Welcome to The Backyard Millionaire! Start your journey to financial independence by embracing our creed: invest in yourself, trust your instincts, and never invest emotionally. Aim for win-win negotiations, fill a market need, and persist until you win.

**Alaska Airlines... Shame on YOU:** 

Earn 3 miles per dollar on rent with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card, but beware—credit card debt in America is at an all-time high of $1.2 trillion. Interest rates average 24%, making these schemes dangerous if not managed wisely. Remember, the house always wins!

**The Law of Leverage:**

You can’t save your way to wealth, but you can invest wisely. Debt should be used cautiously. Paying rent with a credit card can lead to compounding debt. Always handle other people's money responsibly.

**Inspiration from Arthur Ashe and Thomas Edison:**

Arthur Ashe's legacy reminds us to start where we are, use what we have, and do what we can. Edison teaches that persistence is key to success. Don’t give up; always try one more time.

**Bruce Lee and Thoreau on Goals:**

Bruce Lee suggests that goals often serve as targets rather than endpoints. Thoreau advises us to build foundations under our dreams, making them achievable.

**Case Study: Buying a Family Home:**

If you’re considering buying a family home in need of repairs, start with a broker’s opinion of value, estimate repair costs, and possibly get an appraisal. Maintain fairness and seek third-party opinions to minimize risks.

**What to Expect When Inspecting:**

Hire a licensed inspector, get referrals, and be present during inspections. Review reports calmly and differentiate between must-fixes and wants. Revisit the property to assess issues in person.

**Leverage X Effort = Gold:**

Wealth-building requires effort and patience. It’s a slow process—crawl, walk, then run. Expert investors are cautious and deliberate, recognizing the value of time and strategic investment. 

**Millionaire Maker:**

Check out "Millionaire Maker," now available in print and as an ebook on Amazon.