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Inspiring Success
As many of you might know I started my cash flow business, Armstrong Capital,
back in May of 1991. At that time I went through the five day boot camp course
that was designed to teach us solely about purchasing and brokering of one
income stream, seller financed real estate notes, the now referred to as the
private mortgage niche. When I came out of the class there was no funding source
directory, no member advisors, no Master Brokers, no internet, minimal support
and lots of questions still lingering in my mind.
One of my first projects was to try and find more funding sources that were
willing to work with a note broker (now termed consultant). They gave us a few
sources but I felt I need more of a range of funding sources to properly attempt
this business. By the way, this set back has been completely eliminated in today’s
3-day course; ACFI gives you dozens of funding sources to work with immediately.
In my search for more funding sources I stumbled upon Larry and Lorelei Stevens
of Wall Street Brokers, Inc. in Seattle, WA (206-448-1160). Larry and Lorelei
are a father and daughter team of investors that have been purchasing real
estate secured notes, business notes, divorce liens and much more for at least
30 years now. They were instrumental in my beginning years with assisting me in
closing many of my first several transactions and many more since then. It was
Lorelei who inspired me to write articles for various real estate magazines and
suggested different types of marketing methods. They truly were an example of
success in this industry that I have been trying to model since the day I first
contacted them with the hopes that one day one of my daughter’s will work with
me as well.
As time went by I was put in touch with a man by the name of Jon Richards.
Jon Richards was the owner of the NoteWorthy Newsletter who passed away
recently. From the first time I contacted Jon to the last time I spoke with him
he always made it a point to take the time to listen and assist me with whatever
he could. He had a genuine spirit of giving and sharing of his time and
information that went beyond what anyone else in the industry had ever shown me.
With Jon on my side I was inspired to reach my own success and follow in his
footsteps. Following his example I now give my time and share my knowledge,
information and experiences as a visiting instructor, Master Broker and speaker
at industry conventions. I will continue to give back and share as much as I am
able.
One of the funding sources I was able to find early on was Metropolitan
Mortgage and Securities, now Western United Life Assurance Company,
800-268-9184. On my first transaction with them I was assigned to work with
Jerry Rhines, one of their contract buyers. Jerry walked me through a few
transactions on exactly how to package a deal, what was needed, what was not
necessary and how to lay out a complete package in such a way as to give all of
the pertinent information so that they, the funding source, could move on it as
quickly as possible. Jerry was somewhat strict and after those first few
transactions would not accept a package from me unless it was done properly. I
can now thank him for this because now I have a good reputation with the funding
sources for always providing a complete package upon acceptance. Not only did he
teach me the correct way to present a package to a funding source but he also
showed me a few years later how to keep the back end of a mortgage for myself on
occasion. By purchasing a full and selling them a partial I have been able to
build up a valuable source of residual income. Jerry is no longer with Western
United but we still keep in touch to this day. I believe that Jerry played a big
part in assisting me with molding my business into what it is today.
In addition to individuals I have actually met I must include at least one
book that has inspired me to be successful. The author is Napoleon Hill and his
book is "Think and Grow Rich". This one book alone has given me
direction, shown me the value of persistence, how to set and accomplish goals,
the steps it takes to be successful and the strength of having a burning desire
to succeed. If you have not read this book already I suggest for everyone to
pick up a copy and read it through several times in hopes that it will enlighten
you as well.
The cash flow industry is a business. Like every business there is no one
secret to being successful. Persistence, associating yourself with successful
people, changing or tweaking your business when appropriate, dedication, focus,
desire and effort all are a part of becoming successful in whatever you do. I
can only hope that as a visiting instructor, speaker and Master Broker that I am
able to give back to the cash flow industry and assist and inspire success in
people the way that these individuals have done for me.
Jeff Armstrong is president of Armstrong Capital. He is a member of the
Million-Dollar Club, a Master Broker, visiting instructor for the American Cash
Flow Institute, and the author of two best selling books. He can be reached by
calling 818-884-2322, faxing 818-884-1723, e-mail jeff@armstrongcapital.com, or
visit armstrongcapital.com and click on "Note Brokers" for questions
and information about his Master Broker services, Mentorship program how
Armstrong Capital can help you succeed
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