In this episode of The Real Estate Path, I sat down with Carlos Garzon, a Colombian immigrant who came to the US with no English, found real estate by accident, lost everything in the 2008 crash, and rebuilt his path around a mission to help families who cannot qualify for traditional loans get into their first home.

We had an honest conversation about what it really takes to start over when everything falls apart, how Carlos turned being bilingual into a competitive edge most people overlook, and why he believes that comfort, not failure, is the most dangerous place an investor can land.

Some key topics we explored:
• Coming to the US from Colombia with no English and learning the language from kids on a soccer field
• Getting into real estate by chance after selling a car to a real estate agent's sister in 2005
• Losing two investment properties and over $350,000 in the 2008 crash and choosing to rebuild
• Why being comfortable is more dangerous than failing and how a new marriage sparked the pivot back into real estate
• Using bilingual skills and cultural connection as a genuine advantage in the Latino community
• The business model: acquire through SubTo and seller finance, then place buyers who cannot qualify for bank loans
• Closing a 5-unit co-living property in Texas with 4.5% seller financing and 24 fractional investors
• Growing a real estate meetup from 3 people to over 30 in just a few weeks

I learned a lot from this conversation and especially appreciated Carlos's perspective on comfort. He said being comfortable is one of the most dangerous places you can be, and hearing that from someone who has lost everything and rebuilt more than once hits differently than it does from someone who has never had to start over.

What stood out to you from this conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Connect with Carlos Garzon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carloscreativeestates/

Connect with Jim Lee / Formosa Investing:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formosainvesting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/formosainvesting/
X: https://x.com/bzjimlee
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/formosainvesting

About The Real Estate Path
The Real Estate Path is a conversation-driven podcast focused on the real journey of real estate investing. Content is for educational purposes and reflects personal experience and general discussion, not investment advice.

Disclosure: The content shared on The Real Estate Path Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal or investment advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. Individual circumstances vary and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult a qualified financial, tax or legal professional before making any investment decisions.

In this episode of The Real Estate Path, I sat down with Hung Mai to explore how calculated risks and smart leverage can build extraordinary results, even when starting from scratch.We had an honest conversation about the journey from putting the first Airbnb investment on credit cards to building a portfolio of 24 properties across 5 states. Hung shares how he turned limited resources into abundant opportunities by leveraging relationships and learning from those just a few steps ahead.Some key topics we explored:• Why waiting for perfect conditions can be riskier than taking action• How to leverage knowledge from others who are just steps ahead• The evolution from single-family to boutique hotel investing• Building sustainable systems for growth• The power of starting small but thinking bigI learned a lot from this conversation and especially appreciated Hung's perspective on success - that you don't need to have all the answers, you just need to know who to ask. His story reminds us that entrepreneurship isn't about having everything figured out, but about being resourceful enough to find the next right step.What stood out to you from this conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.Connect with Hung Mai:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungvmai/

Connect with Jim Lee / Formosa Investing:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formosainvesting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/formosainvesting/X: https://x.com/bzjimleeLinktree: https://linktr.ee/formosainvestingAbout The Real Estate PathThe Real Estate Path is a conversation-driven podcast focused on the real journey of real estate investing. Content is for educational purposes and reflects personal experience and general discussion, not investment advice.Disclosure: The content shared on The Real Estate Path Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal or investment advice. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. Individual circumstances vary and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult a qualified financial, tax or legal professional before making any investment decisions.

In this episode of The Real Estate Path, I sat down with Glenis Hargreaves to explore a powerful story of resilience, faith, and the real lessons that come from experiencing both sides of the market cycle.We had an honest conversation about what happens when market enthusiasm meets inexperience, and how those challenging moments can become the foundation for better investing decisions. Glenis shares her journey from losing everything in the 2008 crash to rebuilding with wisdom and purpose.Some key topics we explored:• The importance of having multiple exit strategies before acquiring assets• Why community and mentorship matter more than solo education• How to leverage your unique strengths in real estate investing• Building authentic connections in a digital age• The value of presence and intentional relationship buildingI learned a lot from this conversation and especially appreciated Glenis's perspective on combining business success with genuine care for others. Her story reminds us that our greatest setbacks often lead to our most valuable lessons.What stood out to you from this conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.Connect with Glenis:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenisromerohargreavesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenis.romerohargreavesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@glenisromerohargreavesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenis-romero-hargreaves-161b6550About The Real Estate PathThe Real Estate Path is a conversation-driven podcast focused on the real journey of real estate investing. Content is for educational purposes and reflects personal experience and general discussion, not investment advice.Connect with Jim Lee / Formosa Investing:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formosainvesting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/formosainvesting/X: https://x.com/bzjimleeLinktree: https://linktr.ee/formosainvestingBook a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/formosainvesting/30min

This episode of The Real Estate Path discusses the unfiltered journey of real estate investing, covering both the highs and lows. We aim to provide value on investing for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Listen to the business podcast to get real finance advice and understand the true path to success.Info on Carmine:Carmine SabatellaTitle: Realtor/Flipper, Sabatella Delair GroupWebsite: https://thesabatelladelairgroup.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmine.sabatella/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdesigncarmine/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carminesabatella/

This episode of The Real Estate Path discusses the unfiltered journey of real estate investing, covering both the highs and lows. We aim to provide value on investing for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Listen to the business podcast to get real finance advice and understand the true path to success.Info on Ross:Ross FrenchTitle: Real Estate Developer/Founder

Website: casacommon.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosswayne23/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-french-9ba548a2/

This episode of The Real Estate Path discusses the unfiltered journey of real estate investing, covering both the highs and lows. We aim to provide value on investing for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Listen to the business podcast to get real finance advice and understand the true path to success.Info on Vessie:Vessie KapoulianTitle: Multifamily SyndicatorWebsite: https://dbacapitalgroup.com/meet-the-founder/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vessik11Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vessikapoulian/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vessi-kapoulian/

This episode of The Real Estate Path discusses the unfiltered journey of real estate investing, covering both the highs and lows. We aim to provide value on investing for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Listen to the business podcast to get real finance advice and understand the true path to success.Info on Devon:Devon AguirreTitle: Account Executive, PadSplitWebsite: https://www.padsplit.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1561292521921135/user/1300674784/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonneedsaninsta/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-aguirre-97b76925/

In Episode 5 of The Real Estate Path, we sit down with Sanjeev to break down the real journey of building a successful real estate business, no fluff, just facts. Whether you're a beginner looking to get your first deal done or a seasoned investor navigating growing pains, this episode delivers real talk on the wins, the losses, and the lessons in between.Join me on The Real Estate Path, where we shares the real journey of real estate investing, moving beyond just the highlight reels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, this show touches upon what it really takes to achieve your vision. Tune in for financial education and insights into real estate investing.Sanjeev's Info:Title: Principal, LME InvestmentsWebsite: WWW.LMEINVESTMENTS.COMFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanjeev.bhatia2/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjeevbla/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeev-bhatia-51959019/