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At 5:45 p.m., I was sitting on a bus going home after an eight-hour work day and 40-minute train ride.  Two women sitting behind me were talking. 

“I want to sell my house and buy a six-family house and rent it out,” said Woman A. 

“No you shouldn’t do that.  Nobody is going to pay your rent.  Look at the economy and the gas prices.  People don’t pay rent, they don’t have money or jobs right now.  They break your property, it’s more of a headache,” answered Woman B. 

“Really?” responded Woman A, puzzled. 

“Yeah, you don’t want to do that.  Nobody pays rent,” said Woman B, with confidence. 

Woman A, you are thinking big.  You want multiple streams of income.  Good for you!  

Woman A, step away from Woman B, and shut your eyes and ears to everything she has to say about your ambition and goals.  Instead, get on the positive path and start paving the way to accomplishing your objective. 

1.) Contact experts such as real estate brokers and loan officers and discuss the market, property availability, financials, etc. Search for people who share your  aspirations.  Go to meetup.com and meet people and groups specifically related to buying and renting real estate.  If there is no such group, start one. 

2.) Go to the library or bookstore and pick up books, magazines, and DVDs about investing in real estate.

3.) Contact your local colleges for their continuing education classes on real estate investment.  

4.) Ask around and you will find out about people who have been investing in real estate. Talk to them. Do not be afraid to ask questions. You are putting people up on a pedestal when you ask question.  You are making them look like experts. This will encourage them to eagerly answer your questions or discuss your concerns. As you begin researching, you will find a wealth of information and people that can help you reach your objective. 

5.) Do not share your goals with negative people. Ignore them. If negative people are the ones that matter in your life -- you husband, parents, siblings, children, friends -- then teach them to think positive and to respect your desire and ambition.  Surround yourself with positive people.  Remember, if there is a passion, there is a solution.