What Was Your Real Estate “Breakthrough” Moment?
Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes
What Was Your Real Estate “Breakthrough” Moment?
Most Popular Reply
Kerry Noble JrPro Member
Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votesI think it was a mindset thing. Because of real estate my whole life changed. I began to read books and listen to podcasts. 7 years later......my life, my credit, my health, my relationships are all better....
46 Replies
- 1yKerry Noble JrPro MemberInvestor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
I think it was a mindset thing. Because of real estate my whole life changed. I began to read books and listen to podcasts. 7 years later......my life, my credit, my health, my relationships are all better....
- 1yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
getting my RE license at 18 .. and when I made my first sale and a 900.00 commish in 1975 when my old job was bagging groceries for 2.20 and hour.. that 900.00 I figure I had no more than 10 hours into the deal.. I was hooked on commission and never looked back.
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
That’s powerful, Kerry. It really shows how mindset and consistency can completely reshape a person’s life. Appreciate you sharing that — it’s a good reminder to stay committed through the ups and downs.
Are you still focusing on Indy or expanding out of state?
- 1yKerry Noble JrPro MemberInvestor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votesYes im still investing in indy.....im open to new opportunities
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
That’s powerful, Kerry. It really shows how mindset and consistency can completely reshape a person’s life. Appreciate you sharing that — it’s a good reminder to stay committed through the ups and downs.
Are you still focusing on Indy or expanding out of state?
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Kerry Noble Jr:
Yes im still investing in indy.....im open to new opportunitiesQuote from @Layth Alrikabi:
That’s powerful, Kerry. It really shows how mindset and consistency can completely reshape a person’s life. Appreciate you sharing that — it’s a good reminder to stay committed through the ups and downs.
Are you still focusing on Indy or expanding out of state?
Got it — that’s good to know. I’m based in Columbus and working on building my pipeline here, but I’ll definitely keep Indy in mind too. If I come across anything solid, I’ll be sure to reach out.
Appreciate you taking the time, Kerry!
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
@Jay Hinrichs That's such an inspiring story — it’s crazy how one deal can totally reframe how we see time, effort, and money. I’m in the early stages of building my business and stories like this keep me focused.
Really appreciate you sharing this!!
- 1yJimmy LieuBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
For me personally, it would be getting my real estate license! I've learned so much about real estate from being a realtor myself and in two years, I've done over 20+ million in real estate sales and have done over 100+ real estate transactions. It's amazing being able to help other achieve financial freedom through real estate investing but also be on the same journey myself :))
Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9120 Reviews- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
For me personally, it would be getting my real estate license! I've learned so much about real estate from being a realtor myself and in two years, I've done over 20+ million in real estate sales and have done over 100+ real estate transactions. It's amazing being able to help other achieve financial freedom through real estate investing but also be on the same journey myself :))
That’s seriously impressive Jimmy — it’s clear you’ve put in the work and built something solid. That mix of being a realtor and also staying close to the investment journey really stands out. I’ve been operating here in Columbus as well, mostly focusing on off-market value-add deals and wholesaling opportunities. Always great to cross paths with like-minded professionals who understand both sides of the business. Let’s definitely keep the line open in case something aligns down the road. - 1yJimmy LieuBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votesDefinitely man, keep crushing it!
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
For me personally, it would be getting my real estate license! I've learned so much about real estate from being a realtor myself and in two years, I've done over 20+ million in real estate sales and have done over 100+ real estate transactions. It's amazing being able to help other achieve financial freedom through real estate investing but also be on the same journey myself :))
That’s seriously impressive Jimmy — it’s clear you’ve put in the work and built something solid. That mix of being a realtor and also staying close to the investment journey really stands out. I’ve been operating here in Columbus as well, mostly focusing on off-market value-add deals and wholesaling opportunities. Always great to cross paths with like-minded professionals who understand both sides of the business. Let’s definitely keep the line open in case something aligns down the road.Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9120 Reviews - Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
Definitely man, keep crushing it!Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
For me personally, it would be getting my real estate license! I've learned so much about real estate from being a realtor myself and in two years, I've done over 20+ million in real estate sales and have done over 100+ real estate transactions. It's amazing being able to help other achieve financial freedom through real estate investing but also be on the same journey myself :))
That’s seriously impressive Jimmy — it’s clear you’ve put in the work and built something solid. That mix of being a realtor and also staying close to the investment journey really stands out. I’ve been operating here in Columbus as well, mostly focusing on off-market value-add deals and wholesaling opportunities. Always great to cross paths with like-minded professionals who understand both sides of the business. Let’s definitely keep the line open in case something aligns down the road.Appreciate that Jimmy — always cool connecting with solid folks in Columbus. Let’s definitely stay in touch, I’m sure we’ll cross paths on something local soon.
- 1yAlecia LovelessPro MemberMember since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
@Layth Alrikabi 28 years ago a friend got me to partner in 2 small owner financed multi family real estate deals. It turned out to be a disaster but I was hooked.
I bought the Carlton Sheets CD system and learned all about real estate.
After one more bad real estate deal I quit for 20 years. This is truly my one regret in life this far.
If there had been a Biggerpockets network at that time I could have gotten the encouragement I needed to dust myself off and keep going.
But now I’m 5 years back investing and doing great and learned a lot during those 20 year. I built up courage and confidence and a network of solid people to help me.
Lesson learned is to never give up your dreams. Keep dusting yourself off and trying again.
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Alecia Loveless:
@Layth Alrikabi 28 years ago a friend got me to partner in 2 small owner financed multi family real estate deals. It turned out to be a disaster but I was hooked.
I bought the Carlton Sheets CD system and learned all about real estate.
After one more bad real estate deal I quit for 20 years. This is truly my one regret in life this far.
If there had been a Biggerpockets network at that time I could have gotten the encouragement I needed to dust myself off and keep going.
But now I’m 5 years back investing and doing great and learned a lot during those 20 year. I built up courage and confidence and a network of solid people to help me.
Lesson learned is to never give up your dreams. Keep dusting yourself off and trying again.
Appreciate you sharing that Alecia — it’s not often you hear stories that span decades with that kind of clarity and honesty. The fact that you stepped back in after 20 years and are now doing great speaks volumes about how solid your mindset really is.
I’ve been working locally here in Columbus, mostly around properties that aren't publicly listed and have room to grow in value over time. Still shaping my own lane in this space, but I’m approaching it with long-term intent and full respect for what this journey demands — especially after reading experiences like yours.
Thanks again for sharing — messages like that always land where they need to. - Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Alecia Loveless:
@Layth Alrikabi 28 years ago a friend got me to partner in 2 small owner financed multi family real estate deals. It turned out to be a disaster but I was hooked.
I bought the Carlton Sheets CD system and learned all about real estate.
After one more bad real estate deal I quit for 20 years. This is truly my one regret in life this far.
If there had been a Biggerpockets network at that time I could have gotten the encouragement I needed to dust myself off and keep going.
But now I’m 5 years back investing and doing great and learned a lot during those 20 year. I built up courage and confidence and a network of solid people to help me.
Lesson learned is to never give up your dreams. Keep dusting yourself off and trying again.
Wow Alecia, I really appreciate you sharing that — it takes courage to be that open, and there’s so much power in your story.
It’s a strong reminder that setbacks don’t define us, and that the long game is where the real wins are.
I’m glad you found your way back and that you’re thriving — definitely inspiring to hear!
- Member since 2018 · 113 posts · 136 votes1y
1st aha moment: Buying first rental (off MLS in 2020). It got me out of a 3 year analysis paralysis. Luckily appreciated 30% year 1.
2nd aha moment: buying 1st "off market" purchase through a wholesaler, at a 20% discount with 60k equity. This blew my mind that it could actually be done by a normal human like me who has a W-2 and not a lot of REI experience.
3rd aha moment: losing 60k on a flip. To not get cocky.
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @David F.:
1st aha moment: Buying first rental (off MLS in 2020). It got me out of a 3 year analysis paralysis. Luckily appreciated 30% year 1.
2nd aha moment: buying 1st "off market" purchase through a wholesaler, at a 20% discount with 60k equity. This blew my mind that it could actually be done by a normal human like me who has a W-2 and not a lot of REI experience.
3rd aha moment: losing 60k on a flip. To not get cocky.
David, really appreciate the transparency — that mix of success and hard lessons is exactly what gives posts like yours real weight. That second point especially hit home for me, since I operate in the off-market space and it's always good to hear when that side of the business actually creates real wins for investors.
Also respect how you owned the 60K flip loss — not a lot of people would admit that so directly. Says a lot about how seriously you take the game. Thanks for sharing that full arc — all three points hit different.
- 1yKerlous TadresBusiness MemberRealtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
Hey Layth, welcome to BP! To me, it was just finding the right group/mentors to help me grow that had a similar mindset. From there it was all about putting in the work and just being consistent. I was able to grow my sales business a ton and find a great investment duplex deal that was off-market
Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate541 Reviews- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Kerlous Tadres:
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
Hey Layth, welcome to BP! To me, it was just finding the right group/mentors to help me grow that had a similar mindset. From there it was all about putting in the work and just being consistent. I was able to grow my sales business a ton and find a great investment duplex deal that was off-market
Hey Kerluos, I really appreciate the welcome and your insight — that definitely hits home.
I agree 100%, being around the right people and staying consistent is huge. That off-market duplex deal sounds like a solid win!
I’m still early in my journey here in Columbus, but I’m focused on connecting with the right folks and learning fast. Let’s definitely stay in touch — could be cool to collaborate at some point.
- 1yRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
When I bought my first rental property in 2017, I did a house hack. My breakthrough moment was realizing that having tenants on one side could cover most of my monthly payments, allowing me to live rent-free.- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Remington Lyman:
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
When I bought my first rental property in 2017, I did a house hack. My breakthrough moment was realizing that having tenants on one side could cover most of my monthly payments, allowing me to live rent-free.That’s a great strategy, Remington — really smart way to offset the cost early on. I’ve been looking more into house hacks lately, so your story hits home.
Also saw you’re based in Columbus — would be great to connect sometime. Always looking to learn from people active in the area.
- 1yRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
Quote from @Remington Lyman:
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
I’ve been soaking up as much as I can from this community lately, and one thing that keeps me going is hearing about those real moments when things finally click.
So here’s my question for you all — what was your real estate breakthrough moment?
Was it a first deal?
A painful lesson that made you pivot?
Or just a mindset shift that changed everything?
Would love to hear what made it real for you.
Let’s learn from each other.
When I bought my first rental property in 2017, I did a house hack. My breakthrough moment was realizing that having tenants on one side could cover most of my monthly payments, allowing me to live rent-free.That’s a great strategy, Remington — really smart way to offset the cost early on. I’ve been looking more into house hacks lately, so your story hits home.
Also saw you’re based in Columbus — would be great to connect sometime. Always looking to learn from people active in the area.
Happy to connect!
- 1yJoe S.Pro MemberInvestor · San Antonio · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
There’s typically more than one aha moment that goes into an aha moment. Lol.
For me it was a multitude of little and medium steps overtime that added up.- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Joe S.:
There’s typically more than one aha moment that goes into an aha moment. Lol.
For me it was a multitude of little and medium steps overtime that added up.Haha yeah, that’s a great way to look at it — it’s usually never just one big shift, but all the smaller ones stacking up over time.
I’ve definitely been feeling that lately, just trying to stay consistent and let each step build on the last. Appreciate the perspective Joe!
- Investor · Member since 2025 · 20 posts · 20 votes1y
I think for me it was reading the book. I was doing my business all wrong. I haven't closed on any "good deals" so to speak, quite yet. But am really looking forward to changing my business to be more efficient as described in his book!
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Christopher Ramirez Babinski:
I think for me it was reading the book. I was doing my business all wrong. I haven't closed on any "good deals" so to speak, quite yet. But am really looking forward to changing my business to be more efficient as described in his book!
Appreciate you sharing that, Christopher — it takes a lot of self-awareness to admit when something isn’t working and be willing to shift.
You’re clearly on the right track now, and that mindset shift alone already puts you ahead of a lot of people. Keep pushing — momentum builds fast when you stay consistent.
- Investor · Member since 2025 · 20 posts · 20 votes1y
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
Quote from @Christopher Ramirez Babinski:
I think for me it was reading the book. I was doing my business all wrong. I haven't closed on any "good deals" so to speak, quite yet. But am really looking forward to changing my business to be more efficient as described in his book!
Thank you @Layth Alrikabi, I appreciate that! Right now, I'm currently struggling to find "the deal." There's a lot of fear out of my own ignorance. I'm trying to figure out at what point I can trust myself to pull the trigger on a property.Appreciate you sharing that, Christopher — it takes a lot of self-awareness to admit when something isn’t working and be willing to shift.
You’re clearly on the right track now, and that mindset shift alone already puts you ahead of a lot of people. Keep pushing — momentum builds fast when you stay consistent.
Thank you @Layth Alrikabi, I appreciate that! Right now, I'm currently struggling to find "the deal." There's a lot of fear out of my own ignorance. I'm trying to figure out at what point I can trust myself to pull the trigger on a property.
- Real Estate Broker · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes1y
@Layth Alrikabi I never had an "ah-ha" moment, I had an "OH-SH!T" moment.
I was in the trades, and had worked my way up the ladder to being one of the best.
I had golden handcuffs.
For years I had been interested in the investing side of things. I bought the books, got the programs, the meetings.... Yes I was one of "those people"; always learning, always just about ready but, but, but..... I was a but-person. Because nothing was ever "perfect".
And then the music just stopped.......
At first a little down time was nice, for years taking a week off in summer was just not a thing. And then.....
By month 2 it was nothing but doom & gloom, end of times kind of stuff. I was in my 4th, 5th, 7th whatever "coffee & talk" with former colleagues where somebody would ask everyone to get together to talk how paddling poo-creek was going or would go.
And I just kind of snapped......
It was so much negativity, just doom and gloom fests over n over n over. I just blurted out "I refuse to participate".....
Everyone stared. I was supposed to be complaining or ranting how so-n-so is to blame, this idiot, that idiot, whatever and I just blurted out none-sense....
I took a second, because I also confused and shocked myself. I thought it through. I looked around and reiterated "I refuse to participate in a down economy".
Blank stares of confusion. They thought I lost my marbles, lol.
I told em I was over it. Here we sit bitching and complaining and where's it get us, nowhere. I come in miserable, I leave miserable, and every week we get a bit more miserable and poor. This sucks, that sucks, well F-IT, if were all doomed and F-d well then what have we got to loose.
"What are you gonna do?"; I have no fkng clue..... so I'll figure it out, can't be any worse then this circle jerk of misery.
And I just got up and left. My friend jumped up following. So, we got a beer and a burger. We literally made the business plan on napkins.....
I'm a rock-star renovator, I know what people want like the back of my hand. So ok, homes getting dumped and stripped, everyone needs a roof over there head so F-IT, let's find train-wreck dumps so I can do what I do, we make em awesome and make money.
Ok, how do we afford all this? Aaaaaaahhhh, I don't know. I don't know, how do other people do that? Great, you don't know either..... ok, well, rich people are rich, so, yeah, let's just find some rich person and ya-know, yeah, something, that could work, maybe, I think, I don't know.
Ok, where do we find rich people? Good question...... I don't know......
This whole chain of conversation & thought literally sums up my entire first 3/4 years of things. I knew diddly-squat, but I refused to do nothing, so we just thought things up and threw em at the wall.
How'd I find my first deal? Well, we were idiots so we did idiot stuff. SMART idiot stuff. We picked out an area that seemed right, and we knocked doors. Lol yes, we literally knocked doors and asked if people were curious about selling as-is or new of a neighbor that was, or a place that needed work. And really the conversations spun all over the place because again, we were idiots so we just churped with anyone/everyone who'd have a conversation with us about it. Day after day, hour after hour made total jack-azz's of ourselves knocking door to door.
But guess what, it's how we meet our first wholesaler. And private-$ guy. And got our first deal, 2nd, and 3rd.... And, and, and....
It was the absolute refusal to accept a world and thought of "can't" an that "I don't know" was always followed with "YET"...... Every road block was just a chance to try something. No matter how hair brained or never gonna work it was, we tried, because a a million to 1 shot is better than a guaranteed nothing.
Every thing just kept evolving up. Until one day it just started happening that people were coming to me.
"Ah-ha" was a journey, not a place.
My breakthrough was punching through. Still is. Still do.
- 1yBrooke RoundyPro MemberInvestor · Member since 2021 · 45 posts · 41 votes
@James Hamling "a million to 1 shot is better than a guaranteed nothing" !!! I love this, it's so true. Thx for sharing.
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @James Hamling:
@Layth Alrikabi I never had an "ah-ha" moment, I had an "OH-SH!T" moment.
I was in the trades, and had worked my way up the ladder to being one of the best.
I had golden handcuffs.
For years I had been interested in the investing side of things. I bought the books, got the programs, the meetings.... Yes I was one of "those people"; always learning, always just about ready but, but, but..... I was a but-person. Because nothing was ever "perfect".
And then the music just stopped.......
At first a little down time was nice, for years taking a week off in summer was just not a thing. And then.....
By month 2 it was nothing but doom & gloom, end of times kind of stuff. I was in my 4th, 5th, 7th whatever "coffee & talk" with former colleagues where somebody would ask everyone to get together to talk how paddling poo-creek was going or would go.
And I just kind of snapped......
It was so much negativity, just doom and gloom fests over n over n over. I just blurted out "I refuse to participate".....
Everyone stared. I was supposed to be complaining or ranting how so-n-so is to blame, this idiot, that idiot, whatever and I just blurted out none-sense....
I took a second, because I also confused and shocked myself. I thought it through. I looked around and reiterated "I refuse to participate in a down economy".
Blank stares of confusion. They thought I lost my marbles, lol.
I told em I was over it. Here we sit bitching and complaining and where's it get us, nowhere. I come in miserable, I leave miserable, and every week we get a bit more miserable and poor. This sucks, that sucks, well F-IT, if were all doomed and F-d well then what have we got to loose.
"What are you gonna do?"; I have no fkng clue..... so I'll figure it out, can't be any worse then this circle jerk of misery.
And I just got up and left. My friend jumped up following. So, we got a beer and a burger. We literally made the business plan on napkins.....
I'm a rock-star renovator, I know what people want like the back of my hand. So ok, homes getting dumped and stripped, everyone needs a roof over there head so F-IT, let's find train-wreck dumps so I can do what I do, we make em awesome and make money.
Ok, how do we afford all this? Aaaaaaahhhh, I don't know. I don't know, how do other people do that? Great, you don't know either..... ok, well, rich people are rich, so, yeah, let's just find some rich person and ya-know, yeah, something, that could work, maybe, I think, I don't know.
Ok, where do we find rich people? Good question...... I don't know......
This whole chain of conversation & thought literally sums up my entire first 3/4 years of things. I knew diddly-squat, but I refused to do nothing, so we just thought things up and threw em at the wall.
How'd I find my first deal? Well, we were idiots so we did idiot stuff. SMART idiot stuff. We picked out an area that seemed right, and we knocked doors. Lol yes, we literally knocked doors and asked if people were curious about selling as-is or new of a neighbor that was, or a place that needed work. And really the conversations spun all over the place because again, we were idiots so we just churped with anyone/everyone who'd have a conversation with us about it. Day after day, hour after hour made total jack-azz's of ourselves knocking door to door.
But guess what, it's how we meet our first wholesaler. And private-$ guy. And got our first deal, 2nd, and 3rd.... And, and, and....
It was the absolute refusal to accept a world and thought of "can't" an that "I don't know" was always followed with "YET"...... Every road block was just a chance to try something. No matter how hair brained or never gonna work it was, we tried, because a a million to 1 shot is better than a guaranteed nothing.
Every thing just kept evolving up. Until one day it just started happening that people were coming to me.
"Ah-ha" was a journey, not a place.
My breakthrough was punching through. Still is. Still do.
Man… that hit deep.
Seriously appreciate how raw and real your story is — it’s not every day you see someone lay it out like that. That “punching through” mindset really stuck with me.
I’m early in my journey, but that hit even harder because I’m in that same phase — done with the routine, done playing safe. That energy you described? I’m living it.
Loved how you flipped “can’t” into “not yet” and just kept swinging until things shifted. Big respect for sharing it that way.
- 1yKyle MccawBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Keller, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Love this question.
For me, the breakthrough wasn’t a single moment — it was realizing this is a business, not a side hustle. I stopped chasing the next deal and started building systems: leasing, maintenance, accounting, screening, etc. That shift — treating every rental like a long-term asset that needed professional management — changed everything.
Painful lesson? Early on, I trusted a tenant without verifying income. They looked great on paper but were gaming the system. After that, I started using tools like VeriFast and Plaid. Game changer.
Biggest mindset shift: delayed gratification. Wealth in real estate comes slow, then all at once.
McCaw Property Management4.4907 Reviews- 1yBrooke RoundyPro MemberInvestor · Member since 2021 · 45 posts · 41 votes
@Kyle Mccaw it sure does feel slow sometimes. I'm still waiting for the all at once, but I'll be patient and keep building.
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Kyle Mccaw:
Love this question.
For me, the breakthrough wasn’t a single moment — it was realizing this is a business, not a side hustle. I stopped chasing the next deal and started building systems: leasing, maintenance, accounting, screening, etc. That shift — treating every rental like a long-term asset that needed professional management — changed everything.
Painful lesson? Early on, I trusted a tenant without verifying income. They looked great on paper but were gaming the system. After that, I started using tools like VeriFast and Plaid. Game changer.
Biggest mindset shift: delayed gratification. Wealth in real estate comes slow, then all at once.
Love the way you broke that down, Kyle — especially the part about treating it like a business, not a side hustle.
That shift in mindset hits different when you’ve been grinding and start thinking long-term.
“Delayed gratification” is the one that stuck with me too — tough in the moment, but it really does pay off big when it hits. Appreciate you sharing that.
- 1yRyan RomingerBusiness MemberReal Estate Broker · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 340 posts · 144 votes
Love this question—it’s so true that those breakthrough moments really shape your journey.
For me, the real shift happened when I started working closely with out-of-state investors who were struggling to manage their properties from a distance. That’s when I realized how powerful the right local team can be. It wasn’t just about collecting rent or coordinating repairs—it was about creating peace of mind and helping people scale with confidence.
That perspective completely changed how I approached property management and real estate in general. It became less about transactions and more about building systems and trust—whether it’s someone’s first deal or their tenth.
Appreciate you starting this thread. Can’t wait to hear what others share too.
Intrigue Real Estate & Property Management4.6285 Reviews- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Ryan Rominger:
Love this question—it’s so true that those breakthrough moments really shape your journey.
For me, the real shift happened when I started working closely with out-of-state investors who were struggling to manage their properties from a distance. That’s when I realized how powerful the right local team can be. It wasn’t just about collecting rent or coordinating repairs—it was about creating peace of mind and helping people scale with confidence.
That perspective completely changed how I approached property management and real estate in general. It became less about transactions and more about building systems and trust—whether it’s someone’s first deal or their tenth.
Appreciate you starting this thread. Can’t wait to hear what others share too.
Love that takeaway Ryan — it really shows how much impact the right team can have, especially when it comes to helping out-of-state investors feel confident from a distance.
That shift from “transactions” to “systems and trust” says a lot. Definitely a mindset I’m trying to build around as I grow.
Appreciate you sharing that — solid perspective.
- 1yScott Brockelbank Jr.Pro MemberInvestor · NH · Member since 2018 · 36 posts · 21 votes
The biggest breakthrough moment for me was realizing it's easier to turn equity into cashflow than it is to turn cashflow into meaningful equity.
- 1yStuart UdisPro MemberAttorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
My "aha" moment occurred when I learned the importance of focusing on assets peoeple need. I personally owned and invested in real estate for 10+ years before this was crystalized in my head and was the byproduct of becoming an accidental landlord when I pivoted from selling a four unit ground up building as condos to rentals in 2022 when rates increased.
They were 3 bed and 2 bed + flex room units in a desirable neighborhood where the housing inventory consisted of an abundance of quality for-sale housing but the rental inventory consisted almost exclusively of vintage garden style apartments and "tired" apartment units over commercials spaces. It did not pencil for the well maintained single family homes to be rented. Therefore the tenant who outgrew the apartment options, despite wanting to remain in the neighborhood as renters would move on. My units happened to check the box for these tenants where occupancy/retention has been great and where the units rent at a preimium. I coincidntally turned over two of the units for the first time in the last month with a total of 7 days down between both units.
Since completing this building in 2022, becoming more deliberate about understanding who my tenant/buyer will be and ensuring I am building or renovating a product that satisfies their needs has been critical to my investmnt strategy. Previously my underwriting and approach primarily revolved around researching other completed projects ensuring I am building to the same specs to achieve the same pricing. While my deliveries the past few years have been rentals, I am consistently acheiving premium rents and my occupancy/absoprtion rates have outpaced my competition. I am in the process of breaking ground on my first for-sale projects where this mindset existed from the start.
- Encinitas, CA · Member since 2011 · 192 posts · 252 votes1y
In 1993, when my wife and I purchased a new house, deciding to keep the condos we each owned as rentals instead of selling them.
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Rob K.:
In 1993, when my wife and I purchased a new house, deciding to keep the condos we each owned as rentals instead of selling them.
That’s a smart move, Rob — holding onto those condos must’ve paid off big time over the years. Love seeing long-term strategies like that turn into major wins. Are you still actively investing or more hands-off these days?
- Rental Property Investor · Emmaus, PA · Member since 2021 · 153 posts · 85 votes1y
I've felt as though my "break through" has come in steps...
I first bought a single-family and I had a break though; I was finally in the game...
We then bought a six-unit, and again we had a break through; we realized the opportunities and benefits of multi-family investing...
Next, we bought a 26-unit, and again we had a break through; we bought a substantial property and for the first time we felt like serious real estate investors...
At each step, I've learned and developed more than I could ever hope for, which makes me incredibly excited for my next break through moment in real estate!
- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Kyle Vogeler:
I've felt as though my "break through" has come in steps...
I first bought a single-family and I had a break though; I was finally in the game...
We then bought a six-unit, and again we had a break through; we realized the opportunities and benefits of multi-family investing...
Next, we bought a 26-unit, and again we had a break through; we bought a substantial property and for the first time we felt like serious real estate investors...
At each step, I've learned and developed more than I could ever hope for, which makes me incredibly excited for my next break through moment in real estate!
Love how you described the journey, Kyle — sounds like each step gave you a deeper edge in the game. That 20-unit jump must’ve been a wild learning curve 🔥
Curious — what would you say was the biggest mindset shift that helped you scale from small to larger multifamily?
- Rental Property Investor · Emmaus, PA · Member since 2021 · 153 posts · 85 votes1y
Quote from @Layth Alrikabi:
Quote from @Kyle Vogeler:
I've felt as though my "break through" has come in steps...
I first bought a single-family and I had a break though; I was finally in the game...
We then bought a six-unit, and again we had a break through; we realized the opportunities and benefits of multi-family investing...
Next, we bought a 26-unit, and again we had a break through; we bought a substantial property and for the first time we felt like serious real estate investors...
At each step, I've learned and developed more than I could ever hope for, which makes me incredibly excited for my next break through moment in real estate!
Love how you described the journey, Kyle — sounds like each step gave you a deeper edge in the game. That 20-unit jump must’ve been a wild learning curve 🔥
Curious — what would you say was the biggest mindset shift that helped you scale from small to larger multifamily?
Definitely economies of scale. We knew that we wanted to focus on multi-family properties and that there was more of a payoff if we went for larger value-add properties.
- 1yAaron ZimmermanBusiness MemberAccountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
A couple mindset shifts:
1. Rich dad poor dad. Basically shifting from employee mindset to business owner mindset.
2. Real estate doesn't have to be hard. Its hard when you don't have the right contacts to buy the deal and manage it right. Most of my stress initially came from not knowing the right people. Once you have the network, which takes time to build, you'll have a solid foundation. The ways to shortcut this would be either paid masterminds or showing up to a lot of real estate events. I prefer the latter and you can build your own community. There's certainly advantages to both.
3. you can save more than you think. I'm not saying to be incredibly cheap but you can really accelerate your journey when you save quickly. At least 20% of your income is a good start and reasonably doable with a good salary and house hacking.
Brick House CPAs53 Reviews- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Aaron Zimmerman:
A couple mindset shifts:
1. Rich dad poor dad. Basically shifting from employee mindset to business owner mindset.
2. Real estate doesn't have to be hard. Its hard when you don't have the right contacts to buy the deal and manage it right. Most of my stress initially came from not knowing the right people. Once you have the network, which takes time to build, you'll have a solid foundation. The ways to shortcut this would be either paid masterminds or showing up to a lot of real estate events. I prefer the latter and you can build your own community. There's certainly advantages to both.
3. you can save more than you think. I'm not saying to be incredibly cheap but you can really accelerate your journey when you save quickly. At least 20% of your income is a good start and reasonably doable with a good salary and house hacking.
That’s one of the most structured mindset breakdowns I’ve read on here — you laid it out like a true CPA
I’ve been working on expanding my own network here in Ohio too. Curious — were there any “wrong” moves or lessons early on that helped shape how you approach deals or relationships today?
- 1yAaron ZimmermanBusiness MemberAccountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
@Layth Alrikabi of course! How long do you have?
Some definite lessons:
1. Make sure to hire the right people. Ideally people that respond and can communicate well with residents.
2. There's time to give residents grace with late payment and there's times when it's never going to recover.
3. go to more networking events. The more you expand your network, the higher your rate of success. Need a handyman? Ask someone you met at a meetup. When I was starting out, it was Covid so a bit harder but also easier at the same time.
4. I always approach relationships with a long term mindset. For me, I'm going to be an investor and CPA for a long time. I always try to provide some value in the conversation and see who they might benefit being connected from. Being a connector of people is an art in itself.
5. Re approaching deals. Make sure to vet the current residents as best you can. I got burned on the first building with a bad one. I'd recommend doing FOIA requests with the city and building a checklist of all important items during due diligence.
6. obviously have conservative underwriting. If you have a decent job, you don't need to buy that many deals. I've bought three in five years. You can go faster or slower but just don't buy a bad deal.
Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
- 1ySeth McGatheyBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Milwaukee WI · Member since 2024 · 321 posts · 254 votes
For me it was a mindset shift. I had always wanted to buy a house early and do rentals because my parents owned 1 rental growing up, so it made sense to me. And I had learned a bit about the value real estate can bring you, but I bought my first house and house hacked (before I knew what it was called) but just sat at that point with decent income and free housing due to the house hacking. Then when I got married we decided to buy a more comfortable house and rent out the old one fully. Around that time one of our house hack renters was a buddy of mine who wanted to get into real estate. He wanted to do a deal together and because of him, I started attending a local meetup, listening to bigger pockets podcast and getting really into it. We ended up buying a duplex together and then less than a year later I bought another one by myself. So I went from owning/house hacking a single family home for almost 5 years with no other moves, to buying a second single family and 2 duplexes in under a 2 year timeframe while also getting my real estate license.
If I had had the same mindset I have now when I bought my first house, I would likely already be able to live off my rentals. But I just wasn't thinking about scaling, expanding, or how to make more deals happen. So I didn't make more deals happen for almost 5 years.
Seth McGathey - Shorewest Realtor4.912 Reviews- Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2025 · 23 posts · 21 votes1y
Quote from @Seth McGathey:
For me it was a mindset shift. I had always wanted to buy a house early and do rentals because my parents owned 1 rental growing up, so it made sense to me. And I had learned a bit about the value real estate can bring you, but I bought my first house and house hacked (before I knew what it was called) but just sat at that point with decent income and free housing due to the house hacking. Then when I got married we decided to buy a more comfortable house and rent out the old one fully. Around that time one of our house hack renters was a buddy of mine who wanted to get into real estate. He wanted to do a deal together and because of him, I started attending a local meetup, listening to bigger pockets podcast and getting really into it. We ended up buying a duplex together and then less than a year later I bought another one by myself. So I went from owning/house hacking a single family home for almost 5 years with no other moves, to buying a second single family and 2 duplexes in under a 2 year timeframe while also getting my real estate license.
If I had had the same mindset I have now when I bought my first house, I would likely already be able to live off my rentals. But I just wasn't thinking about scaling, expanding, or how to make more deals happen. So I didn't make more deals happen for almost 5 years.
That’s a solid path, Seth — I like how it evolved naturally. You weren’t forcing growth, but moved when the time and mindset were aligned. That usually leads to more sustainable wins.
I’m in a similar stage now — building up from that first few deals, and trying to be intentional with how I grow. Your story’s a good reminder that the early plays shape everything downstream.
That’s a solid path, Seth — you clearly had good instincts early on, and sounds like you leaned into them at the right time.
I’m in that early scaling zone now too, so stories like this hit different when you’re actively navigating that phase
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