If real estate is such a great investment, why aren't more people getting rich? Is the business too complicated for the average person to learn? Does it take the equivalent of three full-time jobs to make money? Do you need a thick wad of cash or sparkling credit? A perfect economy? After many years of experience in the field of real estate, I've come to the conclusion that anyone - even someone who's hopelessly average, and even in a mediocre economy - can succeed in this business.

  The secret to success isn't really so complex. The fact is, success will be yours if you follow this simple recipe:

• You must put a system into place that really works.
• You must do the footwork. That means you must put effort into your project, and be diligent, every day.
• You must have faith.

  Of course, following the recipe for success isn't without its obstacles. But are they insurmountable? Here are some of the barriers you may have encountered in the past:

• Lack of knowledge. "I don't know how to invest." Well, of course you don't! It's just like any job: You have to learn it. But in this information age, learning is easier than ever. Where do you get the information? Contact your local chapter of the Real Estate Investment Association. Go to the library. Take a course on real estate investment. If you'll take the time to learn, you'll find all the information you need.
  
  
• Lack of time. "I have a full-time job and three kids. I don't have any extra time!" It's certainly true that time is one of the scarcest resources of all. And yes, it does take some time to invest in real estate. But you don't need to quit your job to do it. Start small. Invest in one house instead of five. Read a book on investment instead of watching TV. Go to the library and learn about time management skills, and practice them! You may find extra time for real estate and for your kids.
  
  
• Lack of money. "It takes money to make money, and I don't have any!" Yes, some real estate investments require money. However, there are many types of real estate investments, and not all of them require cash. Wholesaling, for example, require no money up front, and can give you a terrific return.
  
  
• Lack of credit. "If you don't have money, you've got to have good credit to get a loan. Mine isn't so hot." Again, this only applies to some types of real estate investments. Believe it or not, there are good real estate investments that don't require money or credit. Your job is to learn about them.
  
  
• Too much hassle. "Who wants to renovate a house, or chase a dead-beat tenant?" Yes, some types of real-estate investments are a lot of hassle. But others are no hassle at all. If you don't want to renovate a house, how about selling the contract? If you don't want to be a landlord, you don't have to!
  
  
• "I can't". Well, you've got me there. I know you can, but it doesn't do you any good if you don't know it. This, and only this, can block your success. Don't let it!

  By now, you've probably spotted two of my favorite themes:

1. You can increase your options by thinking outside the box. There are all kinds of real estate investments. Don't limit yourself to the "same old, same old."
2. You can if you think you can. Don't let anyone - including you - tell you that success is beyond your reach.

  Of course, knowing these two things isn't the end of it. Remember that simple recipe for success? You can follow it only by taking action. Without action, all the confidence and understanding in the world is useless. So today, do just one thing that will bring you closer to success. Take action, and make it happen!

Don DeRosa provides a 434 page workbook, 10 audio CDs, and two bonus CDs containing forms you need to be a success. "Making a Fortune Short-Selling Second Mortgages" as well as other courses on how to make money with no credit or money. Visit DonDeRosa.com on the internet or contact him at 770-475-1584.