As I have said previously during a discussion thread that took place in the Facebook real estate investing group, Virtual Real Estate Investor Forum … “I am speechless, Vincent. I still am.” Below is an excerpt of my comment in which I delved into a sudden conviction that 2014 would be THE year as a young real estate investor… the year I would begin to see real, tangible, and concrete results on a consistent basis. (You can learn more about the Virtual Real Estate Investor, Vincent Polisi here.)
Humbled and grateful for what Vincent Polisi, and by extension all the good folks in this group, offer to me. DAILY. I haven’t really had the chance to muse for long periods of time about why I’ve chosen to follow Vincent and come up with a well prepared answer. No matter. The boot was swift and my butt got moving. So… honestly, those answers came in frequent quick, strikingly lucid moments at various times of the day and on their own accord for the last few months since the very first day we connected on Facebook in various real estate investing groups, forums, and ultimately the Virtual Real Estate Investor Forum. Some might call them “AHA!” moments. In a nutshell… Everything Vincent says, whether directly or indirectly, to me resonates strongly and hits straight to the heart. More importantly, what he ultimately DOes strikes the chord loudest. “DO or DO not. There is no try…” as wise, little green man once said.
I know I have not been the most easiest to deal with since day one. Definitely stubborn to the core and that seemingly “un-coachable” student. The biggest obstacle to overcome is myself quite truthfully. Thanks to Vincent for showing me that. In fact I am pretty certain the very first impressions I left with him left quite a bitter taste in his mouth, but he put up with me and still does thus far. And… I often ask to myself, why?
There was a certain sensei that said “We make sacred pact. I promise teach karate to you, you promise learn. I say, you do, no questions.” Vincent SAID that, using more or less similar terms. I also wondered what a day in the life of Vincent Polisi was like but never had the cajones to ask him directly. “GIVE TO GET…” Even without that satisfactory answer, I am just simply honored to be given a chance. A chance of DOing something significant right NOW. Not sometime later today when I feel like it or get around to it. Not tomorrow. Not in a few days or next Monday when I have more time. NOW. What’s stopping me? I am already up. I might as well do something. Eat a frog or two. Baked. Flash fried. Sautéed. Whatever… Just eat them, and eat them now. Wax on, wax off. Of course I’d begin to say “Hey, why do I have to…?” only for Vincent to remind me in that trademark Miyagi-esque stern manner, “Ah ha! Remember deal! No questions!”
As far as diamonds in the rough go, and please don’t take this the wrong way where I may come across as arrogant, but I truly believe I am one. That said, I am willing to be polished and refined (through the daily grind and cutting of teeth that is real estate investing, while being pushed by my mentor, Vincent) even if it’s a harsh process… for the sake of myself, my wife, my parents, my siblings, my beloved nephews, those whom I hold dear in my heart, and last but not least all the big WHYs too lengthly and personal to get into detail. For any curious souls, feel free to ask me what those are anytime privately if you’re a masochist and want to take an epic, painfully long walk in my shoes. (Please don’t ask, really… I kid, I kid. Sorta. Kind of.) If you do, I’ll share it but perhaps not right away and when I’ve got my priorities taken cared of first.
To steal a certain slogan from the #c2cREIA squadron leaders, Ivan Oberon and Pete Asmus, Monday was #MakeItHappenMONDAY. Yesterday was #TiltTheIceForwardTUESDAY (pardon the somewhat fitting ice hockey parlance) and today is #WorkItWEDNESDAY.
A very special SHOUT OUT to David Jose Watson for being there every step of the way and having my back. Wow, just wow. Grateful, David. Thanks for helping me open my eyes, coach. Shout outs to Christina Schottenbauer, Joshua Sherman, John Couston, Shawn Schnoor, Kyle Weimer, Jerrad Carranza, Dustin A. Skelton, Renae Ward Skelton, Teresa Klingman, Alla Sibertseva, Mark Andres, Greg Woosely, Robert St. Peter, Darren Gill, Brent Hall and others who in some way or another were my wingmen whether you realized it or not. I am honored to be a part of the Virtual Real Estate Investor Association and a phenomenal team, both locally and nationally, that has big things in store for 2014 in the world of real estate investing.
OK. Ate the frogs this morning. I’m on deck raring to be launched and eat that elephant one bite at a time. Today. Everyday. I may be a maverick but “I’m NOT leaving my wingmen.” Over and out. #2014OrBUST #CarpeDiem
For a gold nuggets regarding financial education… be sure to check out the extremely informative and educational article Vincent Polisi wrote on “Why Tax Refunds Are For The Financially Uneducated.” And, if you’re investing in owner finance deals, be sure to check out this great article on real estate taxation written by Vincent Polisi.
ChristopherCabacar 