Newbie Ready to take charge of her life.

[Michelle Peters]

My name is Michelle and I just had a birthday. This year was different. I had all this gratitude for simple things like being able to shower, or being able to make it throughout the day in pain. At the decent age of 39 I find myself on dialysis and at job this is pushing radical changes I don't align with. 

I've taken a real estate class and failed, and for some reason it scared me out of going again and failing again. But this birthday I had to have a chat with myself about fear. After watching enough youtubes to drill not being afraid and going to therapy I'm taking a whack at it again. With a different approach. To find a resource like this and give it a chance. To give myself a chance to see about the other ways to get into real estate outside of being an agent. 

So here I am ready go learn and grow and hope that I experience the success and life that I have always dreamed of. I'm hoping that I can eventually have passive income and work for myself and focus on my health and living my best life after I receive a transplant. Dialysis has shown me that I really need to not take living for granted again.

[Melissa Justice]

@Michelle Peters,

Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your strength and vulnerability are powerful, and it’s clear you’ve got the heart and mindset to build something meaningful, both in real estate and in life.

Failing that first class doesn’t define you — it was just a step in the process, and honestly, so many successful investors didn’t come in through the "agent" door. Real estate offers so many paths: wholesaling, house hacking, buy & hold rentals, Section 8 investing, short-term rentals, passive partnerships, and none of them require a license to start. What does help is what you’re already showing: resilience, curiosity, and the courage to start again.

If your goal is passive income so you can prioritize your health and live fully, you’re in the right place. The BiggerPockets community is full of people who started with very little and built a portfolio one property at a time. There are also people here who’ve navigated health challenges while building financial freedom, you’re not alone.

Rooting for you as you step into this new chapter. You deserve that life you’ve dreamed ofand this is a powerful first move toward it.

Are there any specific real estate strategies you’re currently curious about? Happy to help you explore what might be the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.

Wishing you much success and health,

Melissa Justice

Investment Strategist at Rent to Retirement