In today’s Get Better Every Day podcast, Miguel Ochoa, a father, husband, and real estate investor, shared his fascinating journey from uncertainty to building a thriving real estate portfolio. With candidness, Miguel opened up about juggling a W2 job, parenting responsibilities, and a growing real estate business. His story is a testament to discipline, consistency, and family-focused decision-making.

From Army Life to Real Estate Investor 🎖️🏠

Miguel’s early life was shaped by his time in the U.S. Army, which provided clarity in unexpected ways. “I was young and didn’t have many options,” Miguel said, reflecting on his enlistment. Despite initial challenges and a second unexpected deployment, the experience gave him time to think, save, and set the stage for his future.

Returning from deployment, Miguel purchased his first fourplex in Bakersfield, CA, during the 2010 housing crisis. “There were foreclosures everywhere—it was like everything was on sale,” he recalled. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of Miguel’s foray into real estate, driven by the advice of his uncle, who urged him to invest early.

A Balancing Act: W2 Job vs. Real Estate Hustle

Though Miguel landed a stable job with Chevron, he found himself at a crossroads. A defining moment came on his son’s second birthday when his job refused him time off. “I realized if I don’t control my time, I’m never going to have freedom,” Miguel admitted. That realization sparked a new level of motivation to build something more sustainable.

Miguel and his wife embarked on a financial transformation—scaling down expenses, selling beloved cars, and building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to create passive income. Their disciplined approach allowed them to live on just 30% of their income, providing the financial freedom to grow their real estate portfolio.

Investing with Purpose 🌱

Miguel’s real estate strategy centers around keeping rental income untouched and reinvesting profits. “We never spent rental income—it was all about growth,” he emphasized. By focusing on building wealth over time, Miguel began accumulating properties, learning the importance of mentors, and staying connected to the right communities.

One major turning point was aligning with Jason Pritchard, a mentor who helped Miguel see the potential for scaling his business. With new insights, Miguel recently closed two deals in a single month—an accomplishment that once felt impossible. “Being around the right people gave me the confidence that I could do it,” he reflected.

The Vision for 2030 📅✨

Miguel’s ultimate goal? Freedom of time. “I want to control my calendar—do what I want, when I want, with my family,” he explained. His dream is to transition fully into real estate, leveraging rental income while building a strong team to operate the business without him.

He believes success lies not just in accumulating properties but in balancing family life and financial freedom. “It’s not just about money—it’s about having time to enjoy life.”

Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key 🔑

Miguel’s parting advice for listeners was simple but profound: stay consistent. “You can make money doing anything, but success comes from sticking with it.” His journey demonstrates that real estate isn’t about getting rich quickly—it’s about building something sustainable, one step at a time.