Real Estate Investing Tips by Scott Roemermann

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-11-15

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:31:03 -0500

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-11-15-2/)

Video - PM Report: Another Housing Bailout? - WSJ.com http://ff.im/-bsgNC #
Affordable Prices Draw Investors to Real Estate —Nearly Half of Foreclosure Buyers Seek Investment Property -… http://ff.im/-bsgkl #
3rd drop in foreclosures hints at recovery; state-by-state chart - USATODAY.com http://ff.im/-bsggp #

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-11-08

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:31:43 -0500

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-11-08-2/)

Custom Google News section on Foreclosures. http://bit.ly/aFpSV #
Case-Shiller Fails to Tame the Bears - Developments - WSJ http://ff.im/-aTwA6 #
Has The Real Estate Market Bottomed? - Forbes.com http://ff.im/-aTw0m #
Foreclosures Hit the Unemployed Middle Class | Newsweek Business | Newsweek.com http://ff.im/-aTs6v #

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-11-08

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:31:29 -0500

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-11-08-2/)

Custom Google News section on Foreclosures. http://bit.ly/aFpSV #
Case-Shiller Fails to Tame the Bears - Developments - WSJ http://ff.im/-aTwA6 #
Has The Real Estate Market Bottomed? - Forbes.com http://ff.im/-aTw0m #
Foreclosures Hit the Unemployed Middle Class | Newsweek Business | Newsweek.com http://ff.im/-aTs6v #

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-11-01

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:32:00 -0500

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-11-01-2/)

RT @shortsalekid: Real Estate Community Greets Growth with Caution http://budurl.com/c6u2 #
Hottest time to buy real estate but the banks aren’t lending! http://investing-secrets.com/R7Ss #
RT @USATODAY Senators agree to extend home-buyer tax credit http://usat.me/?36644366 #
Big Shock: Mortgage Applications Fall When Government Stimulus Lapses http://ff.im/-aH6go #
Watch @GatesFoundation Living Proof video of Kangaroo Mother Care in Malawi on abcnews.com @ABCNewsNews http://bit.ly/2KrGTt #
The Associated Press: Bank failures hit 106 for year; many more are weak http://ff.im/-ay7Y5 #
Foreclosure law goes into effect | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal http://ff.im/-ay7TD #
The Associated Press: Bank failures hit 106 for year; many more are weak http://bit.ly/46Unuh (via feedly) #
Foreclosure law goes into effect http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20091026/NEWS03/910260321/1004/news03 #
Obama administration facing new pressure on foreclosures | Politics | Reuters http://ff.im/-axZXt #
Now, Financial Advice From the Government? at SmartMoney.com http://ff.im/-axXRD #

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-10-11

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:29:54 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-10-11/)

The Bulk REO Con http://ff.im/-9hgwV #
RT @BiggerPockets Top 20 tips for making offers on Freddie Mac/Home Steps REO properties http://retwt.me/BzU3 #

Real Estate Investing Vs. The Stock Market

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:32:49 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing/)

Today’s investment markets offer investors a wide variety of options. One of the most rewarding opportunities is real estate investing, which can produce a very good income stream. If you choose to become a real estate investor, you will enjoy several benefits not associated with other types of investment.

First of all, investing in real estate has the enormous benefit of financial leverage. Even if you borrow the money for your real estate investing from a bank you can often get into a deal with a 10% down payment which means your returns are instantly magnified due to the fact that you are earning on the bank’s 90% contribution as well. As an example, let’s assume you have $10,000 to invest and you get 10% return on your investment regardless of the vehicle. If you put it into the stock market you will buy $10,000 worth of shares and after 12 months your investment is worth $11,000. If you put that same money into real estate with a 90% loan you earn 10% on the full $100,000 investment and finish with $110,000.

So your $10,000 has been doubled in the real estate investment above whereas it only produced an extra $1,000 in the stock market. Why? Because your lender’s money has been working for you too. This is the power of leverage and is one of the biggest advantages of real estate investing. And yet there are even more reasons to become a real estate investor as you will see.

Another incredible reason to begin investing in real estate is the tax benefits. One of the best tax breaks of real estate investing is the REQUIRED depreciation by the IRS on the property. This represents a “paper loss” when in most cases the property (including the land) is actually appreciating. So in essence you pay taxes on a reported profit figure that is significantly lower than your actual earnings - very nice.

Perhaps an even better tax benefit is the 1031 exchange as defined by section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. Essentially this allows investors to delay paying any capital gains taxes when a property is sold as long as the proceeds are reinvested in an appropriate property. The government is basically encouraging investors to stay in the market with this fantastic incentive.

One final benefit of investing in real estate worth mentioning here is the flexibility of sale contracts. Unlike the stock market you can get very creative with your offers. You can exchange virtually anything for a property instead of cash which can mean greater returns and some spectacular win-win arrangements.

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-08-23

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:34:12 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-08-23/)

RT @justinlee: Quick Reminder: Bulk REO ENCORE Webinar Starting Shortly… - http://bit.ly/h1De5 #
Find sellers that your competition cannot. http://findtheseller.com/ #
RT @smartzipinc How to identify homes worth buying in this foreclosure-ridden economy: http://bit.ly/18nae8 #
RT @ServeDotGov: share your story of service! http://www.serve.gov/share.asp #
Wonderful video: Unlikely basketball hero. http://bit.ly/3UwaT #
RT @repoweramerica ACTION: Tell your Senators to support clean energy legislation. http://bit.ly/12M1zt #ACES #climatebill #
Rich Dad Real Estate Summit http://bit.ly/23MmXM #
@AICR perhaps you can share your Google Reader publicly so we can all read about that research and progress. in reply to AICR #
RT @fighthunger: #howmanypeople are hungry in the world? 1 billion. #howmanypeople are online and can help? 1 billion. http://bit.ly/Qsr6H #
Yogi Tea Reflection “Act selfless, you will be infinite.” #
RT @ClimateProject: China announces first fixed target for emissions reductions http://bit.ly/3IIRC #
4 hour work week for real estate investors. http://investing-secrets.com/WnlY #
RT @Habitat_org: Bank of Cleveland supports HFH of Cleveland with $450,000 grant! http://budurl.com/k5sy Thank you! #
Free iPhone app RealQuest Home Value Pro by FirstAm CoreLogic allows access to market data on 140m properties. http://bit.ly/15OGKM #

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-08-16

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:48:44 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-08-16/)

Is the foreclosure dam starting to break? (via feedly) http://ff.im/-6H7xe #
Webinar - How to Flip or Buy Apartments Using None of Your Own Cash or Credit (via feedly) http://ff.im/-6H77t #
SIMS demo: http://su.pr/2PAVZO #
get SIMS for a lot less money… http://investing-secrets.com/N8h9 #
RT @jpmoses: New blog post: The Easiest Way to Screen Tenants Online (in 90 Seconds Flat) http://reitips.com/tenant-screening/ #
6 Modules, 8 week training, “Done-For-You” software, 3 day live workshop with Greg Clement and Jeff Walker… http://budurl.com/3ab3 #
It happens at 12:00 noon eastern http://aweber.com/b/PG82 #
OK, it’s official - I’m excited http://aweber.com/b/1Ua92 #
RT @amnesty: The decision is final - N Carolina rules to remove #race from #deathpenalty equation! http://bit.ly/17SjaN #
Free Webinar: Inject Your Real Estate Investing Business With Lead Generating Adrenaline Using The Internet. http://su.pr/17rt0z #
5 videos and reports that teach you how to use the Internet to increase your real estate business. http://su.pr/1qZSgR #
Don’t Become A Seminar Junkie: Experience Is The Best Teacher http://investing-secrets.com/K7lq #

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-08-09

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:42:16 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-08-09/)

one little change, huge results http://aweber.com/b/o8KI #
Investing in Mobile Homes … AKA Cash Flow Machines (via feedly) http://ff.im/-6lUSL #
Fannie Loses $14.8bn, Needs $10.7bn (via feedly) http://ff.im/-6lUBQ #
Wealth Matters - Value in Real Estate, if You Find Your Florida - NYTimes.com (via feedly) http://ff.im/-6jJLj #
you’re basically making a killing, right? http://aweber.com/b/1uBdY #
RT @shortsalekid: Foreclosure Bargains Are Disappearing http://budurl.com/27at #
Get clean water to 100 million people. Ask your senators to cosponsor the Water for the World Act: http://twitclicks.com/ks8j #
Support World Vision, add a #twibbon to your avatar now! - http://twibbon.com/join/World-Vision #
How To Get All The Money You’ll Ever Need for Real Estate Deals from Private Lenders http://investing-secrets.com/WSK2 #
Clever! How to sell real estate FAST and create a massive buyers list with the new “Property Launch Formula”. http://investing-secrets.com/N #
r u kidding me, have you seen the “Property Launch Formula” http://aweber.com/b/gQUk #
RT @Kiva: Help @WellsFargo donate $1 to @kiva for EACH PERSON that completes their RSI Challenge here - http://bit.ly/sKe1r - its easy! #
Free Report: how to use “internet robots” to get seller, buyer, and lender leads. http://investing-secrets.com/N8h9 #

Don't Become A Seminar Junkie: Experience Is The Best Teacher

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:24:13 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-experience/)

I know of some people who have become totally caught up in the euphoria of newfound knowledge and just couldn’t stop buying audio programs and attending very expensive seminars and bootcamps. This seminar junkie must have spent at least $50,000 within a 12 month period and still hadn’t bought their first investment property. They were just bouncing around from one great idea to the next.

I don’t know whether, in their case, it was because they were just caught up in the excitement of that environment, whether it was their way of convincing themselves they were active when they may have been too scared to get started, or they were honestly trying to find the best strategy for them. I’m guessing it was a mix of these things.

[widget:ad_unit-243246181]I also know of an investor who took quite the opposite approach. He stumbled across a pretty good investing strategy and didn’t check out any other alternatives but went ahead and spent over $10,000 getting a good education in that one area. He went on to build a decent portfolio over a few years but then realized there were some even better strategies out there.

This second story isn’t so bad because he built some success and he could afford the further education he now sought. However, he told me once that it was a little disheartening because if he wanted to pursue a different strategy he had to start the learning process all over again and it felt very much like he had his “ladder to success” leaning against the wrong wall. And even though he could now afford the education more easily it was still another $5,000 - $10,000 that he could have avoided spending. If only he had done his homework first.

I won’t point out the obvious with the seminar junkie in the first story beyond reiterating that it can be a very costly exercise to get an education. You must do something with the information as you receive it so that it pays for itself. Remember that a true investor is looking for a ‘return on investment’ rather than speculating and that applies to the cost of education as well.

But aside from the ROI on your education you must stop buying more courses and buy your first property simply because experience is the best teacher. The true education begins when you go and sign your first contract and then close on your first deal. Yes, it can be daunting but stop waiting for it to feel comfortable because chances are it never will.

A concept that is important for you to adopt is that of “training deals”. If you recognize that you are not a professional when starting out and it’s important for you to get some experience and make some mistakes then you must give yourself scope to screw up one or two deals.

[widget:ad_unit-243246181]I know, you’re probably thinking, “I can’t afford to screw up any deals”. Well, the trick is to minimize your risk of financial losses. You can do that in numerous ways but a couple of the key things you can do are:

1. Analyze the numbers - this is an absolute MUST that is unfortunately overlooked by quite a few amateur investors. Strangely some people seem to invest on a hunch rather than when the numbers look profitable.

2. Contingency plans - list any possible problems that you think you might encounter and then come up with a contingency plan. eg. if you have trouble finding tenants you could hire a property management company to put tenants in the property.

If you do these two things along with the obvious risk mitigators such as inspections and insurance you will minimize your risk sufficiently that you should feel comfortable doing a training deal or two just for the experience. Sure you want them to be profitable but if you give yourself permission to fail (without risk of financial ruin) it makes it a whole lot easier to get started.

And when you do that, you will learn so much more than by buying another course or attending another bootcamp. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Getting a real world education will put you miles ahead just as it did with the second guy in the examples at the start of this post.

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-08-02

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:35:20 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-08-02-2/)

Cash For Clunkers “Successful” (via feedly) http://ff.im/-63yrM #
Housing Market Teeters Between Recovery, Relapse (via feedly) http://ff.im/-5YIG9 #
How much water does it take to make one latte? http://www.worldwildlife.org/ted/change.html #
Free Inc or LLC. http://investing-secrets.com/akO8 #
Killer Probate Real Estate Investing Video Replay http://investing-secrets.com/p7kh #
RT @Kiva: Intel’s Small Things Challenge is working - help out if you haven’t clicked for charity - http://bit.ly/18pVnE #
Free Report: how to use “internet robots” to get seller, buyer, and lender leads. http://investing-secrets.com/N8h9 #
@RossTreakle You could check out how to optimize your video for YouTube. http://nanacast.com/vp/14958/20217/ in reply to RossTreakle #
RT @markwalters: Americans are seeing smaller paychecks. Why aren’t they hopping on Bank REO’s? The timing is once in a lifetime! #
Tips for Finding Good Property Managers for Your Multifamily Property (via feedly) http://ff.im/-5MflO #
Coming Up Short, More And More - washingtonpost.com (via feedly) http://ff.im/-5MflP #
Free Offer: Flip for Profits Manifesto + DVD & 2 CD’s! http://investing-secrets.com/fFip #

Real Estate Investing Twitter Updates for 2009-07-26

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:52:48 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-twitter-updates-for-2009-07-26/)

“Own Nothing, Control Everything” Strategy for Multifamily Properties (via feedly) http://ff.im/-5JEd9 #
Real Estate 101: How do I become a real estate investor? - http://shar.es/ZtUE #
Real Estate Investing In The Age Of Government Intervention (via feedly) http://ff.im/-5CeXH #
RT @mashable: 5 TED Talks on Science That Will Blow Your Mind - http://bit.ly/cQqf5 #
Free Inc or LLCs. http://bit.ly/nVo2a #
Wholesale your Short Sale Deals using Facebook http://investing-secrets.com/fFip #
RT @MSNRealEstate: Foreclosure rate keeps rising; is there a plan B to stop the increase? http://bit.ly/Eh633

Weekly Real Estate Investing Tweets for 2009-07-19

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:35:51 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/weekly-real-estate-investing-tweets-for-2009-07-19-2/)

Helpful tips on getting guidance from a real estate attorney as a novice investor. http://investing-secrets.com/6zZE #
Video: How to Build a MASSIVE Buyers List using FaceBook http://investing-secrets.com/fFip #
How To Get All The Money You’ll Ever Need for Real Estate Deals from Private Lenders http://investing-secrets.com/WSK2 #
Foreclosures Still Concentrated In Just A Few States (via feedly) http://ff.im/-5nUPt #
http://bit.ly/1ahEIz http://ff.im/-5jIi7 #
Education in Real Estate Investing - The Best Risk Mitigator: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=2580768 #
RT @markwalters Killer Probate Real Estate Investing Video Replay http://investing-secrets.com/5eq9 #
Building a Massive Buyers List Using Facebook http://aweber.com/b/1gvEg #
RT @sambell: Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ - Martin Luther King Jr. #quote #
RT @markwalters: Lenders are discontinuing loan modification programs. Get ready for a TON of banks to fold in the next couple years. #
4 Essential Reports You Need From Your Multifamily Property Manager (via feedly) http://ff.im/-58hCl #

Talking to Your Real Estate Lawyer

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:07:13 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/lawyer/)

I have been asked many times by my students how to approach a lawyer about getting their contracts reviewed, getting general real estate law advice, etc. After providing some general guidance, I have heard many times how the lawyer wanted to charge them hundreds and sometimes, thousands of dollars just to look over some paperwork.

Interestingly enough, I have traveled all over the US and Canada using various lawyers and have NEVER once been charged for my contracts to be reviewed or just general legal advice.

What’s the difference between me and my students? No, it isn’t just that I’m incredibly good looking and big enough to intimidate a lawyer into giving me free stuff! The difference is simply in how I approach a lawyer, or for that matter, any professional that I need something from.

[widget:ad_unit-243246181]As I have been in business over the years, I have come to learn the value of my time. There are so many people out there that will waste your time and pull you away from money making activities when you are in business if you allow them. Pretty soon, many business people come to realize that if someone is not coming to them with something to offer them, then this person better have some cash for them to make up for the lost time!

While this may sound harsh, it’s a simple fact of business and those in business who manage their time to produce the best results for their business. A lawyer who could be billing his client $200 an hour to provide advice on some matter is not going to tell that client to just wait while they take time to talk to you and look over your contracts just because you need something from them. They are going to want to be compensated.

So how have I been able to convince these busy professionals to give me their time for free? Actually, I don’t. I do offer them compensation for their time. As with any business person, the promise of increased business is more than enough to compensate them for a simple service such as looking over some documents.

Here’s my approach- I set an appointment for an initial consultation by telling them that I am an investor who has just moved to the area and is looking for a lawyer to help with my real estate deals. I tell them I would like to meet with them to see if we might be able to work together. This does something very important right up front. I am the one “interviewing” them. I am the one offering something to them. I am establishing myself as a potential client that will bring increased business to their office.

When I go to meet with the lawyer, I will briefly describe the types of deals that I do and see how familiar they are with them. In most cases, I have had lawyers tell me that they have never heard of these types of deals that I do. However, I do not really allow the lawyer to do much talking since I am not waiting to hear them say “these types of deals can’t be done here”. I go on to say that I have researched local laws and made some modifications to my contracts to allow for certain local regulations. I will then bring out the paperwork and ask the lawyer if their office would be able to close these types of deals for me.

[widget:ad_unit-243246181]I am doing a number of things in that meeting. I am conveying to them that these deals can indeed be done. I am showing them that I am not completely helpless and relying on their every word since I have already done the legal research to confirm that my paperwork will work. I am taking control by showing the paperwork and NOT asking for it to be reviewed, but asking if the lawyer’s office can handle these types of deals!!! This is a VERY IMPORTANT KEY POINT!!

Because of the way that I approach this situation, as I mentioned before, I have never been charged for a “contract review”, consultations, or any legal advice when I call my lawyer or stop by their office. Now, of course, I do bring business to them as I do deals. I have them title searches for me, handle closings, etc. Try it this way and you’ll have much better cooperation from one of your most important “team members”.

Article reproduced with permission from Matt Bowman of www.REItoolbox.com.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-07-12

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:10:55 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2009-07-12/)

Tips for Online Real Estate Marketing by Mark Eckenrode and HomeStomper http://ff.im/-57i91 #
5 Steps to Overcoming Fear and Getting Rich With Real Estate | free newsletter http://ff.im/-57i93 #
5 Steps to Rent out your Property http://ff.im/-57i95 #
Boomer’s Blog http://ff.im/-57i8Z #
Welcome To SeizedPropertyAuctions.com http://ff.im/-57i90 #
Rentometer by Rentomatic - Get House and Apartment Rental Comps by Entering an Address http://ff.im/-57i92 #
Mortgage - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac | Tallahassee Real Estate Blog http://ff.im/-57eiz #
Stephen Hawking: Why Isnt the Milky Way “Crawling With Self-Designing Mechanical or Biological Life?” http://ff.im/-57eiy #
Tallahassee Population Change http://ff.im/-57eiB #
Warren Buffett And Real Estate http://ff.im/-57eiA #
Real Estate Investing through these “Tough Times” (via feedly) http://ff.im/-55Wny #
Short Sales Tips For Today’s Market | $ucce$$-Team (via feedly) http://ff.im/-557zG #
http://bit.ly/16n0Ht http://ff.im/-557zH #
Video: Hiring your first virtual assistant. http://bit.ly/14whZo #
Apartment Vacancy at 7.5% Across United States (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4ZYmC #
U.S. Housing Market to Remain Shackled by Unemployment … (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4ZYmB #
RT - @wholesaleproper check out this cool site InvestorsClassifieds.com to buy/sell wholesale properties and more…http://twurl.nl/e482n2 #
Google Gets Serious about Real Estate Search (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4WNnG #
Lenders avoid redoing loans, Fed concludes (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4WNnA #
Buying Cash Flow Rental Property - The Basics (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4WNnE #
Home foreclosures expected to surge in coming months (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4WNni #
RT @Oxfam: More than 3 million face death while Berlusconi and the G8 fiddle http://tinyurl.com/ngwadw #
Sometimes we need to be reminded of the importance of education and “sharpening the saw” in our field. http://investing-secrets.com/RHol #
http://investing-secrets.com/RHol #
Education in Real Estate Investing: the best risk mitigator http://investing-secrets.com/RHol #
A reminder to those that hate Mondays: they account for 1/7 of your life. #
Preventing another bubble meltdown (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4RE6H #
Real Estate IRAs: Five Common Mistakes (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4Rxgb #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-07-05: Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of… http://ff.im/-4Q1Vn #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-07-05: Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of … http://bit.ly/2CzrG #

Education in Real Estate Investing: the best risk mitigator

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:50:01 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-education/)

Education is paramount to success in any endeavor but when we are speaking of investing it is most important to consider its impact on risk.

Investing is widely regarded as a risky pursuit by amateurs and those who are uneducated in the field. To professional investors, a person’s education or knowledge of an investment is by far the single greatest determinant of risk. A well-educated investor can always walk away from a ‘risky’ deal.

A lack of knowledge sees so-called investors get into difficulty time and time again. Whether it’s the first time investor who just bought a house in a bad location that is losing money or the guy who thinks he’s smart because he has a nice paper profit after some blind luck in a stock market boom. Chances are that if they don’t know what they are doing they are headed down a bumpy road.

In fact, the second guy will likely have far lower lows because he’s on a high, feeling cocky and taking risks; as if his lack of education isn’t enough. Although, he IS about to get an education and an expensive one at that! Since he could be bothered getting educated from others’ experiences the market will give him the experience and education first hand.

[widget:ad_unit-243246181]We’ve all heard the mantra “high risk, high return & low risk, low return”. In fact, we have had it drummed into us to the point that few of us even give it a second thought, much less question it. The truth is that professional investors just don’t see it that way. They reduce their risk by getting educated.

The risk equals return mantra may hold some truth for the amateur investor who passively buys retail investment products. But then the products that fall into the “low risk” category could also be seen as risky because the returns are virtually non-existent. If you’re betting your future on that, many would call THAT risky. So this just reiterates the fact that investing is most risky for those who remain uneducated.

“What if I employ the services of a financial advisor?” you may ask. “Aren’t they educated?” Well, they are to a degree but you would be surprised how little confidence you have in many financial advisors after you’ve educated yourself a little.

[widget:ad_unit-243246181]More importantly though, there would be few advisors who suggest you even look at real estate because there is no personal gain in it for them. It is critical that you consider and understand the profit model for all professionals involved in your investing activities.

Professionals will only help you in the long term if there’s something in it for them. That’s perfectly okay so long as you understand it, after all why shouldn’t they benefit from helping you? But the only way to make sure your needs get top priority from your investing is to take the driver’s seat yourself. In other words, don’t outsource the ultimate responsibility of knowledge acquisition and decision making.

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Education in Real Estate Investing: the best risk mitigator

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:46:06 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/real-estate-investing-education/)

Education is paramount to success in any endeavor but when we are speaking of investing it is most important to consider its impact on risk.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-07-05

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:57:59 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2009-07-05-2/)

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be… http://ff.im/-4O8Bn #
Markets, global growth, real estate, Fannie & Freddie (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4KD1r #
Mortgage applications at 7-month low (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4KD1s #
FREE #realestateinvesting DVD. Final chance: http://bit.ly/nCcOA #
RT @mashable HOW TO: Get the Most Out of Twitter Hashtags http://bit.ly/WDrXS #
Foreclosures: Are Commercial Properties Next? (via feedly) http://ff.im/-4I9o5 #
your DVD and guide is ready http://aweber.com/b/cKjQ #
Free Inc or LLC through MyCorporation.com. http://ow.ly/gabm #
Very cool real estate training videos http://aweber.com/b/1PsxQ #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-06-28: RT @reiconferences: Housing Affordability Highest in 18 Years… http://ff.im/-4y8SI #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-06-28: RT @reiconferences: Housing Affordability Highest in 18 Years http://bit.ly/... http://bit.ly/yf6SG #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-06-28

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:13:23 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2009-06-28/)

RT @reiconferences: Housing Affordability Highest in 18 Years http://bit.ly/6Jau2 #
The Memorandum of Agreement Explained [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4wbt0 #
567 Top Real Estate Investing Websites http://ow.ly/fR47 #
#goodread You can now read my #realestateinvesting blog on the Amazon Kindle. http://ow.ly/fNY0 #
Top Six Myths of Investing in Bankruptcy Real Estate [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4ovGt #
Want to learn how to “Syndicate” Real Estate Investment deals to bank 5 or 6 figure paychecks for FREE? Click here!… http://ff.im/-4kTvp #
smartzip™ Launches New Website for Real Estate Investors with … http://bit.ly/fVPwt -… http://ff.im/-4kOd6 #
RT @shortsales_GA: Check out this video on how to assign REO’s. No cash? No problem. http://bit.ly/kKmVb #
Housing saviors: The echo boomers [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4kyl6 #
How To Keep Your Apartments Full – For Generations! [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4iIv1 #
If you’re interested in promoting your Twitter profile, you should check out FeaturedUsers.com. http://bit.ly/hm4hT #
Book recommendation: Founders At Work: Stories of Startups’ Early Days - http://ow.ly/ftJH #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-06-21: What twitter tools do you recommend, especially for finding more friends? # … http://bit.ly/71lWB #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-06-21

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:09:44 -0400

(Original Post: http://www.investing-secrets.com/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2009-06-21/)

What twitter tools do you recommend, especially for finding more friends? #
Foreclosures Grind on as Lenders Fail to Modify Loans [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4fgYB #
Choosing The Deal, Money-Wise [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4e4KS #
Searching for a bottom in the housing market [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4doXD #
Real Estate Investors Driving Market? [via feedly] http://ff.im/-4doXE #
I’ve added 4,321 followers in 27 days using the PMS Social Suite: http://bit.ly/19w1Xj Try it for free! #
5 new online tools for homebuyers [via feedly] http://ff.im/-49sNI #
What happened in Phoenix [via feedly] http://ff.im/-49sNH #
RT @cyberhomes Market Forecast Report: What’s all the buzz? | CyberhomesBlog.com http://tinyurl.com/krwqhg (via @tweetmeme) #
The Fed Sees a Long Road to Recovery [via feedly] http://ff.im/-495dL #
RT @mashable: iPhone 3.0 Problems? Here’s the Solution - http://bit.ly/D9ci2 #
Watch This Congresswoman [via feedly] http://ff.im/-45VcK #
Just joined #FlockToMe to connect with people under: #realestateinvesting, #realestateinvestor, and #realestate http://bit.ly/135D33 #
Schiff: Housing’s Big Picture Isn’t Pretty -… http://ff.im/-43TI6 #
Anyone read Peter Schiff’s book, “Crash Proof”? Interesting footage from the Daily Show: http://ow.ly/esW8 #
Mortgage Rates Fall, Another Record Breaking Low [via feedly] http://ff.im/-43rdb #
Stating the Obvious: Markets Are Not Rational [via feedly] http://ff.im/-43abr #
Controversy: Should Real Estate Investors Kill Bill? [via feedly] http://ff.im/-43abn #
The Poor Economic Data Keeps Piling Up [via feedly] http://ff.im/-43abp #
Buying a House and Getting a Car for Free [via feedly] http://ff.im/-43abq #
Boomers to World: “My Bad” [via feedly] http://ff.im/-43abs #
The Top 10 Steps to Successful Real Estate Investing [via feedly] http://ff.im/-42UYi #
DOUBLE CLOSINGS CLARIFICATION | Real Estate Investing Center [via feedly] http://ff.im/-42UY9 #
Top 5 Real Estate Markets Showing Signs Of Recovery [via feedly] http://ff.im/-3ZvQR #
Spike in Interest Rates Could Choke Recovery [via feedly] http://ff.im/-3ZvQS #