JC Chavez

This story begins many years ago circa 2004...I was in my mid-20's and buying SFR's with the goal of short-term hold and using the exit strategy through lease optioning. I also did a handful of fix-n-flips. Boy those were the days right? It seemed like anyone with a pulse who could sign a few papers could get a home. I was first an investor and later became a licensed realtor in Salt Lake City, UT. Things were great for a number of years until they weren't! I, like many others, was hit by the financial and real estate crisis in 2008/09. I was not well positioned and struggled to pivot during that time. I was left finding ways to manage my over-leveraged portfolio which ultimately left me liquidating everything. It took me years to unravel the crisis, both financially and emotionally. Obviously discouraged with the outcome and disappointed with my lack of foresight and preparation, I removed myself from the real estate industry altogether. Even though my ego was bruised and my pride was stripped away, I knew I had to keep moving. Although my direction was different, my momentum for success remained intact. Overall, it was a humbling experience that helped shift my focus back to other goals I had been pursuing while in college. Fortunately, prior to this crisis I had already obtained my Bachelor's degree which had a natural direction to healthcare. Within months after the crisis I enrolled in graduate school to pursue an advanced degree in medicine. After graduating from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), I took a position in the Bay Area in an orthopedic surgery specialty. Fast forward to today - I still practice orthopedic medicine where I began 9 years ago. I enjoy my career and plan to continue working at this capacity for years to come. Despite my troubled real estate past, I feel more than ready to get back on track. I have tried to turn those past failures and short-comings into learning experiences to help become a more wise and seasoned investor. Admittedly I still grapple with my past mistakes and it has undeniably affected my ability to jump back into RE as the fearless investor and entrepreneur I once was. That said, I am currently better positioned psychologically and financially. I have a strong desire to do things "right" this time around and will use my past to help me navigate my future. It has been over 15 years since I have purchased an investment property. For the last 2 years I have been making positive steps to improve my knowledge base and financial strength. I am again ready to put the FLEX on that real estate muscle! And although my "Why's" have changed over the years with becoming a husband and father, my core values and desires remain true. I am ready to continue my real estate pursuit and reach my goals of financial freedom in order to build a strong future for my family and leave a legacy of generational wealth.