Probate Investing, Probate Real Estate, Real Estate Investing

My Real Estate Crystal Ball For 2024

I’m in Tampa this week masterminding with some of the biggest and brightest in real estate, not just in the United States, but in the entire world. It’s been an honor to be able to rub elbows and share knowledge with these incredible people. What I really love about these meetings is chatting and networking

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Business, Real Estate Investing

The Troll Apartment

The real estate market has been doing some funky things lately. Contrary to what everyone thought, rising interest rates haven’t really abated demand. But the changes in the market have opened some opportunities. Here in Los Angeles County there are still a few properties listed for under 250k. And one of them happens to be

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Probate Business, Probate Investing, Real Estate Investing

Just Stop It. You’re Embarrassing Yourself.

I love stand-up comedy. And I really respect the comedians who excel at their craft. The timing, the wit, the memory – they have a skill set I do not possess, but it’s one that I truly admire.It’s not an easy job. Some comedians rise to the challenge and work hard to hone their skills.

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Probate Investing, Real Estate Investing

My Secret 3 Step Recipe

Wanna get more houses under contract? I’m going to share with you the exact same formula I use when talking with sellers. There’s really no gimmick or secret to it. But you do need to be a good listener. 1) Build rapport There are piles of books written by so-called “gurus” who will tell you

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Mindset, Real Estate Investing

Wholesalers Caught with Their Pants Down

It seems like everyone and their brother has been jumping into wholesaling over the past couple of years. And have you noticed wholesaling “coaches” have been popping up all over the place? When the market’s hot, it’s almost impossible to not make money wholesaling. Up til about a month ago, everyone was looking to buy

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Probate Real Estate, Real Estate Investing

How to Tell if You Will be Successful at Real Estate

Over the years I’ve developed the ability to recognize almost instantly if someone will be successful in their real estate ventures. All I have to do is look at three of their behaviors: TimeMoneyCommitment Number one revolves around the timeline you create to get a project or task complete. Preparation is important, but lengthened time

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Negotiations, Probate Investing, Real Estate Investing

Do Sellers Think You’re Selling Extended Car Warranties?

We live in an age of the scam artist. To be fair, the scam artist dates way back. Whether it’s snake oil or extended warranties for your car, or a Nigerian prince promising you piles of money, sleazy people have been taking advantage of the vulnerable for as long as anyone can remember. With the

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Probate Investing, Real Estate Investing

Tom’s Shoes

Have you ever heard of Tom’s Shoes? It’s a really interesting business that sells shoes online.Tom’s Shoes were all the rage a few years back. We even had a couple of pairs in the Vargas household. What differentiates them from everyone else selling shoes online is their unique business model. Their motto is “We’re in the

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Probate Niche, Real Estate Investing

Oh Boy! An Inherited House With a Home Equity Loan

I just got off the phone with a woman who inherited a house that has a home equity loan. Her name is Olivia and when she first contacted me she was confused, lost, and in total despair. This property not only has a first lien mortgage, but it also had a home equity line, and

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Personal Story, Real Estate Investing

His Wife Literally Flushed His Dreams Down the Toilet

Last summer I took my son, Ernie Jr., and a group of boys in his boy scout troop on a two-week backpacking trip in the mountains of New Mexico. We had no cell service or any kind of modern-day distractions so we had an absolute blast singing and sharing stories with each other. Frank, who

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Probate Business, Probate Niche, Real Estate Investing

The World’s Oldest Pair of Levi Jeans

I read an article this morning about a 3,200 year old Chinese mummy that was found with pants on. Well, not just pants. It was a woman buried in a poncho, soft leather boots, a headband decorated with bronze discs and seashells, and the earliest known pair of jeans. I’m a bit of a nerd

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Probate Investing, Real Estate Investing

What Thomas Edison Taught Me About Real Estate Investing

What a great way to start a week. I received a call Monday morning from Michael. Michael is a student that has been with my program for three and a half months. Michael came to me looking to start as a newbie. He wanted to become an entrepreneur. He wanted to start living life on

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