Investment Info:

Single-family residence other investment.

Cash invested: $1,000

I spent my savings on a paint sprayer and grew my knowledge on different paints and stains for fences, as well as application methods. In doing so, I eventually began marketing my services and presenting myself via neighborhood social networks. Over the course of two months, I was in contact with my homeowners and individuals interested in my services, most notably those who wished to increase the curb appeal of their property, as they wished to sell it.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I was in need of a method of financing my living arrangement at the time, and came to the conclusion that I had to find it myself. I identified an issue and taught myself the skills necessary to address it. Being that this was a skill that others lacked, I was able to leverage this and sell my services.

How did you finance this deal?

I financed this project by delivery food and earning tips. The capital was then used to invest in equipment. I also invested my personal time and additional finances to market my skills to others.

How did you add value to the deal?

I found an issue that I was able to resolve. I was also able to offer a price nearly 40% lower than the cheapest local painter in the area.

What was the outcome?

By the end of the summer, I was able to generate a 400% return on my initial investment of $1000, making $4000, and use it to alleviate the financial stress of both myself and my parents.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

I learned that while a lot of people can see the fault in things around us, only a few are willing to step up and solve the issue. In this case, nearly everyone in my neighborhood and in the surrounding neighborhoods would complain about the quality of their fences, but almost none would do anything about it. If you want to see results, don't look at others to find a solution, instead, find it yourself.