I'm not a BIG FISH, and that's OK.

[Joseph Miller-Hall]

Recently, I have struggled with this notion.

I am not purchasing 20 unit complexes or BRRR'ing hotels. I am not cashflowing $200k/yr. nor am I buying $1MM worth of real estate in one year.

In my 2 1/2 years of investing, I own 2 Single Family Rentals that cashflow about $340/mo. It is a start. It is a foundation of learning and experience. I did not use hard money, I did not max out credit cards, and I did not seek out private money. I saved up for down-payments. 

With the experience and knowledge I've acquired in the last couple years, I know there are 'better ways' to acquire property. After I bought my 2nd rental, I discovered and researched the BRRR Method, which is a much more effective and efficient model than down-payment investing.

An epiphany occurred when I realized my own risk assessment; with two beautiful baby girls, my risk tolerance is much less. Obviously, REI is a great vehicle for financial freedom and generational wealth, but not if you lose it all. The truth is, I have a family that deserves to be provided for. I make decent money ($65k-$80k/yr.), and my family does not go without, but it also leaves less wiggle room for allocating funds into my REI journey.

From the book "Richest Man in Babylon", I learned to take 10% of whatever income I get and put it into my investing. I also take any surplus from that week's check and put it into my investment account. I do not touch my cashflow for any reason other to invest or make repairs. On a regular month, I might deposit anywhere from $500-$600/mo. into my investment account, plus the $340 cashflow. 

Those are not huge numbers. And that's ok. That is what is left after my family is provided for; that is what will provide for my family's future long after I am gone. 

The velocity of money will increase over the years, and I may get to the point where I am doing deals once a month, but that is not this year.

I am moving in the right direction, no matter how 'slow' the roll is. 

At the end of the day, I am doing what is best for my family and me. I may not be a high roller, I might not own 4000 units (yet), and I am by far not the biggest fish in the sea. But I am in the pond. And the plan is to keep swimming. And that's ok, too. 

Much love, 

Joseph Miller-Hall