It is generally accepted that outside of an inheritance, real estate is the best way to build wealth.  I couldn’t agree more, having experienced first hand the power of real estate, despite my family’s humble beginnings.  My parents immigrated from El Salvador in the late 60’s and settled in Los Angeles.  It is there that my sister, brother and I were born and raised.  Having started with basically nothing, we were able to build financial wealth, through the ownership of our own personal residences and through the ownership of rental property.
 

Unlike other investment strategies, such as stocks and bonds, real estate is inherently easier to understand.  Hard working folks of all education levels can invest in real estate and build wealth far exceeding traditional retirement plans.  While earning a salary is just enough to pay the bills, it is through ownership of real estate that one can amass wealth enroute to retirement and leave a legacy for their children.  Sometimes all it takes is one property!
 

My sister, brother, and I bought our first property in 2002.  We wanted to move our parents out of the cramped apartment in which they’d lived in for many years.  A single-family home would have been just fine, but we happened to find a triplex.  My parents lived in the main house and we rented the two additional units.  We quickly realized the benefits of rental income.  Over the next few years we fixed up the triplex and rented out the units at a higher price.  Soon we began plotting ways to acquire more real estate having seen first hand its power.  We eventually bought a five-plex and two additional single family homes (all which we rented out).  In addition, my sister, brother and I had all purchased our own personal residences.  Between the three of us we have come to own seven properties!  Every single one of them has appreciated in value, to the extent that our net worth has grown dramatically over the years.
 

I feel compelled to share this because my life is better due to our investments in real estate. What makes it even more gratifying is that we were able to involve our parents in our small, yet growing portfolio.  They too were investors and joined us on our journey from small time renters to property owners.  I am so glad we can give back to them for all their years of love and support!