From teacher to 10 units in 10 months!

From teacher to 10 units in 10 months!

Real Estate Broker · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2018 · 193 posts · 346 votes

I’m so excited because I just closed on my 10th out of state unit today! I did my first deal ever exactly 10 months ago, thanks to the Bigger Pockets podcast, a lot of library books and a lot of good people. Before this I was an environmental education teacher for over a decade, and last year I got hooked when my friend had me listen to the podcast. So when yet another grant-funded position ended earlier this year, I chose to take a break from full time work and focus on RE instead...and it’s been so amazing!!

On my break I took classes in construction management and spent a lot of time going to meetups. Now I’m working as a project manager for a GC to get real world experience (building a ground up affordable housing development in LA), and I’m getting my real estate license. I also donate 1% of all gross revenue (not just profits) from real estate investments to affordable housing and community development, and am partnering with other investors to create a social equity financial model for our rental properties. More on that when I set up the blog. 

So my commitment to social justice hasn’t gone away, it’s just transformed into this new field (new to me) of real estate investing. I’m also really passionate about my non-profit colleagues finding their way to financial freedom as well. (If you can only read one book, read Your Money or Your Life). So far I’ve got 4 houses and 3 duplexes with none of my own cash invested except the first deal, and my goal is to be at 30 units with at least $60,000/year of net cash flow within the next 3 years.

My wife loves me AND is sick of me talking real estate all the time lol so if people ever want to catch up and talk RE I’m in! Some other folks in LA like @John Koster and @Shiva Bhaskar and I like to connect on out of state investing over beers every couple of months, and a new thing we’re talking about too is Opportunity Zones.

So anyway, I haven’t really shared too much of my story here and I just wanted to spread some inspiration for other go getters and life changers on the forums. 

As @Alexander Felice says, I think you’ve got to be a little obsessed. And take action! Thanks for all those who have supported me so far and to many more!

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Real Estate Agent · Washington, DC · Member since 2017 · 10 posts · 52 votes
7y

Amazing! You have accomplished so much in just 10mths. Congratulations!! Mind sharing how you funded and structured your first deal/rental purchase and how you were able to scale so quickly?

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  • Investor · Jackson, MS · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 769 votes
    6y

    Congratulations! I'm curious to know which states you are investing? Are you buying turn-key properties? If not, how are you handling the rehab. I have investments in two states (Jackson, Mississippi and South Lake Tahoe, CA) but I have links to both areas and spend part of the year in both places. 

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Way to go @Sammy Lyon,

    One teacher to another, I am proud of you!!!

    Swanny

  • Member since 2019 · 1 post · 1 vote
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon. Absolutely amazing. I will be ordering the book and will read it. I would love

    To hear more in how you funded your first deal. Thank you so much for sharing I’m looking forward to hearing more.

  • Member since 2019 · 10 posts · 2 votes
    6y

    I was literally just wondering how I was going to tie my beliefs about social justice into housing!! I too work at NP. I would love to sit down and speak with you one day!

  • Involved In Real Estate · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2012 · 10 posts · 5 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon congratulations!!! You are amazing and have been a great help to me with my out of state investing. I can’t wait to do it like you. Keep going and motivating others

  • Nikiski, AK · Member since 2018 · 12 posts · 22 votes
    6y

    I understand that you now own 10 units.  How are you going to convert that ownership into your profit goals?  Are you flipping or renting?  How are you handling the mortgage and the fix-up costs in the meantime? What's your back-up plan if there's a RE turndown? Buying RE is step one.  What now?

  • Contractor · Putnam, CT · Member since 2019 · 59 posts · 20 votes
    6y

    Congrats! Not many people can say they've accomplished such a milestone so quickly. Truly inspiring, especially for us newer investors.

  • East Lansing, MI · Member since 2018 · 1 post · 2 votes
    6y

    That's inspiring on a handful of levels! Great to hear about the move to doing such tremendous things when one door closes.

  • Member since 2019 · 172 posts · 93 votes
    6y

    wow thats amazing.  very interested in learning more of how you ramped up so quickly on additional properties

  • Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2014 · 68 posts · 54 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon Congrats Sammy. You are awesome. I’m in Orange County. Had a couple of rentals in LA. Also did some flipping deals but it didn’t go very well. Since properties in LA and OC are super expensive and do not cash flow, I’m also thinking about out of state investing. Pls share with us your strategies such as where/what state/area are you investing, how do you find a reliable local realtor/property manager and do you buy turnkey or flips. Look forward to hearing more about your experience.

  • Wholesaler · Norfolk, VA · Member since 2015 · 14 posts · 8 votes
    6y

    This is great & inspiring! I'm thankful to witness stories like yours in this business.

  • Member since 2019 · 1 post · 1 vote
    6y

    Congratulations! Your story is a great inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

  • Member since 2019 · 89 posts · 56 votes
    6y

    Congratulations @Sammy Lyon! I identify with your situation with the wife and would love to connect. I went to a conference last Saturday and my wife just told me I needed friends so I could talk all my excitement off.

    However she has supported me all along and I bet the same is for you. Keep on it and the best of luck for the future. I’m closing my first one and have a lot to catch up on now!

  • Flipper/Rehabber · Jackson Heights, NY · Member since 2019 · 28 posts · 16 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon

    What an inspiring Story!

    Both of my Parents were educators in NYC! Two of the most educated people that I have ever met, But their Downfall was financial literacy! Im happy that we are able to learn about it and apply it:) and you are doing just that.

    Keep it up. Very positive read!

    Congrats!

  • Real Estate Agent · Cleveland, OH (cleveland oh) · Member since 2019 · 19 posts · 5 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon this is great to hear! I’m a special ed teacher in Cleveland Ohio and I’m also trying to get started with real estate. This is motivating!

  • Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2014 · 17 posts · 11 votes
    6y
    Congrats! I can feel your enthusiasm and positive energy all the way here in Indianapolis.
  • Multifamily Syndicator · Houston, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon First, teachers don't get enough credit as they should!

    And now you are also crushing it in Real Estate Investing. Good on you! 

    Now, remember to pass on those tips that helped you scale so quickly to others 🤗🤗🤗

    Congratulations!

  • Developer · NY · Member since 2019 · 10 posts · 1 vote
    6y

    Congrats my friend! Keep it up!

  • Rental Property Investor · East Longmeadow, MA · Member since 2019 · 154 posts · 64 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon Nice work man and congrats.  I too, am curious on the financing of the 10 units in 10 months.  I am currently reading @Brandon Turner book how to invest in real estate with little to no money down.  I also like @Jason Hartman and @Joe Fairless podcasts too!!!!  If you are ever in the New England/NYC area I'll gladly talk real estate and grab a beer.  Best Wishes on your continued success.

  • Rental Property Investor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2012 · 314 posts · 146 votes
    6y

    Thanks @Luke Saglimbeni, glad you’re enjoying The Creating Wealth Show!

  • Residential Real Estate Broker · East Brunswick, NJ · Member since 2016 · 24 posts · 5 votes
    6y

    You are an inspiration and I love to hear more of your story. You are one of the good guys. Congratulations!

  • Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 1 vote
    6y

    Awesome story. I'm trying to transition myself.. Looking forward to hearing more.

  • Rental Property Investor · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2019 · 8 posts · 5 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon

    What a great story and nice job! Can’t wait to read that book. I LOVE reading and talking RE and it really encouraging to know your how successful you’ve been out of state since it’s so darn expensive here in CA. I’d love to join one of your convos sometime. Thanks for the advice and keep it up!

  • Flipper/Rehabber · Staten Island, NY · Member since 2018 · 13 posts · 3 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon congrats I love to hear story’s about success and making a difference I would love to. Connect and talk real estate and share ideas

  • Member since 2019 · 5 posts · 5 votes
    6y

    @Sammy Lyon I’m so glad you mentioned obsession because that’s how I feel now and thought to myself “this is crazy” lol but it’s TRUE!

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