Twelve years ago I had virtually no assets.  Zip, zero, butkis.  To balance that out, I had big law school student loans (which I’m still paying), and a new law practice.  Retirement funds?  No way.

What I did have is a strong work ethic, a great education, an enormous ability to work hard and produce, and I’m honest.  That made me a good prospect as a partner.

My son/investment partner Josh, was busy building his loan business.  He has a fantastic  business sense, a strong work ethic, an enormous ability to work hard and produce, and he’s honest.  That made him a good prospect as a partner.

So we were off to the races.

When I look back now, I have no idea how we pulled off most of what we pulled off.  It was sheer intention.

I was getting older (just between you and me) and needed to get serious about putting together a retirement.  Josh was young and needed an investment plan so he didn’t party away his income.

As a loan broker, Josh has seen thousands of credit applications, and he says that almost everybody lives beyond their means, no matter how much money they make.  Very few people have income producing assets.

Think about that.

In about the last 12 years, I have bridged from earned income (the dreaded billable hour) to passive income.  I have an income for life and assets with equity that I can pass on to my loved ones.  I have a tremendous sense of peace and well being from that accomplishment.

That’s self made wealth.

I still work hard every day.  I never have to show up for work and wait for someone to tell me what to do.  I get to select my goals and choose my projects.

The only purpose for this little exercise in rear view mirroring is to say to you….if I can do it, anyone can do it.

There’s a book I wish I would have written that I want to recommend: “The Weekend Millionaire’s Secrets to Investing in Real Estate: How to Become Wealthy in Your Spare Time,” by Mike Summey. Mike retired at age 50 with a 7-figure annual income from his rental properties.  He started investing at age 34 while working at a demanding job.  Over time he purchased hundreds of rental properties in his spare time.  Mike has already walked the path.  You don’t have to invent it.  Get his book and start by following his program.

It’s doubtful that we will ever see real estate loans again at interest rates where they are now.

I hope every person who reads this blog will take the next step to becoming a weekend millionaire by adding at least one rental property in 2014.  Then follow Mike Summey’s program and keep going until you reach your own wonderful retirement, with cash flow.