This blog post was originally constructed and written for Thanksgiving of 2018. We enjoyed reading about what our fellow real estate investors are thankful for so much, we wanted to refresh this post for 2019. In the lines that follow, you’ll read about what some real estate investors from our Facebook group were thankful for last year, and what (if anything) they would change or add, along with some new perspectives from fresh faces. Specifically, we hear from real investors sharing what has helped them get to where they are in the business. Surrounding yourself with the right people, reading the right books, attending seminars and conferences, all has a direct impact on your success in this business. Here are what some successful investors say has been the most influential part of their business in 2019.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Real estate investing is a field that rewards hustling. Most of us are chasing down opportunities seven days a week. With Thanksgiving upon us, I thought it would be a could time to reach out to other leading investors to find out what they are thankful for. So I posed the question many of the country’s leading real estate entrepreneurs, What is a property or deal, person, experience, book, video, or conference that has been influential to your business’s success and you are grateful for?
Thank you to the 16 active investors who responded. Read on to learn about the people, books/podcasts/videos, and events/moments have been influential to active, successful real estate entrepreneurs:
Best Ever People
- Theo Hicks – Joe Fairless. Would have never gotten the confidence to pursue my first apartment syndication deal if I had never met Joe!
- 2019: Theo’s update for 2019 might take the cake. As a new dad in 2019, Theo is thankful for his son. Writing this update right now, I can’t help but think about how his first answer was Joe Fairless, and now it’s his son. Theo has done fantastic work for Joe and in a way, is being taught the real estate investing world (and now teaching others too) through his work with Joe. Now Theo takes on the mentor role for his son. Full circle.
- Holly Williams – I would say this really smart kid named Joe Fairless from Texas in the Big City. Happy Thanksgiving to the Growing Fairless clan, my friend.
- Whitney Elkins Hutten – Lane Kawaoka and Chris Miles. Future Apartment Syndication Goals: Joe Fairless.
- Mike Knudstrup – 1. My local real estate entrepreneur group where a few presenters owned MHP’s (mobile home parks). 2. Parents of friends and acquaintances who owned parks and it worked for them.
- 2019: This year, Mike takes a moment to appreciate all those who are loyal, honest, and faithful. In his words: “I especially include those people who work with/for me but also my tenants who honor their agreements. This year it has become increasingly apparent that I am unable to keep this thing going without them” being thankful for those who surround and support you is what this holiday is all about.
- Julia Bykhovskaia – My man Tony Robbins! It was at the right place at the right time for me two years ago. All I’ve heard is “you have to burn the boats,” have to “make a decision and have absolute certainty,” and “you don’t need to know how; the how will come.” Three months later I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad and got even more convinced that being an employee is not the way to go. Fifteen months later, I left my J.O.B.! the “how” of course became real estate mentor.
- 2019: Julia mentions that nothing has changed for herself, the answer is still Tony Robbins. She does add that a strong mindset, taking consistent action, and managing your emotional state are all crucial for success in business and life. I’m slightly jealous of her attending Date with Destiny next week, definitely a bucket list item. If you’re unfamiliar with Date with Destiny, check out “I Am Not Your Guru” on Netflix.
Best Ever Books/Podcasts/Videos
- Grant Rothenburger – Mine is lame but honest: Rich Dad Poor Dad for opening my eyes to real estate in the first place.
- 2019: Another classic book, Think and Grow Rich, is added to Grant’s running list of what he’s thankful for in 2019.
- Trevor McGregor – Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill has been a game changer throughout my entire Real Estate Journey. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it, or if you have read it, pick it up again or be sure to listen to the Audio Version (When you’re not listening to the Best Real Estate Advice Show Ever – Podcast with Joe). Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
- Glen Sutherland – Long time listener of the show (Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever). Appreciate all your time you put into it.
- Michael Collins – The Strangest Secret, Earl Nightingale. Timeless advice. Thirty-one minutes long on YouTube, loaded with great information.
- Newcomer for 2019: Cody Rubio – Now that Cody is somewhat up with the times, he’s read Rich Dad Poor Dad, and has Think and Grow Rich queued up next. Those are undoubtedly two of the most influential books for many real estate investors. Another classic that Cody attributes some success to is Purple Cow by Seth Godin.
Best Ever Events/Moments
- John Jacobus – The first Best Ever Conference in Denver in 2017. This was a game changer in terms of forming new partnerships with real estate entrepreneurs, sparking new actions, and building momentum.
- 2019: John took that 2017 momentum all the way to the end of 2019. Now with about three hundred mobile home pads across five properties, John has a tremendous start on a growing business. His 2020 is looking up!
- Adam Adams – Best Ever Conference
- Charlie Kao – A lot of moments but being on my very first podcast which happened to be BiggerPockets. I kept getting asked to be on other podcasts and had a lot of people reaching out to me for advice and it dawned on me how much more I was really capable of. I have doubled or tripled our business every year since the podcast.
- 2019: This year, Charlie is most thankful for his wife Casity Kao. Thanks to their “explosive growth” they can enjoy the fruits and spend their time a little more freely with each other.
- Cory Boatright – 1. My first short sale that I stumbled into with negative equity and created a short-sale empire that made millions in revenue. 2. The first time I sold six-figures in one hour from stage in front of 500 people. 3. My experience at the end of 2012 with thyroid cancer. 4. I am grateful it happened because of GratefulProject.org and the many miracles that came from waking up and being aware of life in a new way. 5. Meeting my wife and two step kids. Skydiving to overcome my fear of heights?
- Dustin W. Miles – I wouldn’t say it was any one experience/book/conference, but a collection. One of the first memories I recall is from childhood. I played soccer on a team with a kid (we were around 10). His parents owned many skyscrapers around Fort Worth. I would say that first opened me up to the idea of “why not me?” I would ride my bike around Fort Worth wondering who owned all the other buildings. Fast forward to today, we are working on our ninth syndication in the past five years.
- Jason Stofer – For me this is easy…I just came from it! Adam Triple A Adams event Raising Money Summit!! I have already rewritten my business plan, reworked my website, and am now working on my mind-map.
- John Fortes – Grateful for real estate entrepreneur communities and networks such as these and all educational platforms whether it comes from books, podcasts, videos, and conferences as you mentioned. At the end of the day, I’m just happy and grateful to be here breathing this beautiful air and sharing this earth with my loved ones. Thank you for asking. Happy Thanksgiving & God bless!
- 2019: New partnerships through those communities, platforms, and conferences he referenced last year, are what John is most thankful for (in his real estate business) this Thanksgiving. An important part to building relationships, according to John, is to be yourself and listen to them. People enjoy talking about themselves, so ask intelligent questions that allow them to do so.
Conclusion
What are you thankful for? Add your comment below and tune into my Best Ever Show for more conversations between experienced real estate entrepreneurs!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action.