Goals: grow stable income, stack equity, and buy options for my family; near term I target cash‑flowing SFR/2–4s and small commercial that I can stabilize, then trade up.

Maybe the seller was motivated, maybe the market was hot, or maybe you just happened to be in the right place at the right time.But consistency — that’s what separates investors who dabble from those who build something lasting.It’s about doing the work when you don’t feel like it.It’s about learning how to follow up, build rapport, and improve your systems.It’s about stacking small, consistent actions until they create real momentum.If you’re still waiting on your first deal, don’t beat yourself up.Every investor you look up to started where you are right now — unsure, second-guessing, and probably wondering if this business would ever click.The truth?

But they are ever so rare today, not just a needle in a haystack but more so finding a specific color of needle, with a specific bend to it, in a stack of needles in a hay barn....... 

Quote from @Kevin Lee: Most PM companies will charge a higher PM fee, or they will charge a lower PM fee and then upcharge on maintenance fees. 

Avoid mistakes like single-exit plans, thin appraisals without comps, or stacking multiple small lenders on title.

I had the same issue. thinking that i was in a good spot to sit and stack dough and tell my self "ok ill just save X over these next Y or so months," problem is - life happens and that time never came.

Master one (house hacking, BRRRR, creative finance, etc.) before stacking others.Find people who serve, not just sell.

Every month I am texting 4 or 5 tenants to remind them to pay rent or trying to collect rent fees.

Luis, lead with credibility you already have: publish a simple one‑pager story, your valuation skillset, and a tight buy box, then share weekly micro‑case studies of real deals you’ve underwritten to attract investor conversations; offer value first by bringing vetted opportunities or handling due diligence/PM ops in exchange for a fair split; stack warm intros at Chicago meetups and online investor groups, ask for two referrals per call, and keep a consistent update cadence; next step today: pick one market, underwrite five live listings, post your numbers for feedback, and DM three potential partners with your one‑pager and those deals.

If your goal is stacking doors, you could hold as a near-breakeven with solid equity, but only if you’re comfortable leaving money in and banking on stable rents.