What a crazy week. I want to thank everyone who voted for our short video in the competition I entered. Unfortunately, we didn't win. We did get to the Top 6 though, which was awesome and won some entry prizes. I've been watching the Flip that Contract videos that were a part of the "consolation" prizes and they are awesome! If you have been thinking of getting into real estate investing, wholesaling is the first ring on the ladder to get in, the foundation to most investing strategies. These guys give it all away. They are no "Gurus" and don't pretend to be. Totally recommend their program. I've already used some of the contracts and forms that they give away! Click HERE to check it out! Losing in a contest does not compare to losing a loved one. But that's exactly what I came across this week.

Last week, I sent out a mailer to a list of investors that I had contacted before when I was just brokering mortgage notes and received a call from the daughter of one of them this week. I had met her dad in the earlier part of 2010 to price him some owner financed mortgage notes he had. He decided to keep them and said he would just let his children have them. He was in his 80's and was planning of liquidating to give to his children. He passed away this March 2011 in a terrible fire where he and his youngest daughter were unable to escape from in their own home. I walked into that house today once again. On the outside, nothing looked wrong or out of place. On the inside, everything was black and burned. The table that I sat down with him at was full of sut, his glasses and watch were on the kitchen counter where he left them before going to bed. Here I was back again, but this time to give his daughters an offer on this same house. This was a very emotional meeting considering I had met him only a bit more than a year ago and that he passed away in the same home I had been in before. My prayers are with everyone affected.

As you begin to meet with homeowners and place offers, please remember that we're all human beings. Beyond just numbers, dollar signs, and potential profits, nothing is more important than the relationships and encounters we have with others. Once upon a time this gentleman was wearing the investor hat- buying and selling, landlording, and owner financing. Now I was in his home doing the same with his primary real estate investment. His daughters could definately see how affected I was by his death and their circumstances and both gave me hugs in the midst of their grief in order to console me - someone who barely knew the man they grew up with. I gave them my offer and they said they would consider it. They were waiting on one more buyer to come and take a look before making their decision. Sure I would like to have the contract on this house, but not if it's not for the best of his children. I know he would have wanted it that way. I can help them cash out of their home fast and easy, but if someone can offer them more than what I can, I'm ok with that too. Remember, even in business, we're all human beings trying to provide for our loved ones, wanting to be treated fairly and with respect. After all, all these material things return back to dust, and so do we. It's the journey that counts.