Check out our February newsletter!
NORTON NEWSLETTER
THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™
NortonAccountingServices.com 985-690-4498 Info@NortonAccountingServices.com FEBRUARY 2024
EASE OF MIND • AVAILABILITY • FLEXIBILITY • INDIVIDUAL APPROACH • EXPERIENCE • TAX SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUILDING WEALTH How to Finance Real Estate Investments
Most real estate investors start with traditional bank loans. It’s a logical first step — secure, straightforward, and familiar. However, banks are not always the best partners. They are great for providing a foundational stepping stone, but you’ll likely hit a wall as you scale up. They start scrutinizing your equity and questioning your capacity to manage more properties, limiting your available capital and possibly denying you loans. It is a common hurdle many investors face, a point where dreams either take flight or falter. But there is a silver lining: private lending, a path less traveled but rich with potential. Private lending provides flexibility, creativity, and a personal touch absent in conventional lending. There are three types of private lender arrangements I advise clients to consider: 1. Partnership: The lender and investor have a symbiotic relationship. They create an LLC to define ownership, responsibilities, and legal protections. The entity safeguards interests while sharing profits, equity gains, and losses. 2. Joint Venture: It is similar to a partnership, but the agreement can be more flexible and the lender can be paid profits as interest or as a contractor. Profits are still shared, but the structure is leaner. 3. Private Lending: Whether you are seeking a lender or considering becoming one, this route offers low-risk opportunities. It is the option I usually recommend. Private lenders have a unique advantage — earning passive income through interest payments; it is the core of their appeal. Here is a key point to ponder: Private lenders may offer higher interest rates than banks. When you’re evaluating options, factor in all of the fees involved. The devil, as they say, is in the details. You may find your total borrowing costs are lower with a private lender than with a bank. For instance, the fees on a short-term bank loan could take a significant bite out of your budget. In contrast, a private lender may not charge any fees. If your investment generates a positive cash flow, the interest rate should not be your only consideration. The overall cost of the loan and its impact on your investment’s profitability is what matters.
The strategy I follow for real estate investing is BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) Method. Those using bank lending will need to refinance to keep investing, but I use private lenders, so I can skip that step and save on the closing costs. The beauty of the BRRRR Method lies in its dual advantage: Your rental property generates a steady stream of income while accumulating equity and capital. You’re building a financial portfolio that maximizes your earning potential. To connect with private lenders and investors, attend a Real Estate Investor Association meeting. I attend as many of these as possible because it is a melting pot of knowledge, experience, and opportunity. Two books I highly recommend are: 1. “Raising Private Capital: Build Your Real Estate Investing Empire With Other People’s Money” by Matt Faircloth. This book covers the rules and regulations of soliciting funds. 2. “Lend to Live: Earn Hassle-Free Passive Income in Real Estate With Private Money Lending” by Alexandria Breshears and Beth Pinkley Johnson. It discusses innovative strategies, such as using a self-directed IRA for investing in real estate and lending.
If you have questions or wish to discuss real estate investing and lending strategies, I’m a phone call away. With the right strategy, resources, and connections, you’re well on your way to building a prosperous future in real estate investing.
–Bob Norton
985-690-4498 • 1
Achieving a healthier you is within reach, regardless of age or fitness level. Mark Wahlberg, the Hollywood icon renowned for maintaining impeccable physical fitness over the years, has a routine that can help you. So, grab your sneakers, lace up, and explore the path to achieving fitness like Mark! Rise and Shine Wahlberg is known for his early morning workouts, but there’s no pressure to set your alarm for dawn. Morning exercise has many benefits, including boosting your metabolism and mood, but the key is finding a routine that suits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer sunrise workouts or hitting the gym after work, consistency matters most. Work Smarter, Not Harder Wahlberg’s secret isn’t about spending countless hours at the gym; it’s about high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest. It’s an efficient way to burn calories and build muscle without feeling overwhelmed, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned gym-goers. Draw Inspiration From Mark Wahlberg Fitness Knows No Age
Welcome to the enchanting world of board games, where fun competition and family bonding intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Here are four new board games that offer unique experiences to spice up family game nights. Pandemic — Work Together to Stop the Spread Pandemic is an intense cooperative board game for 2–4 players in which players work together to stop the spread of four diseases. Players fight the viruses by drawing cards to stop the spread of the disease (with a cure, for example) or trigger a deadly outbreak with epidemic cards. Pandemic is challenging for young or inexperienced gamers but has introductory, standard, and heroic difficulty levels so all players can enjoy fighting back against fake COVID-19! Ticket to Ride — A Journey of Strategy and Collaboration Ticket to Ride transports players across continents via an enthralling railway adventure. In this strategic board game, collect train cards to build routes connecting iconic cities worldwide. Every player’s decisions can impact others, making it a great lesson in strategy and cooperation. As players traverse this make-believe world, they pick up geographic knowledge, making it educational and fun for the whole family. Azul — A Colorful Challenge for All Ages Dive into the artistic world with Azul. Players compete to embellish the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with ornate tiles. The game combines aesthetics with strategy, as players select tiles to complete patterns on their boards. Azul is a feast for the eyes and a test of tactical thinking, appealing to the young and the young at heart. 7 Wonders Duel — A Dynamic Game for 2 7 Wonders Duel offers a compact but profoundly strategic experience, perfect for two players. You’ll navigate your civilization through various stages of development, engaging in scientific, military, and cultural pursuits. It’s an excellent way for siblings, FAMILY GAME NIGHT MAGIC Discover 4 Captivating Board Games
Keep It Varied and Enjoyable Variety is essential to make fitness fun. Wahlberg keeps things interesting by incorporating weightlifting, boxing, yoga, and swimming into his routine. You don’t have to try every
exercise in existence; the goal is to find activities you enjoy. Make exercise a part of your life that you look forward to. A Positive Mindset Wahlberg’s journey is about more than
physical strength; it’s about mental resilience. Staying motivated doesn’t require superhuman determination, just achievable goals and believing in yourself. Visualize your success, big or small, and watch your confidence grow.
Nourish Your Body Wisely Fitness is more than just exercise; nutrition also plays a crucial role. Wahlberg focuses on balanced eating: lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Staying hydrated is just as important. Good nutrition and proper hydration are the fuel that powers your fitness journey. Wahlberg’s routine isn’t limited by age; it applies to everyone, regardless of where you are on your fitness journey. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed or pressured. Take it one step at a time, embrace the process, and work toward your fitness goals at your own pace. These practical yet effective tips can unlock the secret to staying in great shape. So, lace up those sneakers and join the club — it’s an adventure worth pursuing!
friends, or a parent and child to engage in an intellectually stimulating and entertaining head-to-head challenge.
These board games bring a new flavor to your family’s gaming collection. From mythical adventures to artistic endeavors and strategic conquests, they promise entertainment and opportunities for learning, collaboration, and creating cherished family moments. Get ready to roll the dice and let the family fun begin!
2 • NortonAccountingServices.com
A HEROIC HOUND’S STORY
The Bravery of Tank the German Shepherd
In a remarkable display of courage and instinct, a German shepherd named Tank recently became an overnight sensation. His heroic act, captured in a TikTok video with over 45 million views, showcased the extraordinary bravery of our canine companions. Tank’s story begins on an ordinary day that quickly turned extraordinary when he saved his owner’s 6-year-old son from a dog attack in November 2022. As the young boy played in the front yard of his South Florida home, a neighboring dog, unrestrained and aggressive, charged toward him. In an instant, Tank leaped into action. The dog pushed the boy to the ground and then placed himself between the boy and the oncoming threat, averting a possible tragedy. Tank’s quick thinking and fearless stance saved him and demonstrated the innate protective nature of German shepherds.
protectiveness, making them the first choice for families seeking a dependable guardian. Like many German shepherds, Tank possesses a unique blend of courage, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs are not just pets; they are devoted protectors and family members willing to put themselves in harm’s way for their loved ones.
Tank’s story is more than a viral sensation; it’s a testament to the deep bond between dogs and humans. His actions remind us of dogs’ invaluable role in our lives, offering unconditional love and unwavering protection when needed. The boy’s mom wrote on social media that Tank is their “highly skilled professional home security officer.” “This is Tank, and no, he is not professionally trained. He’s just a man with killer instincts, who loves a good chew toy,” she wrote after posting a video of Tank playing with his favorite toy. In today’s world, Tank stands out as a true hero. As we watch Tank’s story, we are reminded of the extraordinary capabilities of our four-legged friends and their profound impact on our lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes; they have four paws and a tail.
German shepherds are a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for their loyalty and
TAKE A BREAK
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts Inspired by Weelicious.com
Ingredients
• 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp powdered sugar • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
Aquarius Candy Cupid Groundhog
Heart Lincoln Chocolate Pennsylvania
Phil Presidents Valentine Winter
985-690-4498 • 3
Norton Accounting Services, LLC
THE REAL ESTATE TAX PRO ™
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
NortonAccountingServices.com 985-690-4498 Info@NortonAccountingServices.com
1527 Gause Blvd. Ste. 132 Slidell, LA 70458
INSIDE 1
How to Fund Real Estate Investments
2
Family Game Night Magic Mark Wahlberg’s Fitness Tips Meet Tank, a Canine Companion and Protector Puff Pastry Berry Hearts
3
4
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap
THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING
A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a
the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. Think Clearer Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-
tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels.
minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to
Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
4 • NortonAccountingServices.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4www.nortonaccountingservices.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator