.

The bad news is that there are so many predators out there with the next program that “you can’t live without.”  The good news is that at least you have identified the right industry.  Real estate presents more opportunity for leverage than other typical assets.  Leverage is an exciting concept and is something that every entrepreneur should explore and comprehend.

The reality is that under the present economic conditions many are hesitant to make a move toward starting their own real estate investing home business.  World conditions are ominous and fear of the unknown is paralyzing.  It is also well documented that a huge percentage of new businesses close their doors before they reach their second anniversary.

Let’s look at the bright side here.  You’ve already identified the best industry for achieving financial freedom.  Remember that the time to make a business move is when everybody else is doing the opposite.  As old as that statement is, people everywhere are still making the same mistakes today.  And they are inclined to take the popular position and wait for better times.

This is exactly why the best real estate investing opportunities are right now.  Most people aren’t even interested in real estate investment.  They have watched the market plummet for a very long time and are convinced that there are no opportunities for the entrepreneur wishing to start his/her own home business.  Just the opposite is true.

As a leading real estate mentor I provide methods for entrepreneurs just breaking into this industry that don’t require good credit or a lot of money.  By far, the majority of applicants to my mentorship have been beaten up by the economy and haven’t got a lot of money to invest.

So what’s it going to be?  Are you going to wait till the market turns around and things look a little more favorable?  Don’t hesitate.  First make a solid decision to move forward and stick to that resolve.  Next, get off the couch and take action.  Opportunity is knocking.  Answer the door.

My heart goes out to her and the 1000’s of others who may be prospecting “deals” without any concept of what they’re going to do with them once a seller responds.  This is a serious problem because it is a disaster just waiting to happen.  My advice in this case is to do “first things first.”

I have observed the many, many would-be REI home businesses go after bank REOs with a passion, only to have the Lender “rain on their parade” by completely changing the rules of the game.  More recently we have seen these same types of people spend good money on another short sale program, just to have the Lenders “pull the rug out from under” their next deal.  The reality of it is that there are many ways to prospect a variety of sellers for real estate investment deals.  The key is getting a real education, hook up with a network, build a buyers list and hire a quality real estate mentor.  Without the foregoing, it is much too formidable a road to travel.

In some subsequent articles I am going to discuss wholesaling, finding properties, building a buyers list, the art of negotiation and the psychology of the deal.  These are all nuances that are part and parcel of running a REI home business successfully.  Without first going down this road, all other efforts will be futile.  Starting and operating a business is no small undertaking!  Remember, there are a lot of opportunities out there for the diligent entrepreneur.  However, first things must come first and simply sending out direct mailers, without really knowing what to do, is a huge waste of money, time and energy that could have been spent building the foundation of a solid REI home business.

So, what’s the answer for the new entrepreneur wishing to start a home business in the exciting field of real estate investment?  You can start by following my free blogs, but if you want to fast track your success, get a qualified real estate mentor.  It may costs you a little bit, but it will make you a lot more in the long run.

By the way, there are plenty of good REI properties out there.  Don’t despair.  Banks are not the only source of “deals.”  This is still the best business to pursue.

That may be a bit exaggerated or maybe not.  The truth is that we are talking about starting a business.  This is no small proposition.  Since most new businesses fail in the first couple of years, I suggest we talk frankly about your objectives and see if there isn’t a solution out there.  OK?

To begin with, the answer is not in some kit or informational CD set.  Let’s get that straight right off the bat.  It all starts with a fervent desire to succeed at whatever is our mission.  Without that desire, it is impossible to see it through to completion.  So while some book or CD set may contain a lot of information, we must be prepared to 1) soak it up and 2) act upon it.

Many of you know me as one of the foremost real estate mentors in the business today.  Some of the best free advice I can give you is to have a plan that you have thought through and researched.  Why is this so important?  It is because there will be times when you will doubt whether or not you are on the right track.  Your doubts will become ominous and unless you are sure that developing your own real estate investing home business is what you truly want in life, those doubts can overtake any successes you have.

As the Founder of Invesdoor’s Mentor for life!™ partnership program I am dedicated to seeking out only those who are themselves dedicated to succeeding in this industry as independent REI business people.  An applicant’s desire becomes quite evident once I have a couple of minutes to hear their thoughts and expressions.

So, are YOU on track with your goals and desires?  It may be high time to seek out a qualified mentor now.  Yes, it won’t be free, but it is the first and best investment you will make on the road to financial freedom.  Get your REI business on track today!

It used to be that the term “investor” carried the connotation of a wealthy business person with a sizable cash reserve, and then came the 80s and 90s.  These were the days of the no-money-down strategies and over-leveraging of real estate.  Those times made it possible to take title to investment properties while banks would finance often at very high LTVs (loan to values) just to get the business.  By 2000, the market was clearly following an upward trend and Lenders were known to lend as much as 125% on a primary residence.  Wow, times have changed!

Not only has the scenery changed in the real estate investment market, but many have been left bruised and battered from the fallout of the worst crash since the Great Depression.  The question for today is: “How is it possible to still break into the world of real estate investing, either full or part time, without a war chest of cash and good credit?”  The answer is found in the concept of wholesaling real estate.

The fact still remains that the road to financial independence through real estate investing has generally been traveled by either 1) the fix & flip route, or 2) the buy & hold strategy when a property cash flows acceptably.  I am still an advocate of these two strategies under the right conditions.  Nevertheless, without money it becomes very difficult to actually purchase properties….and I don’t advise it.  The risk would be much too high.

When ones’ credit suffers damage, private money lenders can make a transaction possible…for a price.  That, though, is a subject for another day.  In the meantime, wholesaling makes it possible for a new home business to generate enough cash flow to live comfortably and, in time, save a nest egg for future purchases.  The idea behind wholesaling is to bird dog great real estate investment deals, and get them into contract.  Once a contract is signed and escrow opened, the wholesaler then assigns the contract to a cash buyer (another investor) who will then fix & flip it or hold it as a rental.  This way everybody wins.

The sobering fact about this type of business, though, is that it is not the fast track to wealth.  It is a business…a very good one, but merely a means to an end.  In time the wholesaler will want to jump into ownership, even if it is for the purpose of flipping for a quick sale.  So, there is a way to enter the exciting world of running your own real estate investing home business without money or credit.  And in this stagnant market climate, now is as good a time as any to get started.

When it comes to losing weight, is it reasonable to say that a certain weight-loss plan is ineffective because you know of someone who entered the program and lost very little, or lost weight but gained it back again?  It would hardly be fair to pass judgement on a program without knowing all of the facts.  How do you know that your friend actually DID everything they were instructed to do?  Maybe they chose not to follow the suggested exercise routine or they took in more calories than they should have.

Face it, there is no magic bullet.  The bottom line is, not just knowing but, doing. You can’t blame the diet if you don’t stick to it.  The same goes for real estate investing.  As a leading national real estate mentor, I know that if my students don’t do exactly as they are instructed, there is a good chance that they are wasting a lot of their time as well as mine.  In my company, the issue is compounded as I maintain a vested interest in all of my prodigies.  We are joint venture partners and if that student chooses not to follow directions closely, well, I prefer that he never enrolled in the first place.

The key is not to let the advertising world force us into their mold; one in which reality and logic do not exist.  Everything takes effort and the greatest achievements take a whole lot of effort!  I am glad that we have the screening process in place that we have.  Unless an enrollee possesses the right frame of mind: the mind of an entrepreneur, he/she is not invited to enter.

Even when one qualifies to join my company, Mentor for life!™ , the first few training modules deal with personal development and not the “magic secret  techniques of real estate investment.”  I would be derelict as a true real estate mentor if I expressed it otherwise.  I firmly believe that we either do it right or not at all.

With that said, I want to take this opportunity to denounce the myriad of “gurus” who are in the business of selling REI programs to the many unwary out there who actually believe they can become millionaires by owning another “program.”  Get real.  Hard work and the right mentor and mindset will help ensure success in business.  For everybody else, you may as well play the lottery.  The chances of success are about the same.

What an interesting question!  “Of course, I’m right!”  Well, are you?  Unlike the majority of REI programs for sale, “Mentor for Life”™ really only wants qualified applicants to enter their program.  Why?  Because,  it’s “for life.”

When I founded this company, Invesdoor™, I had already determined to surround myself with like-minded individuals who share my vision of business.  Right off the bat this eliminated anyone who was in any way greedy, dishonest, lazy, irresponsible or negative.

Now let’s dwell on the positive aspects of qualification.  Shall we?  It’s really very simple, actually, if you want a true real estate mentor with successful experience, teaching skills, innovation and integrity you must bring some positive qualities to the table for me to work with.

To begin with, nothing attracts people more than one’s ability to accentuate the positive.  I am a firm believer in having the proper attitude before launching a new career.  This will stem from a thorough understanding of the industry as well as general principles of business.  However, regardless of background, an enrollee must have the ability to consistently see the glass as half full whenever a situation appears incomplete.

Additionally, our approach to every endeavor must be with passion.  Passion is not the possession of everyone and if you tend to view things in an anemic manner I suggest you talk it over with one of my staff.  Passion is often an inherited quality.  However, it can be acquired through proper training & coaching.  Making the transition involves a shift in one’s paradigm or viewpoint.  This leads to a third attribute that we look for.

The third and last of this discussion is motivation which is evident in one’s willingness to follow direction and apply all that is taught.  After all, if we are going to commit to a real estate mentor program of some sort, we will want to be mentally and emotionally prepared to give it our all.  Now, doesn’t that make sense?  Why embark on a business venture unless we are prepared to take it to completion.

There is no “magic bullet” in real estate investing, even if you secure a costly mentor.  Every Mentor will expect this kind of dedication to the common cause.  If, however, you come aboard “Mentor for Life™ you will have already been screened and determined to be a good business partner in this exciting business of real estate investment.