Where to start starts with where you are going

Where to start starts with where you are going

Austin Grant McDowellBusiness Member
Realtor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2015 · 88 posts · 43 votes

Too many people in real estate get stuck staring at where they are right now.

Not enough capital.
Not enough experience.
Not enough deals.
Not enough confidence.

But here’s the mindset shift that changes everything 👇
Stop obsessing over your current position and start focusing on where you want to go.

Start with the destination

Ask yourself:

  • Do I want one rental that offsets my mortgage?

  • Do I want 5–10 doors for long-term wealth?

  • Do I want to flip, BRRRR, wholesale, or house hack?

  • Is my first goal simply buying my first home?

Clarity creates strategy. You don’t need the whole roadmap—just the next right step.

Who, not how

One of the biggest breakthroughs for me came from reading Who Not How.

Most beginners ask:

Better question:

  • Who’s already investing where you want to invest?

  • Who’s closing deals consistently?

  • Who’s 2–3 steps ahead of you?

Find them. Learn from them. Add value where you can.

Small habits, big momentum

Another must-read is Atomic Habits.

Real estate success isn’t one big move—it’s small, consistent actions:

  • Listening to a podcast on your commute

  • Attending one local meetup a month

  • Analyzing one deal a week

  • Having one real conversation with another investor

Those habits compound faster than you think.

Relationships before returns

Here’s the truth most people overlook:
Opportunities follow relationships.

Deals come from people.
Capital comes from trust.
Knowledge comes from proximity.

Start building relationships before you think you’re “ready.” The doors open after you walk toward them—not before.

If you’re feeling behind, good. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be—at the starting line.

Focus on where you want to go.
Build habits that move you forward.
Surround yourself with the right people.

The rest shows up.

💬 Curious—what’s your next step in building your portfolio?

McDowell Real Estate Team4.943 Reviews
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Most Popular Reply

Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7mo

Love this mindset. Who not how is a great book.

For me, my next step is likely partnering with operators to either invest passively or go in on a smaller building together. 

Also the building relationships before your ready is so crucial. You never know how you can help someone and vice versa. 

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7mo

    Love this mindset. Who not how is a great book.

    For me, my next step is likely partnering with operators to either invest passively or go in on a smaller building together. 

    Also the building relationships before your ready is so crucial. You never know how you can help someone and vice versa. 

  • Member since 2024 · 222 posts · 161 votes
    7mo

    Who is a very important question but another to consider is what.  What makes a good deal for you?  What can you do that separates you from others?  

    A good deal for me is not necessarily a good deal for you.  What I know can add value including who I know and what skills I have learned.  It also matters how much time you want to invest, location, etc.

    Learning how, who, what and where are all important questions and skills.  Answering them will separate you from the crowd and aid in your success.

  • Ryan SpathBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Boise, ID · Member since 2017 · 565 posts · 377 votes
    7mo
    Quote from @Austin Grant McDowell:

    Too many people in real estate get stuck staring at where they are right now.

    Not enough capital.
    Not enough experience.
    Not enough deals.
    Not enough confidence.

    But here’s the mindset shift that changes everything 👇
    Stop obsessing over your current position and start focusing on where you want to go.

    Start with the destination

    Ask yourself:

    • Do I want one rental that offsets my mortgage?

    • Do I want 5–10 doors for long-term wealth?

    • Do I want to flip, BRRRR, wholesale, or house hack?

    • Is my first goal simply buying my first home?

    Clarity creates strategy. You don’t need the whole roadmap—just the next right step.

    Who, not how

    One of the biggest breakthroughs for me came from reading Who Not How.

    Most beginners ask:

    Better question:

    • Who’s already investing where you want to invest?

    • Who’s closing deals consistently?

    • Who’s 2–3 steps ahead of you?

    Find them. Learn from them. Add value where you can.

    Small habits, big momentum

    Another must-read is Atomic Habits.

    Real estate success isn’t one big move—it’s small, consistent actions:

    • Listening to a podcast on your commute

    • Attending one local meetup a month

    • Analyzing one deal a week

    • Having one real conversation with another investor

    Those habits compound faster than you think.

    Relationships before returns

    Here’s the truth most people overlook:
    Opportunities follow relationships.

    Deals come from people.
    Capital comes from trust.
    Knowledge comes from proximity.

    Start building relationships before you think you’re “ready.” The doors open after you walk toward them—not before.

    If you’re feeling behind, good. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be—at the starting line.

    Focus on where you want to go.
    Build habits that move you forward.
    Surround yourself with the right people.

    The rest shows up.

    💬 Curious—what’s your next step in building your portfolio?


     Great Post! My next step is paying off the primary residence. The goal is to do this by 9/27/2028! What is your next goal?

  • Austin Grant McDowellBusiness Member
    OP
    Realtor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2015 · 88 posts · 43 votes
    7mo

    @Ryan Spath that is an awesome goal. Let's GOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Mine is to get into commercial real estate investing by the end of 2027. I am hoping to get a portfolio or small apartment complex by then. Networking and reading currently! Fingers crossed. 

    McDowell Real Estate Team4.943 Reviews
  • Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes
    7mo

    I am choosing 5-10 doors for long-term wealth.  I've been considering how I can minimally start with $50K/year to balance what I already make and increase from there.  I actually just posted about how to do this and seeking ideas.  I've done flips and now want to protect my cash as I've lost about $30K over the last two years (began RE in 2024). With a MA in clinical mental health counseling; trying to bridge the gap for long term wealth.  

    Thanks for this-it was motivating for me!!

  • Austin Grant McDowellBusiness Member
    OP
    Realtor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2015 · 88 posts · 43 votes
    7mo

    @Kay Sam you've got this!! Thanks for sharing and stay the course!! 

    McDowell Real Estate Team4.943 Reviews
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