First Steps in Real Estate: My Journey Begins

Hi, and welcome to my blog!

Today, I'm going to share how my journey in real estate began.

It all started back in 2019. I’d always been drawn to the idea of owning a two-unit multifamily building or an apartment building, probably because I grew up in an apartment building with my family. Some of my earliest and best memories are of visiting my grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins in the buildings where they lived. The community and closeness made a real impression on me, and it’s a big part of why I wanted to follow a similar path one day.

As I got older, I started digging deeper into what homeownership actually meant. I spent a lot of time researching the different types of properties out there—single-family homes, multifamily (2-4 units), condos, commercial spaces, even land—trying to figure out what might work best for me and my future. Around then, I read "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki. That book really changed the way I thought about real estate. Kiyosaki broke down the difference between an asset and a liability in clear terms: an asset is something that puts money in your pocket, like a rental property, while a liability takes money out. That was a new concept for me, so I did more research, looking for the kind of properties that could help build real, long-term financial security.

After a lot of research, I realized that a multifamily property was probably the best fit for me. It seemed like the smartest way to earn steady income, build equity, and maybe even give other families the same kind of safe, supportive environment I grew up with. That insight is what pushed me to finally take action and start my own homebuying journey.

All the research was beneficial, but completing the homebuying process was challenging. The process required preparation, self-awareness, and dedication, especially when setbacks arose. For example, I faced potential deals falling through due to financing issues or poor inspection results. These setbacks were discouraging and forced me to reassess my options and restart my search. During my research, I learned the differences between pre-qualification and pre-approval, down payments and closing costs, and the meanings of my credit score and debt-to-income ratio. I also learned about my city's neighborhoods, home inspections, loan types, and strategies for handling unsuccessful negotiations or purchases.

Fast forward to 2026, and looking back, it took working with six lenders, five failed deals, five agents, four inspections, three homebuyer classes, and two almost-closings before I finally bought my first multifamily building in 2025. Getting the keys was a big win, but honestly, all the hurdles along the way taught me the most. I had to get comfortable with disappointment, keep adjusting my approach, lean on mentors, and not rush the process. The setbacks gave me the time to review my finances and my plans. In the end, I came away more confident and knowledgeable about real estate—and more committed to my investing journey.

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: The content on Ness Egg is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Always conduct your own research and consult qualified professionals before making decisions related to real estate or finances.