Its hard to believe that it was only about 5 years ago that we sat in our first REIN meeting, completely overwhelmed. Even though we'd already done some investing on our own, we couldn't imagine how we were going to get to where we wanted to be. With a successful business under our belt and our belief in setting up and following systems, we certainly had a good foundation to get going - but we sat there in almost a stunned silence, feeling out of our element. Being 25 years old didn't help either, people just couldn't take us seriously, not that we blame them.
I took us about 6 months to make a move and get our first property after joining REIN, and another 9 months after that to get our 2nd. So 15 months after joining, things started to fall into place. Five months later, we bought 3 more and the ball started rolling. Fast forward 6 years and we've invested about 100 properties, 37 of which we've been holding. So for everyone just getting started, know that every single member in that room started exactly where you are right now; Scared, overwhelmed but with a willingness to put the work in.
If you are willing to LISTEN, learn and APPLY everything you hear, you will make it. If someone who is successful tells you to buy yellow file folders to put your property info into and red ones for your tenant info, DO IT! Don't buy pink and purple, buy yellow and red. Don't re create the wheel - just copy it!
Once you've made the decision to buy in Alberta and you or your JV partner are pre-positioned (the qualification process for an investment property) for a mortgage, (we can refer great brokers), we'll be the final piece of the puzzle. Great cashflowing properties in Edmonton that through our experience, we know will be good investments both for your pocket book and for your ease of attracting and renting to good tenants. The team we used over the last few years is still in place, this time, to get YOUR deal done. We rock at finding and closing on properties that others can't seem to, so when you're ready to roll, we're ready to rock.
Though a mentorship program is something we have plans to move into in the coming years, its not something we can accomodate right now. As much as we'd like to, we cannot hold the hand and guide every new investor. REIN is the place to get your education, we are just one of your team members to make it happen. WHEN you have the money in place to be able to place an offer that you can close on, we can help you. If you need to use some of our contacts to your financing in place, let us know, we'll pass you on the people who helped us get to where we are. Please excuse us for not being able to spend time answering questions or touring people around the city that haven't agreed to be our client and/or aren't in the position to buy a place. Oh if only the days had more hours.....we'd love to help everyone!
So go out there and 'keep walking', everyday take steps to move you toward your 'Belize'. Don't get stuck in Analysis Paralysis, but do your Due Diligence. Most important, Leap and the Net will Appear. There's not better teacher than mistakes and getting your hands dirty - start digging in the dirt - you'll find worms but you'll also create beautiful things. Best Wishes!
