What did it cost you to get where you are, and was it worth it?

[Chris Jensen]

Ok fellow BPers, different kind of question for you.

Every reward has a cost to be paid, and every return has an investment to be made (wow, that was NOT intended to sound like a poem!). Much has been shared in these forums about the rewards and returns of real estate investing. Believe me, I’m sold. But I’m curious about the costs you’ve made to get where you’re at. I’m not referring to money, either. I’m talking about time away from friends or family, the pressure of balancing a full-time job, stress of being a single parent, or forgoing dream vacations or shiny sports cars. Maybe you even changed as a person (for better or for worse). Everyone has had to sacrifice to reap the rewards you currently receive from real estate.

So my question to you is this… what did it cost you to get where you are, and was it worth it?  I'm pondering that question personally, and would really appreciate hearing your perspectives.

[Joshua D.]

@Chris Jensen

Great Question. I think it’s easy to look at the end result and forget what it cost to get there. 

Our biggest sacrifice was LOADs of DIY work. Long week ends and late nights. Between that and living next to tenants/ living in construction projects. 

Looking back I realize it wasn’t that bad cuz it wasn’t that long.  We are by no means wealthy but we are on track to hit in the next few years. More important than that though is the fact that we enjoyed the process that got us here. That’s what it’s all about. 

Live like no one else so that later you can live like no one else...