Tom welcomes to the show, a dynamic couple who transitioned from corporate jobs to being successful real estate investors. They share their journey, starting with the emotional and logistical challenges they faced when Laurie's father passed away, leading them to clean out and sell his house. This experience sparked their interest in real estate, and they dove in headfirst, learning the ropes through real estate investment groups and hands-on experience. Frank and Laurie discuss the importance of community and networking, emphasizing how their involvement with their Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) has been instrumental in their growth. They also highlight the value of persistence and the power of negotiation, sharing practical tips and personal anecdotes that illustrate their learning curve and successes. Key Takeaways03:02: Initial Real Estate Program and Joining Local Investment Group04:49: Benefits of Community and Accountability08:25: Emotional Hurdles and Control in Real Estate14:13: Attraction to Tom Zeeb’s Program15:20: Negotiation Techniques and Confidence Building17:27: Emotional Detachment from Properties20:04: Rehabbing as Primary Exit Strategy21:25: First Flip Experience and Learning Curve22:45: Helping a Seller in Foreclosure29:29: New Construction and General Contracting30:26: Changes from Total Traction Program36:14: Differentiating from Competition37:04: Importance of Follow-Up41:22: Using Negotiation Techniques with Contractors44:02: Benefits of Being Persistent45:26: Craziest Deal Experience48:53: Advice for New InvestorsTweetable Quotes"What I like about it is it makes us more valuable as investors. If we're not able to purchase a house or if we don't like the deal, it doesn't fit into our criteria. We'll know somebody that does or we'll find somebody that does. So we'll be able to help that person that is perhaps in a tough spot with their credit or they have to move for whatever reason. It's really important to them. We'll find a way to help them solve their problem or leave them with value." (Laurie)"We just had a gut feel that there was an opportunity here that we could. We're smart people. We should be able to make this work. Just have to put in a little bit of effort into it. And Lori will tell you, once we committed to it, she didn't sleep for a week." (Frank)"I have to separate the emotion from it. That was another big hurdle. Alongside getting into the business at first, separating myself emotionally and thinking of the houses as just inventory was a big deal. I feel that I'm getting to that point, or I've really made a big stride in having the properties be inventory and not take an emotional toll on me." (Laurie)Guest ResourcesTom’s Training Website Tom’s TOTAL TRACTION program Traction REIA Nationwide DealMachine Special Bonus Offer