When did you wake up and decide it was time?

Question

What event, book, person, or whatever stumbled into your life to lead you into your real estate journey? How far have you come since, and what got you there?

I've just recently decided to join this path with you all. I've found a good mentor, many great books and people to support my first few steps.

I've always been fascinated by how people start and then how far they go.

Joe Funari · Answer

@Brian Bisdorf After 10 years in the US Army then 23+ years in "Corporate America" and 4 degrees later I was tired of the rat race. I was at a corporate function on a Saturday night (when I wanted to be home with my family) watching other colleagues get drunk and kiss the CEO's backside. So I stepped out to take a break from the shenanigans. Another colleague was outside avoiding the same circus. So I took the time to vent about how I was emotionally exhausted with the whole game. He asked "You ever heard of real estate investing?" This question changed my life. Of course, I answered no. He said "Read Rich Dad, Poor Dad." He further added that he use to buy it and give it to people to read. But they wouldn't take the time to read it. He said he doesn't do that anymore. Because you need to invest in your own financial freedom. I didn't understand his comment at the time. I immediately replied I can afford to purchase a book. But one more great advice he gave me was he told me to read it with my wife. I agreed we do it. So I went and bought one book. Asked my wife to read it with me. So we had two book marks because she is a much quicker reader than me. But what was great about this is she would get excited reading the book. Even take the time to highlight key points in the book. She said lets talk about the points I've highlighted when you get to it. Those discussions were amazing. Looking back that book changed my life and has strengthened our marriage. Within three months we set up our REI company and 2 months later had our first BRRRR under contract. I am by no means a great REI. But what I have learned that regardless of what "gurus" book you read if it strikes a cord with you then you must act on it. There is more than one way to make money in REI. That is why we call it exit strategies for a reason. More than one way to get out of the rat race. It changed my life for the better. Now I have financial freedom, building legacy wealth for future generations of my family, and spend more time with my family too.

Carlos M. · Answer

@Brian Bisdorf

Wifey and I met when we were 16. Had our daughter by 17. We were both still in high school. We graduated and got basic jobs. I was a janitor and she was a receptionist. She went to college as an adult and got a coding degree. I eventually became a shop foreman at a car dealership. Read rich dad poor day and started investing at 32. We are now 46. Real estate has changed our lives! We are healthier than ever before, More disciplined, have created deep meaningful relationships,  and it has brought my wife and I closer together! We are an unstoppable team now! I was able to quit my job 5 years ago and my wife just gave her resignation this week. We have 135 doors with no partners. We gross just under $123k per month. At this point it’s not about the money. It’s about the person you have to become to mange a portfolio this size. Good luck in your journey.

Hamp Lee III · Answer

My grandfather owned two duplexes. When I was twelve, I knew I wanted to own property like him. I didn’t know what he did with them or if he made money.

It wasn’t until he passed away that I learned the power of REI. My father followed his dad and I saw the same result in his passing.

I want to carry on their legacy and help others do the same for their families.

Jaron Walling · Answer

I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle at 30 years old. After recovering from that I realized my life needed to change. My roommate and friend of 5 years was getting married and moving out. My days of being a renter were over. My lease was month-to-month so I started reading books, listening to podcasts, and doing tons of market research. Started looking in C/B- class neighborhoods, fringe areas, and walking distressed properties with an agent. Then I made offers 25% below ask and something stuck.

It's not rocket science. It's determination, numbers, and constantly looking for opportunities.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and got excited enough to purchase my first property. Then I didn't do anything for over a decade. Then I started listening to BP podcasts and realized I was capable of more. Bought my next investment about six months later, and within five years I had 33 rentals and 135 storage units.

Carlos M. · Answer

@Brian Bisdorf thanks ! we only have MF. We never had any partners. My mentor advised against it.

Brian Bisdorf · Answer

That's a really nice response. Hits close to home too. We are reading the hands off investor together. Experiencing the same thing. You are in my back yard with mike bowman. Nice agency.

Carlos Ptriawan · Answer

it's Winter of 1957  , when my grandpa told my mom, hey you should grab as much land as possible to make yourself wealthy... LOLI guess it's just part of the "family business" LOL

Michael Paling · Answer

like a lot of people, it was Rich Dad Poor Dad that I read in college that started the spark. I was trying out a MLM company at the time and quickly found that wasn't the road I wanted. After graduating, I worked at learning REI, but then got myself suckered into a coaching program and lost $6K. With nothing to my name at the time, I put off REI for about 6 years. In that time, I just focused on building my financial foundation. I read a lot of stuff from Mr. Money Mustache and that whole time, I kept saying "I'm going to buy a duplex to house hack". I finally got myself to take action last year and bought that duplex. Now I'm in the search for property #2.

Brian Bisdorf · Answer

Now that's a story!! I love that. Are you all sfh? Did you start on your own or with a partner And then drop them?

When did you wake up and decide it was time?

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