My #1 Real Estate Business Tip (It’s not what you think…V2!)

Last Updated on September 1, 2025

Enjoying the Journey in Real Estate Investing: Staying Present While Building Success

There are thousands of topics we could discuss about real estate and business, yet sometimes the most important lesson comes from within. Today we want to share a mindset shift that has helped us and many other investors: stop living in the future and start appreciating where you are right now.

Avoiding the “when I…” trap

When we first got into investing, it was easy to fall into the habit of “futuring.” We’d think, “When we get our first deal, then we can relax,” or “When we make our first ten thousand dollars, then we’ll do ABC.” Have you ever caught yourself thinking like that? We certainly have. For years, our brains were consumed by the idea that there would be a magical moment when everything clicked and life would suddenly change. While hitting milestones like a first deal, six‑figure profit or even seven figures is exciting, each one is just a moment in time.

We learned that enjoying the journey isn’t just a cliché – it’s vital. Research shows that after covering basic expenses, happiness grows only incrementally. In our experience, once bills are covered and a bit of financial breathing room appears, a surprising amount of mental energy is freed up. Suddenly, you aren’t thinking about how to pay rent or whether the electricity bill will clear. That mental space can be redirected into your business, allowing momentum to build.

Covering your bases frees up your brain

Think of your mind like a computer with dozens of browser tabs open. When you have a job, a side business, bills, and family responsibilities, your mental “RAM” is maxed out. As soon as you have cash flow from real estate and don’t need to work for a paycheck, some of those tabs close. You can focus on analyzing deals, visiting auctions, or learning about tax lien investing, where you lend money to counties in exchange for property‑tax debt and interest. This strategy can produce predictable returns, but it requires time and clarity to learn. Having mental bandwidth makes the difference between dabbling and truly committing.

Time is your most precious resource

A big challenge on this journey is time. We all get the same 24 hours, yet not everything deserves a place on our schedule. We recently said no to a social event—even after buying tickets—because creating this content felt more important. It was a reminder that progress requires conscious choices. We encourage you to protect your calendar. Say no to activities that don’t serve your long‑term goals. That might mean skipping a night out so you can analyse county auction lists or watch an instructional video. Your future self will thank you.

If you want help building an efficient routine, check out our property selection guide on how to pick properties for tax deed sales; it offers step‑by‑step advice on building a list, budgeting and doing in‑person due diligence. Learning to say no to distractions is the first step toward creating that kind of focused process.

Gratitude for the present moment

Several years ago we were broke. A friend lent us fifty dollars because we couldn’t afford groceries. We spent eight of those dollars on a burrito. While eating, we dreamt about the day we would never worry about money again. In hindsight, that simple meal was a turning point. It was the last time we ate a burrito under those circumstances—a sunny day, a ride on a bike, and a quiet park bench. Yet we weren’t present enough to appreciate it. We were living in a future that hadn’t arrived.

This story taught us that you never know when you’re doing something for the last time in those particular conditions. One day you might be cutting your own lawn or juggling chores while studying auction rules; soon afterward you could be delegating those tasks because your business affords you a housekeeper. Be present for both moments. Celebrate when you’re hustling on weekends and savour the relief when you can afford help.

Protect your schedule and energy

We’re not suggesting you become antisocial or work every second. Rather, we’re advocating mindful prioritisation. Last week we enjoyed a quick lunch (a “naked burrito”—basically a burrito bowl) and then went straight back to recording. It may sound minor, but that discipline allowed us to share this message with you. Each choice compounds. Over time, those seemingly small decisions can lead to a business that gives you freedom.

As you gain traction, you’ll find yourself delegating more. Hiring a cleaner, an assistant or a bookkeeper frees you to focus on deal analysis and strategy. This shift is part of the journey. Don’t forget to savour the current stage, though. There is value in rolling up your sleeves and doing the work yourself. It gives you insight that will serve you when you lead a team later on.

Always verify with official sources

One last tip before we wrap up: double‑check everything you read with the relevant tax code or official state documentation. Auction rules, redemption periods and interest rates vary by county. For example, some New Jersey tax sales start at 18 percent interest but are bid down when multiple investors compete. After the rate hits zero, bidders offer a premium over the lien amount. Understanding local statutes prevents costly mistakes. We always cross‑reference county websites and state tax codes before placing a bid. This habit protects your capital and builds your confidence.

If you want a deeper explanation of tax lien returns and how bidding works, our article on traits you need to succeed in tax lien investing explains why discipline and due diligence matter and includes a breakdown of typical interest rates by state. It’s a great companion to this post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving forward together

We hope this reflection helps you appreciate where you are today while still working toward tomorrow’s goals. Success in real estate is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. We’re committed to sharing more content that blends investing tips with lifestyle design. Future posts will explore how to integrate these principles into your daily life, how to balance investing with family and hobbies, and how to scale sustainably.

In the meantime, if you’d like personalized guidance, we invite you to join us on a live auction trip. These events allow you to shadow us as we bid on properties and learn directly from our team. We also have a free mini‑course that teaches the basics of buying tax lien and deed properties at steep discounts—no strings attached. To speak with us one‑on‑one and see if our programme is right for you, book a free call. We’d love to help you take your next step.