For flooring I previously used Empire but they have changed policies and don't guarantee the same pricing across properties which has caused us to have to shop

You don’t need to build a real estate empire to make a meaningful impact on your financial future.

Having a real estate empire is not about who can get there the fastest, but who can grow in a manner where they are acquiring properties that fit their overall goal in a broad in a diverse portfolio, the people you see who are 30 years older than you were not the ones who did it overnight or rushed it.

I purchased carpet for a flip and called customer service for a receipt that contains details of the installation including sq ft and was told they are unable to provide. 

Once again money does not take priority over doing the right thing.I do not have all my eggs in one basket so I don't have to worry about income at any one property, but I started with one and built the empire.

I’ve owned a rental property in the past, but I’m starting fresh with a new vision: 👉 Build a real estate empire — one smart step at a time. 

Some additional context, I'm not necessarily looking to build an empire.

Migrants are building empires in the US—quietly.

.🏦 Grant Opportunities and IncentivesSeveral state and local incentive programs may reduce project costs and support adaptive reuse:Restore NY Grant ProgramProvides funding for redevelopment of underutilized or blighted propertiesEligible for up to $2 million per project, depending on municipality sizePrioritizes reuse over new constructionNY Empire State Development (ESD) GrantsOffers capital support for projects that create jobs or enhance infrastructureMay apply if the self-storage facility includes mixed-use or light commercial componentsBrownfield Cleanup Program (BCP)If the industrial site is eligible, investors can receive tax credits for cleanup and redevelopmentLocal Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs)May provide property tax abatements (PILOT agreements), sales tax exemptions, and low-interest financingEngaging with local planning departments and economic development councils early in the process can help identify available resources.🧮 Key Metrics to ConsiderMetricTypical Range (Upstate NY)Conversion Cost (PSF)$40–$70Monthly Rent (PSF)$1.00–$1.50Cap Rate6.5%–8.5%Vacancy Rate8%–15%Typical ROI8%–12%Stabilization Timeline12–24 months🔍 Final ConsiderationsBefore moving forward with a conversion project, investors should conduct a thorough feasibility study including:Local self-storage supply and demandTraffic counts and visibilityZoning and permitting analysisBuilding condition and environmental risksExit strategies and management optionsSelf-storage remains one of the most stable sectors in CRE, especially when combined with the cost efficiency of industrial reuse.

I will leave your with two of the most important aspects behind and visionary entrepreneur:1. always work in the shadows rather the spotlight, no one sees all the hard work, blood sweat and tears put into building an empire they only see the end result and either scold or praise you thereafter.