Newbie Ready to take charge of her life.

Newbie Ready to take charge of her life.

Member since 2025 · 1 post · 1 vote

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.

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Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 518 posts · 1k+ votes
1y

@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

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    1y

    Best of luck on your journey, both in REI and life itself! If you;re doing REI, you have found the best place to hang out, ask questions and get advice from people who (usually) ask nothing in return.

    So ask away! What is your RE plan?

  • Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 518 posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    @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

  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y

    @Michelle Peters

    Michelle, thank you for sharing your story—your strength, self-awareness, and drive to push forward are incredibly inspiring. Failing a class doesn’t define your future; real estate offers so many paths outside of being an agent, like investing in rental properties, house hacking, or even partnering with others to get started. The beauty of real estate is that you can build passive income at your own pace, in a way that supports your health and lifestyle goals. You’ve already taken the hardest step by showing up—keep going.

    Good luck!

  • Investor · Costa Mesa, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Welcome. You’ve got this. Lots of support here.

  • Member since 2025 · 194 posts · 140 votes
    1y

    Welcome to the group! 

    As you embark on your real estate investing journey and begin shaping your investment strategy, it's essential to prioritize two foundational pillars: tax planning and asset protection. While these areas can easily be overshadowed by the excitement of finding deals, they are critical to building a sustainable and successful portfolio.

    A solid tax strategy enables you to take full advantage of available deductions, choose the most beneficial tax structures, and ultimately retain more of your income. By planning ahead, you can reduce your overall tax liability and create more flexibility to reinvest and grow.

    Equally vital is protecting what you’re building. Real estate investing inherently involves risk, whether from lawsuits, creditors, or unforeseen liabilities. Establishing the right legal structure early on helps safeguard your personal assets, limit exposure, and strengthen your position in the event of a legal challenge. Asset protection isn't just about defense; it’s a strategic advantage that can give you peace of mind and negotiating leverage when it matters most.

    To navigate these important areas, I highly encourage working with experienced professionals, including a tax advisor well-versed in real estate and an asset protection attorney who understands your unique goals and risk tolerance. Putting the right team in place from the beginning can save you time, money, and stress as your investments grow.

    Best wishes for your health and success

    Disclaimer: This message is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. No attorney-client, fiduciary, or professional relationship is created through this communication. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation.

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