I'm working on my presentation for National Convention in Cleveland.

I plan to make this my best talk EVER!

What do you want to hear or see?

What would help you?

BRAD

Baby steps from doing it all myself to hiring everything out.

For me, that is the biggest hurdle for several reasons.

#1. Justifying cost. #2. Justifying time to get it done vs waiting for estimate, scheduling conflicts, etc.

This has been the hardest transition to make so far and I still struggle to get it to fit in.

I enjoy trying new things, but this one I just can't get it to make sense for me. Always seems too expensive.

Brad, here is what I have been promoting regarding your talk:

I'm with NE on this. We expanded and bought a cash cow property an hour away. I spent the better part of day trying to get someone to look at a roof leak. Between no responses and getting VM, I just took off next day and did it. 2 hours later, fixed.

So, how did clear that hurdle?

Other topic ideas:

improving cash flow?

lease clauses that helped smooth out operations?

finding deals?

Give me 5 things you would NOT have done in your past regarding your business.

I am with NE/SID's comments on this.. I have enough income to hire a full time but not enough work to justify one..

My 5+ year handyman has no loyalty, he was MIA last week while I had 2 houses to turn over.. 3 more before end of the month while I will be attending convention..

I was stressed out and scrambled to make calls to have someone to do some simple framing and finish a basement room.

Hi Brad!

I would like to hear the 5 strategies for improving cash flow.

As part of that, how did you successfully get the tools out of your truck? I can do most maintenance jobs cheaper than hiring someone to do the job, but, I am limiting my growth. Profit will be taking a step backwards when I hire out work, but, I will be able to put more attention into growing the business.

How did you develop your maintenance crew? Did you train them or were they already trained? How much do you pay them? Do they quote the work or do you pay by the hour?

You built your business using debt. Could you have grown to this size without debt? Does Dave Ramsey's plan of debt free investing really work?

What is your succession plan?

Do you put your properties in LLC's, trusts, or your personal name?

Do you suggest umbrella insurance? if so, how much?

Business, personal, or both?

You have used self directed iras. When does a self directed ira make sense? Traditional or roth? Should you have put more property into a roth ira?

You posted that son20000 has started buying properties. What are the top 5 or 10 things you have advised him to do? What investing decisions have you suggested he avoid?

Is there a different investing strategy for a 30 year old verses a 60 year old?

In addition to investing in real estate, do you have other investments (stocks, precious metals, etc)?

See everyone in a couple days!

The hard part is whittling it down to 10 and staying within the 4 hour time slot! ;) ;) Wink wink.

Brad,

What is real estate investing like as the economy improves?

I have been in the real estate investing business for the past 5 years. I have been able to buy houses using Sid's 2 percent guideline (ARV x .02 = monthly rent).

It has been tough this past year to find properties that meet the 2 percent guideline.

Are the 2 percent properties always out there, or do investors stop investing once they cannot meet the 2 percent guideline, or do investors change their ROI and continue buying?

Thanks

Hi Brad,

Brad,

No matter what you speaking on it will be dynamic, significant and informative. Looking forward to hearing you speak on Friday.

Succession plan is timely for me. I've sold 40 of my properties in the last two years and plan on 40 more this year and next. Every year around tax prep time i think about "thinning the herd", selling properties that are under performing or even located a distance away. Since most of the properties are single family houses, almost all the buyers are owner occupants, who don't care about cash flow or other inventor concerns. Had a settlement yesterday and have 8 more already booked for the next month or so.