​I QUIT MY JOB THIS WEEK!!! (with help from BP, at 31yo ;)

​I QUIT MY JOB THIS WEEK!!! (with help from BP, at 31yo ;)

J. MartinPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes

Say it with me: “I QUIT!!!”

As Bigger Pockets’ motto says, “Life wasn’t made to be lived in a cubicle.”
So I’m not going to any more!!

Been a Wild Ride!!
Going from nothing - to buying my first foreclosed 4plex with an FHA loan, partnerships buying poorly maintained single family homes and 2-4 unit buildings from foreclosure, probate, off-market (or combination), several partnerships and loans to and from local BP members, furnishing apartments for 1-3 month stays, several cash-out loans, >$1MM in RE, $250K in gross rents, organizing a big RE Summit, discovering all the amazing data out there, having some challenges along the way, giving back to the community and volunteering, and having the opportunity to give back and help other investors with my experiences – has been a wild ride!!!! (See my BP profile or signature link for more details privately.) And I actually enjoyed my job, but I'm going to enjoy this more!!!

From Nothin' to Somethin'
I started with no cash, negative net worth, and a pocket full of dreams. My goal was to be able to wake up whenever I wanted, wear flip flops every day, and do some traveling :) After a lot of hard work, help from others (mostly on BP!), some leverage, and a stroke of luck, I was able to build a portfolio of high cash-flowing properties in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with another profitable real estate venture with a lot of additional opportunity. This income, along with my frugality – coupled with a business that allows me to operate remotely – will let me travel around the US and world, work on my own schedule, and follow my dreams, wherever they should take me! These goals were instrumental in building my business – because I didn’t want to have to show up to make money!!! :) *think about this when growing your business!*

BP (and the people on it) were Instrumental!!
Bigger Pockets forums, podcasts, and the people I have met here have opened my eyes to knowledge, wisdom, and opportunities I would have never thought possible. But I wouldn’t have come to where I am today if I hadn’t started posting and interacting on the forums, connecting with other local investors online, and meeting them face to face (eventually starting my own RE meetup in SF, and snowballing into a big RE Summit with so many great folks from BP). But BP was the start of it all. Before that, I was wandering around by myself in the desert, learning bit by bit, without a network of amazing people to lean on for advice, and ultimately do great deals with, borrow and lend funds, and most importantly, make some great friendships :)

Shout Outs!
I have to give a big shout-out to  @Johnson H. for first introducing me to BP, and a lot of investors down in Silicon Valley and San Jose. A big thanks to @Account Closedundefined

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Rental Property Investor · Arlington, TX · Member since 2012 · 788 posts · 640 votes
10y

Congrats!  Way to make things happen and never give up. 

I'm not sure how so many Americans get brainwashed into working 40 hrs a week for 40 years so they can then live a modest lifestyle when they can now barely enjoy life.  Glad to see you break from the chains.

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  • Residential Real Estate Broker · San Mateo, CA · Member since 2013 · 585 posts · 264 votes
    10y

    @J. Martin congrats! I know you are more than excited for the new journey ahead of you!

  • Rental Property Investor · Oakville/ Brantford, Ontario · Member since 2015 · 147 posts · 91 votes
    10y
    Amazing story to read and very motivating! Thanks so much for sharing!
  • Meridian · Member since 2015 · 12 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    Congrats!!  This success give me hope of the same.  How long did it take you to accomplish this goal?

  • Investor · Asheville, NC · Member since 2011 · 833 posts · 499 votes
    10y

    @J. Martin, really incredible man!

    You just wrote a playbook for so many who are after financial freedom.  While I do work myself, I'm still in the S box of the cash flow quadrant, but am regularly inspired by you and pretty much everyone you mentioned to continue on the path towards passive income and true financial freedom.

    Really, really impressive.  Well done!

  • Jonna WeberPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 736 votes
    10y

    @J. Martin  - Woo Hoo!!!  I am thrilled for you.  

  • Janet VossPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2016 · 37 posts · 20 votes
    10y

    @J. Martin, like everyone else, I'm thrilled for you.  You've already been a help to me, and we've barely met, but I have my first travel nurse (booked through Airbnb) moving in at 5:30 pm today.

    I was just discussing with another friend last night investing and what our actual goals are.  She and I are both in the medical device field and like what we do, and we each have 15 years or so left until traditional retirement.  BECAUSE I really get a lot of fulfillment from my regular job, I don't think my RE goal is ever to quit and live off that, but I would never rule out that possibility.

    I know you've already got a lot of travel planned, but my friend and I are headed to Italy (and then on the France for me) at the end of June and first bit of July.  You're welcome to tag along.

  • Rental Property Investor · Canton, MI · Member since 2016 · 70 posts · 17 votes
    10y

    Wow!  This is so inspiring! You have achieved a tremendous goal, congratulations and I look forward to following your future growth.  Thanks for sharing! Michael V

  • Orlando, FL · Member since 2015 · 79 posts · 21 votes
    10y

    Congrats! 

    Thanks for sharing your journey of how goals, hard work and focus pays off.

  • J. MartinPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    @Tara Parker, I’ve been looking at real estate since 2009, but bought my first property on New Years’ Eve 2012. Not too shabby, eh? But really pushed my chips in during the crisis. A lot of it is about timing, in addition to finding a good deal, IMHO. How long are you planning before retirement

    @Andrew Davis,
    “You just wrote a playbook for so many who are after financial freedom. While I do work myself, I'm still in the S box of the cash flow quadrant, but am regularly inspired by you and pretty much everyone you mentioned to continue on the path towards passive income and true financial freedom.”

    Really appreciate it Andrew! A lot of BP folks have inspired me, and glad I could inspire a few others ;) I don't even know where Winter park is! But I was thinking about checking out Miami, and maybe Tallahassee (I know, totally different..). Where are the best places to go in Florida? Not just lounging on the beach or going to clubs. But maybe something different..? 

    @Jonna Weber
    Been a while! How are you? Thanks! I’m thrilled too! :)
    How is the market out there? Things just won't stop here! Wondering if I should sell next year if it keeps going this way.. I was going to stop at a few national parks and forests also. Some good nature places to check out in Idaho..? 

    @Janet Voss
    “ You've already been a help to me, and we've barely met, but I have my first travel nurse (booked through Airbnb) moving in at 5:30 pm today… I know you've already got a lot of travel planned, but my friend and I are headed to Italy (and then on the France for me) at the end of June and first bit of July. You're welcome to tag along.”

    So nice of you to say Janet!! :) Glad I can help out, and some of that travel nurse inspiration comes from Al Williamson. Appreciate the Italy invite!! I think I’m going to SE Asia before going back to Western Europe, but have a blast! I love everything in Italy!! :) What cities are you going to? I like Naples. A little grittier ;) Nice to another Oakland er on the map too!

    @Ryan Landis
    Are you looking in San Mateo much? Or up in the East Bay? When I was just peaking into the prices down from S SF down to Redwood City, Mountain View, Los Altos, etc, just for sh*ts and giggles, WOW! I still like the East bay for that reason. Sorry couldn’t chat with you more before I’m getting less active. You came in to our group a little late!! Where ya been!? hahaha Keep going to @Johnson H. 's meetups, and keep your eye on the cycle!! 

    @Elizabeth Colegrove , I finally did it!! :)

  • Meridian · Member since 2015 · 12 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    3 years.. Inspirational!! My target is the same.  I intend to purchase my 1st property within the next 30 days.  Im trying to narrow my target area.  Have been researching Atlanta, Ga, Tallahassee, Fl, and Montgomery, Al. 

    Will be targeting $30 or less purchase for fix and flip.  Any insight or advice is welcome and appreciated..

    So inspiring!!

  • Real Estate Agent · chicago, IL · Member since 2011 · 54 posts · 23 votes
    10y

    Congratulations! .. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Burlingame CA, San Francisco Bay Area · Member since 2015 · 45 posts · 14 votes
    10y

    Very inspiring! Congratulations! 

  • Real Estate Agent · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2011 · 471 posts · 296 votes
    10y

    Congrats J!

    Thanks for the inspiration to keep up the good fight clawing my way out of the rat race!!! ;))

    Cheers to you warrior!!

  • Janet VossPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2016 · 37 posts · 20 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by :

    So nice of you to say Janet!! :) Glad I can help out, and some of that travel nurse inspiration comes from Al Williamson. 

    @J. Martin The tide was turned on my thinking when you told me you were doing it via Airbnb.  I already knew the market that I was targeting, but Airbnb has made it much simpler, along with that Facebook group I told you about.  I'll thank Al too, whenever I see him next.

    Appreciate the Italy invite!! I think I’m going to SE Asia before going back to Western Europe, but have a blast! 

    I knew you wanted to go to SE Asia.  Stop in Singapore for a few days if you can.  

    I love everything in Italy!! :) What cities are you going to?

    We're actually going to Lake Iseo, north of Milan.  I've been to Milan before (a couple of times), but there's this special thing going on at the Lake this summer (Christo exhibit), and a bunch of my friends are going (I think there's 10 of us).  Then I'm leaving Italy and going to Nantes France for Maker Faire Nantes.  Some of my other friends are exhibiting an art piece that I helped build (in 2011).  

    I like Naples. A little grittier ;) Nice to another Oakland er on the map too!

    I like Naples, also, although I've spent much more time in Rome, Florence and Venice.

  • Hanford, CA · Member since 2013 · 5k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @J. Martin:

    @Tara Parker, I’ve been looking at real estate since 2009, but bought my first property on New Years’ Eve 2012. Not too shabby, eh? But really pushed my chips in during the crisis. A lot of it is about timing, in addition to finding a good deal, IMHO. How long are you planning before retirement

    @Andrew Davis,
    “You just wrote a playbook for so many who are after financial freedom. While I do work myself, I'm still in the S box of the cash flow quadrant, but am regularly inspired by you and pretty much everyone you mentioned to continue on the path towards passive income and true financial freedom.”

    Really appreciate it Andrew! A lot of BP folks have inspired me, and glad I could inspire a few others ;) I don't even know where Winter park is! But I was thinking about checking out Miami, and maybe Tallahassee (I know, totally different..). Where are the best places to go in Florida? Not just lounging on the beach or going to clubs. But maybe something different..? 

    @Jonna Weber
    Been a while! How are you? Thanks! I’m thrilled too! :)
    How is the market out there? Things just won't stop here! Wondering if I should sell next year if it keeps going this way.. I was going to stop at a few national parks and forests also. Some good nature places to check out in Idaho..? 

    @Janet Voss
    “ You've already been a help to me, and we've barely met, but I have my first travel nurse (booked through Airbnb) moving in at 5:30 pm today… I know you've already got a lot of travel planned, but my friend and I are headed to Italy (and then on the France for me) at the end of June and first bit of July. You're welcome to tag along.”

    So nice of you to say Janet!! :) Glad I can help out, and some of that travel nurse inspiration comes from Al Williamson. Appreciate the Italy invite!! I think I’m going to SE Asia before going back to Western Europe, but have a blast! I love everything in Italy!! :) What cities are you going to? I like Naples. A little grittier ;) Nice to another Oakland er on the map too!

    @Ryan Landis
    Are you looking in San Mateo much? Or up in the East Bay? When I was just peaking into the prices down from S SF down to Redwood City, Mountain View, Los Altos, etc, just for sh*ts and giggles, WOW! I still like the East bay for that reason. Sorry couldn’t chat with you more before I’m getting less active. You came in to our group a little late!! Where ya been!? hahaha Keep going to @Johnson H. 's meetups, and keep your eye on the cycle!! 

    @Elizabeth Colegrove , I finally did it!! :)

    I was TOTALLY think of you today that I had to txt you and see how you were doing!! YEAH!! I So happy for you!

  • Jonna WeberPro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 736 votes
    10y

    @J. Martin - Idaho is hot, but nothing like your area price wise!  So many places to explore here...and some glorious backcountry whitewater rafting.  Contact me anytime for ideas if you think you might be headed our way. :)

  • Investor · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2015 · 14 posts · 8 votes
    10y

    Mega congrats to you!!!!  I know you've worked hard for it, and made courageous moves!  Look forward to hearing more at the Meetup.

  • Ottawa, Ontario · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 4 votes
    10y
    Congratulations, your story is truly inspiring to this newbie!
  • Investor · Los Altos, CA · Member since 2014 · 942 posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    @J. Martin the Kool-Aid has been great and you know I have been two fisting since you got me hooked! I admire your ability to reach your goal at such a young age! I am really happy to hear that you will keep working the REI angle while you are traveling.

    When we meet up in Asia, the first bucket of beer is on me!

  • Investor · Columbus, MT · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    @J. Martin. Well done! You are an inspiration to those of us still in the trenches. I have enjoyed reading you posts over the past few years, you always have great things to say. 

    Also I love the profile pic... 

  • J. MartinPro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    @Kyle J.,

    “I still remember when I met you at that small meetup in Stockton a few years ago. It definitely seemed like you were on your way even then, and you've come a long way since. Coincidentally, I actually retired myself last month, and have been enjoying traveling too. (Just recently got back from Costa Rica. It was awesome!).”

    MEETUPS ROCK!!
    Thanks Kyle! And congrats on your retirement also!! Yes, I was doing meetups wherever I was working at the time, just to see what was going on in different areas, and what people were up to.. I’ve had meetups in Stockton, Salinas (hey @Rob Henriquez!), Santa Rosa.. Actually, the first time I scheduled a meetup in Santa Rosa, I met @Brian Burke and @Adam Menconi , and had no idea who either of them were. I hadn’t heard Brian’s podcast and didn’t know what a big investor he was at the time. But he ended up being kind enough to be my headline speaker at the Summit over a year later. You never know who you will run into or what you will learn at meetups!

    I host a meetup in San Francisco almost every month, and have done quite a few on-site meetups at my properties also. I also go to @Johnson H. meetup in San Jose almost every month. Through these venues, I have made new friends, partners, lenders and borrowers, bought a property, done master leases, basically built my whole business. So I can’t say enough good things about going to meetups, and hosting them yourself if no one is taking charge. Hopefully you and @Erin A. are keeping in touch about the Stockton market. Are things pretty hot out there? Rents going up? They were so low per unit last time I was looking out there. I decided to just stick with Richmond.

    @Jason McLendon
    “Ready to run through a brick wall now!!!”

    Look before you leap, but happy to provide some inspiration ;) How are you going to get to your goal?

    @Tara Parker
    “3 years.. Inspirational!! My target is the same. I intend to purchase my 1st property within the next 30 days.”

    I was fortunate to get in at a great part of the cycle, and get explosive growth. Not the case any more. I don’t necessarily recommend that someone new try to execute on buying enough properties in a short amount of time to be able to retire – especially if you are investing out of state. When you get to the point you need to be, you will be ready.. Good luck! And due diligence on your team(s) out of state!!

    @Janet Voss
    Al does more of his own website, but I have a ton of reviews on Airbnb, and I think it is just so easy and convenient to funnel tenants or potential leads. For long-term furnished also. And they just have a ton of volume. Glad it helped out. Also using VRBO/Homeaway, and going to start using some more advertising sites, now that I will be hiring an assistant.

    Your trip sounds great! I love experiencing unique festivals/events when I’m traveling (and locally), and it’s extra cool that you helped build the piece for the Maker Faire! :) I’ve heard a lot of great things about Singapore. Although I am trying to travel in the “cheaper” countries, which is why I was going to start internationally with SE Asia. I took a nice trip through Western Europe in 2014, but even living in hostels is more expensive than living nicely in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia.. I’ll be taking a trip to the Philippines with a good friend of mine from there, and Arlen better be there too!! Any SE Asia recommendations Janet? Festivals? Events?

    @Elizabeth Colegrove
    Ya, I'm so excited! Been a while in the making.. Have you moved yet? I was looking at someone to help out with the properties, but I decided to hire a full-time VA in the Philippines to help me out with my properties, and a few other projects.. crazy idea?

    @Jonna Weber
    I will definitely get ahold of you if I am going to make it through Idaho! I’ve seen some cool pictures of the outdoors, so may just have to come experience it!! What’s your favorite outdoor spot in Idaho right now?

    @Julia 
    Thanks, and glad you can make it out to the meetup on Thursday, Apr 7.

    @Arlen Chou ,
    “@J. Martinthe Kool-Aid has been great and you know I have been two fisting since you got me hooked! I admire your ability to reach your goal at such a young age! I am really happy to hear that you will keep working theREI angle while you are traveling. When we meet up in Asia, the first bucket of beer is on me!”

    Appreciate it Arlen, especially coming from you!! I know you think I should always be working instead of just traveling, so glad I didn’t disappoint you too much! ;) Gotta relax a little too, right? I’ll take that last statement about the bucket of beer as an RSVP to the Philippines trip!!! Roberto and the two of us are going to have a great time! I invited Ben Shapero too, but I don’t know if he can get a hall pass… Really looking forward to it!! :)

    @Sean Jones, @Darius , @Bevla Reeves, @Colin Murphy, @Joshua , thanks for the shout outs! It’s been a wild ride, but totally worth it ;)

    @Kyle J.undefined

    @Julia Latreille-Favre undefined

    @Darius Falahkhirundefined

    @Joshua D.undefined

  • Investor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2016 · 32 posts · 19 votes
    10y

    @J. Martin Thanks for sharing your success story.  It is so important that all of the newer investors, that are going through the struggle, realize that persistency pays off.  Great Job!

  • Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2015 · 345 posts · 138 votes
    10y

    This is amazing! Love reading stories like these.  I want to live that freedom! 1 property down many more to go for me! lol Thanks for posting! BP brought me my first property through the tools and education.. Hopefully I can be successful like you!! Awesome work! 

  • James B.Pro Member
    Investor · Monterey Area, CA · Member since 2011 · 150 posts · 81 votes
    10y

    @J. Martin

    Congrats!!! Started from the bottom now we here!

    Btw, can you recommend a RE investor friendly tax planner in the Bay Area?

  • Real Estate Investor · Redwood City, CA · Member since 2012 · 272 posts · 399 votes
    10y

    Congrats again @J. Martin!  It is always great to hear inspiring tales from folks.  It is something we all need.  Always great to read your posts and chat with you.  Thanks for the insights on that Oakland property.  I saw it Thursday.  Super light rehab and expect to be under contract this week.

    Cheers  

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