My Life & 1,000 Houses: Failing Forward to Financial Freedom

by Mitch Stephen

This autobiographical tale is perfect for entrepreneurs and a must-read for anyone aspiring to be a real estate investor. Beginning with a handful of credit cards, he mastered the art of the purchase and sale of single and multi-family residences, small commercial properties, manufactured homes, raw land and lots, and eventually was honored by the San Antonio Real Estate Investors Association. Combining commonsense, experience and technology, he merges real estate and Internet marketing. With fifty one informative chapters, including an eye-opening introduction to “Adversity University,” and powerful food for thought in “Escaping the Debt Trap” and “The Moat Keep Something Sacred,” this book provides insight far beyond deal making. In the second half of the book, he delivers eighteen anecdotes such as “So What Can a Dollar Buy?” and “The Art of War,” stories about real life in the real estate trenches. You simply can’t make this stuff up. While everyone’s struggles are different, you are sure to connect with the author’s tumultuous and rewarding journey. You don’t need a college class ring to be a success but a successful person’s education never ends. Continue your education on a deeper level and read the book My Life and 1,000 Houses.

406 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2008

Reviews

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and then read it again. Then, I bought his course and began actually putting the concepts into motion. His website has over 100 hours of materials on it. I plow through more of it every single day and still have a lot to go. Not a day goes by that I don't learn several things. Mitch Stephen isn't a big "guru" like so many others out there. He's actually a real, live person who truly cares how the program is working for you and wants to see you succeed. If you demonstrated that you are driven to succeed and willing to put in the hours, you aren't just another entry on his bank statement, you are a success in the making. One of the guys on our weekly Q&A calls has almost 30 houses under his belt and he started less than a year ago. At last count, Mitch has done over 1,300 houses and is still doing it every day. He is honest, very well-versed, down-to-earth, and never contradicts himself with his guidance.

I had an "issue" yesterday and sent him an email for guidance. Ten minutes later, I had a ten paragraph email with a half-dozen ways to fix my problem. Then, he called me to follow up! I started putting the wheels in to motion and things are definitely looking up because of it. If you are unwilling or unable to put in the work and take guidance, this may not be for you but if you are actually looking for sincere guidance because you want to finally put down the books and become a doer, you need to read this book and plug in. I can't begin to say how happy I am that I bought this book. My career path just took a direction I wasn't expecting.....

[Roberto Jorda-Cid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mitch is a great story teller who writes with a passion for more than just real estate. The book is a must grab for real estate investors or enthusiast but do not expect it to be a "how to", as its more of a autobiography of Mitch Stephens life. Real estate investing poses challenges everyday, but this is not a story of someone who did it and got lucky, Mitch is a work dog and had to pound the pavement for years and years before he reaped any reward. Whats truly inspirational is how Mitch would take his personal issues in life as a tool to succeed where others would have folded.

Great read! Love the stories at the end regarding real estate.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with tidbits of knowledge and strategy throughout. As the title indicates this is a story about his life. It is well written and brings a lot of encouragement and laughs. I must say that I laughed more out loud while reading this book than I have in any book for quite some time.

[Alfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Author seems down to earth. I enjoyed reading this book because I’m from San Antonio and I like real estate. I’m trying to be like Mitch!

[Vaibhav Vds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's ok...Sort of...

[Eben Gardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh