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Thanks guys! Yeah, lesson learned. I did the seller price sheet, etc. a la John Jackson, but that didn't help the case. We all were under a time crunch and it just got rushed in the attempt to get it done. I did speak with the owner; long story but he's going to give me some $. Like I said lesson learned! Talk soon! Eric

Hi all Hope all is well and everyone had a great Halloween! Well, I have a good story and lesson for all. I was marketing a CA deal for a seller. Super nice guy and we found a tenant/buyer. Owner liked him and he wanted to move ahead. They set a date to meet and sign papers but unfortunately it was a day I was OOT (for the whole upcoming weekend) and that was the only day they could do it (buyer was traveling from another city and had 1 week to move ahead, and the owner wanted to go ahead as they were leaving for another state and if it didn't sell were just going to rent it to their son). They both seemed trustworthy and the buyer sent the initial payment to me via mail prior to that date. Option fee was 5k but buyer only had 4. Owner wanted to keep more of the $ as it was a nicer house (over 200K) and give me 1k instead of 3K (we were going to split it originally; I don't normally do that but was doing so to make the deal work). Apparently they decided to "change" some items on the paperwork (my paperwork). Buyer cancelled the check as they decided on their own to have the buyer pay the whole 4 k to the owner and then the owner would pay me the 1k. I called the owner and he hasn't returned my calls. He's an older, religious guy and he definitely didn't come across as the kind of guy who would screw me over. Initial signed agreement was an option to lease option (it was the only form I had on me when I met the owner) but the final agreements were the full set of agreements like Michael's. They had my company's name all over it and the assignment form, etc. Not sure I can do anything legally; ie threaten to evict this guy (as the original agreement gives me the right to LO and sublet the house) unless they pay and the forms had my name on it, etc. I might try but it's probably not worth the hassle. Lesson for all: never let the buyer and seller meet, even if all the agreements are signed and filled out ahead of time! Have a good week all! PS: any advice or comments welcome!!

Hey all Next call this coming Monday at 2100 (9 PM EST). Anyone new who doesn't have the call in info please email me! Talk soon! Eric eric@columbusleasetobuy.com

Hey gang Next call in 2 weeks!! How about the 17th (Monday) at 9 PM? Last call was over 2 hours!! Good stuff; let me know if you need the call in info. Eric

Mike and all It was a great call! We talked for almost 2 hours! Tons of good info, tips, and lots of support for each other. My goal is to grow it further and help each of us grow and mature our business and to hold each other accountable for our goals that we laid out. I did record it. Let me work on getting the call and I can post or email it to those interested; let me know. Thanks all! Eric

From the fuzzy faced guy: Yep, I agree. For those of you that actually attended the last few calls, ahem, we actually laid out a few topics and suggestions for upcoming calls. (silly Texan) Of course we would like to discuss the following: 1. what's working, what's not working in today's market 2. anyone doing deals other than CA's? 3. marketing: what, how, when, etc. I think it would be good for each person on the call to spend about 5 minutes or so discussing above, and then discuss: 1. a goal they would like to accomplish over the next month, as well as a long term (one year) goal 2. a sticking point they have. What is the #1 problem or issue they are having and would like to surmount in order to grow their business. Any other suggestions are welcome!! I have a few other topics but that can come next month. Thanks everyone!! Eric

Hi gang Yep, 9 PM EST. Look forward to it! Have a great weekend everyone! Eric

Hi all Good to hear some more chatter, and listen in about John's um summer teeth and all . . . If anyone wants to do a call next Monday let me know. The call in info is below: *Free Conference Call* Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4000 Participant Access Code: 427522# Thanks! Eric

Hi all Hope everyone is having a great summer! Missed a bunch of you on the last call. Is anyone interested in continuing this in September? We were talking about the 12th. If not we could do one in October. If no one is interested I will discontinue. Let me know either way. Have a great week everyone! Eric

Hi all Hope everyone is enjoying the remaining summer! I am curious as to how appraisals come into the mix with a pure option. I spoke with an owner the other day who "needs" to sell as she is buying another house. She has been trying for some time now and a Realtor also tried for over 6 months. Doesn't want to do the lease option as she can't qualify for a new place without selling, etc. She is open to me helping by doing a straight option. Only problem is the numbers are too tight. If I tack on a few dollars to the price to get my fee I suspect it won't appraise for that. How often is this an issue? She owes 148K or so. Comps are around that. Only way to make anything is to option it for 152 or so. Not sure if that is worth the hassle and don't know if a cash buyer (getting a loan) would do this if his realtor pulls comps or gets an appraisal, etc. Any guidance? I haven't done any pure option deals and just wanted to see if I could make any lemonade out of this lemon! Happy investing all! Eric

Hi all Hope everyone is having a great summer! Quick question for any resident legal experts: I have an LLC for CA's. I started it as a general entity for investing 2 years ago but mainly use it for CA's. If I wanted to buy and hold property would it cause a problem using this entity or should I have one for CA's/wholesaling, and one for buy and holds or does it really matter? I have read both sides of this argument and just wanted to see if anyone had a great answer from an attorney (I am in OH BTW) or other expert, etc. Thanks and take care everyone! Eric

Hi all, Hope everyone had a great weekend! Just a quick favor to ask: does anyone have a word doc of a land contract template that I can use? I have a property and the owner is selling on LC. We offered LO or LC. Just found a buyer and need to meet her tomorrow or Tuesday (this happened quick and the owner needs someone in there now otherwise will rent it out this week). I thought I had one but do not. If anyone has a version (I am in OH) that I can modify and tweak that would be great! Thank you! Eric

Chris, Late to this party but very nice job! I think it will serve you well! Have you had luck posting ads for sellers on CL? I seem to get spammed/removed by the CL gods. Do you post under for rent/for sale or under the real estate wanted, or both? How about bandit signs, do you do the "I buy houses" thing or are they specific to LP? Let us know how they work! Eric

MC Excellent! I will book my flight to Miami ASAP! Eric

MC, I want to see pictures now! Haha! John, I thought your watch could do all that stuff for you so you could join the call? Sheesh. It was just 2 of us but we had a good chat! It was recorded if anyone wants to listen in. Basic stuff but good esp. for the newbies. Hope to have the full team on next month's call!! Happy investing all, talk soon! Eric

Well, just got back form Fort Worth, TX visiting our own John Jackson. What a trip! Our #1 host (Mr. Carbonare) couldn’t hang out to meet up (I think the FBI caught onto his trail and he had to get out of dodge). Too bad, MC, I was hoping to hang out and let you buy me some beverages! Despite multiple rounds of high-priced Tequila, dancing girls, and a very gracious, massage-giving Embassy Suites F & B (food and beverage) Manager, I did survive to return home! Even though he was highly intoxicated during the whole conference, John actually taught me a few things! I was only able to attend for 2 days and I hope the others still in attendance right now are also able to escape John and get home tomorrow! Kudos to Mr. Jackson for a great 2 days. Very informative, lots of good information, and of course a ton of fun!! I highly encourage any newbies on this forum to attend his course when you can. It is certainly worth the time and expense and will do wonders for your business. I am sure MC put on a great show as well (and did from what I heard of the other attendees). Hope everyone has a great weekend and see you on the forums! Eric Columbus Lease to Buy Columbus, OH PS: talk to some of you next week for the Mastermind call!

MC I will give it a go, thanks!! Eric

Hello all, I was trying to message everyone about the next steps but I can only send one PM per day I guess? What's up with that MC? You're making us do extra work! Ha ha! If everyone who expressed interest would please send me their contact info (# and email) I can communicate with everyone more effectively and start gathering input. I had a nice chat with this topic with Mr. Rexford and am looking forward to getting this off the ground. I would like to start in April. Thank you, Eric

Hi all, I just read a post on the main LP forum from a broker who told us all that realtors peruse ads/listings/etc. and steal marketing ideas all the time. I am just starting to try to market to listed properties like pilot (Mr. Jackson); anyone else do this? I guess I am just concerned not only about getting flak from the realtors, but also having them steal my ideas (from my fliers, website, etc.). Unlike in TX, realtors here do LO's as well and there is plenty of competition from them and other investors. Anyone else do this and what has been your experience? Thanks! Eric

MC and all, Glad that there is interest. Man, I just wanted to generate the idea and let you, oh wise sage of the LO world, run it!!! haha! Well my time is pretty limited but I would be happy to put this to work. Anyone interested in pitching in, please send me an email or call me; I hope this will be a team effort. I think this can be quite successful! Thanks! Eric Eric@columbusleasetobuy.com 740-704-5386

Hi all, As a few mentioned, I think it would be a great way to go beyond what is discussed here, and all at once. The forums are great but often takes a while to gather responses, reply, etc. Plus you always get more out of conversation than email/chat/etc. (and it's faster). MC: I envision a monthly call, one hour should do. We could come up with a rough itinerary ahead of time (ie CA's and marketing first 30 minutes, other strategies the second half, or CA's the whole time, marketing the second month, etc.). I think it would be nice to also incorporate other ideas for business growth and wealth building (non-real estate investing, negotiating skills, etc.). I love the interest, thanks everyone!! How about we start next month? Eric

Hi all, I have been thinking of this for some time and the conference call the other night reminded me of my idea. I always hear about all the "smart guys" out there who belong to, and participate in, so-called mastermind groups, etc. Kiyosaki and his Rich Dad groups, Steve Cook's Lifeonaire, Trump, etc. These forums are the best out there, especially compared to the other REI forums/blogs/etc. and our venerable host does an amazing job keeping it that way. I thought it would be a nice extension to have those interested in doing so get together on a call/webinar or whatever to discuss various topics in the world of investments. We could, of course, discuss CA's and SLO's, but also other real estate strategies, marketing, and other financial tools (stocks, metals, insurance, etc.); any vehicle or topic that would benefit all of us and our families. I believe we all have the same goals of maximizing our investments and capital, creating a better lifestyle, and enjoying life in general. Any input or interest? Thanks and have a great week everyone!! Eric

Eric, It has been few months since you asked this question. But I thought this might help folks who want watermark their documents before they send out(physical copies or email) documents. Software needed 1. Microsoft Word (2007 or 2003) 2. Primo pdf ( free version available with no spyware, just make sure you do not install the toolbar that comes with it) When you install Primo pdf it gets installed as printer on your PC ( I have not tried this on a MAC so I dont know). 1. In Microsoft Word 2007 add watermark by going to page Layout tab and click on watermark and you can select one of the template watermark or create custom one (see attached word doc). 2. Now the print word doc and select Primopdf as your printer and follow the prompts to save it on your computer in pdf format ( uploaded pdf). If you have Word installed total cost for this $0. Hope this helps! Thanks Sri Sri Thank you so much for the tip! I will check it out. Eric

Hi all, I hope everyone is doing well! I am in quite a dry spell right now; no active deals and no new ones despite lots of emails/texts/etc. Getting ready to do some mailings soon. Does anyone use Google Adwords or FB/Twitter to get new deals from owners? If so would you be willing to take a few minutes offline (or here) to educate me? Thanks in advance!!! Take care, Eric

Hi all I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I just wanted to vent a bit and get some advice. I had a CA deal with an owner. One of the interested tenant/buyers came by but only wanted to rent. Owner is moving and just wants to get her in instead of waiting for a true tenant/buyer. However, she doesn't want to pay me anything as I approached her with the CA deal and that I don't charge her anything to do this as I get paid by the buyer. She wants her deposit for protection and the potential tenant doesn't have enough to pay more than the standard deposit. Truthfully, I didn't put a lot into the marketing (just started last week) and it's really not worth angering someone who could give me a bad name over a six hundred bucks (I asked if we could just split the deposit). Lesson learned (for me and for any new guys/gals out there): always discuss the possibility of just doing a straight rental at the beginning and clarify how I will get paid. Take care all!! Eric