Thread: First Post

I look forward to seeing a better behaved group of people in here.

Hey Steve, great to see you. You going to ever write that book for Dearborn? They are a great publisher and well noted.

I think Steve O should still write a book- what he accomplished is quite remarkable!

MJ are you shopping for publishers? I know some are better than others as far as letting you control your own content and promote it online.

SteveO, I'm assuming you're Steve Olafson from RD forums? If so, I second their motions. Write a book! I'd definitely buy it. I appreciate every bit of advice you have to say.

Erin,

Thanks for asking -- I am going to go the self-published route. The publishing industry fascinates me and it might be my next business venture.

I haven't ruled out a publisher -- they just don't promote very well and of course are expensive.

For me, the challenge is doing it myself.

Most of what I learned about investing in apartments came from two books. It seems that combined, they would make a lot of sense and be benefitial to others. But, I like to golf and workout. There are still investments to be made. I would have to sacrifice something.

We can focus on reading MJ's book. I would enjoy seeing the content as we have taken very different paths.

MJ- I think that is a smart move. I have found myself around a lot of authors this past year- everyone from Robert Kiyosaki ( you know him lol) to Frank Rumbaskas (Never Cold Call Again).

It has been very interesting to see how both of these guys self-published and then made their way to the NY Times Best Sellers list.

Steve O- nonsense- we can write it a bit at a time over coffee..oh wait, you gave that up...

Originally Posted by SteveO

Most of what I learned about investing in apartments came from two books. It seems that combined, they would make a lot of sense and be benefitial to others. But, I like to golf and workout. There are still investments to be made. I would have to sacrifice something.

We can focus on reading MJ's book. I would enjoy seeing the content as we have taken very different paths.

Yea, you won't see me giving too much real estate advice on this forum ... simply isn't my area of expertise. I have some knowledge, but don't have any battle scars or experience outside of personal residences and land deals that didn't go as planned.

Glad you're here to pick up my own slack.

My, it's big in here!

And I like the way it smells: Someone has removed the garbage.

And I don't see any spam, either!

Very cool.

Thanks, MJ!

RD Russ? Welcome and great to see you here. As for spam, there can't be any ... this forum is in diapers ... maybe 48 hrs old. I still am figuring out the ins-and-outs of this board, but I definitely know how to delete spam and ban trolls.

Originally Posted by SteveO

Most of what I learned about investing in apartments came from two books.

Steve, which books were they?

"How to Buy and Sell Apartment Buildings" by Eugene and Stephen Vollucci

This book stresses the importance of buying in locations where the vacancy is temporarily high and selling when the fundementals are more sound.

"The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings" by Steve Berges.

This one is all about the "Value Play". Purchase mismanaged properties and improve the operations.

They are a perfect combination for each other as both processes can be used in conjunction.

I'm going through Vollucci's book right now. I must admit that although I think it's laid out very well, the writing is very difficult for me; I have to reread things two or three times go get the gist. Or I'm just dumb.

Are the other ones you mentioned of the same caliber and recommended?

I'm reading Vollucci's book right now, Jason. There are a few things in there that have taken me time to actually comprehend. I love how he inserted so many examples so far. After this one I'll be reading one of Berges' books. It seems to be a different style but I haven't done any real reading in it yet.

I did do a deal with Vollucci. He used to call me his star pupil as I took the ball and ran.

Hello everyone. It's good to see many used-to-be regulars move over. Looking forward to this forum!

Originally Posted by SteveO

I did do a deal with Vollucci. He used to call me his star pupil as I took the ball and ran.

lol, I love it.

I'm here and very well behaved as usual. Steve, you said you learned most of what you know about apartment buying from two books. Which two? I have about 20 SFR's and duplexes and need to move on. I have gotten too limited and my comfort zone to small. I need to grow. But, I need to know what I'm doing first. The SFR's and duplexes are easy. Hard to make a big mistake. I really don't know how to evaluate apartment buildings.

Steve,
Disregard the earlier question. I just saw the above post.