Setting the Stage
I didn’t exactly grow up dreaming of real estate, but life has a funny way of leading you where you’re meant to be
—sometimes with a gentle nudge, other times with a swift kick.
My story starts in Mission Hills, CA, before a couple of moves landed me in Puerto Rico and then Florida.
Those early years were filled with positivity and strong family support.
My parents were always big on productivity, making sure my brother and I knew that success didn’t come from sitting around. If we wanted something beyond the basics, we had to earn it.
Then came middle school, and with it, the kind of drama that no kid should have to face. My parents’ relationship hit some serious turbulence, culminating in domestic violence that shattered our family dynamic.
It was a rough time, emotionally draining and full of uncertainty. But even as things fell apart, I held onto the motivation to pull us out of that mess.
That drive eventually brought my mom, brother, and me to Arizona. We were on a mission—become better people, find happiness, and build a new life.
Arizona is where I stumbled upon real estate. After bouncing around different jobs—excelling, but constantly butting heads with management over office politics—I knew I needed something different. Something where I could call the shots.
The turning point came when I saw an infomercial about repossessed houses. It was like a lightbulb moment: use my excellent credit to partner with my uncle, a contractor, to buy, fix up, and sell these homes.
And then, as if the universe was backing my plan, my girlfriend (now my fiancé) signed me up for a Russ Whitney seminar.
By the end of that seminar, I was all in, investing in my first $10,000 training mentorship and gathering the resources I needed to dive headfirst into real estate.
The early days? Let’s just say they were a crash course in survival.
I attended every seminar I could, soaking up all the knowledge I could find about real estate investing.
I bootstrapped my first ventures, quickly realizing that I’d need more capital than I’d initially thought. But giving up wasn’t an option.
My parents had drilled it into me: if you want more than the basics, you have to work for it.
That mindset, along with my passion for finance and helping others, kept me pushing forward, even when the going got tough.
The turning point
It’s funny how life has a way of nudging—or sometimes shoving—you in the right direction. For me, the big shove came when I got myself fired from my last job as a credit counselor with Take Charge America.
Now, getting fired isn’t usually something to celebrate, but let me tell you, it was like having a massive weight lifted off my shoulders. I was miserable in that job, just like I’d been in pretty much every other job I’d had before.
So, when I finally walked out of that office for the last time, it felt like the universe was giving me the green light to dive headfirst into what I was really meant to do: real estate.
You see, by that time, I’d already dipped my toes into the real estate waters. I’d made some offers, bought a couple of rental properties, and even started building connections through my networking efforts.
The pieces were falling into place just as I was reaching the end of my rope at work.
So, when I lost that job, there weren’t too many doubts or fears—just a sense of urgency.
I was used to being in situations where I had to figure things out or face dire consequences.
This was just another one of those moments, and I was ready to roll with it.
Deciding to go full-time into real estate was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, I was more motivated, more focused, and more determined to become the best version of myself.
I’d come from a tough background and picked up some bad habits along the way, but this new pursuit—a business and a legacy for my family—drove me to leave all that behind.
And I wasn’t just doing this for myself. Around the same time, my first son was born, and that added a whole new level of motivation. I wasn’t just building a business; I was building a future for my family.
But of course, with big decisions come big challenges. The moment I committed to this path, I was hit with a tidal wave of new problems to solve. How do you actually run a business? How do you navigate the real estate industry?
I was learning on the fly, gaining experience with each transaction, and leaning heavily on the top-notch training and mentorship I’d invested in. It was tough, but I felt confident. I had to make it work—there was no other option.
Luckily, I wasn’t alone. My support system, especially my mother, Norka, and my girlfriend (now fiancé), Lucia, played huge roles in keeping me grounded and focused.
My mom, who had survived her own hardships and risen through the ranks in her career, was always there with a steady hand and a wise word.
And Lucia? She’s like an extension of my mom—strong, independent, and incredibly supportive. Even when I was making mistakes and trying to figure out how to be a good father and partner, she stood by me.
She didn’t just support me; she helped me find solutions and pushed us both toward our goals. I would do anything for these two women—they’re the backbone of everything I’ve built.
The biggest lessons I’ve learned? Never give up. Stay resilient, no matter what life throws your way. Always operate with integrity and professionalism. And most importantly, keep pushing forward, even when things seem impossible.
One of the toughest times came during the 2008 financial crisis. We’d done well in real estate up to that point, but the crash hit hard, and I paid a steep price for my lack of experience.
We lost almost everything—our investments, our savings, even our family home. I’ll never forget the night our electricity was cut off because we couldn’t pay the bill.
Lucia and our two young sons were stuck in a sweltering Arizona summer, using wet clothes and cold showers to stay cool. That night was a turning point within a turning point. I swore to myself that I would never let my family go through something like that again.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge, every failure, taught me something I needed to learn. It built the resilience, the knowledge, and the habits that keep me moving forward today.
My advice to anyone facing a similar turning point? Keep going. Stay positive, even when it’s hard. Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on what’s not working.
And keep your circle tight, filled with people who lift you up and push you onward.
Growth & success
After diving headfirst into real estate, I knew the only way forward was to put what I’d learned into action.
My focus quickly zeroed in on distressed home sellers—people facing foreclosure, probate, or financial distress.
With my background in credit counseling, it made sense to help those in tight spots.
I wasn’t just learning; I was doing, and I was determined to make a difference.
Back then, building a network meant attending seminars, meetups, and scouring classifieds.
It was all about making connections and learning from those who had been in the game longer than I had.
I quickly discovered that my knack for understanding deals, coupled with my obsession with detail, set me apart. I wasn’t just another investor—I was a transaction engineer, making sure every deal was managed and executed to perfection.
One of the most significant moments in my career came around 2010, during the aftermath of the market crash. While others were backing away from the risk, I saw opportunity in REOs and non-performing mortgage notes.
I worked my way into a $50 million real estate investment fund, using their proof of funds to scout opportunities. This led to a $15 million deal with Morgan Stanley—a portfolio of multifamily properties in California that we secured for 50 to 60 cents on the dollar.
It was a game-changer, proving that even in tough markets, success is possible with the right approach.
1st Bulk REO Sale COMMISSION!
Bulk REO Sale Portfolio List
Financial constraints were a constant challenge, forcing me to make every dollar count. Partnering with my uncle, we bootstrapped our first deals, turning minimal resources into profitable ventures.
The world of REOs was full of unreliable partners, but I learned quickly that due diligence and integrity were non-negotiable. These values helped me navigate through the noise and close deals that others thought impossible.
Running a growing business while being a husband and father was a delicate balancing act. The long hours and constant pressure often made me question whether I was giving enough to my family.
But with the support of my fiancé Lucia and my mother Norka, I managed to keep everything on track. They were my anchors, reminding me why I was working so hard and helping me find the balance I needed.
As the business grew, so did the challenges of scaling it. I realized that to manage growth effectively, I needed to evolve as a leader. Delegation became key, allowing me to focus on the bigger picture while ensuring the company maintained its values.
This period wasn’t just about growing the business—it was about growing myself, becoming more resilient, strategic, and focused on building something that would last.
The lessons from this period still shape my approach today. Challenges are opportunities in disguise, and integrity remains the cornerstone of my work.
My journey wasn’t just about surviving—it was about building a legacy that would stand the test of time.
Reflection & Lessons Learned
As I look back on my real estate journey, a few key lessons stand out that have shaped both my business and my life. The most important of these is resilience.
Real estate is a rollercoaster ride, full of highs and lows. Markets shift, deals fall apart, and challenges pop up when you least expect them.
But resilience—being able to keep going, adapt, and find new solutions—has been my compass through it all. It’s what kept my business alive during the tough times and helped me grow stronger after every setback.
Another critical lesson is the importance of integrity.
This isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about building a strong reputation.
Integrity has led to repeat clients, referrals, and opened doors I never imagined.
It’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential.
In real estate, trust is everything. Deals are complicated, and the stakes are high, so being known for honesty and reliability has been invaluable.
Innovation is another cornerstone of my success. The real estate industry doesn’t stand still—new technologies, changing market conditions, and evolving customer expectations keep things moving.
To stay competitive, I’ve had to embrace change, whether it’s through new marketing strategies, leveraging data, or exploring creative financing options like seller financing. Being open to innovation has kept my business ahead of the curve.
One moment that really brought these lessons home was the 2007-2008 financial crisis. I had put everything into real estate, confident that the market would keep climbing. But when the crash came, it felt like the ground disappeared beneath me.
I lost almost everything, including our family home. That painful experience taught me the importance of diversification and risk management. Moving forward, I made sure never to put all my eggs in one basket again.
I diversified my investments and embraced new strategies like mortgage notes and seller financing, which offered different risks and rewards. This shift made my business more resilient and less vulnerable to market swings.
These lessons didn’t just change how I do business—they also had a deep impact on my personal growth.
Resilience taught me that success isn’t just about financial gain.
Early on, I thought that making money meant I was successful and losing it meant I’d failed.
But the challenges I faced, especially during the financial crisis, showed me that success is really about persistence—about getting up every time you’re knocked down.
This new perspective made me more patient, less afraid of taking risks, and more focused on the journey rather than just the destination.
I’ve also come to value relationships more than ever. In real estate, I’ve learned that no one succeeds alone. The trust I’ve built with partners, clients, and mentors has been the foundation of my success.
This realization led me to invest more time in nurturing these connections, knowing that strong, genuine relationships are key to long-term success.
The lessons I’ve learned aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re the foundation of how I operate today. In every deal, I anticipate challenges and prepare for them, knowing that resilience is key to navigating complex transactions.
Integrity remains at the heart of everything I do, ensuring that my relationships are built on trust and transparency.
And innovation continues to drive my strategies, from exploring creative financing options like seller financing to adopting new technologies that keep my business ahead of the curve.
A recent project that reflects these lessons is my work with retirement investors, helping them use their IRAs to fund the purchase of discounted prime properties. These properties are then resold using seller financing, creating mortgage notes that generate higher cash flow.
This strategy not only provides a steady income stream for the investors but also aligns with my mission of helping property owners and investors achieve financial security.
It’s a strategy rooted in the lessons of diversification, risk management, and relationship-building that I’ve honed over the years.
As I look to the future, the lessons I’ve learned—about resilience, integrity, and innovation—will continue to guide me.
Whether it’s expanding my work in seller financing, scaling my new For Sale By Owner (FSBO) platform, or staying ahead of the technological advancements reshaping our industry, I’m ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Mission and Values
Mission: Empowering Financial Stability and Growth: At the heart of my work in real estate is a simple, yet powerful mission: to empower property owners and investors to achieve financial stability and growth through innovative real estate solutions.
Whether it’s helping a struggling landlord turn their property into a profitable mortgage note or guiding an investor toward high-yield opportunities, my goal is to create win-win scenarios that benefit everyone involved.
For my clients, this means equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to make informed decisions that enhance their financial well-being.
For my partners, it’s about fostering collaboration that leads to sustainable success. And for myself, it’s about building a legacy of trust, innovation, and impact in the real estate industry.
This mission is deeply rooted in the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career—particularly the importance of resilience, integrity, and innovation. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to stay adaptable, approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, and always act with integrity.
These principles guide every decision I make, ensuring that my clients and partners can trust that their best interests are always at the forefront. By embracing new strategies and technologies, I’m committed to offering cutting-edge solutions that set my clients up for long-term success.
Values: The Foundation of My Work
The values that guide both my business and personal life are the pillars that support everything I do.
Honesty & Integrity
Honesty builds trust. I believe in full transparency with clients, partners, and my team—disclosing all options, even the tough ones—because strong relationships come from doing what’s right, always.
Positivity
I approach every challenge with optimism. A positive mindset not only keeps me resilient but also inspires confidence in those I work with, even through tough negotiations and difficult setbacks.
Loving Support
I treat my clients like family. My personal touch creates deep connections and a supportive environment where clients feel valued, understood, and confident throughout their real estate journey.
Client-Focused Excellence
I’m committed to exceeding expectations. By focusing on my clients’ needs and delivering top-tier service, I’ve built a reputation for quality, reliability, and excellence in every transaction.
Strong Determination
I never give up. My relentless drive helps turn even the most challenging situations into opportunities. I believe that when there's a will, there's always a solution, and I won’t stop until I find it.
Productive Discipline
Discipline drives results. By managing time, deals, and my team with focus and precision, I ensure that every decision moves us closer to the best outcome for clients & partners alike.
Creating a Ripple Effect of Positive Change
I want my work to leave a lasting impact on both the people I work with and the broader community.
For my clients, my goal is to empower them with the confidence and security that comes from knowing they have a dedicated partner committed to their success.
It’s about more than just financial returns; it’s about providing peace of mind and genuine care for their well-being.
The legacy I want to leave behind is one of empowerment and transformation.
I want to be remembered as someone who not only helped clients achieve financial success but also provided them with the tools and support to navigate the complexities of real estate.
My work is about more than just deals—it’s about creating lasting, positive change in the lives of my clients and the industry as a whole.
On a larger scale, I aim to contribute to a more ethical and innovative real estate industry. By leading with integrity and prioritizing long-term value over short-term gains, I hope to inspire others in the field to do the same. My ultimate vision is to create a ripple effect where trust, innovation, and client-centered service become standard practices in real estate.
Let's Connect
If you’ve made it this far, I hope my story has given you some insight into who I am and what drives me in the world of real estate. If anything I’ve shared resonates with you, or if you have questions about how I might be able to help with your real estate journey, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re exploring options for your property, curious about seller financing, or simply want to connect, feel free to reach out. There’s no pressure—just an open invitation to start a conversation.
If you’re looking for ongoing support or want to stay connected, I invite you to sign up for my email newsletter. It’s an easy way to keep in touch and receive insights that might be helpful as you navigate your own path in real estate. And if you’re ready to dive deeper, I’m happy to offer a free strategy call where we can discuss your questions and explore solutions tailored to your needs.
Ultimately, I want you to feel inspired, positive, and confident in the choices you make. So whether you’re ready to reach out now or prefer to keep in touch for the future, I’m here when you need me. Let’s connect whenever the time feels right.