What comes after real estate?

[Darrell D.]

Real Estate is certainly exciting but I'm wondering what comes next.  

I have NOT done it all regarding real estate but I've established a good foundation.  We own and manage enough properties to retire and grow consistently.  I've demolished, renovated, and worked my tail off on many occasions.  I speak to tenants directly and enjoy auctions.  I even wrote a decent article on BP a few years back.  However I still want my next adventure. 

I'm curious to get started in laundromats, or a franchise such as Raising Cane's.  So I struggle with what's next.  Any thoughts?  Is there a path for growth besides more real estate?  Just like buying my first home or when I joined military, I suppose I'll need to take a leap of faith.  

Maybe I'm just tired of the Ohio snow.  
DD

[Joe Splitrock]

This is such a personal question that none of us can answer it for you. Some people view real estate as a vehicle to financial independence. Others enjoy building a real estate business and continue adding properties long after they have plenty of income. Some people get bored or keep searching for that one thing to make them feel fulfilled. I can tell you fulfillment comes from within, but it also comes form feeling like your life has meaning. You can find meaning in many ways, but I doubt a laundromat or carwash is one of them. If you are amassing more money after having enough money, it will get less and less fulfilling. 

You need purpose beyond money. Two of the most amazing ways to find meaning are raising children and charitable causes. In both cases you can build something bigger than yourself, that can impact the lives of others and create a legacy. You can also find hobbies or learn new skills. Take up golf, learn to sail, run a marathon, learn a new language, live in Europe for a few years. 

I don't pretend to know what you want or need, but I am guessing it is more than a laundromat in Ohio. Figure out what you are passionate about by taking money out of the equation. If you had to do something for the next ten years of your life 40 hours a week, but didn't get paid a penny, what would it be?