Alberto Bonilla has arrived

[Alberto Bonilla]

Real Estate: Starting Out

Yesterday, I found out that my tenants had their water disconnected. They had allowed two months to go by without paying their bill. One month prior to this, their water bill was abnormally high. The water department told them that they were seeing continuous usage—AKA a leak. Now, one month later, I’m called to face this situation.

My energy level was low. After working a long night shift that ended at 6:20 AM, I shut my eyes and prayed, thanking the Lord for the day and asking for rest and guidance. Jeremiah 33:3 came to mind: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (RSV). That verse brought me some much-needed assurance.

By 2 PM, I was at the water department, speaking with the receptionist and seeking help. Initially, they were not inclined to assist. However, after some negotiating, they agreed to send someone out immediately. I drove to the house, explained the situation to the tenants, and emphasized that we needed to locate the leak.

When the utility worker arrived, he wasn’t in the best mood. He reminded me that he had come out a month earlier and offered to help identify the leak, but my tenant told him they had already checked and didn’t find anything (an oversight on my tenant’s part). Despite this, the worker helped me identify the issue: two toilets with malfunctioning fill valve systems. I took on the challenge and repaired them both myself.

Many people have told me that real estate isn’t worth the hassle, especially when starting out. They say it’s too much stress, too many surprises, and not enough reward. And to some extent, they’re right—there have been moments where I’ve lost money and felt overwhelmed.

But to me, it’s about making progress. Each situation, even the frustrating ones, is a chance to learn and grow. The things I’ve learned through this journey are priceless. Whether it’s problem-solving on the fly, handling difficult conversations, or simply staying calm in the chaos, these experiences are shaping me into a better landlord—and, hopefully, a better person.

Real estate isn’t just about turning a profit. It’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and taking steps forward, even when the odds feel stacked against you. 

Well, those are my thoughts, and above all, I trust God to guide as I continue in this lifelong journey