What is one thing you wish you knew when you started in RE?

[Kathy Calderini]

Please share the one thing you that you wish you knew when you got started in Real Estate investing.

[Nathan Gesner]

Funny, my response is similar to @Greg Dickerson

I grew up just above the poverty level and most of my relatives had never owned a home. My family owned a home but it was a used double-wide. I bought my first house right before turning 30 and thought I had made it to the big leagues. I had a house and a paycheck so life was good. Five years later I read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and it opened my mind to greater things. I bought my first investment...and then quit because I thought I was already a Rockefeller!

It wasn't until a few years ago that I realized I had limited my potential. I didn't see myself as doing anything greater because I was already ahead of my family members and peers. I didn't care about being a "millionaire" or wearing fancy duds or driving a Tesla. I don't need $50,000 a month because I'm already living a good life.

But what I recently realized is that I have potential to use my abilities to benefit others. I can donate money to the pregnancy resource center to help women in a time of need. I can donate to help pay medical bills for kids. I can provide beds for poor children, backpacks full of schools supplies, or a water well for an African village.

I am building my investments in hopes of helping others. I wish I had thought about that 15 years ago.