I want to share a personal story with you. It’s about my journey from a small ranch in Mexico to becoming a multimillionaire real estate investor by the age of 27. I am Juan Huizar, and this is my story.
Early Life in Mexico & My Journey to America
I was born in 1979, and I’m originally from La Victorina, Zacatecas Mexico. My parents lived on a ranch, devoid of modern amenities like running water and electricity. Life was challenging, with my family relying on farming beans and corn in a dry, desolate area. My father, seeking better opportunities, often traveled to the U.S. to work, leaving my mother to raise eight children alone.
My journey to the U.S. began with a perilous crossing of the Mexico-U.S. border. At just four years old, my family and I faced the dangers of the desert at night, only to be caught by immigration and sent back to Mexico. But we didn’t give up. After another attempt, we successfully made it to the U.S. and settled in Lemoore, a small town near California’s Central Valley.
Life in the U.S. was a revelation with access to things like television and running water. My dad worked in the farm fields of the Central Valley, and by age nine, I joined my siblings in contributing to the family’s income by working in the fields. The hard work ethic was ingrained in us from an early age, and it became a foundational part of who I am.
Education and Early Career
My academic journey led me to Cal State Long Beach, where I graduated with a degree in accounting. Despite being heavily recruited by the “Big Four” accounting firms, a chance meeting with Mark Malan, a real estate investor, shifted my career trajectory. Mark offered me an alternative path in real estate, promising to teach me how to become a millionaire.
Real Estate Ventures
My journey into real estate began when I was 23. My first purchase was a modest two-bedroom condo in Signal Hill. With guidance from my mentor, Mark Malan, I transformed it into a three-bedroom property, immediately increasing its value. This initial success was a crucial step in proving to myself that I could navigate the complex world of real estate investment.
As I delved deeper into the industry, I quickly learned the importance of adapting and innovating. By the time I was 24, I had ventured into more challenging territories, acquiring a triplex on Pasadena Avenue in Long Beach. This property consisted of a front house with two rear units. I realized that understanding the property’s structure and potential for improvement was key to maximizing my investment.
At 25, I faced a pivotal moment. I sold a condo that was located in a less desirable neighborhood, which taught me the importance of location in real estate value. This experience led me to purchase another property, a four-unit building in a nicer part of Long Beach. Partnering with Mark, I invested in this fourplex, marking my first significant venture into larger multi-unit properties.
By the age of 26, after marrying and welcoming our first child, I bought a house that became our family home. This purchase underscored the personal side of real estate—how a property isn’t just an investment but a backdrop to life’s milestones.
The financial crisis of 2008 offered both challenges and opportunities. As the market tumbled, I recognized the potential for significant gains. I partnered with a friend to buy a property off an alley in Long Beach, a less desirable location that offered a good value. This investment taught me the importance of seeing potential where others saw limitations.
Throughout these ventures, my approach to real estate evolved. I focused on appreciation over immediate cash flow, understanding that the real wealth in real estate comes from long-term growth in property value. Each property taught me different lessons—about the market, about negotiation, and about the resilience required to succeed in this field.
Today, in my early 40s, I remain actively engaged in the real estate market. Despite facing challenges like high interest rates, I consistently identify new opportunities and continue to invest and acquire properties. I primarily see myself as an investor first and a real estate broker second and I am far from finished with my real estate investment journey.
Lessons Learned
Throughout my journey in real estate, I’ve gathered invaluable insights that have not only shaped my career but also my perspective on wealth and success. One of the most important lessons is that real estate is not a get-rich-quick scheme but a path to guaranteed wealth with patience and persistence. My mentor, Mark Malan, emphasized this, teaching me to look beyond immediate returns and focus on long-term property appreciation.
Income from a property today isn’t indicative of its future potential. Rents and property values grow, and understanding this can transform an average investment into a lucrative one. This realization has taught me to see beyond the current income and anticipate the growth potential of each property.
Mentorship has been invaluable. Working with Mark provided me with not just technical knowledge but also a belief in my potential, guiding me through the complexities of the real estate world. Additionally, I’ve learned that building wealth is often a collaborative effort. From my family’s support to partnerships in various properties, sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities enriches the journey for everyone involved.
Lastly, my success story is a testament to the enduring potential of the American dream. It reaffirms my belief that with hard work, determination, and strategic thinking, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
Giving Back and Inspiring Others
Now, as I celebrate reaching 10,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel, I want to inspire others by sharing my journey. Whether you are young or old, already wealthy or just starting, I believe you can achieve your dreams. The American dream is not over; it’s alive and thriving for those willing to work for it.
For those in Southern California who want to work with me, please visit our website and reach out. If you’re from other states, fill out a questionnaire on our website so I can better assist you with our nationwide affiliates.
I hope my story has inspired you to pursue your own path to success. Remember, if I could do it, so can you. Don’t let doubts hold you back from achieving your dreams.
