How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?
I heard Cherry Chen being interviewed on a podcast and was impressed by her knowledge, investment experience and personal nature. I then set up a time to speak with Cherry on the phone and was more convinced that she was a reliable, honest and smart person to learn from and invest through.
What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?
I have owned and operated several single-family rental properties and reached a point where I was tired of being a landlord and always needing to fill vacancies, etc. But, more importantly, I was excited about the better returns with passive investment opportunities.
Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?
No, I had no prior experience with commercial real estate syndications. In fact, I was unaware that they even existed! I had dabbled in the stock market for more passive investing but never really understood it and was always very skeptical of it. I have, since finding these real estate opportunities, completely exited from the stock market. And, the Big Brother Brokerage did not make it easy to exit with all of their “rules!” After finally jumping through all of their hoops and successfully moving my money (not theirs as they make it seem) to several commercial real estate syndications, it made my decision completely remorse-free.
I am currently invested in seven different syndications. My investment strategy perfectly lines up with The Real Estate Physician’s model: multifamily apartments, self-storage and mobile home parks. I plan on investing more with The Real Estate Physician as my hard assets sell off relieving me of landlord responsibilities.
I only began this journey this past November in 2019 and already the distributions are coming in as proposed. It’s very exciting and easy!
Cherry is always there when I have questions or concerns. She almost always has answers, but when she doesn’t, she finds them and gets back to me. Her new book, “The Physician’s Definitive Guide to Commercial Real Estate Syndications” is excellent! It’s clear, concise and totally understandable.
I have the utmost confidence and trust in Cherry Chen as my mentor in passive investing. What she does is to surround herself with proven, experienced and trusted sponsors and operators. She only deals with the best! These folks have remarkable track records and integrity and passion for what they do. And, these professionals are careful in choosing their projects and laying out the strategies for all market conditions. I’m proud to be a part of these teams!
What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?
My ways and methods of investing (and, for that matter, of living life) are not necessarily how some would choose. I tend to study, research and explore and when it “feels” right, I jump in – completely with no hesitation. I’ve lived this way for the past 71 years, and it’s always been fun and worth it!
What does financial independence look like to you?
Financial independence for me is to not have to worry or waste time thinking about whether there is “enough.” “Enough” for me is having sufficient funds to pay my obligations and for having a good life – not an extravagant life – but, a good life. Financial independence means having enough to help those less fortunate and helping to keep our planet and healthy for our successors. Financial independence means security for me and my family and for as many as I can help.
Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.