W
hen interviewing successful real estate investors, a common piece of advice is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who have already achieved what you hope to accomplish. This concept made sense intellectually, but it wasn't until I attended the "One Rental at a Time" conference in Las Vegas that I truly understood its value.

    The two-day event, hosted by Michael Zuber, drew hundreds of real estate enthusiasts from across the country. As a journalist, I was there to observe and report, but I found myself swept up in the energy and enthusiasm of the attendees. The conference format included guest speakers, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities that allowed investors to share their experiences and learn from one another.

    The day's schedule was packed with engaging speakers, including a financially independent couple who shared their journey from struggling to afford groceries to building a robust portfolio of rental properties. A YouTuber discussed the power of content creation, while a self-proclaimed "lazy landlord" shared his unconventional strategies for finding and managing rentals.

    During the lunch break, attendees were encouraged to network and share their experiences with one another. I sat at a table with eight other investors, each with their own goals and challenges. We discussed everything from kitchen remodeling on a budget to helping an investor weigh the pros and cons of selling off one of her rentals. The conversation was stimulating and supportive, and it was clear that being in a room with like-minded individuals had created a sense of momentum and energy.

    The advice to surround yourself with others who share your goals clicked into place for me during this conference. I saw networks expanding, connections forming, and people gaining the confidence to take action. One woman shared with me how she felt supported and encouraged by her fellow attendees, unlike her friends back home who were indifferent to her real estate aspirations.

    The keynote speaker, Graham Stephan, a popular YouTuber with nearly 5 million subscribers, delivered a powerful message about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your goals. He emphasized that it's not just about learning from others, but also about connecting with potential business partners, lenders, and clients.

    As I reflected on the day's events, I realized that being in a room with like-minded individuals had done three things for me: it had taught me new strategies and insights, connected me with people who could help me achieve my goals, and given me momentum to take action. If you're a prospective real estate investor, attending a conference or joining an online community can have the same effect – it's a powerful way to learn, connect, and gain the confidence to take that first step towards achieving your goals.