I started taking real estate seriously in 1999.  I was super excited to buy my first house as a young single mom.  I didn't know a lot, but I was sure I'd find a way to make it happen. I had a problem though.... I had no investment capital, credit or income to get a real estate loan, nor did anyone in my immediate family or friend circle.  I was literally what we all call "broke".  What I did have was passion, and purpose.  I knew that it was up to me to make sure my child didn't have to live in the projects for the rest of his life.

Don't get me wrong, it was a blessing for me to be born when and where I was.  It taught me resilience, it made me hope, and I never stopped dreaming of better.  As I've matured, and life has taught me a few important lessons about what really matters, I realized that I've always been rich in a different sense.

My mind was and still is rich with possibilities, motivation,...