Cause’ im not 18 yet, and im not wanting everybody calling my homephone. You see, I just got a cell phone 
(Yes I know, what a loser!!!, dude is that old and just got a cell phone) lol
I hear crap like this ALL THE TIME.
I put an enormous amount of effort into surrounding myself with people who are successful at what I want to be successful at. I take active, successful investors to lunch quite often. I go to rei meetings and learn from the DOERS.
There are a lot of wannabe investors in my market (and other markets, I’m sure), who sit and cry and complain about how bad things are. And then, there are investors who are cleaning house in the same market. Guess who I take my advice from.
Sometimes it’s just easier to keep your mouth shut about your rei plans in front of certain people.
Seek out the active, successful investors in your area- these are the people you want to be discussing your rei plans with.
Good luck,
Steph
My advice to you is the same I gave to my wife the other day when she said to our daughter: “How many times am I going to have to tell you to …”
My reply: “Apparently one more time until you either develop a thicker skin or do something to change the situation.” Actually in order to avoid having something thrown at me, I said the line “Apparently one more time” while chuckling and then later on explained to her what I meant :biggrin
Develop a thicker skin:
How many times …
a) are my friends, family, distance cousin going to tell me I’m going to fail in real estate
b) am I going to be called an unfair slumlord
c) am I going to be called a cold hearted son of a !@#$%
A couple of quotes that I read everyday have helped me to develop my own thicker skin:
“Enjoy the validation and support from others when it comes to you, but do not expect it or be disappointed if it does not happen. It is your job to validate your … self.” --Kevin Cashman, Leadership from the Inside Out
“Learning to adapt to each new circumstance means seeing events through your own eyes, and often ignoring the advice that people constantly peddle your way.” --Robert Greene, The 48 Laws of Power
“Personal style, personal belief, a tremendous desire to make something happen, tenacity, the ability to never give up, no matter how many people say no, are vital. You have to simply turn a deaf ear to rejection, to keep moving forward, to build into your own psyche the ability to stay true to yourself and what you believe in.” --Warren Bennis, On Becoming a Leader
Do something change the situation:
How many times are my tenants going to …
a) take the batteries out of the smoke detector to use in their CD player
b) become the new owner of a pit bull
c) pay rent late
d) not pay the rent at all
e) throw wild parties
f) shoot out all the windows
If you can’t do either, the answer is: “Apparently one more time.”
Tg
It is your job to validate yourself. Great quote. I love approval as much as anybody else does, but I especially love it when I don’t need it from others, meaning I approve of myself. Hoosier, I understand that you want people to understand and get what you are going to do with real estate. Trust me, I went through it with my family and friends! You really want the respect and approval from them… SUCCEED. Funny this is that when you SUCCEED their thoughts or opinions of you won’t matter near as much as it seems to now.
BTW, did you look into those reia clubs I sent you?
You will find two kinds of people involved with your business: anchors and sails. Anchors will drag you down and prevent or slow your success. They will tell you how you will fail. Sails will encourage you and help you succeed. They will offer tips and share experience. Talk shop with the sails and stick to small talk with the anchors. It’s best is to simply lose the anchors, even if they are childhood friends. Sometimes people just grow apart.
Another thing I have found common among successful people is that they have a plan. They right down what they want and how they plan to get there with milestones along the way. Most importantly, they attach dates to the goals. You will find yourself more motivated when you use dates.