Investing is for all types of people, from many backgrounds and schools of thought. You may find similarities among other investors, or learn something new!
Herewith tips and insight, is Kenneth Mooney, Analyst at Auben Realty.
Question: Who was your first business mentor?
Answer: Kristopher Bognot. We still do the occasional real estate deal together.
Q: Who was your first mentor in real estate?
A: Jaron Bergeron. I interviewed a local attorney, who referred me out to two people. Jaron’s partner was the second referral. Jaron eventually took me under his wing, and taught me the ropes of real estate investing. When I had the opportunity to move to Auben as an agent he’s who I asked about the company. He said, “Go for it!” And here I am.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: It’s a tie: Think and Grow and Rich Dad, Poor Dad. While Rich Dad taught me more about the generalities of how money works and how to build your net worth, Think and Grow was a game changer. It caused a complete 180 [degree shift] in my mindset.
Q: What is the best lesson you have learned in real estate?
A: Don’t be greedy.
Q: How many properties do you own?
A: Currently, ten properties. I’m working on acquiring another four via owner finance.
Q: When did you start investing?
A: I purchased my first house in April 2015.
Q: What is your definition of success?
A: Success is having the financial stability to do what you want to do, when you want to do it, within reason. It doesn’t have to be the ability to hop on a private jet to Ibiza when you want…could just be to play golf when you want.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I enjoy looking at houses. It’s a blessing that I truly love what I do for a living. I am currently training for a half marathon. It’s probably more of a challenge than a hobby though.
Q: Where is your favorite city in the world?
A: Stockholm, Sweden
Q: Why do you invest?
A: I invest in real estate because it is literally all I know. I started learning about investing when I was 22, and started investing when I was 23.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received in this business?
A: Do the right thing.
Q: Do you have a favorite sport?
A: Tennis. Federer is the greatest of all time.
Q: What advice could you give someone else investing or looking to invest?
A: Always do what you believe is the right thing, and you will end up just fine.
Q: Is there a place for you where time slows down?
A: At my office desk, at around 1:00–right after I’ve had lunch!
Q: If you could be a member of any music group, which one?
A: It’s not really a music group, but probably Taylor Swift because my fiancée loves her.
Q: What/Who first brought you to Auben?
A: When the lead agent at the time posted on Facebook looking for an agent/investor.
Q: If you were to start over _________.
A: I wouldn’t have bought all of those flips in 2018.
Q: If you weren’t investing in real estate, you __________.
A: No clue what I’d be doing. Probably something revolving around tennis. I played a year of D-1 tennis at Presbyterian College.