Why Business Experts Struggle with Real Estate Investing | Del Walmsley

Del shares insights from listening to another podcast where a business and marketing expert repeatedly backed away from real estate deals, despite wanting to get involved. The host works from 8 AM to 7 PM daily, considers his heroes work much harder than he does, yet can't grasp the fundamentals of real estate investing.

 

This business expert kept interviewing real estate investors but couldn't understand how they make money, believing it happens "out of thin air" without skill or education. Each time he learned about what real estate investing actually involves, he threw his arms up and said "there's the secret, that's why I would never do that."

 

Del contrasts this with his own approach - retiring from the long-hour work ethic at age 34, now doing one radio show per day, a few phone calls, and occasional business meetings while his real estate produces income automatically.

 

What You'll Discover

• Why a business expert working 60+ hours weekly couldn't understand real estate investing fundamentals

• How Del's first $25,000 house (bought for $2,500 down) would be worth $250,000-$300,000 minimum today

• The difference between wholesalers who hustle daily versus investors who own assets long-term

 

Key Timestamps

02:30 The Business Expert's Problem - Why someone successful in business believes money can work without skill or education

07:20 Three Ways Houses Make Money - Cash flow, mortgage paydown, and appreciation explained with real examples

14:30 Why Leasing Houses is Simple - Put the right price on a good product and your phone rings off the hook

26:40 The $25,000 Duplex Investment - How Del made $2,000 monthly cash flow on a $25,000 down payment 35 years ago

28:00 Single Family vs Multifamily Management - Why families with kids stay 4-11 years versus more transient renters

 

FAQs

How did Del make $2,000 monthly cash flow on a $25,000 investment?

Del bought five duplexes (10 units total) for $200,000 with $25,000 down through owner financing. Each unit generated $200 per month positive cash flow, totaling $2,000 monthly. This happened 35 years ago when prices were much lower.

 

Why do some business people struggle with real estate investing?

According to Del, some people believe money can work without skill, education, or willingness to learn. They want others to find deals and handle everything while they just provide money, not understanding that successful investing requires knowledge about evaluating deals, renovation costs, and tenant screening.

 

What's the difference between working hard and owning assets?

Wholesalers and flippers work 60+ hours weekly finding deals - that's their job and they earn small profits for their hustle. Investors learn to evaluate those deals, buy t...