They say, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." But what if that first step is uncertain, risky, or met with rejection? The answer lies in persistence and the unwavering belief that success is built over time.
In early 2020, I received a call from an investor inquiring about a 30-unit multifamily listing I had in South Side Chicago. He was young, ambitious, and had some experience but limited resources. I initially thought that owning and operating a 30-unit building might be a stretch for him. However, his tenacity and grit convinced me otherwise—he was determined to pull this deal together if given the opportunity.
At the time, we were at the beginning of the pandemic. Demand was slowing due to a high number of tenant defaults, while interest rates hovered in the 3% range. The owner’s asking price was $3M, with some flexibility that would place the property at around $100K per door—relatively steep for the market then. We submitted an offer at $2.5M, but the seller wouldn’t budge, and the deal fell through.
That moment could have been the end of the road for this investor. But for TShawn, it was just the beginning. He didn’t let the rejection deter him. Instead, he continued to push forward, searching for new opportunities. Over time, we successfully closed multiple properties together. In just five years, he grew his portfolio from a few doors to over 50 units.
Recently, I spoke with him again, and he was in the middle of structuring an eight-figure deal for an investment group relying on his expertise to establish their Chicago portfolio. I wasn’t surprised. TShawn’s consistency and work ethic have been the foundation of his success. And here’s the kicker—he’s only in his mid-
. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in the next 10-15 years!
Lessons from TShawn’s Journey
Start Now! If you’re passionate about something, don’t overthink it—take action today. The perfect moment will never come.
Embrace the Snowball Effect. Success accumulates over time. Be patient and trust the process.
Celebrate Wins & Learn from Losses. Both achievements and setbacks shape you into the person you are meant to become.
Resilience is Key. When you hit a roadblock, don’t dwell on it. Dust yourself off and get back on track.
Sharpen Your Vision. The more you hone your skills, the more you’ll notice opportunities others overlook. When you see them, go big.
Manage Risk First. Build your strategy with risk management at its core. Success isn’t about avoiding risk—it’s about understanding and mitigating it.
The true prize of any journey is not just the destination but the lessons, growth, and resilience developed along the way. Keep going, stay consistent, and success will follow.
What’s the prize you’re working toward? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your journey!
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