transition into real estate from a self employed business

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transition into real estate from a self employed business

Nate Prime
Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 4 votes
  • Background: 20-year veteran mechanic and business owner. I transitioned from the shop floor to business ownership in 2014, launching a successful small engine sales and service company.

    • Transitioning Professional with Mechanical & Business Ownership Background into Real Estate InvestmentWith 20 years of experience as a mechanic and business owner, there is a strong foundation in asset management and operational oversight. After establishing a service company in 2014 and acquiring a commercial headquarters, financial discipline has been a key focus.Investment Focus & StrategyThe current focus is on transitioning fully into real estate, seeking assets that align with the following criteria:

    • Target: Value-Add opportunities where a background in construction and structural knowledge can contribute to property improvement and appreciation.
    • Goal: Income-producing properties with a focus on sustainable cash flow.
    • Approach: Interested in projects that may require addressing physical property needs, leveraging practical trade experience.

    Building ConnectionsBringing a blend of practical knowledge and business experience to the table. Interested in connecting with other professionals, those involved in property sourcing, and potential partners to explore investment opportunities.

  • Proven Track Record: In 2015, I strategically acquired a commercial corner lot to house my operations. Through disciplined management, I have since paid off my personal residence, my commercial shop, and acquired two additional properties in cash.
  • Core Competencies: I bring extensive hands-on expertise in building structures and trade skillsets directly applicable to construction and rehabilitation. My background as a business owner provides a deep understanding of P&Ls, asset management, and the emotional fortitude required to scale.
  • Investing Goal: I am currently deploying a mid-six-figure war chest to transition into real estate full-time. My focus is on high-return opportunities where I can leverage my "boots-on-the-ground" knowledge to build long-term prosperity.
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Bernice RetzloffPro Member
Memphis, TN · Member since 2024 · 234 posts · 100 votes
8mo

Hey @Nate Prime! Solid background, man. That’s a real transition, not a “read a book and call myself an investor” one.

You’ve already done a lot of the hard stuff most people struggle with:

Bought and paid off real assets

Run a business with real P&Ls and payroll pressure

Understand buildings beyond surface-level cosmetics

That combo is perfectly suited for value-add real estate, especially in markets where physical condition, not market hype, is the lever.

A few thoughts that might resonate with where you’re headed:

Your edge is execution, not theory

Most investors are scared of properties with mechanical, structural, or deferred maintenance issues. For you, that’s opportunity. Deals that look “hairy” on inspection are often where the best margins live. If you know what actually matters vs what just looks bad.

Mid-six-figure war chest = flexibility

That capital stack puts you in a great spot to:

Move fast on underwritten value-add deals

Avoid over-leverage early

Take on projects that need real work without betting the farm

You don’t need to chase sexy appreciation markets. Cash-flowing assets with controllable upside will compound just fine.

The transition to full-time RE

One thing I’ve seen work well for operators like you:

Start with 1–2 projects where you’re deeply involved

Build systems + teams early (PM, trades, bookkeeping)

Then scale selectively instead of chasing door count

Owning fewer, better-performing assets tends to beat owning a pile of “meh” ones.

I'm based in Memphis, TN, and work with a lot of out-of-state investors who come from construction, trades, or business ownership backgrounds. Memphis tends to reward people who can solve physical problems and manage assets tightly. Especially on value-add small multifamily and distressed SFH portfolios.

If you’re open to it, happy to connect, trade notes, or help you sanity-check deals. Sounds like you’re bringing exactly the kind of experience that turns rough assets into long-term performers.

901-664-1949
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  • Kiernan LaFaver
    Real Estate Agent · Central New York · Member since 2023 · 207 posts · 96 votes
    8mo

    Hey Nate! Welcome to the community! I think you'll find that most members here are very helpful and always willing to share experience. I'm in the Syracuse area just a short drive away, and am always happy to be a resource as you start to get your portfolio off the ground and transition full time. Would definitely be interested in discussing the area and networking in the future! Happy investing!

    0Reply
    • Nate Prime
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 4 votes
      8mo
      Quote from @Kiernan LaFaver:

      Hey Nate! Welcome to the community! I think you'll find that most members here are very helpful and always willing to share experience. I'm in the Syracuse area just a short drive away, and am always happy to be a resource as you start to get your portfolio off the ground and transition full time. Would definitely be interested in discussing the area and networking in the future! Happy investing!


       thank you , Kiernan

      its nice to know there are good people out in the world and break the habit of only relying on oneself  to get things done!

      1Reply
  • Bernice RetzloffPro Member
    Memphis, TN · Member since 2024 · 234 posts · 100 votes
    8mo

    Hey @Nate Prime! Solid background, man. That’s a real transition, not a “read a book and call myself an investor” one.

    You’ve already done a lot of the hard stuff most people struggle with:

    Bought and paid off real assets

    Run a business with real P&Ls and payroll pressure

    Understand buildings beyond surface-level cosmetics

    That combo is perfectly suited for value-add real estate, especially in markets where physical condition, not market hype, is the lever.

    A few thoughts that might resonate with where you’re headed:

    Your edge is execution, not theory

    Most investors are scared of properties with mechanical, structural, or deferred maintenance issues. For you, that’s opportunity. Deals that look “hairy” on inspection are often where the best margins live. If you know what actually matters vs what just looks bad.

    Mid-six-figure war chest = flexibility

    That capital stack puts you in a great spot to:

    Move fast on underwritten value-add deals

    Avoid over-leverage early

    Take on projects that need real work without betting the farm

    You don’t need to chase sexy appreciation markets. Cash-flowing assets with controllable upside will compound just fine.

    The transition to full-time RE

    One thing I’ve seen work well for operators like you:

    Start with 1–2 projects where you’re deeply involved

    Build systems + teams early (PM, trades, bookkeeping)

    Then scale selectively instead of chasing door count

    Owning fewer, better-performing assets tends to beat owning a pile of “meh” ones.

    I'm based in Memphis, TN, and work with a lot of out-of-state investors who come from construction, trades, or business ownership backgrounds. Memphis tends to reward people who can solve physical problems and manage assets tightly. Especially on value-add small multifamily and distressed SFH portfolios.

    If you’re open to it, happy to connect, trade notes, or help you sanity-check deals. Sounds like you’re bringing exactly the kind of experience that turns rough assets into long-term performers.

    901-664-1949
    1Reply
    • Nate Prime
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 4 votes
      8mo
      Quote from @Bernice Retzloff:

      Hey @Nate Prime! Solid background, man. That’s a real transition, not a “read a book and call myself an investor” one.

      You’ve already done a lot of the hard stuff most people struggle with:

      Bought and paid off real assets

      Run a business with real P&Ls and payroll pressure

      Understand buildings beyond surface-level cosmetics

      That combo is perfectly suited for value-add real estate, especially in markets where physical condition, not market hype, is the lever.

      A few thoughts that might resonate with where you’re headed:

      Your edge is execution, not theory

      Most investors are scared of properties with mechanical, structural, or deferred maintenance issues. For you, that’s opportunity. Deals that look “hairy” on inspection are often where the best margins live. If you know what actually matters vs what just looks bad.

      Mid-six-figure war chest = flexibility

      That capital stack puts you in a great spot to:

      Move fast on underwritten value-add deals

      Avoid over-leverage early

      Take on projects that need real work without betting the farm

      You don’t need to chase sexy appreciation markets. Cash-flowing assets with controllable upside will compound just fine.

      The transition to full-time RE

      One thing I’ve seen work well for operators like you:

      Start with 1–2 projects where you’re deeply involved

      Build systems + teams early (PM, trades, bookkeeping)

      Then scale selectively instead of chasing door count

      Owning fewer, better-performing assets tends to beat owning a pile of “meh” ones.

      I'm based in Memphis, TN, and work with a lot of out-of-state investors who come from construction, trades, or business ownership backgrounds. Memphis tends to reward people who can solve physical problems and manage assets tightly. Especially on value-add small multifamily and distressed SFH portfolios.

      If you’re open to it, happy to connect, trade notes, or help you sanity-check deals. Sounds like you’re bringing exactly the kind of experience that turns rough assets into long-term performers.


       solid advice, and structure suggestions. i lean to execution over theory.  i like to have guiderails and a plan . that being said my main building points are to figure out how to get  a stable income from real estate and or services first to sustain myself. next learn how to value properties ,then buy renovate rent and repeat, to build stable long term holdings 

      i am a solution oriented person, get a long with good souls and work well with most and personal development improvements with fluid communication and clear understanding of both parties intentions ,growing better each day.

      i would entertain a conversation to see if we can be of benefit to one another or in network! 

      0Reply
  • James WachobBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Memphis, TN · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 890 votes
    8mo

    Hi @Nate Prime, 
    Really solid background. You’ve bought and paid off real assets, run a business with real P&Ls, and actually understand buildings beyond the surface stuff. That mix is perfect for value-add real estate.

    Your edge is getting things done. Most people shy away from properties with real mechanical or structural issues—but for someone who knows what matters, that’s where the upside is. And having a nice six-figure war chest means you can move fast, take on projects that need work, and not overextend yourself.

    If you’re going full-time, starting with one or two hands-on deals, setting up a small team, and scaling smart usually beats trying to do too much at once. Memphis really rewards people who can roll up their sleeves and run properties well, especially small multifamily or distressed SFHs.

    Would love to connect, swap ideas, or help run numbers. Your background is exactly the kind that turns rough properties into long-term winners.

    1Reply
    • Nate Prime
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 4 votes
      8mo
      Quote from @James Wachob:

      Hi @Nate Prime, 
      Really solid background. You’ve bought and paid off real assets, run a business with real P&Ls, and actually understand buildings beyond the surface stuff. That mix is perfect for value-add real estate.

      Your edge is getting things done. Most people shy away from properties with real mechanical or structural issues—but for someone who knows what matters, that’s where the upside is. And having a nice six-figure war chest means you can move fast, take on projects that need work, and not overextend yourself.

      If you’re going full-time, starting with one or two hands-on deals, setting up a small team, and scaling smart usually beats trying to do too much at once. Memphis really rewards people who can roll up their sleeves and run properties well, especially small multifamily or distressed SFHs.

      Would love to connect, swap ideas, or help run numbers. Your background is exactly the kind that turns rough properties into long-term winners.


       that is correct, I've had to rely on myself to get things done as I'm skeptical of most people. as i been shown through life by  many their intentions don't match actions.solving by doing holds more weight than theory .

      starting out i will need to learn how to value properties and run numbers, building materials is easy part  people and business strategy is were improvements are needed

      i am solution oriented and slowly I'm refining my ability to build  rapport and meaningful connections , as i am ambivert.

      would love to entertain a converstation to see if we can help one other!

      0Reply
    • James WachobBusiness Member
      Real Estate Broker · Memphis, TN · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 890 votes
      8mo
      Quote from @Nate Prime:
      Quote from @James Wachob:

      Hi @Nate Prime, 
      Really solid background. You’ve bought and paid off real assets, run a business with real P&Ls, and actually understand buildings beyond the surface stuff. That mix is perfect for value-add real estate.

      Your edge is getting things done. Most people shy away from properties with real mechanical or structural issues—but for someone who knows what matters, that’s where the upside is. And having a nice six-figure war chest means you can move fast, take on projects that need work, and not overextend yourself.

      If you’re going full-time, starting with one or two hands-on deals, setting up a small team, and scaling smart usually beats trying to do too much at once. Memphis really rewards people who can roll up their sleeves and run properties well, especially small multifamily or distressed SFHs.

      Would love to connect, swap ideas, or help run numbers. Your background is exactly the kind that turns rough properties into long-term winners.


       that is correct, I've had to rely on myself to get things done as I'm skeptical of most people. as i been shown through life by  many their intentions don't match actions.solving by doing holds more weight than theory .

      starting out i will need to learn how to value properties and run numbers, building materials is easy part  people and business strategy is were improvements are needed

      i am solution oriented and slowly I'm refining my ability to build  rapport and meaningful connections , as i am ambivert.

      would love to entertain a converstation to see if we can help one other!


      I feel you. Actions over words, always. I’m down to chat and see if we can help each other.
      0Reply
  • Stevan Stojakovic
    Financial Advisor · FL · Member since 2024 · 462 posts · 107 votes
    8mo

    Welcome to the community, and great introduction.

    Your background is actually very aligned with value-add investing. The combination of hands-on mechanical knowledge and real business discipline is something many investors develop much later - if ever.

    One perspective that may serve you well early: in real estate, technical problems are often easier to solve than financial ones.

    A building can be “fixable” from a construction standpoint and still be a weak deal if the numbers don’t provide enough margin. Treat deals the same way you’d approach diagnostics - assume friction, stress-test assumptions, and see if the model survives conservative scenarios.

    That mindset tends to outperform optimism over time.

    Also, don’t underestimate the power of visibility here. Consistent posting, sharing deal analysis, and engaging in discussions often attracts opportunities, partners, and off-market conversations you’d never see otherwise.

    Looking forward to seeing your progress.

    Feel free to reach out if you need any help. Happy to connect and support you on your REI journey.

    All the best, 

    Stevan

    0Reply
  • Giovanni Choisne
    Investor · Nashville · Member since 2026 · 37 posts · 11 votes
    7mo

    Welcome to the community, 

    You already understand assets, overhead, margins, and operational discipline, that’s 80% of the battle. The mechanical and structural background is a huge edge on value-add deals because you won’t be intimidated by physical issues the way many investors are. If your goal is sustainable cash flow, I’d focus on buying right and keeping leverage conservative at first. Your trade knowledge can create equity, but the real win is pairing that with disciplined underwriting.

    0Reply
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