Rule #3 – Invest Using the Strategies that Make Sense and the Location That Makes Sense for the Current Market Conditions

I always say invest where it makes sense and dollars.  You don’t need to invest in your home town, because you live there…nor do you need to go all over the country investing everywhere else. Do your homework and invest in locations that align with the real estate investing niche you chose using the strategy that is a fit.

For example, three years ago I was investing nationally in pre-construction in most strong appreciating markets. That strategy made sense at the time. It would not make sense in a depreciating market.

Today I live in a town that has been on the top 5 most foreclosures list for over 2 years. Why would I need to invest nationally when there are more than enough leads right in my own backyard?

Where to invest varies depending on the location of the investment as well as market timing.  My investment choices change as often as the market does. Being sensitive and aware of changing market trends is helpful to know where to invest and the most profitable strategy to follow.

Rule #4 – Use a Tried and True Strategy

Why make all of the mistakes others have already made if you don’t have to? Find a good investment strategy that works with your goals and stick to it. You will be tempted and pulled in many directions by all the different gurus out there saying there way is best.   Find a mentor and coach with experience in today’s market and then follow where they lead. After all, why would you walk through a mine field alone if there was someone else familiar with the route who could lead you safely through?

Rule #5 – Hire a professional real estate attorney review all your processes and paperwork before utilizing it in your market.

Because most trainers and coaches are not attorneys, as much as we try, we cannot be experts on laws in every state in the U.S.  For this reason it is vital for you to make sure the contracts and steps you are taking are not going to lead you the courthouse.  Anyone can sue anyone these days.  The way to avoid this is to first of all, always be nice and come from a place of caring in your dealings with others. Don’t avoid dealing with situations personally or you may find a costly summons to court forcing you to deal with things the expensive way.  A second way to avoid litigation is to assure your paperwork and procedures are legal to the best of your ability.  I know attorneys can be expensive which is why I signed up to use a service that offers me unlimited consultations and a certain number of document reviews for only $50.00 a month.  I recommend this way to be the most cost effective resource to be able to accept advice from a licensed real estate attorney in any state.  If you are interested in looking into this service where I have unlimited regular legal conversations and reviews, you might want to check out Legal Shield. I use the small business plan in the state of California, but plans and offerings vary from state to state.

Rule #6 – You must know basic computer skills.

You will want to know how to use email, internet and office products like Microsoft Word and Excel.  It is helpful to know how to create graphics but not necessary.  You will need high speed internet to enjoy utilizing this wonderful tool and avoid frustration unable to watch videos and waiting for pages to load.  You can do your entire real estate business from a computer.  You will absolutely need to type contracts and do research and there is no faster, easier way.  If you do not know how to use email, the internet and basic word on a computer, find a class you can take to learn the skills you lack.  If you have tried to do business without these tools, you will find them to turbo-charge your business once you have them.

Rule #7 – Diversify your investments – Don’t put it all into one area or one type of real estate

So how did I go from having no money to the prosperity I enjoy today?  It started with a book called the “One Minute Millionaire” by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G Allen.  This book showed me I could really have the kind of lifestyle I desired, if I would diversify my income, while at the same time making wise investments.  I studied this philosophy on money found in this book as well as in others like it. Then I did something many are too afraid to do – I put what I learned to work in my life.

I currently divide my income into various investment strategies such as real estate, stocks, business ownership, savings, Money Market, IRA’s, and others.

However, since I see that 40% of today’s billionaires made it in real estate, I have chosen to place a large percentage of my time and money into this strategy.  What type of real estate do I invest in? This varies about every 6 months depending on the market conditions as I mentioned earlier.  I also have relationships with a “power team” of experts so we have all the correct data to consider our strategy as the market changes.   Chapter 4 goes into detail on how to create your own dream team.

In summary, there is no hard fast rule that applies to all investing – except one. That is this. In order to profit from your investments, we have found it important to diversify them. Consider different types, different areas and different strategies that make the most sense, therefore bringing you the highest return on your investment.

To Your Massive REI Profits!

Tamera Aragon