We were lucky to catch up with Emiel Barbosa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emiel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

My first real estate investment was a pivotal moment in my life. At 23, I was working long hours in an accounting job, feeling trapped and unhappy. There was no way that this would be my life for the next 40 years I thought. However, being an accountant at this commercial real estate firm, it opened my eyes to the real estate world. I started doing some research and that’s when I discovered BiggerPockets.com, a treasure trove of real estate knowledge.

I spent hours reading books and listening to podcasts, absorbing everything I could about real estate investing. It was like a light bulb went off in my head and I needed to know if this was my way out

With newfound determination, I began searching for my first property. It wasn’t easy. There were countless late nights analyzing deals, touring properties, crunching numbers and self doubt. But finally, I found a multi-family property that seemed promising but came with a lot of challenges

The process of acquiring the property, dealing with tenants, managing renovations, and even having tough conversations like rent increases was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. It taught me valuable lessons about real estate investing and myself. I learned that I was capable of actually being successful in this field.

This experience gave me the confidence to pursue more real estate opportunities. It was the catalyst that set me on the path to where I am today—a successful real estate broker helping others achieve their financial goals through real estate while also building my investment portfolio

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Emiel, your dedicated real estate agent in the Greater Boston area. With a focus on helping clients achieve their real estate goals, I specialize in residential and commercial properties throughout MA.

After purchasing my first property, I obtained my real estate license in 2018 and started off as a part-time while working accounting full time. My mission is to educate the community on real estate’s power and the path to generational wealth. By empowering you with knowledge and practical insights, I aim to help you make informed decisions that align with your long-term financial goals. As I gained experience I was able to help numerous clients invest and grow their wealth through multi-family properties. I believe that not everyone needs a huge portfolio, but investing in 1-2 multi-family deals can have a significant impact on someone’s wealth. Once i had enough business, I transitioned to being a full-time agent and never looked back. At this point, I own a 14 unit rental property with 13 residential units and 1 commercial unit. I am continuing to look for investing opportunities for myself to grow and expand all while helping others do the same.

Why Choose Me?

✨ Guided Success: Every transaction is unique, and I’m here to smoothly guide you through, providing education and ensuring well-informed decisions.

🏡 Comprehensive Services: Whether buying or selling, I offer tailored solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

💼 Financial Insight: With a Corporate Accounting & Finance degree, I bring a unique financial perspective to real estate, dedicated to serving the community’s housing needs.

🏠 Investment Experience: As an investor and real estate owner myself, I have the experience to help you navigate the market, identify opportunities, and find good deals. My firsthand knowledge allows me to understand what to look out for and how to secure advantageous transactions.

Free Resources :

First Time Home Buyer Guide: https://emielbarbosa.book.live/buyer-book

Free Home Seller guide: https://emielbarbosa.book.live/biz-card-book

I am working really hard at growing my business, and one of the ways to do that is to gain reviews online! It would mean a lot to me if you would take a quick moment to show us some love on Google & Zillow using the link

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When launching a real estate venture, securing initial capital can be the biggest hurdle. In my journey, I’ve found that tapping into private funds offers unique advantages that traditional financing often can’t match.

For my first flip, I borrowed $200k from a trusted individual, allowing me to acquire the property with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. This approach not only provided the necessary capital but also allowed me to leverage my credit and remaining funds for renovations, maximizing the property’s potential and return on investment. Once I renovated the property, I sold it for $420,000 and was able to pay back the $200k loan with interest and was able to walk away with a profit.

In my most recent acquisition, a 14-unit building, I partnered with my cousin, offering him 40% equity in exchange for bringing in his coach to raise the required capital. This partnership not only diversified our resources but also allowed us to secure $350k down payment funds at 9% interest to acquire this building for $1,160,000 (which was worth 1.2-1.3M when we bought it). With the building cash flowing from day one, we were able to cover all expenses including the mortgage, maintenance, and renovations for the units. this allowed us to bring the valuation from 1.2M-1.3M to 1.6M in under 2 years with minimal out of pocket expenses compared to the 350k down payment needed to purchase which we did not have.

Raising capital from private sources offers several strategic benefits. Firstly, it provides flexibility in terms of repayment and terms, allowing entrepreneurs to tailor agreements to suit their needs. Secondly, it enables faster decision-making, as private investors are often more agile than traditional lenders. Finally, it allows for a more personalized approach, fostering stronger relationships and potential future collaborations.

In conclusion, raising capital from private funds has been instrumental in my real estate ventures. It has allowed me to acquire properties with minimal out-of-pocket expenses, maximize returns through strategic renovations, and forge valuable partnerships. For entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand their businesses, tapping into private funds can be a game-changer, offering strategic advantages that traditional financing often can’t match.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In my experience, the most effective sources of new clients have been Google and social media. Here’s how each has played a crucial role in expanding my client base Utilizing Google Local Service Ads and PPC campaigns has been instrumental in reaching highly intentional individuals actively seeking my services. These platforms allow me to target specific keywords and demographics, ensuring that my ads are seen by those most likely to convert. As a result, the leads generated through Google tend to be more qualified and ready to engage, making the conversion process smoother and more efficient
Social media, particularly video content, has been a game-changer in building recognition and trust within my industry. By regularly posting informative and engaging videos, I’ve been able to establish myself as a knowledgeable and approachable professional. This has not only increased my visibility among peers but has also helped me connect with potential clients on a more personal level.
One of the key advantages of social media is its ability to create a sense of familiarity and trust with potential clients. By showcasing my personality and expertise through videos, I’ve been able to create a connection with viewers before even meeting them in person. This has made it much easier to convert these leads into clients, as they already feel like they know me and are confident in my abilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emielbarbosa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiel.barbosa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emiel.barbosa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiel-barbosa-34005b70/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emielbarbosarealestate
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/emiel-barbosa-vicente-realty-brockton
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@emiel.barbosa