Day 3: Leverage Your Fear, or Fear Your Leverage

[Giovanni Javier]

Learning from a real conversation, not just a reel.

Today wasn’t just about real estate. It was about confronting the internal voice that says,

“Play it safe—maybe next year.”

I had an intro call with Melina Boswell’s team at New Wealth Advisors Club. And I walked away with a new perspective, a new strategy, and a renewed sense of tension between wisdom and risk.

But first, some context.

I work in infrastructure sales and energy project development. My day job involves helping public agencies—mostly school districts—upgrade their HVAC, lighting, and mechanical systems through large-scale, design-build projects. It’s a complex world that blends public finance, engineering, construction, and community impact. I work directly with bond managers, city staff, and facility directors to structure multi-million-dollar energy projects using public procurement frameworks like CA Code 4217. We manage the process end-to-end: audit, design, construction, and long-term performance.

In short: I’m comfortable navigating complex systems. I work with numbers, teams, and strategy all day. But real estate is different—because now the risk and reward are personal. My name is on the line!

What I Learned Today

During the call, I was introduced to a version of triplex house hacking that I’d never considered. It involves using a land trust to legally and creatively split a single-family home into three rentable units, depending on zoning, design, and property layout. This allows you to maximize cash flow without needing to buy a true triplex up front.

What impressed me wasn’t just the strategy—it was the full infrastructure behind it:

• Pre-qualified leads

• Construction and engineering partners

 • Real estate attorneys who specialize in creative deal structuring

 • Intimate, hands-on coaching from active investors

It felt refreshingly different from the influencer-led programs charging $20K–$30K for group access and general advice. This was more affordable, more focused, and built on real relationships and accountability. I appreciated the smaller community feel—more face time with people who are doing real deals.

The Question I’m Sitting With

I see the value. I see the path. But I’m still wrestling with this:

Do I leverage debt to step into the game with speed and structure?

Or do I fear leverage, stay lean, and grassroots this journey deal by deal?

One voice in my head says, “You know how to build systems. You understand complex financing. Use your experience and move."

The other says, “Don’t overextend. Play the long game. Avoid unnecessary risk.”

My long-term goal is clear: flip properties, maximize profits, and eventually build a rental portfolio that generates sustainable passive income and long-term growth. I want to create something that brings freedom to my family and opens the door to generosity, impact, and legacy.

But today, I’m still learning. Still asking questions. Still checking my heart and my head.

Moving Forward

Even though I haven’t done my first deal yet, I’m closer than I’ve ever been. And that’s enough for now. Because each step forward—every call, every notebook scribble, every new concept—is building something stronger in me than just profit.

It’s building clarity.
It’s building confidence.

It’s building conviction.

Day 3 down. Let’s keep going!

As always, looking for mentors, relationships, others to grow with. Let's schedule a call and get to know one another! Thanks for reading!