All Forum Posts by: Johnny Lynum

That's awesome @Sean McDowell! Starting with a mentor is very smart – it really cuts down on the learning curve, especially with something like a fix & flip. It’s great to hear you stuck to your plan and still came out ahead, even with a few bumps along the way. The part about getting out of your own way is so true, especially with managing subcontractors. Sometimes letting them do their thing can save so much time and stress! BUT always trust and verify. Sounds like you set yourselves up for success, and it’s paying off! Keep crushing it!

Hey @Rocco Forte-Adragna, big props to you for diving into real estate at 19 — that’s seriously impressive! 👏

You're already on the right path with networking and putting yourself out there. Real estate is all about relationships, and persistence is key. Don’t be afraid to reach out and offer value, even if it means going the extra mile in the beginning. People notice hustle, and if you show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, you'll earn respect.

As for finding a mentor, look for people who are where you want to be, and ask them thoughtful questions. You’d be surprised how willing people are to help if they see you're genuinely motivated. This reminds me of the quote: "When the student is ready the teacher will appear." Keep doing what you're doing with networking, and just keep showing up — in person or online. It’ll pay off!

You're in a place that some of us could only wish for, myself especially, "getting started sooner".

Keep grinding, you got this! 💪

Hey @Jason Lowe! Your property sounds amazing, and you've got great ideas for it—those trees and stream are a real bonus! 

For mentors/coaches, check out local REI meetups here on Biggerpockets, Meetup.com, or Collin County REIA. You'll find experienced investors who know the area well. Having one can definitely speed up your process, especially when considering a HELOC or bringing on investors. I've found that working with someone who's local and understands the market dynamics can really help avoid costly mistakes.

Keep us posted on your progress—I’m sure others here would love to learn from your journey too. We’ve all been in the “figuring it out” phase at one point! 💪

Hey, @Sean L.! I'm in the DMV, from Leesburg! Great market! And so is your list! 💪 If you ever want to connect, or share ideas, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help. You’ve got this! 💪

Congrats on the retirement @Salim Howze. I'll be retiring soon too!
Curious, why new build? Have you considered other strategies?

Hey Elia, welcome! First off, kudos to you for juggling all that – that’s no easy task. 💪 As for next steps, I'd focus on stabilizing your cash flow first, especially with the credit card debt situation. Selling some property to pay down high-interest debt is good, but also consider looking into ways to refinance or leverage your existing assets for better cash flow. Once you're more secure, it’ll be easier to plan for growing that portfolio. Definitely lean into the local market knowledge and opportunities you’ve got with your short-term rentals, too. You got this! 👊

Hey! So many great insights here! 
First, I'd suggest getting familiar with the basics of real estate investing—property types, financing, and market analysis. Networking is huge, so connect with others in the industry, and look for mentorship programs (there are some great ones out there). I'd also recommend diving into books, podcasts, and even attending real estate events to start learning more.

Here:

Great insights! 👏 Agree, this is the kind of data that can help you stay ahead of the curve. Curious, have you noticed this trend in other areas too? 

I agree - it's a smart way to get into real estate—especially if you want to save on living costs and start building wealth. You live in one unit, rent out the others, and your tenants help pay the mortgage.

With loans like FHA or VA, it's easier to get started. Plus, you learn how to manage a property while your tenants help you build equity. It's a simple strategy that can pay off big in the long run. Great post @Jenni Utz 🙌

Absolutely agree! I’ve been there—I know, it's not about the numbers or the property, it’s about you. When I first got started, I was overwhelmed by all the options and opinions, but I realized I was getting in my own way. It wasn't the market, it was my mindset.

Getting out of analysis paralysis takes confidence, and confidence comes from being around other investors, learning from their experiences, and getting real feedback—good and bad. I’ve had to check myself more times than I can count, but that’s part of the growth. Don’t be afraid to hear the hard truths, even if they don’t align with your first idea. The best decisions come when you get diverse input and see things from different angles.

Thanks for sharing this post. Very well said @Jonathan Greene 🙌