I got involved in real estate because a friend's brother was doing investments in rental properties. I didn't understand the concept at the time. It was all very foreign and I was intimidated by what I didn’t know and worried about sounding stupid. But he was doing well and it seemed like an opportunity that I might enjoy so I decided what the heck. My cousin recommended a realtor that helped him buy an investment property so I contacted him and within a month I bought a small old house that needed work. That was 1994, but the same idea still applies today. That house became a flip which led me to the mountains, where I bought another small house (without permanent heat). I put a new roof on it after reading about how to install a metal roof. I sold it and used the proceeds to build a new home with a builder in the area. I have been enjoying the process of using homes to piggyback into investments, with some modifications (in most cases I recommend holding on to real estate as a rental property). The method has helped my family and all of this experience has allowed me to help counsel my clients. Is it easy? No, it’s hard work, but I enjoy passing my knowledge on to those who are looking for guidance and excited to get started in one of the best investments anyone can endeavor to be a part of! (Right side picture is crane work while building a SIP home in Park County which we completed in 2024.)