Re: From Rags To Riches? - Posted by Terry (Houston)
Posted by Terry (Houston) on April 12, 2001 at 19:52:01:
I will tell you a little about myself:
I quit a job that was paying me in the lower 6 figures with the car, bonus’, stock options, medical plans, IRA’s etc.
I still didn’t have a penny to my name and was NEVER at home! Kids and wife and a high life style ate everything up. I traveled more than an airline hostess.
I took 6 weeks off in January to help my wife and mother in law when they found out my father in law has Alzheimer’s. He basically is wearing a diaper and has the mentality of a two year old. We lost her grandmother on Christmas day. Her uncle has incurable prostate cancer. You will have to understand I won’t eat any of the Glaze women’s cooking 
At that time I had studied real estate for about 2 years. A very good friend had kept at me for a long time and I will never forget the coaching she has given me. You may know her as Jackie Lange. Mid last year I started to do a deal or two hear and there.
In the 6 weeks I took off I was able to do the deals that are posted on the success stories. I posted it for all newbies to see that it can be done.
I quit my full time JOB in April. The last day was the day before the convention. How am I doing? I just signed up my 4th deal since the convention. I know others who are kicking my butt in numbers but I think I am doing OK.
If I close on just the houses I have right now I should surpass the yearly income I was making. I’m OK with that.
Can you do it? I will be honest and say there are more people who don’t than those who do. Why? There are a lot of little cost that ad up that kill people. Some rehabs I am doing I am doing with my money. Not the smartest but I am learning. A lot of people quit when they do not find a motivated seller. Or the first deal goes bad. Or the phone doesn’t ring or…
My first deal, about a year ago still has not sold for one reason or another. It will soon but that’s another story. How many people would have quit by now? There first deal an albatross? I don’t know. But after seeing what my wife has gone through I know I’m not.
No money down? You bet. The majority of my houses have been subject to deals. I have made up back payments and kept people out of foreclosure but still am not giving up money unless I have to. Now, on three deals I have received about $20 - $25k in equity. I did give up about $2,000 each on those. My mentors will have to forgive me.
Who are the mentors?
I mentioned Jackie but I have a whole slew of the Texas Connection that I can call upon, Dee, Tim and Kelly, David A, Jim Kennedy, Alan and Cindy Paine,Bud, Stephanie and others. I talk to Joe Kaiser and Bill Bronchick who have helped me beyond what I could give them credit for. William, Lynn and Matt and Steve Cook. Jpiper, Phil and several others including Ed Garcia Terry and JP.
I mention the names because I want you to see the kind of information you have access to. It can make you have your dreams if you fight for it. I am working harder than I have ever worked. And I love it.
Can you do it? I don’t know you. You have to answer that. Remember Terry and JP? They have a saying :“Winners will not be Denied!”
…There is no chance no destiny no fate
that can circumvent or hinder or control
the firm resolve of a determined soul…
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Terry (Houston)