How I Went From Homeowner to Investor—And You Can Too

By Chase Sloan #BetOnTCREG Episode 111

Let’s be honest—there’s a lot of noise out there about real estate investing. Between skyrocketing prices, unpredictable interest rates, and conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel like you’ve missed your shot.

I’ve heard it from so many clients:

“I should’ve bought last year.” “I’ll wait until I save more money.” “It’s too late for me.”

I’ve even thought about it myself.

And here’s what I’ve learned: waiting costs you more. (Notice the period, no comma)

The Day I Changed My Mindset

When I bought my first home, I wasn’t thinking about “investing.” I was thinking about having a roof over my head and stability.

I didn’t realize then that my little three-bedroom house was the key to building wealth. I didn’t need to buy a massive building or put 20% down. I just needed to start small and be strategic.

Here’s the truth I shared with our listeners on Episode 111 of Bet On TCREG:

• Real estate isn’t just for the wealthy.

• Your first home can be your first investment.

The Strategy That Changed Everything

Clifton Saunders, one of our trusted lending partners, joined us for this episode, and he said it best:

“The sooner you start, the better. Real estate only gets more expensive over time.”

That hit me. And it’s why I’m always sharing this simple strategy with my clients:

1. Start With Your First Home: You don’t need 20% down. Conventional loans allow you to put down 3–5% on a primary residence.

2. House Hack: Buy a duplex or triplex. Live in one unit, rent out the others, and let your tenants pay your mortgage - even if it's not 100%, the leverage can offset your full responsibility.

3. Play the Long Game: Real estate isn’t about quick wins—it’s about slow, steady growth. A year later, you can repeat the process: rent out your first home and buy another with 5% down. *Pro tip: Most of us investors think in terms of decades, not years. Significant growth is seen when holding properties for a minimum of 5 years, and ideally 10+

It’s a strategy that works for everyday people like you and me.

Why “Waiting” Is a Costly Mistake

Here’s a story Clifton shared that stuck with me. A client told him:

“I’ll wait a year to save more money for my down payment.”

Let’s do the math.

This client planned to save $500 monthly—$6,000 over 12 months. Sounds smart, right? However, in that same year, a $200,000 home could increase in value by 7–10%. That’s $14,000–20,000 more they’d pay.

Waiting didn’t save them money—it cost them.

The lesson? Buy what you can afford now. Grow into your dream.

It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Progress

Whether you are starting with a small house or leveraging your equity for a multifamily property, the key is to take action.

I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed or unsure and I also know this: the most successful investors are the ones who started.

So what’s stopping you?

Let’s Map Out Your First Move

I want to hear from you. What’s your real estate investment goal for 2025? Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, multifamily property, or grow your portfolio, I’m here to help.

In a perfect world, what would that look like for you? Comment below with your goal. Let’s create your strategy together.

Let’s get to work,

Chase Sloan

Your Full-Service Real Estate Advisor

Houston, Harris County TX