It was with great disappointment that I had to announce the cancellation of “The TurnKey Investor’s Real Estate Portfolio-Building Workshop” last Friday.  While there was some interest, early commitments were simply not there.

It didn’t help that I did a poor job getting the word out.  In some ways, it is a bit of a relief although my investor friends were certainly looking forward to it.  What this project did allow me to do was take inventory of what I thought was important and in the big scheme of things, cancelling the workshop seemed the most obvious project to cancel from my already full plate.

Anyhow, I managed to get enough of a mood to update my outdated blog.

This was first posted on The TurnKey Investor’s Blog.

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After several requests from the last few years for a real estate investor coaching, consulting, and mentoring program, I have decided to create and develop “The TurnKey Investor’s Consulting Program“.

I have been resistant to doing this program because I have been very guarded with my time and personal schedule.  Even with this announcement, I still am.  However, I believe I have created a way to comfortably coach, consult, and mentor others in a way that is effective and reasonably priced.

What sent me over the edge was a customer seeking a coaching, consulting, and mentoring program was actually considering an offer of $10,000 upfront and a monthly fee of $1,000/month from someone who had less real estate and credentials than my real estate partner, Wes and I did!  I told my customer I thought that it was ridiculously priced.  Shortly after that conversation, I decided to develop a program that was reasonable and effective, not this overpriced B.S. program.

For many beginning students, their toughest time is the first 30-days.  That is often their make or break period.  Because of this very formative period, it will be the most intensive period for both my students and myself.  I have to shake them out of their comfort zone and push them out to make things happen both effectively and intelligently.

To maintain good quality control, I will accept students into this program only by a written application and telephone interview process.  I only want to work with students who have a good shot at success.  Having coached, mentored, and instructed many students over the years, I have a good sense of who is committed and who is simply all-talk.

I have committed myself to those individuals that are optimistic, mature, confident, independent, flexible, creative, can listen, and accept constructive criticism and direct feedback.  These types of people have the innate personality traits to succeed at nearly anything they set their minds to.

And while my Consulting Program is considerably less expensive than most real estate investor seminars, it carries a strong enough of a financial weight for the students paying to take this seriously.  It can be afforded but I would not say it is affordable.

Additionally, because the program is on strict time schedules, the student ultimately loses if they get lazy and don’t do their assignments or stick to their 120-day plan.  I also reserve the right at any time to let go of any student who isn’t being accountable to me and to themselves.  I don’t have the patience and stomach for it.

Like my time during the Investors Roundtable, everyone will be put on notice that they must perform.  And after 4-6 months of consulting, I will likely give them notice that their time with me will come to an end.  Basically, if there is no results or success, the consulting must end.

The rules are set.  I am excited by this program.  I have set a high standard for the students to meet.  Only the most confident and capable will want to take this program with me as their coach and mentor.  I openly tell the people I coach and mentor, I cannot be their friend and effectively help them.  Friendship has to be secondary and only after the consulting process has concluded.

With every project I work on, I try to share and tie my “my personal story” into the project I do.  I believe it gives personal relevance and credibility to the project if I put my personal reputation on the line.  With most projects I work on, it is not just “a job” I do.  There is often a very personal reason I get involved or promote something.

To help promote “The 2008 TurnKey Investor’s Real Estate Portfolio-Building Workshop”, I felt I had to share and disclose more personal information about myself and background than I have every published before.  Like layers of an onion, this project forced me to peel another layer away.

I have to say it felt quite uncomfortable writing that piece but it had to be done.  You can read “My Personal Story” as it relates to the upcoming workshop in October.  Enjoy.

This was first posted on The TurnKey Investor’s Blog.

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It has been a few weeks since the last update for “The TurnKey Investor’s Real Estate Portfolio-Building Workshop” Seminar.  Quite frankly, I have been focused on various issues relating to our own real estate portfolio as well as other administrative issues.

Despite very little promotion, I have heard from a few people who seem excited about the upcoming workshop in October.  I surmise they like our guest speakers, field trip, and the idea of a real estate portfolio resonates with people who are focused on building true wealth, not simply turn deals month after month.

Registration is coming soon!  I promise!  I also promise I will have an extensive update on what the workshop will cover!  There will be a great discount for people who register early.

Check back for more announcements!

It has been an exhausting 4-days since my arrival into Los Angeles to attend the IBPA’s (Independent Book Publishers Association) 2008 Publishing University Conference.  It was a great 3-day experience taking in the variety of experiences and information shared.  I think there must have been nearly 300 people including staff, speakers, attendees, and guests.  The one thing that persistently shows up is how little business sensibilities most wannabe authors have.  Most are so desperate to become authors, they throw their promotional stuff to everyone and anyone.

I have to admit even I was overwhelmed with some of the new information and distinctions that were presented especially in the area of media and public relations. I met some important people and contacts that might be instrumental to some changes I plan on making to my publishing business in the months to come.

The full impact of what I got out of IBPA’s Publishing University will linger until after I get back.  Fresh off of that 3-day conference, I have just begun my next 3-day run at the 2008 Book Expo America.  It has been 6 years since I attended this huge industry event.  I think I waited 2 years too long to come back.  I won’t make that mistake again.

My feet is sore.  I have had three 11-hour days.  Today, I put in a light 9-hours and so I have a chance to update this blog.  I can do some reading and catch up on some work in my hotel room.

I am happy to announce that the Columbus Marriott has tentatively agreed to host “The 2008 TurnKey Investor’s Portfolio-Building Workshop” on the weekend of October 10-12, 2008 which is coincidentally the weekend of Columbus Day.

The Columbus Marriott is, in my view, the nicest hotel in the Columbus GA area.  It is a great environment for out-of-town and out-of-state visitors to stay at and is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Columbus.  This location is central to most of our investment properties throughout the local area.

After some thought, I thought an October seminar was a little better than the September date I previously announced since it gives us more time to get the word out of this upcoming seminar.  It also allows us to escape the summer heat which lasts well into the fall.  Come October, it may be warm, but it should not be hot.  When we go visiting properties in the local area, it will be a more pleasant experience.

Since my announcement of my upcoming, new 3-day TurnKey Investor seminar, I have since formalized the name. It is now called, “The TurnKey Investor’s 2008 Real Estate Portfolio Building Workshop“. If you click on that link, you will see that a new information page specifically for that seminar has been created.

The venue still has not been decided as well as the specific dates. That won’t happen until I visit a few of the nicer hotels in Columbus, GA and speak to the hotel sales staff. I would like to do it at the end of September 2008 but it may get pushed back to October 2008 depending on scheduling.

After I get back from Colorado Springs, I have to assemble the team members I want to help manage and staff the event.  In the coming days and weeks, you will see many updates to the “The TurnKey Investor’s 2008 Real Estate Portfolio Building Workshop” information page.  Check back often for the latest updates.

For the very first time, I will be hosting and teaching a 3-day TurnKey Investor intensive seminar workshop in Columbus, GA. I will be inviting students from across the U.S. to attend this very special event in September 2008.

It has been suggested and even recommended by many people that I hold my own seminar event. Although I have done smaller events and short seminars, I have been resistant to doing a bigger event.

My thought has always been that there are plenty of “other” instructors teaching similar subjects. I have also frequently said I didn’t want to get into the seminar business. However, as I look around, I have discovered that Wes Weaver and I have our own distinctions and techniques which differ from many other investors and instructors. Not only that, there appear to be very few who are “teaching from street experience”.

While I have released several book and audio titles on lease-options, “subject to” mortgage financing, portfolio building, and property management, it is never quite the same as being taught in person. Essentially, I believe there is a need and I am launching this 3-day event in September 2008. Students will have the opportunity to come to our home turf and learn what we do first hand.

I have asked some of my prior students here in Columbus, GA to assist me in putting on this professional event. At this time, we plan on doing 3-day sessions that will include 2-evening sessions. Basically, my students will be immersed in the subject matter. It is my intention to fill up the students brain until it hurts them.

The agenda and other specifics are being planned and outlined. There will be more announcements before we officially accept registrations for this exciting seminar event in September 2008. Updates will be added to the TurnKeyInvesting.com website.