If one of your goals for 2025 is to start investing in real estate, you’re not alone. Real estate remains one of the most popular paths to building wealth and financial freedom. But before you dive in, it’s important to set realistic expectations and prepare for the challenges that come with it.
You can make a tremendous amount of money in real estate, but don’t get caught up in the idea of quick profits. It’s not as simple as buying a property and watching the money roll in. Real estate investing isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme; it’s a journey that requires strategy, patience, and a clear understanding of your goals.
Before we started MCM University, I had plenty of people reaching out to me, eager to dive into real estate investing. Some came through cold calls, others through referrals, and they came from every walk of life—different ages, backgrounds, careers, and experiences. Despite their diversity, one question always came up first:
“How much can I make in real estate?”
I get it—everyone wants to know the bottom line. But over the years, I’ve realized that focusing solely on the potential profits isn’t the most effective way to approach real estate investing. If your only concern is how much you can make, you might miss the bigger picture and find yourself stuck in a constant cycle of feast or famine.
Let’s be honest—not many people work purely for the love of it. Real estate is great, but if I had the choice, I’d probably be sitting in Santa Fe with a cold margarita right now. Like any career, real estate investing demands more than just chasing a paycheck—it requires personal investment and commitment. Sure, it sounds exciting, but behind the scenes, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into making it successful.
So, when someone asks me, “How much can I make?” my response is:
“It’s not always about the price.”
If you’re setting a goal to start investing in real estate in 2025, I recommend shifting your perspective and focusing on two key things:
- Solving a problem
- Finding value
Solve Problems
At its core, real estate investing is about solving people’s problems. Whether it’s a homeowner in a tough spot or a realtor needing a fast, reliable buyer, your ability to provide solutions will set you apart.
When we buy a property, our first step isn’t to focus on the price—it’s to listen. What’s the seller trying to accomplish? What challenges are they facing?
Sometimes, solving the seller’s problem involves more than just money. We’ve offered flexible leasebacks, helped clear up title issues, paid for legal expenses, and even contributed to moving costs. Yes, these things can cut into profits, but they also build trust and goodwill—and they lead to deals that might not have happened otherwise.
In fact, there have been many times when we weren’t the highest offer, but we still won the deal because we offered what the seller truly needed. Real estate investing often means working with people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. For me, the real reward isn’t just the paycheck—it’s knowing I’ve helped someone out of a tough situation. That’s what drives me every day, far more than adding extra dollars to my bank account.
Find Value
While it’s not always about price, it is always about value.
While our business is deeply rooted in being community-focused, we are, at the end of the day, still running a business. Over the years, I’ve moved away from the quick-cash strategies of flipping and wholesaling. Instead, I’ve shifted our focus to identifying up-and-coming areas with strong growth potential, building long-term value rather than chasing short-term gains.
Rental income can provide steady cash flow, but true wealth in real estate comes from equity growth as an area develops. For example, I once purchased a fully occupied four-plex near a university. The seller wanted full appraised value, and while I could have negotiated for a lower price, I knew the long-term potential outweighed the short-term savings.
Why? Because the university isn’t going anywhere, and that property will likely increase in value over time. That’s the kind of mindset successful investors cultivate—they prioritize long-term value over short-term gains.
Our approach focuses on finding properties in areas with strong growth potential. We look for neighborhoods poised for growth over the next 10, 15, or even 20 years. When you invest in properties with staying power, you’re setting yourself up for long-term wealth creation, not just short-term profits.
So, How Much Can You Make?
Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How much you can make in real estate depends on your ability to see beyond just the price. Can you solve problems? Can you spot opportunities to create real value?
Real estate is full of incredible opportunities, but it’s not without its challenges. It takes dedication, strategy, and a mindset focused on more than just the dollar signs. If 2025 is your year to dive into investing, come at it with the right perspective. Do that, and the rewards—both financial and personal—could change your life.
Interested in learning more about real estate investing? Join us at one of our upcoming Real Estate Investing 101 courses! Visit www.TheMCMU.com for more details.
