What does it take to build a 1,700-unit apartment portfolio starting straight out of high school? John Boriack proves it's possible with the right education, mentorship, and mindset. Del interviews one of Lifestyles Unlimited's most successful second-generation investors, who chose real estate education over traditional college and built an empire through seven major apartment syndications.

John shares the raw reality of starting during the 2008 financial crisis, when his first 50-unit property lost half its value within six months. Instead of quitting, he used this painful lesson to develop the cautious, strategic approach that's made him nearly untouchable in subsequent market downturns. From winning 30+ industry awards to being named nine times as one of Houston's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, John reveals how he scaled from single-family houses to managing a portfolio worth tens of millions.

How starting during the 2008 crisis created an investor immune to market traps and bad deals

The leadership transition from real estate operator to business builder that enables true scaling

Why building culture and purpose beyond profit is essential for long-term portfolio growth

02:24 John's Origin Story: Choosing Business Over College at 18

06:33 Surviving the 2008 Crisis: When Properties Lost 50% Value Overnight

10:43 The Scaling Challenge: Building Teams That Don't Need You

16:09 Leadership Philosophy: Culture Over Profit for Long-Term Success

25:46 Hiring Strategy: Building Your First Management Team

28:48 Property Maintenance: Managing Aging Assets Over 10+ Years

33:34 Elder Statesman: Mentoring the Next Generation of Investors

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