A cautionary tale that is all to common these days. The names are changed to protect the stupid.

I met Randy years ago when he became a client of mine. Randy needed help with some of his many rental properties he owned. Now Randy was "self made" He owned assets, he had what we call "mailbox money" from all his rentals. He was set for life as long as he stayed smart and kept investing his money, he wouldn't have to work for a living.

I didn't see or hear from Randy for a while, then a few years later he called. He was looking to buy some property for his and Wife's retirement. He introduced me to his wife Cindy, a pretty Blonde. I worked with them for a while then suddenly they changed their minds and dropped off my radar..

A few more years later he came to me for some advice. He needed references and recommendations for a job. I asked Randy why was he looking for work, what about his rentals? "Oh I sold them, I needed to pay bills for a Restaurant I bought". Randy had sold all of his properties to keep the restaurant afloat. He was out of money and he needed cash. I said Randy I work with people who are trying to get what you had and pissed away. Nobody ever got rich in the restaurant business unless they are a celebrity chef and most of them do not own the restaurant they have backers and partners. What were you thinking? Randy said he thought he could of save the business if he had just one more month to right it. But then he ran out of money. He got a job near by and I saw once and a while then we lost touch again

Today I get a call from Randy. "Can I ask you a Real Estate Question?" Sure go ahead I replied. "Cindy and I are getting divorced. She wants out. " Sorry to hear that Randy. "When I met Cindy, she was single mom with 2 kids and a run down house with a mortgage that she couldn't pay. I moved in with her and helped her out " Randy that is White Knight Syndrome. "What are you talking about?" Nevermind I said. He continued "My question is, I am not on the title of the house we are in. She owned that house before we were married. Do I have any rights to that house?" Well Randy you need to consult a Lawyer. was my reply. "But you have dealt in real estate have you ever run across this?" he asked. Randy I usually get involved after the fact. I know that if you buy a home that you are going to live in after you marry the State requires that your spouse is entitled to half. But this house predates your marriage. "But I paid down the mortgage, put a new roof on it and remodeled the Kitchen and Bathrooms. Don't I have rights?" "She is not going to give me anything" Seriously Randy consult an Attorney, I said "Do you know of one? I hate to use the yellow pages" (Randy is not computer literate) "I don't have much money" I told him I'll ask around.

Poor Randy he went from a self made man to a Chump in just a few short years. He is soon to be broke and Homeless. Don't be like Randy Take the Red Pill.