This post discusses Strategic Investment Manifesto 8 FIGURE Empire real estate investors SIM real estate investing and investing deals.

Reading the manifesto was somewhat scary as you described what I have been doing for the past few months. The manifesto was also encouraging as it, too, described many of the thoughts I have had about the direction I need to go. From the latter perspective, it’s good to know that my instincts coincided with what you feel is the correct way to run a real estate investing business. As a trained microbiologist with no formal business training this manifesto is much needed positive reinforcement.

Brad, I feel You are “right on” with your assessment with ALL the information out there on Real Estate Investing. I have invested quite a bit of time, effort and money searching for someone who would “talk straight” and help the beginner connect the dots on pulling this all together. I am encouraged by your approach and feel with your help, I can go out there and get my first deal. I look forward to the call next week.

I have been investing in pre-foreclosures and probate properties for 2 years. Good reminder that corporate business principals still apply in Real Estate Investments regardless the size of the organization. I am from the Jr. Exec corporate world and have a good understanding of missions, goals, metrics and continuous improvement plans. Failure to plan is plan to failure.

By reading this information I have taken away a couple of improvement opportunities in my own business… Plan of implementation and execution for the improvements will be formalized by the end of this weekend.

Thanks,
Dan

The report was a very good analysis of the current “state” of Real Estate investing and the dilemma that faces new and current investors. Well Done!

This manifesto has put investing for me into perspective. I have had 8 different businesses and of course sold them for profit, but I guess when doing RE investing I had always done it “willy, nilly” not anymore. I now look at with a different vision. I want to thank you for sending me this. I will be far better off now.

I immediately printed out the Manifesto and absorbed it quickly. Now every page is marked up and I have 4 pages of notes besides. I haven’t had time to comment on this until now as I was too busy writing out my goals and plans and putting your much needed info to use. You have taken away a lot of the fear I had when I jumped into real estate investing (without a plan). Every time I learned how to do a “new technique” from the other guys I would put it into action only to find myself hanging in mid-air. With your Manifesto I feel I am beginning to build a firm foundation of wise business principles from which to launch my “corporation”. Thank you so much for counting me in on this and please hurry with the training calls so I can finish building my foundation before another great deal comes my way . God bless you for handing me this gift.

Thank you for including me in your list. I’m a newcomer to investing and have been looking for you forever. I loved reading your manifesto and i’m looking forward to more. I cannot thank you enough for straight talking instead of beating around the proverbial “bush” in assessing the real estate investing. I feel that continuing to listen to your advice, i can go out there and make my first deal with no problems.

Thank you for your help,
Enzo

Reading your manifesto really opened my eyes. I look forward to more great information from you. Thanks so much.

Margaret

I thank-you for your straight, common sense talk. I have attended many seminars and purchased alot of investment educational materials over the last 5 years. The biggest thing that has helped me become more successful is when I finally recently realized that I needed to focus on only 1 or 2 different stategies instead of trying to be the “expert” of many. It was reassuring to know that someone as successful as yourself promotes that same philosophy. I am looking forward to working with you in the future.

Your assessment of the real estate investment community as a group of professional consumers is correct.The availability of productive information however is scarce.All the so-called gurus don’t really have a clue as to whats going on in the country today.Your insights on the investment community are very precise and a good source of quality information.

i really appreciated reading your manifesto. My husband & I have invested in 10 residential properties in the past 3 years without a “real plan”. I also currently take part in the ownership & operation of our 18 yr old franchise & a 22 yr old construction company…time is precious in our lives. We have been married for 28 years and have only had one 2-week vacation (our honeymoon) because we feel so tied down to our “daily grind”. (we do take several 3-4 day breaks or we couldn’t keep our sanity) This coming september our goal is to go to Greece for 2 weeks. I think you might be our crucial stepping stone to forming a real strategic plan for wealth and most importantly, freedom in our lives. Thanks for sharing & I would welcome the opportunity to work with you in the near future.

The SIM demonstrates the essential importance of sound business principles in creating, operating and growing a sound successful real estate investing business as a “business”. Your dichotomy of “opportunity” vs. “strategic planning” is an eye opener. I’ve been to my share of seminars and have purchased a number of courses, but no one explains the reality of real estate investing as a business with the surgical precision of the Manifesto. Well done! I look forward to the teleseminar and hearing more from you.

Your SIM has made me realize that my previous experience can really help me in the real estate investing arena. I have spent a tremendous amount of time just spinning my wheels. Hopefully I will get off of dead center. Thanks for the kick in the pants.

Very informative and interesting concept. Have read the pdf. Where do I signup for the call? 11:50 1/27/08 Eastern time

Greetings Brad,
Well I must say it is quite exciting and encouraging to stumble onto something such as this, You’ve certainly grabbed my attention !!!

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that most if not all of us who find ourselves here, have all dreamed of getting involved in RE Investing to some degree and have all envisioned the success and financial independence it could possibly bring us in our lives.

It’s nice to know that it actually can be done by the avg Joe….you have obvioulsy realized your dream,I personally have had this picture in my mind for quite some time, but for whatever reason have either not had the proper education level, balls, or experience to just jump in and start to experience success !! I am cautiously optimistic that THIS may be the opportunity I’ve been seeking and have Found ..Looking forward to the Tele Conference Tuesday to learn a little more..

Thanks

George A
Chatsworth Ca.

I enjoyed the thought and practises of SIM. I can’t wait to apply them to my business. I look forward to more ideas on how to build a successful business. Thanks.

I have to admit i really like this approach! the manifesto is very no nonsense and informative . really looking forward to the next input! thanks!

Hey Brad!

Many thanks for putting out such a well-reasoned and practical paper on real estate investing and the vagaries and misconceptions about this industry. I must confess that I got drawn to it by the elusive advise of real estate investment gurus who made it sound so enticing and effortless in making millions through a combination of “nothing down” strategies.

I bought into this dream. However, after a frustrated effort of trying the zero down offers without success, I then withdrew my savings with which I acquired two properties at 95% financing each. But it did not take long before one of my tenants quit on me. I then started exploring a way to refinance this one property. There, I learned another devastating lesson – that most refinance lenders could only do up to 75% of property’s market value. I was therefore, left to struggle helplessly. It took four months before I could find another paying tenant.

Stuff like this. These gurus make their money by hawking “bogus” information, not practical real estate investing. Some of their information is outdated; most of it is not realistic in real life.

I think your article would do a lot more good and be helpful had you included a little more information on how to find alternative sources of financing to invest when one has a B credit rating, does not have a rich relative, or lots of credit cards to tap into.

Cephas T

Hi Brad,

I read with interest your SIM . However, I must say, bearing in mind that I have read a lot of books, attended many seminars and done a lot of research on the net, that a lot of the info in the SIM I was already aware of. However, in saying that also, you are quite right, in all the books, seminars and web researches, nobody ever tells you how “it’s done”, but only so and so bought 10 houses in a month or whatever.

So, it is great that now you have put all the info in one single package and I do look forward to receiving more info from you. As I live in Australia, attending seminars and telephone seminars are probably out of the question. However, please keep sending me info. I have spoken to a few of my friends, who are also investors, about your site as well.

Thanks, Brad,

Valerie

This is great! ! !

Where do I sign up, can’t find the place other than where I signed up yesterday!

Hello Brad,

I have just finished your 57 pages of vital information on the right way I should be building my RE business,
I related to some of the pitfalls of investors as in my own words being over educated instead of staying focused on one or two niches. Thank you very much as I am excited to be involved, in fact I have just faxed an offer on a property where the numbers made sense and took you advice and was decisive. Thanks as I am looking forward to the calls.

Sincerely,

John

Wow, Brad this info. is off the chain.
I’ve been a wannabe investor/business person, and I have accumulated tons of the “gurus’” courses about everything from Real Estate to Forex trading, but have never actuated the aspirations.

When I was reading through the SIM I could see myself right there as the “opportunity seeker” and realized that I need help fast.

thanks a lot Brad… I can’t wait to get this babie off the ground and hit 8 figure.

The SIM is a great breakdown of the current Real Estate situation and the appropriate mindset to get into in order to make any Real Estate Investment business successful. We must think in terms of building a BIG BUSINESS and ensure that we have the correct tools in place.
I am a new investor and I believe that the SIM gives credence to the path I am taking and the way I want to do business. Like you said, it’s just common sense! Having said that, there wee many things in the SIM that I had not considered!! Thanks for putting this together and being willing to share it with us!

I’m looking forward to more insites on how to be successful. Your next imputs are very much anticipated.

Finished reading the Strategic Investment Manifesto twice. Very exciting, well written message – how to treat real estate as a business & avoid emotional or opportunistic thinking. I think the document could be edited down to about 25 pages and then linked at the end to an instant purchase of an online video training course for about $99 or a link to an Amazon book for $29.99. Going for a small class of mentorship, let’s say 20 x $5000 = $100,000 is of course a worthwhile strategy but is not a hands-free revenue stream. I hope you have great success from sharing your enthusiastic training.
Many thanks–Patrick

The SIM was both extremely refreshing and also very valuable. While it did little more than whet my appetite to learn more, it DID impart many practical truths that can be implemented immediately to help me redirect my business and better ensure that I make it in real estate. The SIM stands in sharp contrast with the media-bombardment from the “gurus” saying that if I don’t buy their course immediately, I’m doomed to failure. The practical, common-sense advice that you offer is far from “common” in today’s investing world, yet it is the key to creating a business that can survive the coming recession and the changes in real estate investing. I’m not really satisfied – I want more advice. But at the same time, this is just enough advice that I can go implement it immediately and see the immediate changes in my productivity and satisfaction with my business.

Thanks for sharing this with us, the “masses”

–Jessica

Loved reading the SIM. For me I have a one eyed open approach to your words of wisdom. I have been used, abused, and down right insulted by people in this industry that just down right to advantage of vunerable people in the market place out here. I have serious amounts of cash taken from me with literally nothing in return from some of these “gurus”. 3 years ago this month I set out to be a Professional Real Estate Investor and to this day I am still setting out. I read and liked you plan of action(s) and look forward to hearing more. I am on the perch of being so ready, that it hurts. I am ready, lets go! Thank you Cheryl

Loved reading the SIM. For me I have a one eyed open approach to your words of wisdom. I have been used, abused, and down right insulted by people in this industry that just down right to advantage of vunerable people in the market place out here. I’ve have serious amounts of cash taken from me with literally nothing in return from some of these “gurus”. 3 years ago this month I set out to be a Professional Real Estate Investor and to this day I am still setting out. I read and liked you plan of action(s) and look forward to hearing more. I am on the perch of being so ready, that it hurts. I am ready, lets go! Thank you Cheryl

Loved reading the SIM. For me I have a one eyed open approach to your words of wisdom. I have been used, abused, and down right insulted by people in this industry that just down right to advantage of vunerable people in the market place out here. I’ve have serious amounts of cash taken from me with literally nothing in return from some of these “gurus”. 3 years ago this month I set out to be a Professional Real Estate Investor and to this day I am still setting out. I read and liked your plan of action(s) and look forward to hearing more. I am on the perch of being so ready, that it hurts. I am ready, lets go! Thank you Cheryl

Loved the insight. I have a new game plan to implement after reading the manifesto. I look forward to hearing more, but I do not have tonight’s call info to be on the call? I never got that email.

Bummer; I was on the call 20 minutes early, and the audio didn’t start until 30 minutes late…already in progress! I’m listening, but I’m lost…

Great Read.

Just got done with the call. Wow…can you say “whirlwind”?

Constructive Criticism :

- I felt that you were in a hurry; hard to track
- I’m sure that with the manuals in front of me this would have been easier to track with
- As stated above, the company you chose this phone call was sub-par. The audio didn’t start until 30 minutes after the call was supposed to start, and it cut out at one point, so I had to call back
- You probably should have muted the line when you were done; 600 people now have your personal phone number!

The positive, of course, is that this was a LOT of GREAT content!! One point in particular I liked: when you said on the call ‘this is not meant to be understood in one night; it’s meant to be digested and learned, and implemented over 12, 24, even 36 months’.

I’m looking forward to the next call!

I have attended several real estate seminars and training courses but none have explained what one has to do in order to achieve sucess as well as or so clearly as you have. It reminds me of the V-8 commercial but instead of saying I could have had a V-8, I’m saying I this is so obvious and why didn’t see it before now! I look forward to learning and implementing.

Very disappointed. Called inm at 5 minutes til 7:00 cst . Listened to music til almost 7:30 so we only got to hear the last hour of a 90 minute presentation.

What can be done to hear the first 30 mintes of the training? 35 minutes of music was just fine ,but I feel that it was a disadvantage not to have heard the first 30 minutes of the training call.

I read the Manifesto twice and listened to both of the case studies twice, but what is the point if you can’t get the first 30 minutes of the training call.

Hi Brad,

First let me pre-empt this with a big THANK YOU for free information that crushes most of the paid calls I’ve been on so far. With that said a lot of people are focusing on ONLY positive comments. Although I agree with a lot of the positive comments – I feel that the only way for you to get benefit out of the the feedback loop is for me to be CONSTRUCTIVELY CRITICAL and try to push you to be better.

First of all – tonight’s call#1:
1) Not sure about most people but called in early and the music was playing for the first 10 minutes – tried all numbers you gave because I knew you were starting. Then suddenly music stopped and you’re 15 min into presentation. Not a good way to start off because you lose perspective on the OVERVIEW or OBJECTIVE of the call and have to catch up. Not the level of professionalism your striving for. Kick the bridge line’s ass!
2) Slow down – think about how many people are new to investing or need more explanation. You had to have quite a bit of caffeine in your system to keep up that pace. Admirable, but again doesn’t project the type of confidence I think that people are going to want to place in your system when you’re talking 40 words per second and information is literally spilling out of the speakers.
3) Simplify or eliminate non-essential details on some aspects of what you’re teaching because you go into a lot of complexity and it can be confusing to even experienced investors with corporate experience. Obviously you’re looking to sell this thing but not focus on hype. You have to give out some real info to get motivated solid clients who are going to be in your POWER NETWORK and help make you money. All the while you can’t completely GIVE it all away, nor do you have the time to do so. Think about the genius of making complex things simple and find a way like Einstein did!
3) Please put a digital copy of that call on the internet with a link for the group that registered and is helping you with your content. I think with further review you’ll probably get hammered with questions but you also might be able to refine the content. I’ll do my best to give you some additional feedback if I hear it again. My notes are scrawl!!

All in all really great – I’m just starting out but have 11 years of experience in corporate america as the head of a 60 million dollar global business unit. I’m planning to become a successful “Wizard behind the controls” of a real estate investment company in my part time. Your information is great, your philosophies make sense to me, and I would gladly become a dedicated student of yours given the opportunity. Of all the mentors that I’ve heard from it sounds as though you are the most invested in the success of your students and vice versa. You also set up a foundation for success that most others are skipping as they focus on “acquisition tactics” or “lead generation”. I could go on and on but suffice to say you’ve put me on a stronger path towards success. Looking forward to reviewing all the information over again and Call #2 when it happens. Thanks again!

Tom Cooke

Just listened to your first call – I came a little late, so I’m not sure if there is a recording of the call, but I came in during the marketing discussion. Everyone has heard to do the magnets, but the way you described this strategy as well as the others made me look at my RE biz in a different way. I want to be a syndicator in my real estate buisness and dove tail all I can!

Hi Brad i think your awesome and one of the best, it’s very helpful and useful tool or guide for my success in investing in real estate.

Brad,

I enjoyed reading the SIM. I like how you present all of the ideas in the way of creating a vision of possibility.

thanks

Missed the call and was unable to hear anything but music. Logged on at 6 min till eight and hung up at 5 after to retry again with the same result. Will the call be available as a download? I didn’t get your last email till I came home. Sorry.
I really like your focus and direction so I can’t wait to get more info to jumpstart your strategies in my investing. I am struggling right now wandering without a solid path to follow. Formerly a Protege program student without any deals under my belt. Looking forward to working with you.
Thank you

I am so glad you included me in your mailing for the manifesto. I am just getting ready to get started in real estate investing, after much study and preparation. Your manifesto showed me I need to do some more preparation before I step off a cliff! I have listened and read from the best, but realize much of the stategies will not work like they used to.
Thanks for the manifesto, and your conference call. There is so much information, I have only begun to dig in. I want more!
Thanks for your insight Brad! I truly appreciate it.

Brad,

Thanks for sending me your manifesto. That, along with the conference call, was full of information that I needed to hear.
I am a new investor trying to plan my road map, as well as my exit strategies. Your information helped me to realize the importance of being informed and staying ahead of the curve. I do believe we will see the “rules” change as time goes on. With your program, I believe we can stay ahead of the curve, and build our own solid business.
I am anxious to know more. Thanks for putting this together.

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that was listening to music for the first 20-25 minutes. From what I heard at that point and thereafter, I can’t help thinking I missed something important in that missing first part. I did call 5 minutes before the conference started, as requested. What I heard was very good, and did give me perspective that I did not have before. Not necessarily new information, but molded differently, which brought new, and a more meaningful, insight on the importance, and reasons, for developing a “POWER” team, and contolling personal involvement in too many aspecst of a Real Estate Business. Our business is new, and not quite to Phase II, but I am interested in making this business work, and to have it thrive. I will re-read the manifesto, and see if I can try to fill in the missing pieces from the first part of the session. I will be watching my e-mail closely for updates. Thanks for the great presentation.
Bob

I received an email from you this morning, that said I downloaded your manifesto yesterday, when in fact I downloaded the material somewhere around January 16th. I have already responded a few frames up.
I was really disappointed about the phone call last night I called in 5 minutes earily and waited on the phone til about 12 after 7:00 CST and only heard music. So I called another 3 times and stayed on 5-6 minutes at a time. Then decided to log into my email account again and found another letter from you saying “It’s GO Time!” I saw the 800 # called it, the person answering wanted me to conference call with her so she could hear what I was hearing, not knowing my phone well enough, I couldn’t help her. So she called and said she could hear the call inprogress that was around 7:29. She told me to call the number again and try to get on, I did and got through. Frustrated I continued to listen to the rest of your message.
What I heard in some of the things you said I have heard before, and somethings you came through strong, not being about to expound on them and yes you are right it will take months to perfect a plan. The magnet idea is good, I had a family owned business in the late 70’s and by the earily 80’s we had magnets on the sides of our truck, it is an inexpensive way to advertise. I would wish if it were possible to have a copy of the program last night, so I can hear “the rest of the story”. That was as hard as watching a movie 1/2 hour into it, because all the punch lines finish at the end and it leaves you hanging. Sorry that you have a negative response to what could and can and will be, I’m sure, a very good thing. Keep the chin up and move forward.
I want like everything to make a first deal and give you the credit, so here goes.

Being a part-time investor for many years (without a lot of success), I was impressed with your SIM. For me, the focusing part (and what to focus on) was the most helpful. I anxiously awaited the conference call, only to be disappointed. I think I fell asleep before it was over. I’m sure the words you were reading were powerful, but I don’t even remember what you said. Perhaps it’s just me…

Although I dialed in 5 minutes before the call was to start, the audio of you talking didn’t start until 20 minutes afterwards. I sure hope you recorded it so I can get the first 20 minutes,

The information was very helpful. A suggestion. Give the topics more slowly for those taking notes. Specifically the 6 pillars and the 3 Evolutions. When you are giving a teleconf call without outlines or notes available, folks need time to hear the topic and write it down.

You also referred to material. Will that be available? I’m assuming you recorded the call to use for a home study course where folks will have the material. For those of us on the call last night, will that material be available?

Your points about needing money for the “business” side of RE investing was very good. I’ve been to a number of training seminars and also have several home study courses and no one has really pointed that out. It would be good to have a list of “must haves” and ” helpful items” for folks just starting out.

Some tips on how to network would be helpful. Keeping track of contacts, keeping in touch with them. Building a team etc.

Perhaps some more on the “inside” and “outside” education. The mental/attitude/belief side as well as the “how tos”.

Your explination of the S.M.A.R.T repeat Measureable as the last instead of “Timeframe”.

Hi Brad,
I just wanted to let you know I haven’t had a chance to read much of the manifesto yet because I just downloaded it yesterday, but I did get to read a little about the young guy that made $200,000 dollars in 9 months and his whole story how he made it happen. It really inspired me to want to know more. I am a 28 year graphic designer here in Charlotte, NC and I like my job a lot but at the same time I’m not making anywhere close to six figures. I owe a lot to my mother who lives in beautiful Asheville, NC for introducing me to your program. She is a really hard worker and very driven person and it inspires me to be the same. She has just recently started working with short sales homes and in the past four months she has learned a lot and make some really good money. Her third month of doing short sales she made $10,000 in one month, in her fourth month she made that $10,000 in one week and it keeps going up. I know some people are making much more than that, but it seems like a great start to me. It’s not just about the money with me, it’s about getting to a comfortable place in life and having that since of security. If you have any info that you feel would be to value to me please let me know I am all ears. I will be reading the manifesto over the next few days and I’m sure it will have a lot of good info for me to get started. Thanks and look forward to a new future.
GO GAINTS!!!!

GIANT’S sorry

Dear Brad:

As a retired businessman, I read SIM with a great deal of interest. I agree with your premises regarding business planning. Trying to be all things to all people just doesn’t work.

I have authored and co-authored some very intense and thorough business plans in my career and until one completes that exhaustive exercise a road map to guide one to success simply does not exist.

We are in an age of information overload. Everyone seems to be the next guru. I did not get an invite to your call last night although I believe I am registered. However, I was engaged in the instantTelesiminar conducted by Tamara and Michelle of isipProperties…who in fact referred me to your website.

Over the years, I have put some RE deals together and profited handsomely although I never thought of myself as an investor. I can see where your structured knowledge can go a long way in helping me to become a successful RE investor.

Thank you for your valuable information…JC

Thank you so much for the MP3 on your call. I am so excited! Cheryl

Dear Brad,

Great informaiton (if a bit rushed in delivery). I can’t wait until the second part.

I’m looking for more,
Glynn

Hi Brad,

ILove what you have here, I can relate to That

I’ved been to about six seminars and boot camps, only to be dissapointed

Thanks for keeping it real

Eddie

Brad,

Hope you don’t mind – but I’m going to reach out to this group and actually implement some of your training! For anyone in the Los Angeles CA area, I’m going to be holding partner meetings on Friday from 3-5pm every week that I’m available and can present. The goal of these meeting is to meet and network with like-minded investors and to present my business plans and strategies to interested parties that may want to join our company. I hope to find motivated hardworking partners with talent and experience by reaching out to all within my network. More to follow. Anyone interested please email me @ capn.cooke@mac.com and I can give you more detail on exact time / place of meetings.

Thx – look forward to hearing from some of you.

Best,

Tom Cooke

Hello webmaster! Found your blog on yahoo – thanks for the article but i still don\’t get it, Ronny

Seeing myself in the description of the Opportunistic Investor really rocked my boat. Building a business correctly is certainly the foundation for sucess and I found myself asking “Why didn’t I think of that before?”

Thanks Brad, for a great adjustment to my focus!

Gary

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