Why Quitting Isn’t an Option When Life Gets Loud (A Real Investor Update) with Jessica Johnson

Welcome to the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, your source for actionable, real-life, practical investing advice. Each week we help you make a quantum leap somewhere in your business, your finances, and/or your life. Subscribe, leave a rating and review, and learn more at smartrealestatecoachpodcast.com. Okay, smart listeners, it's Chris Prefontaine, your host again with another family cast this week, actually. This is cool, guys, because as success kind of bubbles up in the SMART community, we bring them on. So, FamilyCast, if you're new to the show, would be people, individuals in our family, literally, and then individuals in our community. Jessica Johnson has been in the community for a while. I want to let her kind of go through her journey with you. She was also on episode number 476 in October of '24. October of '24. So, I'm going to bring her forward and say, okay, What has changed in almost, you know, we're coming up on a year and a half here. So, I want you to hear that we don't just throw the fluff out on the podcast, just like our YouTube videos. By the way, you should be subscribing to YouTube for sure. We have, we've been doing that since 2017 or so, hundreds and hundreds of videos there. But the point is, we show you the struggles, we show you the good, the bad, the challenging. Jessica is no exception here. Jessica is having great success. Jessica also has life going on, which all of you do. And so I want you to be able to hear from her firsthand what's gone on since October. It's just an amazing chat we're about to have. Okay, Jessica, with that as a little intro, welcome back to the show.

Thank you, Chris. I'm happy to be here. Thanks for asking me to come on.

Does that seem odd? I said welcome back. So maybe there'll be a— there'll probably be a third because you're doing deals.

I hope so. That's the goal, is to keep, keep moving forward.

I love it. So it's what, 7 in the morning for you?

No, I'm in Eastern time.

You are in Eastern time. Okay. My bad. All right. Well, let's dive in. I, as I just said, your last kind of visit with us here on the show was October of '24. And as you and I just chatted about, I think it was your first deal. We brought you on, we went over the first sold. Bring us forward. Like how many deals are we at now? And then let's, we'll talk about the deals a little bit and then we'll talk about some challenges.

Um, yeah, that was my first sold. Um, so since then I've had, um, I think it's been 6 takens since then and 1 sold. Um, well, sorry, since, since I got that first taken. So I got that taken, and from that first taken I got 6 more takens. After that sold though, I think it's been 1 or 2 takens.

Got it. So that's good. And then now here's the big explanation point. You also had a second child during that window, right?

Yes, I did. So I did have a baby in September, and so I took a few months off from the community overall, but I wasn't taking a break from deals. I was still working with coaches and working very closely with Nick, especially since I had a take-in on the market and working to get that sold. And we did get it sold. So Yeah, lots of stuff was going on all at once.

So talk to the— I'm thinking just organically here as we roll, talk to the other moms out there. Like, what would you say to them if they're trying to make their foray into real estate, but rightfully so, life happens, so they tend to find themselves saying, yeah, but I'll do it when this is done, or I'll do it when this is done, I'll do it when this. Like, any thoughts? Just what comes to mind when I say that for them?

Yeah, I think that's a huge gap is sometimes that can hold you back from getting started. And I think for me, it was a lot of my motivation and my why of why I wanted to push forward, why I wanted to do deals sooner, because the sooner that I can do that, the sooner that I can be available for them. And I will say it was a lot different with my first versus my second. My first, it's crazy. The first was crazy and I was winning just a shower for the day. But the second, I was just looking at him and I'm like, if I'm not making dials, I'm not going to be able to be where I want to be with you in the future. And so even though this newborn phase is so precious and it's so sweet and they're only little for so long and I want to just sit there and stare at you all day, I have to do something and I have to press forward to be where I want to be with him and my other daughter and my husband, my family long-term. And so I think it's just a mindset shift. It is possible. You just have to get into a schedule that works for you and the baby. And maybe if they're napping instead of you napping, you do dials. You just got to figure out a schedule that works for you, but it is possible and that's just my motivation.

No, I love it. Your why is huge. And every time you tell me, it reminds us how much we can help you just get there because sometimes we all in the High 6 group tend to beat on ourselves. I always say this to you and you're hard on yourself. And that's why you're doing well. But at the same time, we gotta recognize how cool it is to be accumulating assets and doing some things that 3 years ago you probably never thought about, right?

Yes, for sure. I was, there was definitely some moments where I'm struggling and I'm like crying because, you know, I'm torn between wanting to be there and just enjoy this short time that I have. And then also knowing that, knowing what I need to do in order to move forward. So it's like, it's very like tough and very, your brain is pulled in 2 different directions. All the time.

Yeah. And, that's everybody listening, by the way. That's not just the moms out there, right? The guys out there are saying the same thing that I know from when I was younger. So, yeah, I'm at work and then when I'm not at work, I'm thinking about work. It's the same thing. We all struggle with that. So, you're probably uplifting and empowering a whole bunch of people and letting them know that they're normal. How much, not just since October, but how much in general lately have you leaned on The coaches, like, how much does that play into this? And not just for deals, but just in general, like, any thoughts on that? Just because a lot of people listening might be A, new listeners, or B, never hear like the nitty-gritty behind the scenes, you know?

I use the coaches a lot, probably more so outside of weekly calls, which I think is— I wouldn't survive without having them available outside of the weekly calls because I wasn't— I did take some time off from the community, so I wasn't on the weekly calls or the mastermind. And so I was able able to reach out to coaches as deals came up. Nick has been a lifesaver. He feels like my coach even though he helps me more with the buyer side. I'm talking with him every week. But also last year was just really, really challenging in a lot of different ways. And so there were a couple of times where I reached out to you and you connected me with all the other coaches just to try to help me get out of the slump I was in, help me refocus and readjust my mindset because Yeah, it's hard. It's really hard in there. And especially with every— with life, everybody has life things going on. And, um, it was just a lot in there. So I, I basically, I leaned on the coaches a lot. I've done that multiple times. Anytime I feel myself kind of like pulling away or I feel very overwhelmed, I feel like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I always reach out to the coaches for just to kind of chat, talk me through it, pull me back in, bring me back to reality. So it's— It's very helpful.

You know, it doesn't matter if you're brand new to real estate or if you've been doing this for several years or a whole bunch of years. I learned the hard way back during the crash that doing creative deals is much better. It's a much better path in real estate in general than let's call it the old way, getting paid once using banks, signing personally, 3 paydays, getting paid 3 times on a deal. It's better 3 ways, not one. Money now, money over time and money long-term. And I don't care if you're in an up, down, sideways market, it doesn't matter. You can and should operate. With the utmost confidence. There's literally nothing I love more than helping people create systems and simple systems and processes to become massively successful with our 3 Payday System, and doing so in literally any market and doing it geographically literally anywhere. So if you've been learning and learning and listening and studying and not taking action, I'm telling you, after going through it myself, it's costing you tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars by not taking action on the 3 paydays the way you should be getting paid. Many of the people that were brand new, just like you, that joined our community have fast-tracked their startup. Now, I mean, wouldn't that be ideal? If you said, okay, should I go fast or slow? Should I take action now or later? It's costing you too much money to wait. Each one of you are at a point in your life, I'm sure, where you want things to be easier. You want things to be better for you and your family. You probably realize that you not only want more, but you deserve more.

in this life.

So, to be able to give your family everything they want, build a legacy for you personally too, and to have time freedom to start enjoying life, frankly, whatever else you're seeking. And for some of you, now's the time, for example, to just focus on security. Maybe it's building a big solid bank account for retirement. We take these things super, super seriously, and it's my life's biggest reward to help you achieve them. I want to give you a free discovery session with our team. It's free. It's 15 or 20 minutes. You have zero to lose and everything to gain. And to understand how you might fit into the 3 Payday System that we've done now in over 80 markets as of this filming, go to smartrealestatecoachpodcast.com/discovery for a free call with our team. smartrealestatecoachpodcast.com/discovery. Because it's not whether or not you can do it or whether or not you fit. You can do it. It's whether or not you'll take action and do what it takes.

And we can guide you through that process.

smartrealestatecoachpodcast.com/discovery. We'll see you soon. No, it's awesome. Well, one of the reasons that works is you do reach out, you're vulnerable and open, and you reach out and go, hey, I need help. I will tell you, in the last 12 years, right, with Smart Real Estate Coach, there are people that instead of that put their head in the sand, disappear, and we literally don't hear from them. Like, we reach out and go, hey, you okay? And they're gone because they gave up on themselves.

And you didn't.

Every time you just reach out, Throw the life raft, get back on, and away we go. So, so kudos to you. That's just awesome. Um, how about, I was thinking this morning, you came here, uh, to the boot camp. I don't know when that was. Maybe you remember the date with your husband and your baby. And that was, do you remember what month that was?

It was October of, um, '23, I think.

Not the boot camp.

'24. '23.

Yeah, because I started them in, uh, '24.

Yeah. Yes, it was October '24 because she was about— she was a little over— she's like a year and a half older.

So that's right.

Okay.

And then, so how did that— now they've changed a lot, um, you haven't been back, but they've changed a lot. We have built a classroom here and all that. But how did that experience— do you remember anything from that? Like anything that stands out as, okay, this was good, or this is something different, just so they understand the experience?

Uh, just being around everybody was, was huge. Um, and just being around different people from different walks of life and getting to know their experiences. But I also think the one-on-one, or not necessarily one-on-one, but having you, Zach, Nick, Rick, all right there. Um, I think the most helpful thing for me was just diving into really a business plan for the, for the next year. And what, what are my goals and how am I actually going to reach those goals? Is this realistic or do I need to adjust my goals? And then Just seeing the financial piece that ties in with those goals and how it just kind of starts accumulating after deal 1, deal 2, deal 3, it's like, whoa. When you see the numbers and see the deals on paper, it makes a huge difference. And I actually got it taken from that. It's a unique property. It's got a commercial kitchen space and also residential. So I got that taken December of '24, but we talked with him at the boot camp. And I still have that property today.

Oh, so he's open to just letting you play with that?

Yes. He's been open because it is so unique. It takes a specific buyer. I actually just got a text last night randomly from someone that says they're interested in moving forward. They saw it 2 weeks ago. So we'll see where that goes. But yeah, I still have that. So that was another huge thing is getting that property on the market and just really working with that seller to Figure out a win-win because there was a lot of back and forth between us.

I didn't know the update on that. So this is a good update for me live. That's awesome. Please update me. Text me if that comes to fruition. What a cool story that the owner let you keep going. You got it at the bootcamp. That would be really cool. I also can't wait. I literally can't wait for your next 2, even 2 properties. I was going to say 2 or 3 because it's going to be the next game changer for you with your why, with the kids and everything. It's so awesome.

Yeah, it, uh, it's crazy that, I mean, I have another one on the market too, and I had another buyer who said that she was interested in moving forward. So just the possibility of if I sold both, when I sell both of those.

Oh yeah. You have a resale right on the market right now.

I do have a, I do have a property on the market.

Nice.

Um, so I have 2, I have 2 on the market right now. And so just thinking about the possibilities that would come with those being sold and like how close I am is kind of crazy. To think about the whole, from start to now, it's wild.

I love it. I just get excited every time we bring you on. I hear your steps. So what is the next steps actually? I haven't asked you, so I'll ask you live. Okay, so fast forward, you get those 2 sold, maybe 2 more, we're pushing forward into the year. Is the goal to be home? Because you're still working, right?

I am still working. So yes, that would be the goal within the next year and a half to 2 years. That would definitely be the goal. And then just growing my team. I did have a VA last year that was really helpful. I don't currently have her anymore. Just business decisions had to change some things around. But definitely growing a team is something that would be needed having that many properties and just continuing to grow. Growing the team and, and being home and being available would be my goals for sure.

Yeah, it's awesome to hang with the kids. And no pressure, but I've told you before, you'd be an awesome coach. So that's— so once we can get rid of the J-O-B, with all you've gone through, you're going to help a lot of people. So just, I'll put that out there to you and the universe. How's that?

I appreciate that. I, I have thought a lot about that and, and just different ways I can help others and just going through the challenges I'm going through right now. I think about why am I going through this? And if I don't go through struggles, then I'm not going to get real-life experience. And if I don't get the real-life experience, I'm not going to be able to help others in the future in whatever way I'm helping them. If it's mindset or deals or whatever it may be, I can't be there as a mentor to other people if I haven't gone through it as well. So that's how I'm kind of reframing and thinking about all this in a positive way with just some things I'm dealing with, with a certain property.

So yeah, we are, we are in need of an awesome female coach. So you're going to, you're going to be there. I love it. You and I have Judy and others in mind. So Jessica, what else? Take me out of the picture for a second. What else would, would— let's say there's new people, hundreds listening over the next month or so. What else would you like to share with them that there's no way, no way they would know about either your journey or this community, you know, or both? Any thoughts that come to mind?

Yeah, I was thinking about that and just kind of what I would want to say to somebody who may be starting out or may be thinking about it. And I'm dealing with a property right now that the buyers moved out and I'm having to sell it. And there's just one thing after another. And one thing after another keeps happening. And last night, Or the other night after I got more bad news, um, I was just crying to my husband and I'm like, I feel like a failure. I, I feel like I'm not making y'all proud. And I'm just hearing all those voices of like, I told you so, you shouldn't have done it. I told you like this was gonna happen. And, and I was just hearing all that negativity and I was just really upset. And then it took me a minute, but I, once I like kind of got to thinking about it, I'm like, The only way I can be a failure is if I don't try. Like, I am— I'm going through it and I'm trying and I'm figuring it out and I'm learning and I'm growing. And that's what's going to make my kids proud. That's what makes my husband proud. Um, I'm not a failure. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm not— I had to just like have a huge like mindset and like thinking about it in a different way. Um, so then I— it made me feel a lot better. And so what all that to say is Don't be scared to try something different. The only way that you're not going to be successful is if you don't take that first step, if you don't reach out, if you don't learn something new or grow. That's the only way that you're going to be a failure. That's the only way that you're going to stay stuck where you are. So that's just, if you're thinking about it, even if it's not real estate, if it's something that you want to try, something new you want to try, just go for it and give it a shot because you'll be surprised how much that one yes that you say can change your life.

Love it. Love it. I really, really appreciate the candor on that. And then I encouraged him in the intro and I'll encourage him in the outro to come meet you at one of the events. Come meet you. I don't know if you heard me say yesterday, but we do have the official dates for the fall. So hopefully that works for the family. And you know what's cool about the thing you're going through now? You had a buyer default. That's called normal, right? In our community, it's not as normal as most, but it's normal. So I think back to our 2019. I don't know if you've heard this story, but we had a slew of headaches. Why? Because in like '14, '15, we were too anxious to get buyers in the houses. And so we had like a slew. So I was where you are times like 15 properties. And then about 6 months later, we look back and we go, you know, it all worked out. Like you're going to sell that house and pocket whatever it is, $30,000, whatever it is, $1,000. If you look back, okay, well, it worked out like it always works out. With real estate, it's just frustrating to go through those learning curves, but at the same time, you're going to get so much stronger because of it.

Yeah. And that's what I have to tell myself a lot too, is people go through way worse than this. I know that I'm not alone in it, but also people who are successful have to get through struggles and it's just part of the process and part of getting there. And so yeah, I still feel at peace about it because I know I will be okay and I know Everything will work out. It just really sucks when like you get another phone call that something's wrong and then another phone call and another phone call. And I'm like, I don't know how much, I don't know how much more I can take. Yeah.

It's, it honestly, if it's, uh, you have the right mindset, cuz when I get those now, I just go, okay, this sucks, but there's a reason it's happening. And in about 3 months or 6 months or sometimes 2 years you go, oh, that's why it happened. This is cool. Mm-hmm. So you're, you're gonna, you're gonna get there. Do you have time? Um, I know you have the community you lean on. I've never asked you this. Do you have time now with 2 kids to like any reading or any Audibles or anything like that? Or is it just community as far as what you rely on? I haven't asked you that in a while.

I do rely a lot on the community, but I have also downloaded the audiobooks of books that you've recently recommended. So, I have a 30-minute commute to and from work. And so, I've been listening. I've just started as I'm getting back into the flow of everything and getting a new routine. Making that a daily habit, that will be one of my 26 in 26. And having a book to listen to each month and getting through that, that's just so powerful, especially when it comes to mindset. It's always— and even just personal and professional development— that listening to an audiobook is just something that always keeps you motivated, excited, encouraged, driven. I get all those things from listening to a book even when I don't want to and I'd rather listen to music. I need to think about how I'm spending my time.

Yeah. The reason I asked that is for me, if I get off and I do slip, I'll say, and then not listen for a while, I'll be in a funk like you said. And then, I'll be like, well, hello. So, I just need exposure, exposure, exposure. We all do. We just slip sometimes. And then, some of these headaches we're going through when we listen to either biography or an autobiography, We say, oh, this is nothing compared to what so-and-so. So that's why I asked that question. So great, great, great, great. Jessica, this was awesome. I could keep chatting. I think there was a lot of nuggets in there for the listener. And I knew that would happen because you're always sincere about everything. And I really, really appreciate it. I'm pumped for your next few deals. So keep me posted, please. Keep me posted on text. And by the way, for the smart listeners, if you want to know what she just referenced with 26 and 26, it's something we went over just yesterday as of the date of this recording in the private High 6 Mastermind group. And if you want more information on what that means for you and how you could get into the 26 and 26, just email me personally, chris@smartrealestatecoach.com. Jessica, thanks again. Awesome having you on again.

Thank you, Chris. I appreciate it.

Okay, smart listeners, that wraps up our time together today with Jessica Johnson. You want to meet Jessica? Come to our next event. It's going to be in Rhode Island. We just locked in the dates. It's going to be September 27th, 28th, 29th, subject to change. I think I still have to sign the contract. It's that new. Brand new. Go to threepaydayslive.com. That's the number three, threepaydayslive.com. Also, to prep yourself for that, if you don't have my books, get them for free. Don't go on Amazon. All you got to do is go to threepaydaysbooks.com/podcast. That's threepaydaysbooks.com/podcast. Now, I would be remiss not to give you some more information about what we have going on with our apprentice program, guys. I say it a lot on the, um, On the podcast here, I said a lot on YouTube because it's by far the most effective, most powerful, most empowering thing we've done for our community. Go check it out—the new apprentice program. It's at three paydays apprentice dot com. If you're intrigued to move forward after seeing that, use the coupon code podcast and you'll get a discount on that. Make it a great week. We'll see you on next week's episode. Be sure to rate and review this. Share with a friend. Jessica's absolutely, as you just heard. Empowering. She's uplifting. And go ahead and share that with others. And hopefully you can meet Jessica at the live event in September. 3paydayslive.com.

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Thanks for tuning in to the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast. If you got value from today's episode, guys, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a future episode. It literally takes one nugget to access some of the things we're doing. And when you're talking the amount of the size rather of the paydays, it's an opportunity cost that you can't let go. So don't miss an episode. And for goodness sake, share it with someone who needs to hear it. If you're ready to find your best path for getting started on your real estate investing journey in general, head over to smartrealestatecoach.com/getstarted. We're going to help you take the guesswork out of your next steps. See you in the next episode.