Re: Reality Check - Posted by Shawn J. Dostie
Posted by Shawn J. Dostie on December 20, 2002 at 14:28:38:
I believe that the reality is that ANYONE can do it, I believe that it is very possible, and I believe that a full 90 percent of it AFTER YOU HAVE THE FUNDAMENTALS DOWN is ATTITUDE. We’ve seen it time and time again throughout our history. Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt all started with nothing. Dave Thomas, the Colonel, Donald Trump, etc… all came from humble beginnings. There are people here that will begin here and make it large. That’s why I come here every day, I am that type of person. These are the people we want to share ideas with. Unfortunately, in a free public forum we have to wade through masses of “regular folks” that I believe have evolved culturally to a stance of I want it, give it to me now, type of mentality. These people think, and I have said it many ways many times, that they somehow deserve to be rich overnight with little thought and even less work. They have seen the infomercials but are still like so many cattle following the crowd of wanna be’s. I wish I could look into the eyes of some these posters. I believe that a human’s eyes are the window to their soul, and I see so many vacant lots on a daily basis. To be successful in any endeavor you’ve got to have passion. I am a very passionate person and I believe in the goodness buried deeply in most of us. If during my time here on earth, if I can help someone uncover that passion, how to implement their dreams, then all is not in vain. Ther are others here that I recognize that trait in… Ron Starr, Kristine(CA), Michaela(ATL), Ray Alcorn, JT(IN), Karl(OH), Robert Mcneely, Tony(VA), Nate(DC), Phil Fernandez, Tim Fierro, Jerry Freeman, John Merchant, Ed Copp, David Krulac, Ernest Tew, Peter(MD) etc… i am absolutely certain that each and every one of these individuals lead very busy, hectic, satisfying live, yet come here in a sense, to give a little something back. There is nothing as special as that fleeting moment when you see a spark go off in someones brain that says “I got it! Now I understand!” It seems to be a well documented fact that 90% of folks who buy a Real Estate course, or attend a feel good seminar, will never invest a dime (That’s probably the best thing for them) That’s an awful lot of people who will visit here, ask some questions, buy a course, and do nothing. But, make no mistake, and ask each of those people I mentioned specifically as well as the ones I omitted or missed, they will tell you too, if you can be trained to hang drywall, install a commode, answer the telephone competently, hammer a nail, empty garbage, deliver mail, drive a truck, work a cash register, wait tables, you can be a successful RE investor. Doesn’t mean you will be, it just means that this does not require a doctorate in agronomy, aeronautics, metallergical engineering, architecture, biochemical molecular design, etc… to succeed. What it does require is the common sense to recognize market conditions, what buying low compared to selling high means, area values, who and who not to listen to, the values and limitations of you personal credit, and the DISCIPLINE to work without anyone telling you what and how to do something.
****Is this reality? After viewing the last year of posts I see folks who have absolutely no clue about REI and have done no homework, people who are in financial difficulties who think they can be financially independent overnight, and quite frankly, people who have extremely poor communication skills.
Are we portraying a false sense of security by telling these folks they can do it? What makes anyone think that a person who can’t even handle their own personal finances, that they can get involved in some complicated transactions? If you can’t get your thoughts across here, how are you going to do with buyers, contractors, title companies, etc.? *****
This is a completely different issue and i couldn’t agree more. If you are a newbie and have made it this far through this mile long ramble, you may be one of the few who can succeed. (The rest will just dismiss it as the advice of someone who says mean things). The bottom line is, to be a successful entrepeneur in any arena, you need to be able to take a hard look at yourself and know your own weaknesses as well as strengths. If someone else has to point out your weaknesses then you are not assessing yourself honestly. Do your homework and take the steps that will ensure you a shot at success if you aren’t quite there currently. Learn, know, create a roadmap, and clean up your credit, live within your means, and lower your debt so you’ll be ready when the right time comes.
Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous holiday,
Shawn(OH)