341: Net Worth of $3.5M - Former Air Traffic Controller Cashed in His 401k and Risked It All
Jan 22, 2024
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Former air traffic controller turned real estate investor, Shawn DiMartile, shares his journey from liquidating his 401k to building a real estate portfolio worth $3.5 million. He discusses the benefits of real estate investing over traditional retirement accounts and strategies for achieving his first million. Shawn also talks about challenges and opportunities in the Airbnb market and emphasizes the importance of education, partnerships, and creativity in real estate investing.
Real estate investing can provide greater cash flow and wealth-building opportunities compared to traditional retirement accounts.
Having liquidity is crucial in real estate investing, both for meeting bank requirements and for handling unexpected expenses.
Partnering with experienced investors and mentors can provide valuable guidance and increase confidence in real estate investing.
Deep dives
Real estate investing success through proven strategies
The podcast episode features a guest who was an air traffic controller but decided to cash in his 401k and dive into real estate investing. Utilizing proven strategies he learned from listening to the Bigger Pockets podcast, he partnered with others to buy a 32-unit apartment complex. This venture led him to build a multi-family portfolio of over 300 apartment units and other properties, resulting in a net worth of $3.5 million.
The advantages of real estate over 401k investments
The guest explains that he chose real estate over traditional 401k investments due to the cash flow and tax benefits offered by real estate. He highlights how real estate provides increasing cash flow and appreciation over time, allowing for wealth accumulation and potential early retirement. He also mentions the ability to leverage various tax strategies in real estate investing, such as accelerated depreciation, to minimize tax burdens.
Insights into the Airbnb market and adapting to changes
The guest discusses the Airbnb market and acknowledges that it has become more challenging due to increased competition and regulation. He emphasizes the importance of setting oneself apart by investing heavily in properties, such as adding unique amenities or design features. He advises focusing on markets with lower saturation and potentially stricter regulations, as they may offer opportunities for success. However, he acknowledges that regulations can impact the profitability of short-term rentals in certain cities, such as New York City.
Investing in Real Estate with Airbnb and ADUs
The podcast episode discusses investing in real estate with a focus on Airbnb properties and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The guest speaker shares their experience with owning four Airbnb properties that have been successful. They also discuss the recent change in San Diego's municipal code, allowing for the addition of ADUs to single-family homes in certain areas. This new strategy has opened up opportunities for investors to add multiple units to properties, increasing density in a geographically constrained city. The guest speaker highlights the benefits of this strategy, including generating income while waiting for permits and having control over tenants. Despite challenges such as rising interest rates, the speaker remains optimistic and emphasizes the importance of creativity and adaptability in real estate investing.
Balancing Frugality and Aspirations in Real Estate
The podcast episode delves into the guest speaker's personal financial habits and mindset. They discuss how their upbringing and work ethic influenced their success in real estate investing. The speaker shares their transition from a focus on luxury and material possessions to a more frugal lifestyle. They highlight the importance of reinvesting earned income and maintaining a grounded approach in order to achieve long-term goals. The guest speaker also expresses their desire to help their family and retire their parents through the proceeds of their real estate investments. The episode concludes with advice for new investors, emphasizing the need for patience, accepting mistakes, and staying consistent with proven methods.
Shawn DiMartile has a net worth of $3.5 million. All of it is in real estate. He is in his mid 30's. He shares his journey from being an air traffic controller to building a real estate portfolio worth millions. He discusses the importance of liquidity in real estate investing and the decision to liquidate his 401k to invest in real estate. Shawn explains the benefits of real estate investing over traditional retirement accounts and the strategies he used to achieve his first million.
He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the Airbnb market and the impact of regulation on the business model. Overall, Shawn emphasizes the importance of education, partnerships, and creativity in real estate investing. In this conversation, Shawn DiMartile shares his experience with property management and automation, rapid-fire questions, lessons from childhood, early jobs and money, changing beliefs and future goals, financial habits as a millionaire, and advice for beginners.
Takeaways
*Real estate investing can provide greater cash flow and wealth-building opportunities compared to traditional retirement accounts. *Having liquidity is crucial in real estate investing, both for meeting bank requirements and for handling unexpected expenses. *Partnering with experienced investors and mentors can provide valuable guidance and increase confidence in real estate investing. *Investing in properties outside of high-cost areas like California can offer better returns and growth opportunities. *The Airbnb market is becoming more competitive, and success requires investing in unique properties and providing exceptional amenities. *Regulation can impact the Airbnb business model, and investors need to stay informed and adapt to changing regulations. Automating systems can help manage properties efficiently and reduce the need for property managers. *Having a strong work ethic can contribute to success in real estate investing. *Frugality and delayed gratification can lead to long-term financial goals. *Real estate investing takes time, patience, and learning from mistakes. *Consistency and proven methods can lead to results in investing.
Connect with Shawn on Instagram (@shawn_dimartile)
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