"My first big investment was worth half of what we paid for it in six months. But real estate is so forgiving and the education is so good. I was able to grind it out and be able to recover that investment fully and sell it for the same thing we paid it for. What other business can you do that?"

What happens when you start investing at the absolute worst time in recent history? John Boriack found out firsthand when his first 50-unit apartment complex lost half its value just six months after purchase in 2008. Instead of quitting, he doubled down on education and mentorship to build one of the most successful real estate portfolios in Houston.

Al Gordon interviews this award-winning investor who has earned over 30 industry accolades, including becoming the youngest president in Houston Apartment Association history. John reveals how he transformed a college savings account into nearly 1,700 apartment units through seven syndicated deals, all while building a company culture that's been recognized nine times as one of Houston's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.

How bad market timing taught lessons that created an award-winning investment strategy

The three-pillar business philosophy that attracts long-term team members and investors

Why trying to time the market bottom is like "trying to catch a falling knife"

02:56 From College Savings to Real Estate Empire: John's Unconventional Start

06:58 The Philosophy That Built 30+ Award-Winning Properties

10:28 Why Great Team Members Stay Through Dark Times and Bad Decisions

13:06 Transferring Corporate Skills to Real Estate Success

16:06 From Zero to 30+ Awards: The Recognition Timeline

19:36 Leading Through Crisis: Youngest HAA President During COVID

22:07 Current Market Analysis: Bid-Ask Gap and Distressed Opportunities

25:02 Deal Flow Secrets: Where Award Winners Find Their Properties

28:10 2008 vs 2024: Two Market Cycles Through One Investor's Eyes

30:04 Market Timing Myths: Why Perfect Timing Doesn't Matter

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