Branching Out

Branching Out

Hey there!

Some of you already know this, but I have been investing for 17 years now. I started back in 2008 when I bought my first house, a small two-bedroom, one-bath fixer upper.

Over the years, I have completed dozens of renovations, from BRRRRs to full flips. Every project came with its own set of challenges, and I am grateful for all those years of grinding. Long days, no vacations, just an old-fashioned “head down and get it done” mentality.

These days I look at investing through a different lens. I ask myself one question: What lights me up?

Sure, my wife and I could keep doing what we have always done. Find a fixer upper, put some money into it, rent it out, refinance, and repeat. It is a proven system and it works. We would continue building our portfolio and eventually retire comfortably.

But as I get a little older, I want to focus my time and energy on projects that truly excite me. And right now, that means boutique hotels.

Why hotels, and why now? Because at this stage, I am chasing a lifestyle, not just a return. For me, winter should be spent somewhere warm with sand between my toes. It can be hard to find work that supports that lifestyle while you are away, but this investment does exactly that.

Later this month, my business partner and I are heading to Mexico for our first deep dive into the boutique hotel world. Before booking our flights, we spoke with agents in the area, lawyers to ensure we are legally protected, and several boutique hotel owners to learn as much as we can about this asset class before making any offers.

I was asked if it feels scary. Am I worried about investing in a foreign country? Could it flop? What if I fail? The truth is, yes, those thoughts come up from time to time, and that only means one thing. You are doing something meaningful and something you are passionate about.

So, ask yourself today: is what you are doing lighting you up? Do you wake up excited to tackle the day, or do you dread your list of tasks? I turn 43 next month and I am taking on something I never thought I would. It is never too late to chase that dream lifestyle you once thought was out of reach. Do your research, talk to the right people, and start taking the steps that will bring that vision to life.

Til tomorrow,

Ryan

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