When I think back over my years in real estate, one of the lessons that’s been most consistent is this: the biggest mistake isn’t buying the “wrong” property. It’s buying without being clear on your goals first.

I’ve sat across from so many people—some brand new to investing, others already holding multiple properties—who looked frustrated, confused, even burned out. They were busy, sometimes exhausted, managing what they had, but the properties weren’t serving the life they wanted. It wasn’t for lack of effort. It wasn’t because they didn’t care. It was simply because they hadn’t paused to ask the questions that matter most: What am I really trying to accomplish? Do I need cash flow today? Am I looking to build long-term wealth? Or is my deepest goal to create a legacy for my kids and grandkids?

When you know the answers to those questions, everything changes. Suddenly, you’re not chasing every “deal” that pops up. You’re not second-guessing yourself at every turn. You can say “no” to ten properties without regret, because the eleventh one finally matches what you set out to do. That’s the power of clarity—it transforms confusion into confidence.

I’ll be the first to admit, I had to learn this lesson the hard way. Early on, I sometimes hesitated too long, waiting for something “better” to come along, only to watch the right opportunity slip through my fingers. Other times, I jumped in too fast, without a plan, and ended up with properties that drained me more than they built me. Both paths were costly. What I discovered is that clarity is the antidote to both hesitation and recklessness. When you’re clear on your goals and prepared ahead of time, you’re able to act promptly—but never impulsively.

And then there are the ripple effects. Every real estate decision sends them out. Some bring growth and stability. Others bring unexpected stress and financial strain. I’ve seen maintenance eat up cash flow and tenant challenges unravel the numbers quickly. But I’ve also seen investors buy properties that looked tough at first glance, only to turn them into incredible wealth-builders once they had a plan in place. The difference wasn’t luck—it was the willingness to count the cost upfront and prepare for both the challenges and the opportunities.

And if you’re ready to take the next step, I’ extend to you the invitation to register a spot at our Building Wealth Wisely Workshop on October 8, 6–9 PM. Tickets are $47, and every youth can attend free with an adult ticket. It’s a chance to sit in a room with like-minded people, hear stories, ask questions, and start making choices that will shape your wealth for decades to come.

Because at the end of the day, every choice really is a wealth choice. The question is whether your choices are taking you where you actually want to go.