Unlocking the Door to Real Estate Success: It All Starts With One

Josh Perez • January 2, 2025

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the world of real estate, it’s this: it all starts with one. Your first investment property. Your first big decision. Your first leap of faith.



As highlighted in my recent conversation on the @brokersplaybook Podcast, the journey into real estate doesn’t begin with a massive portfolio or decades of experience. It starts with your “why.”

"The first investment property often opens the floodgates—boosting your confidence, growing your risk appetite, and unlocking relationships and resources you never knew you had. It all starts with one and discovering your why."

Start With Your Why

Before you dive into your first property, take a step back and ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Whether your goal is financial freedom, securing your retirement, or building generational wealth, your purpose will shape your decisions and keep you grounded when challenges arise.


As my host pointed out, your “why” also helps define your strategy and the team you need to assemble to make your vision a reality.


The Confidence of Taking That First Step

That first property is about more than just the numbers—it’s a game-changer for your mindset. It unlocks your confidence, expands your risk tolerance, and sharpens your skills. It also introduces you to the relationships, resources, and systems you’ll need to succeed.


Owning your first investment property is where theory meets practice. Managing your own balance sheet, income, and expenses turns hypothetical plans into real-world experience. That’s when you start to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve.


As I shared on the podcast:

"That first property or project often opens the floodgates of confidence, your risk appetite, your skill set, and relationships with people and resources that can help you."


It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

Real estate success isn’t about reaching an arbitrary number of properties. Whether you aim for 10, 30, or 150 properties, every journey begins the same way—with one.

Don’t let analysis paralysis or fear of imperfection stop you. Each step forward builds momentum, and each property teaches you something new.


Build Your Power Team

No one succeeds in real estate alone. Your team is essential. From mortgage brokers and real estate agents to contractors and financial advisors, surrounding yourself with experts who align with your goals can make all the difference.


The right team will help you navigate challenges, uncover opportunities, and stay focused on your bigger picture.


Ready to Take the Leap?

Your first investment property isn’t just a milestone; it’s a foundation. It’s where you learn, grow, and build the confidence to expand your portfolio.


As I often say, you can talk about investing, hear examples, and learn from others—but managing your own property is where the real lessons begin.


So, what’s holding you back? The journey to real estate success starts with one. Let’s make it happen.

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By Josh Perez July 8, 2026
If the title of this article caught your attention, chances are your family is growing. Congratulations. If you’re thinking now is the right time to move into a home that better fits your growing family—but you’re unsure how parental leave affects your ability to qualify for a mortgage—you’re in the right place. Here’s the good news. Qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave is possible when it’s done correctly. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, lenders can often qualify you based on your return-to-work income , as long as you can provide documentation confirming you have guaranteed employment waiting for you. A word of caution If you walk into a bank branch and disclose that you’re currently on parental leave, there’s a chance the bank will only allow you to qualify using your parental leave income. That can significantly reduce your borrowing power. Parental leave income is typically limited to 55% of your previous earnings, up to a weekly maximum. Qualifying on that amount alone can restrict your options and impact the type of home you can purchase. Why lender choice matters One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is choice . You’re not limited to one lender’s rules or products. Some lenders will allow you to qualify using 100% of your confirmed return-to-work income , which can make a meaningful difference in your approval amount and overall options. What you’ll need to qualify Most lenders will require an employment letter that includes: Employer name (preferably on company letterhead) Your job title Original start date (to confirm probation has been completed) Confirmed return-to-work date Guaranteed salary upon return Lenders want reassurance that your income will resume once parental leave ends. You may also be asked to provide income history from the past couple of years, which is standard for most mortgage applications. One important note Whether or not you actually return to work after parental leave is entirely your decision. From a mortgage perspective, qualification is based on having a confirmed position available to you at the time of approval. If you have questions about qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave—or anything mortgage-related—please connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.
Suburban two-story house with a front porch, two-car garage, and a large tree-lined lawn.
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