Investor Interview with Marion A. Stevenson

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 Marion “Al” Stevenson

Question: Who was your first business mentor? 

Answer: My family. Most were small business owners.

Q: Who was your first mentor in real estate? 

A: My Uncle John Vester. And he still is today.

Q: What is your favorite book? 

A: Lincoln on Leadership

Q: What is the best lesson you have learned in real estate? 

A: Be ready to pull the trigger on a deal. They may not come around twice.

Q: How many properties do you own? 

A: 30+

Q: When did you start investing? 

A: Most of my life–in real estate, 2007.

Q: What is your definition of success? 

A: When you can sleep well, and with a clear conscience.

Q: Why do you Invest?

A: I love it, and it’s helping me to reach my retirement goals.

Q: What is the best advice you have received?  

A: Don’t treat your real estate as home, but as a business.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: Finding a deal, hunting, and spending time with family.

Q: Where is your go-to or favorite vacation spot? 

A: Glovers Reef, Belize

Q: Where is your favorite city in the world?

A: Vancouver, BC or Wellington, NZ

Q: What is the best advice you could give someone else? 

A: You won’t know success until you have blown it twice. Losing it all or making a bad decision is where you learn. The earlier you do that the better off you will be.

Q: Is there a place for you where time slows down? 

A: In a hunting stand or my pool.

Q: What/Who first brought you to Auben?

A: Meeting Tyson and a colleague over dinner and drinks at Mi Rinconcito in Grovetown 2013.

Q: If you were to start over_______.

A: I would have gotten into Real Estate earlier.

Q: If you weren’t investing in real estate you would be______.

A: Farther away from retirement than I am.