Hafa Adai, Aloha, and Hello Everyone!
My name is Jonita Ovalles-Pecjo (hyphenated with my biological father's name who died a few weeks before I was born and my step-dad that raised me until I was 15), but most know me simply as Jae. I'm originally from the Pacific Island of Guam but currently living on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. I'm a mom of 4 (two boys: almost 19 and almost 17, two girls: both turned 12 and 10 in March). I grew up in Guam as well as California since my step-dad was in the US Navy. The year after graduating from high school, I became young spouse (and mom) to a service member of the US Air Force that lasted for 15 years. I'm extremely grateful that 14 of those years were spent living (in Germany, Okinawa, and England) and exploring as many foreign countries as possible. I then joined the Hawaii Air National Guard in 2014 as an older gal and continue to serve humbly as a drill status guardsman.
My interest in REI developed when I was in my early 20's and wanting to secure something that I could pass down to my child/ren. So, while stationed in Okinawa in 2003, I thought that purchasing a raw piece of land in southern Oregon (Why Oregon? Because it was close enough to family in NorCal and the state didn't have any sales tax.) would be a good move. I was young and eager to own a piece of our planet! As well as purchasing another raw piece of land on Hawai'i Island a few years ago with intentions to build on it. Both of those were sold recently. Fortunately, I have held onto the 2 pieces of raw land that will be payed off in a few months (via owner financing) in northern Arizona that I plan to develop on one day.
My journey to BP actually began last October, when I was trying to find information and resources about REI but I didn't sign-up or anything because I was busy working on my professional massage therapy license and starting a new job in admin. Then, I came across it again just this past March with even more determination and decided to sign-up as a basic member at first. Since then, I've been listening to podcasts non stop, browsing through forums, reading tons of BP articles, and scouring around for reading material (REI & business books). I finally became a pro member a few days ago (due to the constant drive that continues to fuel my passion for wanting to do what many other BP members are aspiring to do/are already doing and thats to build a passive income). My "Why" is because I want to continue to be an active mom in my children's lives (more specifically...not to miss school events, milestones, and just spending time with them), to be able to leave something behind for them (and future generations) that they can build on/take over if they want, and to continue to fulfill my wanderlust as much as possible.
So far, a part of my plan is to utilize my VA loan or an FHA loan to secure my first (small) multi-family home to buy and hold here on Oahu. Since, I can't access my VA loan for another few years, don't have enough capital at the moment (actively working on that now), and haven't found anyone to partner up with/figured out a creative financing strategy just yet...I do commit to investing my time in learning, reading, and listening to as much as I can possibly absorb every single day in the mean time. Although my first investment property will more than likely be here on Oahu (as crazy expensive as the market is), I'm also interested in Guam, Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Arizona since those are some of the places that I've either lived in or visited. It's a start but theres no limit for me on where I would like to invest. If the numbers work and theres a reliable team in place...I'll be good to go. I'm just getting starting on the idea of networking (haven't met up with anyone or any groups yet) for a chance to learn from others and contribute what I can, however I can.
My apologies for the extensive intro, I do enjoy typing and I'm a very detail oriented person (yikes). Thank you so much for your patience and taking the time to read my mini novel-like intro. Please feel free to reach out anytime! I'm really looking forward to this life changing experience and wishing you all the very best on your/our REI journey.
Kindest Regards,
Jonita (Jae)
