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Why You Are Meant to Invest in Real Estate (Yes, YOU—First Responders, Busy Pros, and Parents) 🏠✨

By First Responders, Getting Started, Investment Properties, Long Term Rentals

Why You Are Meant to Invest in Real Estate (Yes, YOU—First Responders, Busy Pros, and Parents) 🏠✨

Hey there—welcome back to the Code 3 Invest blog! 👋 I’m a full-time firefighter 🚒, dad to twin boys 👦👦, flag football coach 🏈, and the guy behind Code 3 Invest, where I help busy folks like you—firefighters, police officers 👮, doctors 🩺, nurses 💉, first responders, professionals, and parents juggling a million things—build generational wealth through real estate. If I can do this with my crazy schedule, trust me, you can too. Your job is tough. It’s intense. Real estate? It’s easy by comparison—and I’m going to show you how. Stick with me, because I’ve got a story that ties it all together. 📖

The Big Fears of Out-of-State Investing (and Why They’re Fixable) 😱🔧

Let’s start with the elephant in the room—especially if you’re thinking about investing out of state, like I’ve done with my portfolio. 🌍 I get it: owning a property hundreds of miles away can feel like rolling up to a call blind. What if the tenant stops paying? 💸 What if they trash the place—holes in the walls, flooded basement, the works? 🚽 What about evictions when you’re not there to deal with it? ⚖️ Or maybe the market’s flat, and you’re stuck. 📉 Maintenance issues—leaky pipes, busted AC—how do you handle that from another state? 🛠️ Those fears are real. I’ve stared down those what-ifs myself. You’re used to controlling chaos in your job, so handing over the reins feels risky. 😬

Here’s the good news: every single one of those problems has a solution, and it’s simpler than you think. ✅ I’ve built systems—and a team—to tackle late payments, evictions, tenant damage, market shifts, and repairs. It’s all manageable, and I’ll break it down in detail soon (stay tuned for that! 👀). For now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s your biggest fear about investing out of state? Drop me a line at Code3Invest.com or hit me up on X at @Code3Invest. Let’s talk it out! 💬

Your World Is Hard—Real Estate Isn’t 💪🌴

Now, let’s talk about what you do. Firefighters, you’re running into burning buildings 🔥. Police officers, you’re de-escalating situations that could turn ugly fast 🚨. Doctors and nurses, you’re saving lives in the ER with zero margin for error 🏥. First responders, you’re showing up on someone’s worst day, keeping it together when chaos reigns 🌪️. Busy parents or professionals? You’re managing a whirlwind—schedules, deadlines, kids, all of it 🌀. Your world takes guts, grit, and resilience most people can’t even fathom. 🏋️‍♂️

Let me take you back to a call I’ll never forget. ⏰ Middle of the night, pitch black, and we’re dispatched to a freeway car accident. 🚗💥 Single vehicle, smashed against a tree 🌳, teetering on an embankment. We roll up—lights flashing, adrenaline pumping—and there’s a woman trapped inside. 🚨 The car’s crumpled, she’s pinned, and we’ve got to move fast. We grab the jaws of life, cutting through metal—sparks flying ✨, steel grinding, the scene lit by headlights and road flares 🚦. She’s conscious, barely, and terrified, saying she can’t feel her legs. 😰 We’re talking to her, keeping her calm, while we pry the door off, piece by piece. The tree’s holding the car steady, but one slip, and it’s going down the hill. ⛰️ It’s cold, it’s loud, and every second feels endless. Finally, we get her out—paramedics take over, and we’re left catching our breath as the ambulance fades into the night. 🚑 That was her worst day. For us? Just another shift. 💼

We solved a big, messy, life-or-death problem that night. It’s what we do—show up when the stakes are sky-high and figure it out. No freezing, no second-guessing—just action. We adapt. We make it work. 🛡️

Real Estate Problems? They’re Nothing Compared to That 🏡😎

Now, flip to real estate. Sure, it’s got challenges—tenants who pay late ⏰, a leaky roof 🌧️, a deal that falls apart 📜. But compared to cutting someone out of a car on the edge of a freeway? Compared to stitching up a trauma case or chasing a suspect in the dark? Real estate problems are easy. They’re solvable. They don’t haunt you like a tough shift does. 😴 And here’s the best part: you don’t have to jump in blind. I’ll teach you how to build a boots-on-the-ground team—your crew, just like the one you work with every day—to mitigate risk and handle those problems. 👥 It’s the “who not how” theory: you don’t do it all yourself—you find your people. With the right team, real estate becomes less about stress and more about systems. It’s practically plug-and-play, and I’ll show you how to set it up. 🔌

Why You Were Meant for This 🌟

So why were you meant for real estate? Because you’ve already got the skills. You’re a problem-solver—it’s in your DNA. 🧠 You thrive under pressure, so handling a negotiation or a maintenance issue? That’s nothing. 💬 You’ve got discipline—those 24-hour shifts or packed schedules as a parent prove it. ⏳ You assess risk every day—every call, every patient, every decision—and real estate’s just another version of that, with lower stakes and bigger payoffs. 🎯 My systems at Code 3 Invest are built to give you time back—for the important stuff, like family. Twin boys and flag football keep me busy, but real estate doesn’t steal from that—it adds to it. ❤️

Here’s the kicker: your job doesn’t give you control. You don’t pick when emergencies hit or how bad they’ll be. Real estate? You’re in charge. 🎮 You choose the properties, build the portfolio, and decide how to grow your wealth. It’s a way to take your toughness and resilience and turn it into something that works for you—not just for the next crisis. For me, it’s about generational wealth—something to pass down to my boys. I’ll show you how to do the same. 🌳

You Deserve This—Let’s Make It Happen 🙌💰

You’re out there grinding, handling the hardest stuff life throws at people. You deserve a future that’s easier and more secure—for you and your loved ones. 🌈 Real estate isn’t just an investment; it’s how you win. And I’m here to help you do it. 🤝

If you’re a firefighter, cop, doctor, nurse, first responder, busy pro, or parent with no time to spare—listen up. You were meant for real estate. Not because it’s hard, but because it’s not—not for you. With the right team and systems—like the ones I teach at Code 3 Invest—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. 🚀

Got a “worst day” story of your own? Already in real estate and want to swap notes? Reach out! Hit me up at Code3Invest.com or find me on X at @Code3Invest. Let’s get you started. 🌟 Keep doing the hard stuff, and let’s build something easy that lasts. 🏆

The emojis add a fun, visual pop while reinforcing your message—fire trucks 🚒 and police sirens 🚨 for first responders, money bags 💰 and houses 🏡 for real estate, and hearts ❤️ for family. They’re balanced to keep it professional yet relatable. What do you think? Any adjustments you’d like?

 

Why You Were Meant to Invest in Real Estate (Yes, YOU—First Responders, Busy Pros, and Parents) 🏠✨

Hey there—welcome back to the Code 3 Invest blog! 👋 I’m a full-time firefighter 🚒, dad to twin boys 👦👦, flag football coach 🏈, and the guy behind Code 3 Invest, where I help busy folks like you—firefighters, police officers 👮, doctors 🩺, nurses 💉, first responders, professionals, and parents juggling a million things—build generational wealth through real estate. If I can do this with my crazy schedule, trust me, you can too. Your job is tough. It’s intense. Real estate? It’s easy by comparison—and I’m going to show you how. Stick with me, because I’ve got a story that ties it all together. 📖

The Big Fears of Out-of-State Investing (and Why They’re Fixable) 😱🔧

Let’s start with the elephant in the room—especially if you’re thinking about investing out of state, like I’ve done with my portfolio. 🌍 I get it: owning a property hundreds of miles away can feel like rolling up to a call blind. What if the tenant stops paying? 💸 What if they trash the place—holes in the walls, flooded basement, the works? 🚽 What about evictions when you’re not there to deal with it? ⚖️ Or maybe the market’s flat, and you’re stuck. 📉 Maintenance issues—leaky pipes, busted AC—how do you handle that from another state? 🛠️ Those fears are real. I’ve stared down those what-ifs myself. You’re used to controlling chaos in your job, so handing over the reins feels risky. 😬

Here’s the good news: every single one of those problems has a solution, and it’s simpler than you think. ✅ I’ve built systems—and a team—to tackle late payments, evictions, tenant damage, market shifts, and repairs. It’s all manageable, and I’ll break it down in detail soon (stay tuned for that! 👀). For now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s your biggest fear about investing out of state? Drop me a line at Code3Invest.com or hit me up on X at @Code3Invest. Let’s talk it out! 💬

Your World Is Hard—Real Estate Isn’t 💪🌴

Now, let’s talk about what you do. Firefighters, you’re running into burning buildings 🔥. Police officers, you’re de-escalating situations that could turn ugly fast 🚨. Doctors and nurses, you’re saving lives in the ER with zero margin for error 🏥. First responders, you’re showing up on someone’s worst day, keeping it together when chaos reigns 🌪️. Busy parents or professionals? You’re managing a whirlwind—schedules, deadlines, kids, all of it 🌀. Your world takes guts, grit, and resilience most people can’t even fathom. 🏋️‍♂️

Let me take you back to a call I’ll never forget. ⏰ Middle of the night, pitch black, and we’re dispatched to a freeway car accident. 🚗💥 Single vehicle, smashed against a tree 🌳, teetering on an embankment. We roll up—lights flashing, adrenaline pumping—and there’s a woman trapped inside. 🚨 The car’s crumpled, she’s pinned, and we’ve got to move fast. We grab the jaws of life, cutting through metal—sparks flying ✨, steel grinding, the scene lit by headlights and road flares 🚦. She’s conscious, barely, and terrified, saying she can’t feel her legs. 😰 We’re talking to her, keeping her calm, while we pry the door off, piece by piece. The tree’s holding the car steady, but one slip, and it’s going down the hill. ⛰️ It’s cold, it’s loud, and every second feels endless. Finally, we get her out—paramedics take over, and we’re left catching our breath as the ambulance fades into the night. 🚑 That was her worst day. For us? Just another shift. 💼

We solved a big, messy, life-or-death problem that night. It’s what we do—show up when the stakes are sky-high and figure it out. No freezing, no second-guessing—just action. We adapt. We make it work. 🛡️

Real Estate Problems? They’re Nothing Compared to That 🏡😎

Now, flip to real estate. Sure, it’s got challenges—tenants who pay late ⏰, a leaky roof 🌧️, a deal that falls apart 📜. But compared to cutting someone out of a car on the edge of a freeway? Compared to stitching up a trauma case or chasing a suspect in the dark? Real estate problems are easy. They’re solvable. They don’t haunt you like a tough shift does. 😴 And here’s the best part: you don’t have to jump in blind. I’ll teach you how to build a boots-on-the-ground team—your crew, just like the one you work with every day—to mitigate risk and handle those problems. 👥 It’s the “who not how” theory: you don’t do it all yourself—you find your people. With the right team, real estate becomes less about stress and more about systems. It’s practically plug-and-play, and I’ll show you how to set it up. 🔌

Why You Were Meant for This 🌟

So why were you meant for real estate? Because you’ve already got the skills. You’re a problem-solver—it’s in your DNA. 🧠 You thrive under pressure, so handling a negotiation or a maintenance issue? That’s nothing. 💬 You’ve got discipline—those 24-hour shifts or packed schedules as a parent prove it. ⏳ You assess risk every day—every call, every patient, every decision—and real estate’s just another version of that, with lower stakes and bigger payoffs. 🎯 My systems at Code 3 Invest are built to give you time back—for the important stuff, like family. Twin boys and flag football keep me busy, but real estate doesn’t steal from that—it adds to it. ❤️

Here’s the kicker: your job doesn’t give you control. You don’t pick when emergencies hit or how bad they’ll be. Real estate? You’re in charge. 🎮 You choose the properties, build the portfolio, and decide how to grow your wealth. It’s a way to take your toughness and resilience and turn it into something that works for you—not just for the next crisis. For me, it’s about generational wealth—something to pass down to my boys. I’ll show you how to do the same. 🌳

You Deserve This—Let’s Make It Happen 🙌💰

You’re out there grinding, handling the hardest stuff life throws at people. You deserve a future that’s easier and more secure—for you and your loved ones. 🌈 Real estate isn’t just an investment; it’s how you win. And I’m here to help you do it. 🤝

If you’re a firefighter, cop, doctor, nurse, first responder, busy pro, or parent with no time to spare—listen up. You were meant for real estate. Not because it’s hard, but because it’s not—not for you. With the right team and systems—like the ones I teach at Code 3 Invest—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. 🚀

Got a “worst day” story of your own? Already in real estate and want to swap notes? Reach out! Hit me up at Code3Invest.com.

Let’s get you started. 🌟 Keep doing the hard stuff, and let’s build something easy that lasts. 🏆

 

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What’s Your Financial Independence Number? Let’s Find Out 💰🔥

By Coaching, Financing, First Responders, Getting Started

Hey Heroes,

What if work became optional? Picture this: sipping coffee on a beach ☕🏖️, no alarm clock, no boss—just freedom. That’s what your financial independence (FI) number unlocks—the amount you need to cover expenses without a paycheck. I’m Brian Waters from Code 3 Invest Real Estate, and today, I’m walking you through how to find your FI number. Let’s dive in! 🚀

What’s a Financial Independence Number? 🌟

Your FI number is the magic figure where you don’t trade time for money—your investments do the work 💸. Think rental properties 🏠, dividends, or anything that passively pays the bills. For me, it’s about time—time to do what I want, when I want, with whom I want ⏳. Time’s our most precious asset. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it buys food, shelter, vacations… and yeah, those make me happy 😊. Until you start this journey, you’re working for someone else, no end in sight ⛓️.

Step 1: Know Your Expenses 📊

You can’t hit a target you can’t see 🎯. Pull your bank statements or budgeting app and calculate your yearly cost of living—housing, food, transportation, insurance, fun stuff like travel ✈️. Don’t guess; track it for accuracy. My family spends $150,000 a year—$12,500/month after taxes. Twin boys in sports and family trips add up (the food bill’s insane! 🍔⚽). Overestimate here—life throws curveballs ⚾.

  • Why It Matters: What if you’re forced to retire early? A pilot with an eye injury can’t fly ✈️❌, or a Firefighter who has a career ending injury, what’s next?. Knowing your budget is peace of mind 🧘‍♂️.
  • Pro Tip: My wife and I did this together—call it “standing on the beach naked” 🏝️😅. It was uncomfortable but great at the same time. It stopped money fights, showed me she’s a budgeting rockstar (mostly spends on the kids 👧👦), and helped her see where every dollar flows. Transparency made us stronger 💪.

Step 2: Define Your “Enough”

FI isn’t about being a billionaire—it’s time freedom ⏰. What’s your ideal life cost? Maybe $100,000/year for simplicity, or $300,000 for luxury 💎. Enough to say, “I’m done working for someone else”—like an Office Space moment, smashing the printer 🖨️💥. Test it: live on your target budget for a few months. Too tight? Adjust up. Plenty? Dial down. I’m a “Ready, Shoot, Aim” guy—start, then tweak 🎯.

  • Reality Check: Busy pros miss birthdays 🎂, holidays 🎄, or “me time” 😴. This number buys those back.
  • Challenge: Stop living by chance 🎲. An injury could end your career tomorrow. Be accountable—nobody’s doing this for you ✋.

Step 3: Build the Income 🏦

My path? Real estate 🏘️. I went from one rental to 14 in four years—cash flow, appreciation, tax advantages, and principal paydown 📈. The goal: passive income matching your expenses. This hits home for me—I started at the fire department at 32 with little savings 🚒. Full retirement means working to 63, but this job’s rough. I’m on track to retire at 53 instead. That’s the plan ✅.

  • Mindset: Kiyosaki calls it leaving the rat race 🐀🏃‍♂️. Gurus pitch one-year miracles—nah, this is a 10-year plan ⏳. My kids just turned 11; time flies ✈️. Ten years beats 30-45 in the grind.
  • Next Steps: Strategy’s coming in future emails 📩. For now, nail your number.

Your Turn: Calculate It 🧮

Grab a calculator. Tally monthly expenses, multiply by 12, tweak for your dreams ✨. My $150K/year lifestyle? That’s my starting point. I bet you’re doing better than you think—if not, it’s a wake-up call ☎️. This isn’t get-rich-quick; it’s a plan to own your time ⏰.

“Invest like your life depends on it—because every dollar’s a lifeline.” 🔥

Reply with your FI number—I’d love to hear it!

More on building income next time.

P.S. If this resonated, forward it to a friend who needs a nudge 😉.

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Crush Real Estate Investing,

Brian Waters

Real Estate Investor/Mentor

🔥 Build Wealth Without Missing a Shift—Turnkey Rentals for Busy Heroes 🚒

By First Responders, Getting Started, Investment Properties, Long Term Rentals

Hey Firefighters, First Responders, and Busy W-2 Warriors 🌟,

Life’s a 24/7 blaze—long shifts, emergency calls, and family keep you slammed. But what if you could build real estate wealth without derailing your career?

At Code 3 Invest 🚒, we’ve got your back with turnkey rentals—your secret weapon for passive income while you keep crushing your W-2 job! And we specialize in teaching one-on-one investors how to purchase out-of-state rentals, making it easy for you to invest beyond your backyard 🗺️.

What’s a Turnkey Property? 🏠 A turnkey property is a fully renovated, tenant-occupied rental home sold with professional management already in place. It’s ready to generate income the moment you buy—no repairs, no tenant hunting, no hassle. Just turn the key and watch the cash flow start 🚀!

Why Turnkeys Fit Your Crazy Schedule 😴:

  • No time for property hassles? Turnkeys let you invest without adding a single task to your plate 💰.
  • Stay locked on your shift—zero hands-on work lets you focus on your W-2 while wealth builds quietly 🛡️.
  • New to investing? We slash mistakes, teaching you the basics safely with our fire-tested expertise 📚.

Our Hot Markets—Alabama & Tennessee 🌅:
We invest in prime spots like Birmingham, Huntsville, Memphis, and Littlerock—landlord-friendly areas with strong cash flow and growth. No bidding wars, just exclusive deals for busy pros like you 🚨.

How It Works for Beginners (Even Out-of-State) 🛠️:

  1. Claim a property—quick, no-commitment step 📍.
  2. We handle the rest, guiding you through out-of-state buys ⛑️.
  3. Verify fast, close easy, and earn income instantly—perfect for your packed life, no matter where you live 🏠.

Why Trust Code 3 Invest? 🤝:
As firefighter-owned experts, we bring discipline and teamwork from the fire line to real estate. Our one-on-one coaching minimizes errors, maximizes returns, and fits your nonstop schedule. Contact us at www.code3invest.com for free tools and support—we’re here to teach you out-of-state investing step by step 🚒!

Ready to Thrive? 🔥
Don’t let your busy life stop you—invest smart, work hard, and live free. Email us or hit our site to start today!

Stay safe, stay strong,

Brian Waters

The Code 3 Invest Team 

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I Told You So……Nana-Nana-Boo-Boo!!

By Getting Started
Brian Waters of Code 3 Invest in live real estate seminar for first responders

In the beginning of 2024 many people I talked to really wanted to buy out of state rental properties but the common fear was two fold….

  1. They wanted to wait until the rates dropped.
  2. They wanted to wait until the home prices declined.

Well unfortunately neither of those happened and in fact the opposite occurred.

It is currently December 2025 and out of all the five properties I purchased last year all have appreciated a ton and we have already raised the rent to cashflow even more.

I always say, “The best time to buy real estate is now.”

I hate to say I told you so, but…..Nana-Nana-Boo-Boo!!

For those that waited, the interest rates went up and so did the home prices.

So what does that mean now? Should you wait for lower rates before investing in real estate?

On one hand, when rates are low, you get lower mortgage payments…That is Awesome!

But with those lower mortgage rates comes a lot of baggage..kind of like an old clingy girlfriend.

You also get the following:

  1. Increased demand
  2. Lower Supply
  3. Higher Purchase Prices
  4. Bidding Wars
  5. More Competition
  6. Sellers that hold all the leverage

I personally LOVE the higher-rate environment. In the markets that I teach my investor students where to buy, we always cash flow at these higher rates.

That is huge because we can always refinance later, thus getting even more monthly cashflow.

“Marry the house and date the rate.”

When rates are high it is so much easier to find good deals and sellers are willing to negotiate lower prices.

If you don’t want me nagging at you in the beginning of next year, saying I told you so again, then reach out and let me help you navigate buying out of state properties that cash flow.

Crush Real Estate Investing,

Brian Waters Real Estate Investor/Mentor

Let’s have a consult and discuss how you can benefit from a 1-on-1 coaching session, have a professional help guide you through the process or bringing you into one of our upcoming deals.

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How I Became A Real Estate Investor

By First Responders, Getting Started, Investment Properties, Real Estate Investing No Comments

Meet Brian Waters:

Founder of C3I, Real Estate Investor & Los Angeles County Firefighter

In 2002, I became an accidental investor. I knocked on a door in Huntington Beach, California and made an offer on a house site unseen in a great neighborhood. Crazy enough she took the offer with one stipulation.  She wanted to lease the property back for one year. Fast forward a year later, I opened the front door to a huge mess and boxes everywhere. I moved in and over the course of the next ten years I had multiple roommates that helped me with the rent. At the time I had no idea that I was “House Hacking.” It wasn’t until my future wife Yvonne was six months pregnant with my twin boys that we decided to be grown up and live on our own.  

The boys were born and a few years later we invested in a house at the river (Lake Havasu, California) as a vacation home. We cold called the owner and made an offer on the house over the phone that was accepted.  

In 2019, we purchased a rental property in Murrieta, California and rented it back to the owner for a year and continue to rent that property long term.

In 2022, we joined  a mastermind for real estate investors. Over the next 18 months with the help of my mentors and the community were able to buy 9 more long term rentals. This changed everything for our family.  I have learned so much from the community and training and have recently joined forces with my mentors to buy, rehab and hold properties in St. Louis and Detroit, using private money from lenders.  This strategy allows me to pay lenders a high monthly interest rate all secured by collateral of the house.  

Partnering with private money lenders has helped so many people earn a high rate of return while we can scale our rentals.

I want to give back the knowledge that I have gained over the years of investing, so I have started coaching on how to safely and securely scale your real estate portfolio with out of state properties. 

Let’s have a consult and discuss how you can benefit from a 1-on-1 coaching session, have a professional help guide you through the process or bringing you into one of our upcoming deals.

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If you are reading this, we dig you too! You obviously are interested in becoming a Real Estate Investor.

Get into the game and book a 1-on-1 Consult with Brian Waters today. Fill out the contact form and let’s discuss your goals and how we can get you started