Tips For A Healthy & Wealthy Mindset

"I think, therefore I am," stated Rene Descartes, a celebrated 17th century French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist.

A chosen few intellectuals, scholars, and radicals throughout the centuries have understood the dynamics of this world and have passed on their knowledge. Many words and phrases may sound mystical in nature, but the more scientifically advanced we become, the more we are realizing that those once supernatural forces are indeed actual laws that govern our universe.

Thinking: That action is one that is performed every day, every minute, every second. But do you realize what you are actually "thinking"?

Are you aware of where your thoughts come from, and why you think the way you do?

Are you rushing through the day on cruise control without any active, positive thoughts?

Or, are you contemplating the true purpose of your existence and transforming yourself into a higher and better being with every breath you take?

"I think I am healthy and wealthy, therefore I am healthy and wealthy".

After contemplating the words Descartes wrote, I coined this affirmation. Before you read any further, please say the above statement out loud. (Ok, whisper it if you're reading this at the office.)

For the past 4,000 years, Kabbalists have revealed that life is merely an illusion. Our true reality is in a different dimension: a nirvana without space, time, or motion.

This world is merely a reflection of our consciousness -- our thoughts.

Those of us near Hollywood have heard the catch phrase: Life is a stage.

Well, if your life is your stage: which part are you playing?

Are you merely an actor reading a script with no control of your outcome? Or, are you the producer? The one who calls all the shots. The one who gets the glory. And, the one who'll either churn out an Oscar-winning epic or a straight-to-DVD flop.

As a journalism student I learned that the role of a reporter is to merely reflect society as it is. A good journalist should be a mirror, writing without casting judgment, simply reflecting the people or topic at hand.

Our physical life too is merely a reflection of our minds.

As an investor, I have used numerous metaphysical techniques that I have acquired in my studies in clinical hypnotherapy, as well as my fascination with Western, Eastern and Ancient spiritual principles. I know that implementing these tools have made me into the real estate investor and person that I am today.

Here are some techniques that have made a positive difference in my life and have transformed me from a poor girl living in a trailer park into the multi-millionaire I am today (My lifestyle is this: I am in my '30s, I work when I want, how I want. I get to travel and see this gorgeous nation of ours so that I can invest in real estate for myself and my clients, (visit: www.CashFlowCows.com)

Visualization
It is possible to manifest your future. In fact, if you are not in control of your tomorrow that means external forces have a grip on you -- you are allowing the outside to control your inside.

It is crucial as an investor (and as a human being) to see yourself playing at the top of your game -- see yourself engaging at a peak performance level.

Everyone needs to visualize themselves as the person they want to be. See your family living in the home you always wanted, visit the apartment building you just purchased, see yourself visiting an exotic location you always wanted to explore.

Just sit back, relax, count to 10, close your eyes, and drift...

Feel SUCCESS with all of your senses: see success, feel success, hear success, taste success, and touch success.

Remember as a child you used to daydream? You used to pretend to be somebody through play and imagination. Well, are you still dreaming?

In the New Testament, Jesus preaches that we should remain childlike. What does that mean? Perhaps it means that we should never give up on dreaming for something better and that we should evoke within us the same passion for living that children have.

Purpose for Desiring
Why do you want to be successful? Why do you desire to buy real estate? You need to contemplate that right at this very moment.

Is it to show off? To prove to your buddies that "you 'da man"? Or is it because you want to donate more money to charity? Is it because you want to employ a great team of people and bring more prosperity into their life? Is it because you want to give tenants the best place that they can possibly live at the most fair price possible?

If your heart is pure and your intentions are for the good of ALL, the Bible says that whatever we ask for shall be given.

Make Room For More
Are you desiring a really nice Armani suit or Chanel jacket? Well, you're most likely NOT going to get it unless you clean out your closet.

When we clear out items that we no longer use, and give them away to those who really need them, we make room for more abundance to enter into our life.

The reason giving = receiving is due to the fact that one is emitting energy by helping others, which is exactly in accordance with Sir Isaac Newton's third law of motion (Every action produces an equal and opposite reaction.)

Giving also expands our own prosperity because by donating we are showing the universe that we have a CERTAINTY that more will arrive.

Remember one man's trash is another man's treasure. Give away, so that you may receive more.

Act As If
The quickest route to get you from who you are right now, to who you would like to become in the future, is to actually BE that person at this very moment.

Don't wait till you have a multiple-property portfolio before you start networking at real estate club meetings: Do it now!

Don't wait till you have that wad of Benjamins in your pocket to raise your shoulders, walk proudly, and smile to the world: Do it now!

Don't wait till your CD account is overflowing with extra money before you donate to a worthy organization: Do it now!

Act as if and it shall be so.

Appreciation
Do you value life? Do you give thanks before eating? When you walk down the street, do you listen to birds singing? Do you actively seek out opportunities to help people and be a blessing to the world? Do you praise your Creator for allowing you to wake up in the morning? Do you kiss your loved ones every night?

It is important to appreciate everything that life dishes your way, whether it be a promotion or a demotion. Everything in life has a purpose in bringing you to a higher level, one that will give you more fulfillment and a larger bank account.

I ask you this: Why should you get more if you don't even appreciate what you already have?

Yehuda Berg, author of "True Prosperity: Success Without Side Effects", states that in order to reach and retain prosperity, one should have a "Survival Consciousness".

Folks, we can't take anything for granted. We should think that each deal could quite possibly be the LAST ONE. How's that for making you hustle for more?

Having a constant and unwavering attitude of appreciation for everything that comes your way, no matter how small or trivial it may be, will also automatically fuel the hunger in you. That forceful drive will propel you to a whole new level: You'll close more deals, buy more buildings, and appreciate loved ones in a much deeper way.

Since the age of 13 while growing up in the small border town of El Centro, Calif., I have been on the road to prosperity through self-discovery.

Although the town I grew up in was a bit closed-minded, I was lucky to spend summers with my aunt in the City of Angels. It was here in Los Angeles that I picked up the book "Creative Visualization" by Shatki Gawain. I was also introduced to the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship.

The techniques above are just some of the tools that I have used and still use daily in my life to attract prosperity.

I hope you take a few moments out of your busy day to try some of these tools consistently. I guarantee you, it works!

May you be richly blessed,
Linda

Create Your Wealth Through Real Estate, Allow My Team to Assist You!

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No part of this blog may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without prior written permission except by a member of the media who wishes to quote brief passages for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast. The advise in this blog is solely based on personal opinion. Always seek the advise of a trusted attorney, broker, financial planner, accountant or other professional before investing in real estate.

The Challenges of Landlording ~ Plus, Why Real Estate Agents Have the Upper Hand!

The Challenges of Landlording

The other day a client of mine asked me: What are the negatives of buying income property?

I thought that question would be an excellent topic for me to discuss on my blog.

The first thing that came to mind above everything else: Maintenance. An investor needs to have a reserve for any potential problems that can and will arise.

For example, take me for instance, at this time in my game, I have to deal with...

a bathroom remodel in California,
an eviction in Arizona,
a broken water heater in Texas,
a vacancy in New Mexico,
and a kitchen leak in Louisiana!

Thankfully, I am cash flowing on all my properties, except one. Anyway, because I have a cash inflow (the term financial planners use), I can absorb those nasty little nuisances that sometimes come along with the territory of owning income property. If you don't cash flow on your property(ies), then you will go into a negative situation -- which, sometimes is not a bad thing, more on this at a later date.

But the financial positives of owning income property, particularly apartment units, will by far exceed the emotional, mental, financial, and physical hardships that an investor may have to endure.

The only way to win in the game of real estate, as in life, is to transform challenges into opportunities.

Challenges make us grow. They force us to get even better at our game. Challenges cast a viel of darkness, an illusionary projection screen, which exists as a backdrop for us to create and project our own reality.

Agents & Brokers Have the Upper Hand in Investing

What's the best thing about being a real estate agent?

We make money when we purchase property!

That is why I, and numerous other real estate agents/investors/mentors, encourage other RE professionals to become investors. It is for this same reason that I also believe an investor should acquire their real estate sales license, which is actually fairly easy to get -- just a bit of study and you can pass the exam.

When you, as licensed agent, buy property you can ask other agents and brokers to "kick back" or "float back" a percentage of the commission to you. Put this in your bank account!

Plus, remember that your first months' income on your purchase is a net positive, minus the monthly tax bill and property management fee. (The insurance is normally pre-paid the first year.) And, typically the first mortgage is not due till the second month of ownership, so you can keep this money as a reserve.

Add this amount to the "kick back" on the commission and you're looking at a nice little figure, especially if you do this over and over again like most of us do.

Plus, even if you don't buy a property, perhaps a client, friend, family member or colleague will. If you plant a seed in their brain to invest out-of-state and you refer them to www.CashFlowCows.com, you will be paid a referral fee just because you have a real estate license!

One agent in Orange County stands to make $7,000 in referral fees for about six weeks worth of work -- not too bad for making a few phone calls!

Also, let's not forget that a real estate agent has the advantage of being able to do market research and property comparables beyond someone that doesn't have formal training in that industry.

The beauty of real estate is that the bigger the property, the more money you, as an agent, stand to make in the referral commission system. But because life is full of paradoxes: The bigger the deal, the more money you, as an investor, could potentially lose.

So invest cautiously, but by all means, INVEST. I'm Hispanic and we have the traditional tendency of keeping our cash in a stash under the mattress. If that is the case in your situation then you are working for your money, you are not allowing your money work for you.

Change that mentality, otherwise you will never be financially free. The key is in the compounding. When you invest, your money starts to generate income; then even the interest generates more interest.

If you choose not to invest in real estate then invest in something that you believe strongly in: Treasury Bills, Mutual Funds, REITs, CDs, Securities, Municipal Bonds, Sector Funds, etc,... Just remember: Seven out of 10 millionaires in the United States acquired the majority of their wealth through real estate. And, no, your primary home doesn't count!

I want you to declare this affirmation, before you read any further:

I do not work for money; my money works for me!

Say it loudly, like you mean it. Believe it, act like it is so. If you plant this in your consciousness and in your thoughts, it will manifest in your life.

And remember, the more challenges that come your way, the greater your chance for success! Laugh off your failures and keep that smile on, you're next big break could be a day away.

I hope this column was informative and helpful in your quest for prosperity.

All the best,
Linda Pliagas, C.Ht.

*** Agents & Brokers: Start Creating Your Wealth Today! ***

Simply refer a few investors to us, and you can receive generous referral fees. Plus, we will help inspire and motivate you to also become a real estate investor.

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No part of this blog may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without prior written permission except by a member of the media who wishes to quote brief passages for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast. The advise in this blog is solely based on personal opinion. Always seek the advise of a trusted attorney, broker, financial planner, accountant or other professional before investing in real estate.

R + P + M + S = $$$ ~ My Personal R.E. Formula

Dear Future Real Estate Moguls;

Thanks for reading the Cash Flow Cows Blog. It is my sincere desire to give readers tips and suggestions that can assist them in their quest for financial freedom through real estate investing.

As the majority of my acquisitions are in other states (Who can cash flow in California these days?), I'm often asked if I have a formula for choosing the next hot spot. Well, actually, I have a large map of the U.S. in my office. When it's time to invest, I close my eyes and throw a dart. Wherever it lands, it's where I go.

JUST KIDDING!

Truthfully, many people may as well do just that. They have no plan for investing, they just hear of a good tip and go with it. Or, other people invest in an area where their family lives -- Trust me, you do not want Uncle Joe collecting the rents and getting chummy with tenants! With this in mind, I'd like to share a little formula that I created, which has worked well for me.

Research + Purchase + Maintain + Sell = $$$$

The first and most important aspect of investing (whether it be investing in securities or property) is RESEARCH.

My investing guru, Mr. Warren Buffet, the most successful investor in the United States, if not perhaps the world, once told a reporter that he spends up to 10 hours per day researching... 10 HOURS, folks!

When was the last time you picked up a newspaper's real estate section? A good investor has an abundant library, stocked not only with motivational books, but also DAILY newspapers. As a reporter for the past 18 years, I can honestly say that learning how to do RESEARCH was my ticket out of poverty. The minimum wage jobs that I had in journalism were worth it because they taught me the value of reading, investigating and asking questions. RESEARCH is the key to real estate riches.

Ask yourself these questions when you look for real estate: Where are people moving to? Where are they moving from? Where are the jobs going? Where are businesses closing? What areas were voted as being the best places to live?

Next comes the PURCHASE. Some investors won't buy anything unless they get the deal of the century. Well, sometimes by waiting for that deal, you miss out on a lot of wonderful properties. Then, that "great deal" never materializes because the competition to buy under-valued realty is so fierce. Folks, don't be afraid to pay market value (heck, I've even overpaid sometimes). But guess what? If you do your RESEARCH correctly, your purchase will appreciate even if you, God forbid, had to pay a market rate.

Another strategy I follow is purchasing multiple properties. I figure that I spent so much time on the research that if I'm going to buy, why stop at one? Instead of putting 20 percent down on one property, I like to go in with 10 percent and buy two. Or, instead of buying that 48 unit complex, buy two 24-unit ones. Why? Because if you did your RESEARCH correctly, the appreciation on your purchase will be strong. Buying two allows you to sell one for a short-term profit and then you can keep the other one for long-term growth. The few times I didn't follow this rule, I kicked myself because then everything went up and I was priced out.

MAINTENANCE is the next part of this equation. Keep your property looking sharp. Spend the extra money and effort to make sure it has curb appeal and that the units look good on the inside. The better your property looks, the easier it will be to keep it fully occupied and the easier it will be to get to the next step...

SELL -- I know, I know, most real estate gurus advise to NEVER sell and just refinance when you need money out of your investments. Personally, because I'm always doing RESEARCH, I prefer to sell and move on to a new market that can give me a better cash flow. The Bible states: Seek and ye shall find. Well, I seek it and lo and behold, I find it!

I cannot stress enough how vital RESEARCH is to the success of your portfolio. Think of it as the economic vein that pumps cash into your bank account. With this in mind, I leave you so you can go pick up today's Wall Street Journal or this month's MONEY magazine.


May you be richly blessed,
Linda
advisors@CashFlowCows.com

PS: If you don't have the time or the expertise to RESEARCH, the most vital aspect of investing, then let the Cash Flow Cows team do it for you! Our expertise is in locating properties in areas where an investor can not only benefit from current cash flow, but also be in a market with a potential for strong appreciation.

Sign up for our FREE e-mail alert service today at: www.CashFlowCows.com

We Hand-Pick Properties and Market Areas Where We INVEST PERSONALLY!

No part of this blog may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without prior written permission except by a member of the media who wishes to quote brief passages for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast. The advise in this blog is solely based on personal opinion. Always seek the advise of a trusted attorney, broker, financial planner, accountant or other professional before investing in real estate.

Tips to Find That Perfect Vacation Home

Since my last blog was a bit of a downer, speaking of evictions and all, I decided to liven things up a bit by writing about the obvious, but often forgotten, benefit of real estate investing: enjoying the land!

Several years ago, I decided to purchase a vacation home for me and my family. Most so-called real estate pros advised me not to. They felt it was a waste of my hard-earned equity. I was told to invest in apartment buildings instead.

Although I knew I wanted to continue to buy apartment buildings and increase my holdings in that area, frankly, I was sick and tired of smoggy Los Angeles. So, I began to do research to try and find a little weekend get-away. Along the way, I learned valuable lessons, perhaps these tips can also help you in your quest for real estate wealth.

1. Do Your Research. At the time when I was looking for a vacation home, my budget for the entire retreat was a mere $32,000 -- not much at all. Some people would have told me that I was wasting my time because I would never be able to find something in my price range (Hey, wait, they did tell me that!). Well, don't EVER listen to anyone who tries to pop your bubble. I researched areas up to three hours away from Los Angeles and found a beautiful location that was undervalued and gorgeous to look at.

2. Make Offers (Even if Your Agent Thinks Your Crazy!) - Once I located the area I wanted and could perhaps afford, I began to look for a few properties. Then, I made some low-ball offers. My agent didn't honestly think any of them would get accepted as they had turned down even higher-priced offers before. In fact, I actually had to insist she present our low-ballers. Well, guess what, one did get accepted. I will never forget when our agent called me on the phone and exclaimed: "I can't believe they accepted your offer!"

3. Don't Give Up the Dream - I don't want to make it sound easy. The reality is, the quest for a good property is a difficult and sometimes painful process, but one that can benefit you and your family not only financially but in many other rewarding ways. It took me from start to finish about 6 months of INTENSE research to find my dream vacation home. (I mean looking every day on the MLS and visiting the area over and over again). And, actually, the property I first wanted got taken out from right under us by another buyer who offered more money. But as they say everything happens for a reason. The first rejection enabled me to get an even better property!

4. Be Bold, but Cautious - To finance my country retreat, I took out a HELOC (home equity line of credit) on my home. Some people may think that is unwise. For me, what is unwise is taking out a HELOC and spending the cash on everything BUT real estate. Leveraging is the key to success in this business. It make me quiver when I find out that people use up their home equity on silly things like a new car or a grand vacation. From now on, the rule should be ONLY use a HELOC to grow your real estate wealth. Real estate should produce more real estate!

5. Go Ahead, Get Dirty! - Because I had such a limited budget, I had no choice but to buy a fixer upper. Most of the properties I acquired early on were total disaster zones! But again, that contributed to my success. Buying homes that need some TLC can be very lucrative, but you can't be a wimp. If you don't have the money to hire pros, you have to make the commitment and do it yourself. Pick up that paintbrush, cut those pieces of tile, strip and stain that hardwood floor. Sometimes a new coat of paint and a little Mr. Clean can turn your little dump into a grand retreat -- and give you a great profit, too.

I hope some of these suggestions help you in your quest towards real estate riches. I too am also trying to reach the real estate goals that I have set out for myself, so we're all in the struggle together. Only this weekend I'll be struggling from my 2.5 acre lake-view ranch!

To Your Prosperity,
Linda
www.CashFlowCows.com

Do you have a real estate topic that you would like me to tackle?
E-mail me your questions, suggestions or critiques: pliagas@msn.com

Posted are photographs featuring views from my retreat in Lake Isabella, California.

Real Estate Reality: One Eviction at a Time

I made a commitment recently to spruce up on my writing again, and now, with this new blog, I have no choice but to re-start a lifelong passion. You see for 18 years I worked in media, mostly as a freelance journalist, so writing has been a part of both my professional and personal life.

Well that changed four years ago, when I aggressively began to invest in real estate; at first, it was just a way to supplement my income. Then, I realized that real estate was not just adding in extra dollars, but it was transforming my life financially.

It began with one apartment building in a bit of a rough part in Los Angeles: I took out an equity line of credit on my house. Soon the portfolio grew into nine properties in five states -- all within just a few short years.

It sounds impressive, but really I'm still such a baby in this field. Now, I'm interacting with the big boys, the ones who have portfolios that make mine look like a speckle of beach sand on the front porch.

I always try and learn as much as I can from them. As a trained reporter, I had the privilege of learning one of the most important secrets in life early on: SHUT UP!

You see, most people talk way too much. If they would just sit back, relax, shut up, and smile, the whole world could be theirs... : - )

I had an average day today... Let me share: One of my tenants is getting evicted for non-payment. She's a single mother with two kids living in one of my units in Arizona. Evictions are always tough to swallow, but welcome to the REAL WORLD of real estate investing. At least I have a great property manager, HUNTER JACK (http://www.jaxn.net). He hunts down my checks every month!

Other than me saying a prayer for the lady for her to get back on her feet, what can I do? I'm glad it's not December, I wouldn't be able to evict anyone before X-Mass. Others would, I can't.

You're probably thinking: what a wimp. Well, hold on there! You try evicting two former gang members with tattoos from head to toe. Because that's exactly what I had to do a few years ago. My life was threatened verbally...yada, yada, yada.

I was luckily smart enough to hire a property manager to act as a mediator; he helped me evict them. But did I sleep peacefully at night? Hello, has anyone ever heard of a drive by? I did not sleep deeply for a few MONTHS! And yes, I did want to throw in the towel and never, I mean, NEVER buy another building again. Luckily, my insanity didn't last long.

That same building has now appreciated 50 percent since I purchased it only a few years ago, and it now has wonderful, peaceful tenants; ones who always pay on time.

Some may think that being a real estate investor is an easy-breezy job. Well, now you know better.

Welcome to the reality of real estate investing. A game like no other, where fortunes are made... sometimes one eviction at a time.

Linda
www.CashFlowCows.com
Do you have a real estate topic that you would like me to tackle?
E-mail me your questions, suggestions or critiques: pliagas@msn.com

Welcome to the Cash Flow Cows Blog

Welcome to the Cash Flow Cows blog!

In real estate slang, great properties are often called “Cash Flow Cows”. They are sought-after investments, ones that normally get snatched up rather quickly. We make it easy to find Cash Flow Cows.

If you haven't already, be sure to visit our website at www.cashflowcows.com.

Live the REAL life of a thirty-something-year-old, full-time real estate investor. This California gal is living her dreams and making her mark in a predominately masculine world.

Stay tuned for real estate investing tips, trends, mistakes to avoid and more!