Why Your “Why” Is the Key to Real Estate Success
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Hey there, Code 3 Invest community!
Welcome back to the Code 3 Invest Real Estate Podcast, where we dive deep into the nuts and bolts of real estate investing to help you achieve financial freedom.
I’m Brian Waters—full-time Fire Captain, father, husband, and real estate investor. Through my coaching, I guide busy professionals like you to build wealth with out-of-state rental properties, all while managing demanding W-2 jobs.
Today, we’re not talking about cash flow or the perfect property (though those are important). Instead, we’re diving into something foundational that can make or break your real estate journey: your “why.” Why are you investing in real estate? What’s the driving force behind your goals? Defining your “why” isn’t just motivational fluff—it’s the fuel that keeps you going when the going gets tough. Let’s break it down.
Why Your “Why” Matters
Real estate investing isn’t a straight path. Deals fall through. Tenants miss rent. Roofs leak at the worst possible time. Without a clear “why” anchoring you, it’s easy to throw in the towel when challenges arise. Your “why” is your North Star—it gets you out of bed, keeps you pushing through rehab projects, and helps you negotiate with stubborn sellers.
For me, my “why” is simple: time. Specifically, time with my wife and twin boys. As a Fire Captain, I already spend half my life at the fire station. I didn’t get into real estate to trade one grind for another or to work endless overtime. We only get 18 summers with our kids, and time is the one thing we can’t get back. I want the freedom to be present for football games, family dinners, and spontaneous weekend trips. Real estate is the vehicle that makes that possible.
Your “why” might be different—financial independence, early retirement, or leaving a legacy for your family. Whatever it is, it needs to be personal and ignite a fire within you.
How Real Estate Aligns with Your “Why”
One of the best things about real estate is its flexibility. It’s a toolbox, and you get to choose the tools that fit your “why.” Love the hustle? Flip houses. Prefer passive income? Buy and hold rentals with property managers handling the day-to-day. I focus on out-of-state turnkey properties with low down payments and professional management to maximize my time.
For me, building a portfolio of single-family rentals means steady cash flow that brings me closer to my goal of more mornings with my kids and date nights with my wife.
Every property I buy, every tenant I place, is a step toward that vision. Your “why” should guide your strategy, ensuring every deal moves you closer to your dream life.
How to Find Your “Why”
Finding your “why” is easier than you think. Grab a coffee (or a beer—no judgment here) and take 10 minutes to reflect. Ask yourself:
- What do I want my life to look like in 5 or 10 years?
- What would I regret not having more of? Time? Security? Adventure?
Write it down. Be honest. Don’t overthink it. Once you’ve got your “why,” use it as a filter for every real estate decision. Does this deal align with my goal? If not, why bother?
Here’s a real-world example: A friend of mine started investing because his “why” was working less overtime. Every rental property he bought brought in cash flow that reduced his reliance on extra shifts. After five years and over 10 properties, he’s free to take family trips without financial stress.
That’s the power of a clear “why”—it turns real estate into a purpose-driven pursuit.
Your “Why” Can Evolve
Your “why” isn’t set in stone. Mine has evolved. Early on, it was about proving I could succeed. As my kids grew, it shifted to prioritizing family time. That’s okay. Life changes, and your “why” can too. The key is to check in with yourself regularly. Without a defined “why,” you’re just drifting, and real estate is too powerful a tool to waste on aimless drifting.
I’ve faced plenty of bumps in my real estate journey—frustrating moments that could’ve made me quit. But revisiting my “why” kept me grounded and moving forward. When challenges hit, your “why” will be your anchor.
Start Today: Define Your “Why”
Defining your “why” isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s the backbone of your real estate journey.
For me, it’s about time with my wife and kids, and real estate’s flexibility lets me chase that every day.
What’s your “why”? I’d love to hear it—drop me a message: Brian@code3invest.com
Ready to take the next step? I coach everyday go-getters to build portfolios of single-family rentals, step by step, even with busy schedules. Visit [insert website, e.g., code3invest.com] to learn how we can work together to transform your family’s future through real estate.
If you enjoyed this post, share it with a friend who’s curious about real estate investing, and don’t miss our latest Code 3 Invest Real Estate Podcast episode for more insights [Code 3 Invest Podcast].
Until next time, keep chasing your “why”!
Stay driven,
Brian Waters
Code 3 Invest