When I bought my first home, I felt really small and nervous, like a little fish surrounded by big, confident sharks. There were real estate agents, investors, and builders who all seemed to know so much more and had lots of money and experience.

I didn’t have a plan or any special tricks. Just a small house with two parts, a small amount of money, and a feeling that I could make it into something better.

After a few years, I now own several good houses. And the biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: begin with something small, but dream big. That way of thinking made a big difference for me.

Here’s what really helped me—and it might help you too.

1. Use Appreciation and Equity Like a Pro

Remember the game Monopoly? You start by buying small green houses, then trade them for a big red hotel. Real life works kind of the same way.

Most people think you have to sell a house to buy a better one. But you don’t. You can borrow money from the house you already own and use that to buy another one, while still making money from renting out the first house.

I did this with a small house that had two parts. I borrowed money from it, then used that to buy a bigger house with four bedrooms. Just like that, I owned twice as much—and I didn’t have to sell anything.

That’s how you grow: by adding more, not trading one for another.

2. Learn While You Earn

My first rental taught me a lot of things I didn’t know. Let’s just say I didn’t expect how clever people can get when they don’t have money to pay rent.

The good part is, every property teaches you something. You’ll learn about taking care of the property, rules, money, and when is the best time to buy, just by doing it.

If you treat each property like a classroom (where you get rent money), you’ll learn more and do better than those who just read books or watch videos.

3. Master the BRRRR Strategy

Buy a house, fix it up, rent it out, borrow money from it, and do it again. It might sound tricky, but it’s a great way to build wealth.

I once bought a house that needed a lot of maintenance, fixed it up myself, rented it out, and then borrowed money from it once its value went up. That gave me money to buy another house, without selling anything.

The BRRRR method in real estate has turned out to be successful for many. If you do it right, one property can help you buy three more.

4. Chase Cash Flow, Not Just Appreciation

It’s exciting to see your property’s value go up, but only counting on that to make money is risky, especially in a market that can change quickly.

Cash flow is different—it’s steady and easy to plan for. It helps pay the bills, keeps you safe during tough times, and is the key to building long-term wealth.

Before I buy anything, I check the numbers. If it doesn’t make money right away, I don’t buy it. Even if the market is popular. Especially if it is.

Remember: the value going up is a bonus. Making money every month is the real plan.

5. Think Bigger—Even When You’re Starting Small

Every property I bought, no matter how small, had to fit with my big plan for the future. I didn’t just buy for now, I bought with tomorrow in mind.

No matter if your dream is owning a big building, renting homes in vacation spots, or working with others on deals, the steps you take early on should help you reach that goal.

That first duplex? It wasn’t just a place to rent. It was a step toward something bigger.

Thinking big isn’t about bragging—it’s about having a plan for the future and working toward it.

Building wealth through real estate is about having a good plan, learning along the way, and thinking about the future. Whether you start with a small house or a bigger one, every property helps you grow. The key is to be patient, make sure your property makes money, and use smart strategies like BRRRR to keep growing without selling anything. Dream big from the start, and remember: each property is a step toward something bigger. If you keep learning and growing, you’ll do well.

What’s your next move in real estate, and how are you going to make it part of your bigger plan?