195 - Eric Bowlin - Building an Investment Portfolio

Wanna build your investment portfolio? Eric Bowlin, a real estate
investor and coach, shares how he began making passive income
while in college. He talks about investment strategies and why he
lives in Puerto Rico for part of the year. Listen in as Eric
gives some valuable advice for others who would like to invest in
real estate - and learn what excites Eric and makes it all
worthwhile for him.  


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Time Stamped Show Notes


01:45 – Introducing Eric, a REALTOR who is full-time in
Puerto Rico and part-time in Texas

02:00 - He started in real estate accidentally at 24 years
old because he wanted to buy a home; he ended up buying a
three-family unit

02:55 - He decided that he wanted money to come to him; he
was a student and reservist in the army so rent payments changed
his life

05:30 – On his first property sold as an agent

05:47 - He sold the property to a couple and felt bad selling
it to them knowing there was another option

06:10 - The rent from his other properties now pay for his
home; he has leveraged up to it

06:50 – On the challenges with having tenants

07:00 - Massachusetts is very tenant-friendly; you have to
know what you’re doing and use that to your advantage

08:20 – On living in Puerto Rico

08:25 - He rents a place in Puerto Rico and lives there for
six months and a day for the tax benefits

08:40 - He buys small properties in Massachusetts, has some
larger projects in Texas, and has partners in other
markets 

10:00 – Eric’s advice for others who would like to
invest

10:20 - Find a niche and stick with it; don’t try to be in
every niche and don’t jump from thing to thing

10:50 - HIs goal is lifestyle-based; he wants to keep his
lifestyle and is in the process of selling some of his smaller
stuff

11:40 - He wants to maintain 10-15 assets and wants to sell
smaller assets for larger ones

12:00 - He offsets his taxes by putting into a 401k; he has
two portfolios, one personal one and one with
partners 

13:05 – What excites Eric

13:45 - He loves talking about real estate; he’s motivated by
the freedom real estate investing gives him and is
authentic 

14:05 – How to contact Eric: www.idealrei.com 



3 Key Points
Diversify! All markets are different, so make sure you know
what you’re doing. You can be successful in any niche, not every
niche.