Update on my life. I’ve been doing many things I had on my back burner for the past 3 weeks, and it’s been really great. I’ve set up the Linux e-mail and document station in my office that I’ve been meaning to build. I’ve cleaned out my 100-year-old detached garage that was literally full, floor to ceiling, with whatever nonsense all the previous occupants of my house filled with it from ancient hand drills (totally cool), to piles of rotting clothing from the 70s (totally not cool). Great way to get over your fear of cockroaches, let me tell you!

I’ve spent a lot of time with my loved ones, been able to attend political events in my area, write letters I’ve been putting off, read books I’ve intended to read.

It’s been a good time. Then there’s the part about the money.

Strapped

I’m doing fine really, because I live well below my means, but it does make me nervous to burn more than I bring in. I’ve also had to put off certain “nice to have” things, like some cosmetic dental work I’ve planned. No big deal, I’m a patient person.

I mentioned talking to mentors about real estate in a previous post. One said to focus for this 3 to 6 months on the flood of short sales going on. The other said simply to keep any purchases cash flow positive. That means the payments I make, including mortgage, taxes, repairs, and any other expenses have to be covered by the rent I can bring in. Seems like a no-brainer, but some people don’t do it that way — that’s outside the scope of this blog, send me a note and I’ll explain it!

I’ve been looking at rental properties in my area, and I’m optimistic. The places I’m looking at would have mortgages significantly below what the rental market would fetch. I’m very well-positioned because these are places other buyers would run screaming from — they need work. I don’t mind though, I know how to do all the work. I can install the new kitchens, or repair the roof, or rewire, or hang new drywall, and I can do it all very cheaply, which gives me a competitive advantage. The issue now is finding a lender, because I don’t have enough cash to buy up enough properties to live from. If I do something creative with that, I’ll post about it.

Meanwhile, I’m well into an interview process at the small company I mentioned before. They are quite far away from me, but I’ve spoken with the owner and the next step is to fly out there for a final interview (number three, roughly).

Hold on, Mister “Investment Opportunity”

Why would Ken Sharpe, contrarian extraordinaire, want to act like a chump, and again throw himself into traditional, gainful employment? A few reasons:

• Living below my means only carries so far — I have to cover my cash flow needs for the short term, and I can only go at this burn rate for a few months.
• This particular company is a paragon of excellence. The work they produce has inspired me for years. I’m honestly a little star struck to be considered for their team. I feel like their commitment to top quality output will push me to new heights as well.
• This company wants to create a development department that produces consumer products with their own revenue streams, so I have a chance to mold, and be on the ground floor of excellent projects that receive significant press. They are willing to give up equity for this to happen.
• Working from home will give me the freedom I need to develop my own products, or work on my real estate projects.

So, like I said in the investment opportunity post, don’t just fall into a job because it’s the default thing to do — if you get a job, make sure there are genuinely good reasons for doing so. I think there are really good reasons for getting this job, so I’m going to try to get it, and prospects are looking up.