Founder’s Journal

Hey it’s John,

Quick summer update:

Family life is full throttle
Tackle football. Beach days. Grocery bills through the roof.
Trying not to melt in this Tampa heat.

But last weekend, I escaped.

Northern Michigan reset
We took the family up north.
And I got 48 hours in with 16 of my Army Football Brothers.
We played 90 holes of golf. Rotating partners.
Zero phones. Zero pressure. Just presence.

It reminded me:
Most men in their 30s and 40s don’t get this kind of time with their people.
You have to plan for it. Book it. Make the time.

Buying my dream home
After four years in Tampa, I finally signed the papers on the house I’ve visualized since the day I got here.

It wasn’t easy.
Even with millions in commercial real estate under my belt,
this personal residence required creative financing to get it done.

Everyone talks about “buy and hold” or “value-add”...
But when it comes to personal financing, the same creativity applies.

Structure > Strategy > Close.

If you’ve only got a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.
But if you build a full toolbox, you can solve anything.

Check out the house here:
Watch it here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4rxz3PSTZ/

In a future issue, I’ll break down the full deal structure.

Tampa Market Pulse

Here’s where the market sits right now: HUGE Buyer’s Market

What I’m seeing on the ground:

If you’re an investor in this market, you need to:

• Lowball listings that have been sitting

• Focus on seller finance, sub-to, or creative terms

• Add value through zoning, use, or physical upgrades

There’s no crash coming—but there is a shift.
Your strategy has to evolve.

REI Staffing Spotlight

We’re placing amazing offshore talent for real estate investors.

This week:

• Sarah → Social media expert. Tripled engagement. Rebuilt the content system in 10 days.

• Mustafa → Executive assistant. Runs weekly agendas, manages inboxes, tracks KPIs, keeps his investor-client sane.

If you’re building an investing business and want affordable help that actually works, reply to this and I’ll get you connected.

Local Plug: Best Cheesesteak Around

Philly guys don’t want to hear this…
but the best cheesesteak I’ve ever had is in St. Pete.

It’s called Violet Stone.
And yes, I’ve been to Philly.
Still doesn’t touch this one.

Want to talk real estate investing?

If you’ve got questions—on deals, creative financing, scaling, or systems—send them my way.

I’ll tackle one in the next journal. No fluff, just real answers.

See you next Tuesday,
John
Tampa Real Estate Guy - Helping you crush your real estate investing goals