Ben Dao

I was raised in San Jose, California. I was raised by a single mom who worked 2 or 3 jobs at a time to make ends meat. As a teen, she told me once that most wealthy people have their own businesses. That always stuck in my mind. I told myself that I would work hard to be successful so I could take care of her. I kept seeking what is the best way to have a prosperous financial future. From all my research, I found out that most millionaires have substantial real estate holdings. I decided real estate would be the best way for me to succeed. My dream job was to be a "Full Time Real Estate Investor". I tried wholesaling, and buying homes with no money down because the banks were lending with little restrictions back then. This was in the Bay Area. I also bought some out of state properties. I was leveraged on everyone of them. When that market crashed in 2008 , I had to get rid of all my properties. I met my wife in Berkeley but she was originally from St. Louis. After much anguish, I decided to move to STL. Before I got here, we had bought a 4-plex that was a major rehab. I had never fixed anything construction in my life. Over that next 6 months we got it up and running and learned a lot in the process. Then we kept buying 1-2 properties a year. We went to the ups and downs of managing rentals. But after a few years, I was finally able to quit my job and be a "Full Time Real Estate Investor"! Now I manage over 25 units. I'm just trying to improve and be the best investor/landlord possible. I have recently hired property management to help me with a few rentals. I also invest in raw vacant land across the country. Thanks for reading. Go for your Big Time Dreams!