Investor interviews
A broker’s perspective on buying his own deals.
Guest broker Erich discusses his move from teaching golf to commercial real estate, an owner-occupied triplex, and a seller-financed fourplex.
From golf instruction to commercial real estate
Before becoming a commercial broker and investor, Erich taught golf. Long working weeks and limited earning potential led him to consider a different career.
A golf client who owned a commercial brokerage introduced him to the business. Erich brought the same willingness to work long hours into prospecting, building relationships with property owners and learning how transactions came together.
Becoming an owner himself
By his third year in brokerage, Erich was ready to buy. Experienced investors and clients had encouraged him to build a portfolio of his own. He chose to start by living in a multifamily property.
He had originally contacted an Everett triplex owner on behalf of clients. When those clients bought elsewhere, he returned to the owner about purchasing it himself. They agreed on a $450,000 transaction, and he lived in the property for about a year to a year and a half.
A listing conversation became a purchase
His next opportunity began at a listing appointment for a four-unit building. The owners asked whether he would buy it himself. That opened a discussion about seller financing, allowing him to work toward a purchase with the capital he had available.
Erich describes bringing $40,000 down on a roughly $675,000 purchase after inspection. His conversation with Christian explores how knowing owners, understanding their properties, and being clear about a buyer’s ability to complete a transaction can lead to opportunities on either side of the brokerage relationship.
Based on Erich Bubbel’s interview and the existing account on our site. Figures and transaction status reflect the original accounts. Individual experiences and results vary.
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