1st generation American From engineer to over 100 Real estate deals
Episode Summary:
This episode chronicles Jose's inspiring journey as a first-generation American who overcame significant challenges to achieve success in real estate investing. Raised by a single mother who emigrated from Ecuador, Jose was instilled with the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of education. However, after following the traditional path of earning multiple degrees and accruing substantial debt, Jose found himself disillusioned with the prospect of a lifetime of financial struggle. This realization set him on a path to explore entrepreneurship, ultimately leading him to real estate investing.
Through grit and determination, Jose transitioned from a W-2 mindset to building a thriving career in real estate, completing over 110 transactions. He shares personal milestones, such as buying his mother a cash-flowing rental property, as well as the lessons learned from helping others as an agent and mentor. Jose’s story highlights the power of saying “yes” to opportunities, overcoming skepticism, and creating financial freedom for his family.
Key Highlights:
- Humble Beginnings and Inspiration:
- The Shift from W-2 Mindset to Entrepreneurship:
- Breaking into Real Estate Investing:
- Overcoming Skepticism:
- Notable Accomplishments:
- Lessons for Aspiring Investors:
- Personal Impact:
About the Guest
My name is Jose Fernandez. I'm a first generation American. I came to this country with my family in search of the American dream. Throughout my childhood I was told in order to be successful in this country I had to work hard to get good grades in school so that I can get a good job to be able to provide a good life for my family. (The American Dream)
So that's what I did however, when I graduated college I came out of school with a large student loan debt and got a job with a low salary because student loan payments begin shortly after graduation whether you have a job or not. When I got my first paycheck the harsh realization that everything I worked hard for was not truly worth what I was getting paid.
So I did what I was taught, I went back to college to get a master's degree in hopes that I can get a better job.
However, this time things were different. I had started a cell phone and computer repair business which was making more money than my w2 job. But I didn't go ALL IN on my business because I went to school to become an engineer, not a cell phone technician. Now I realize I just didn't have enough business experience to go all in on my business.
This is not the life I wanted to live by trading my time for money. I grew up with a single mom and I know exactly what it's like to work 60,70 and sometimes 80 hours a week just to barely get by and miss out on important milestones.
And suddenly one day while I was in my office,
I was invited to a real estate investing presentation that was taking place in my same office space. I was reluctant to attend but thankfully the person that invited me insisted and I couldn't say no. Looking back at it now that decisions changed my life, because that's where I met Hugh Zaretsky and his team and after a 2-hour presentation, he said to me that I was going to have an opportunity to learn to invest in real estate without using any of my own money or credit, and at the same time have an opportunity to make $1,000 to $10,000 per week every month while I was learning. Today I joke with him and say you didn't have to make me wait 2 hours for that. You could have just told me that from the beginning and I would have signed up for that on the spot.
Because I say yes, I met a lot of great entrepreneurs, made a lot of connections, learned a lot about real estate investing and business ownership and took all of that and turned it into the life that I have today of financial Independence by investing in real estate and business ownership.
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/jose_fernandez_remax_agent/
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/Josetherealtor/
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/josefernandezremaxagent
- Tiktok: @Jose.Fernandez.remax
- X: @JoseThe_Realtor
About the Host:
Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most.
Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short life can be, Hugh transitioned his career to become a real estate investor, international speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, and advocate for empowering individuals. Hugh started investing in the precursor to Short-Term Rentals back in 2005. His expertise in cash-flowing properties (STR, SFH, and multi-family) has allowed him to successfully train over 12,500 real estate investors and entrepreneurs to complete profitable real estate transactions, launch businesses, or take them to the next level.
Hugh has been a certified real estate continuing education instructor in 4 different states. His latest book "The Launch Button" was an Amazon best seller in 4 categories including all of real estate. He recently spoke at the Humanity Summit in Portugal on the global issue of "Sustainable tourism (including STRs) and how to work with local communities". His dedication to mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs makes Hugh a highly sought-after speaker. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights from Hugh's wealth of experience.
http://www.thelaunchbuttonpodcast.com - Subscribe and get updates, Swag, etc.
Purchase Hugh’s book, The Launch Button here: http://bit.ly/launchbuttonbook
Private Community: http://www.eframily.com - Want to work, train, or get coached by Hugh?
IG - @hughzwealth
FB - @hughzWealth
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