In 1997, our journey in the world of real estate began when we made the decision to purchase our primary home in Stockton, California. This significant step not only provided us with a place to call our own but also exposed us to the exciting world of property ownership and investment. The experience of witnessing our property appreciate in value over time while also enjoying the freedom of not having to pay someone else's mortgage was truly enticing.

As new homeowners, we quickly grasped the importance of maintaining a good credit rating and how it impacted our ability to make further investments in real estate. The concept of credit appreciation became clear as we observed how responsible financial habits positively affected our creditworthiness, opening up more opportunities in the real estate market.

Taking care of our property and handling repairs and maintenance introduced us to the direct correlation between the condition of a property and its value. Through these experiences, we learned that even small efforts to improve and maintain a home could lead to significant increases in its overall value. This realization sparked our curiosity about real estate as a business and investment avenue.

Driven by the desire to expand our knowledge, we delved into reading extensively about real estate, seeking to understand why it was considered a wise investment. Learning about the various strategies employed by successful real estate investors, we were inspired by the potential for growth and financial success that the industry offered.

Irwin, in particular, witnessed firsthand the effects of regular maintenance on the value of our home. Taking the time to improve the property not only enhanced its visual appeal but also contributed to its overall market value. This realization solidified our belief in the power of real estate as a vehicle for wealth-building and financial independence.

With each new lesson learned and every book read, our passion for real estate grew, and we began to envision a future where we could make this our full-time pursuit. The idea of helping others achieve their dreams of homeownership while building a sustainable and profitable real estate business became our ultimate goal.

As the years passed, our understanding of the real estate market deepened, and we expanded our portfolio with additional properties. Along the way, we encountered challenges and obstacles, but with dedication and perseverance, we continued to thrive in this dynamic industry.

Our journey in real estate has been marked by a constant hunger for knowledge, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering belief in the value of property ownership. Today, we stand proud as successful real estate entrepreneurs, grateful for the opportunity to have started this fulfilling journey back in 1997 when we purchased our first home.