Foreword

By Patrick Francey Sept. 2012

It is often only in hindsight that we are able to understand the true impact of a single decision. This is certainly true in my case, as there was no way I could have known the chain of events my seemingly simple decision to invest in real estate would set in motion. It is only now, more than ten years later, that I can see the obvious significance of that decision on me, my business, and ultimately my family's lives.

In late 1999, after 15 years as a small business owner, my wife Steffany and I decided it was time to expand our strategy for building our long-term financial foundation. Guided by the success and advice of friends and business associates, we chose to include real estate as part of our strategy.

After coming across a small ad buried at the back of our local newspaper inviting us to learn about Alberta real estate, we registered for our first-ever “real estate investing” presentation. It was being hosted by an organization called the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN™).

We had no idea what to expect, but were intrigued when speakers began to talk about the philosophy of investing in real estate. They outlined a straightforward, common-sense framework for using proven and key economic fundamentals that drive real estate prices to determine where to purchase investment properties. We were shown how, by considering and analyzing specific economic indicators, we could open a window to the future of specific geographic regions and neighborhoods, and see which ones made sense to invest in.

The good news was that the research and analysis clearly showed that at least 10 cities and towns in Alberta had economic fundamentals that supported a decision for investing in real estate. The even better news was that Edmonton was at, or very near the top of the list, and that is where we were living.

It was just a few weeks later that we attended a second REIN event, currently referred to as the Authentic Canadian Real Estate (ACRE) workshop. Over the course of two very content-rich days, a quirky, intellectual, and very passionate guy by the name of Don R. Campbell commanded the stage as he led the audience of over four hundred individuals step-by-step through a set of common-sense strategies and systems for successfully building a portfolio of buy and hold, positive cash flow, real estate.

What Steffany and I observed throughout the two-day event was that the foundation of Don's message was crystal clear: Treat real estate investing like a business, purchase property in areas where the economic fundamentals support the greatest possibility for equity appreciation, and only buy properties that produce monthly net cash flow.

Attending the ACRE weekend in 2001 turned out to be a milestone event in our lives as it was at that event we decided to step outside our comfort zone, become members of the REIN community, and begin to invest in real estate.

It was during our first few years as members, through interesting coincidences and combined with fortunate timing, that Steffany and I got to know Don and his wife Connie and we became good friends. During that same period of time, my other business interests had developed to a point where I was not required as part of the day-to-day operations of them, and so amongst the four of us the idea was born for me to join the REIN senior management team, which I did in January 2008.

With strategies and philosophies proven over 25 years of building his personal real estate portfolio and immersing himself in the experiences of a national community of other investors, Don R. Campbell continues to challenge us to view the world of real estate investing through the lens of creating long-term sustainable wealth. He stands out as a pioneer in providing real estate investors world-class research, education, analysis and leadership. Whether it's through the books he has written, REIN's monthly workshops and keynotes, or the many radio, TV, or newspaper interviews he does every year, Don continues to share his message, methodology, and strategies for others to successfully invest, not speculate, in real estate.

As REIN now celebrates its 20th anniversary, Don and our team remain steadfast in making a difference and continuing to create the conditions for success for committed real estate investors. Over the years we have received hundreds of handwritten notes, thank you cards and e-mails from members describing the positive impact Don and REIN have had on their lives. Being a catalyst for change in people's financial future and the success stories we receive fuel our passion to continually develop meaningful ways to improve ourselves and remain Canada's top resource centre for real estate investors.

Driven by the idea of investing, not speculating, in real estate, Don continues to expand his knowledge and the brain trust of people he surrounds himself with. Supporting real estate investors in reaching their highest potentials remains a core value of Don personally and of our team as a whole.

This “little book” is a powerful illustration of how some of our greatest successes and highest returns can be gained through investing in personal knowledge and education. Like his other books, this one continues to expand upon the insightful and common sense approach to investing in real estate that Don applies and teaches. For anyone interested in building a portfolio of investment real estate, this book requires a minimal investment but offers the possibilities of an infinite return on your investment—in yourself.

As for Steffany and I, leveraging the education, knowledge and expertise that Don R. Campbell and a national organization of real estate investors offer changed our lives. It too may prove to be your milestone decision.

Patrick Francey
CEO
Real Estate Investment Network