We were lucky to catch up with Yamundow Camara recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yamundow , appreciate you joining us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?
Something I believe that most people in my industry disagree with is that you don’t need a lot of money or perfect credit to start investing in real estate. Many people think you have to save for years, have impeccable financial records, or wait for the “perfect moment” to begin, but I’ve learned from experience that action and resourcefulness are far more important than waiting for ideal circumstances.
The Experience That Shaped My Belief
When I started my real estate journey, I had no experience, no real estate background, and only $8,000 to my name. It was April 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and I took a leap of faith to buy my first property—a Midwest triplex for $52,000. I could have easily waited, convinced myself it wasn’t the right time, or let fear hold me back, but instead, I focused on finding creative solutions and educating myself along the way.
I didn’t have a massive budget or perfect credit, but I realized there were ways to work around those barriers. I negotiated, leveraged creative financing, and took small, calculated risks that eventually led to big rewards. That single investment taught me that it’s not about how much money you have, but how much determination and creativity you’re willing to bring to the table.
Why This Belief Matters
So many people I mentor are held back by limiting beliefs. They think they can’t invest in real estate because they don’t have a lot of savings or they’re worried about making mistakes. But I always tell them: You don’t need to be perfect to start; you just need to start to make progress. My journey is living proof of that.
This belief is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Growing up in The Gambia, I had to rely on resourcefulness to overcome challenges, from being orphaned at a young age to navigating cultural expectations. Those experiences taught me that waiting for perfect circumstances is rarely an option—if you want something, you find a way to make it happen.
What This Means for Others
I want people to know that their circumstances do not have to define their future. You can start small, learn as you go, and build your way up. Real estate is accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort, no matter their starting point. My belief challenges the conventional wisdom of the industry because I’ve lived it, and I’ve seen it transform the lives of my students.
The key is to take action, embrace imperfection, and trust that each step will bring you closer to your goals. That’s the wisdom I hope to share with as many people as I can.
Yamundow , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Yamundow “Yamu” Camara, and I’m a real estate investor, mentor, and former data scientist with a deep passion for empowering others to achieve financial independence through real estate. My journey from a small village in The Gambia to building a seven-figure real estate portfolio in the United States is one of resilience, faith, and a strong belief in the power of taking action.
How I Got Into Real Estate
I began investing in real estate in April 2020, during the height of the pandemic. With just $8,000 saved, I purchased my first property—a triplex in the Midwest—for $52,000. That single investment was a life-changing moment for me. It taught me the importance of taking calculated risks and how real estate can be a powerful vehicle for creating long-term wealth. Today, I own and manage 156 rental units across multiple states, including short-term, medium-term, and Section 8 properties.
Before becoming a full-time real estate investor, I worked as a Senior Data Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2019 to the end of 2024, primarily working from home while raising my two kids. My analytical and problem-solving skills from that role have been instrumental in my ability to identify undervalued properties, maximize cash flow, and develop strategies for long-term success.
What I Provide
I’m passionate about teaching others how to start and scale their own real estate businesses. Through my mentorship programs and courses, I’ve helped over 1,000 students navigate the complexities of real estate investing, with 89% of my students closing on their first, second, or even third properties. My services include:
Real Estate Mentorship: Personalized guidance to help aspiring investors take their first steps in the industry.
Workshops & Courses: Practical, actionable education that simplifies the process of analyzing deals, financing properties, and scaling portfolios.
Community Support: A network of like-minded investors who support and encourage each other throughout their journeys.
The Problems I Solve
I specialize in helping people overcome the most common barriers to real estate investing: lack of experience, limited funds, and fear of failure. Many of my students start with minimal savings and no prior knowledge, but I teach them how to:
Find and analyze deals that fit their budgets.
Leverage creative financing strategies to acquire properties.
Manage and scale portfolios for long-term growth.
My approach is rooted in practical, actionable steps, making real estate accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort.
What Sets Me Apart
What truly sets me apart is my story and my relatability. Coming from humble beginnings, I understand what it feels like to face challenges and doubt. People resonate deeply with my journey of perseverance and determination. I’ve been stopped in public by individuals who tell me how much my story has inspired them or changed their lives.
I also buy properties in both my home state and out of state, which gives me a unique perspective on managing diverse portfolios and working with professionals from various backgrounds and regions. My ability to connect with people and simplify the complex has earned me the trust of my students and followers.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the lives I’ve impacted. Seeing my students achieve their goals—whether it’s buying their first property or building generational wealth—brings me the greatest joy. I’m also incredibly proud of the legacy I’m building for my two children, who inspire me to keep pushing forward every day.
What I Want You to Know
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that real estate is not out of reach. You don’t need to have a lot of money, perfect credit, or prior experience to get started. If I can do it, so can you. My motto is simple: “Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait.”
I’m here to show you that your circumstances don’t define you—your determination and willingness to take action do. Let’s build a future that’s not only financially secure but also inspires others to dream big and take charge of their destinies.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that highlights my resilience takes me back to my childhood in The Gambia, where life was anything but easy. I was orphaned at a young age, and with no parents to support me, I often relied on the kindness of others just to have a place to sleep and food to eat. Education wasn’t a given for girls in my community; in fact, most were married off at a young age. I myself was betrothed as a teenager, as is common in a culture where men can marry multiple wives. Despite these challenges, I was determined to break the cycle and carve a different path for myself.
I worked tirelessly in school, seeing education as my only way out. That determination eventually earned me a spot as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2016, selected out of 40,000 applicants. This fellowship, started by President Obama, placed me at Northwestern University and introduced me to a world of possibilities I’d never imagined. I also had the honor of meeting President Obama, a moment that reaffirmed my belief in the power of resilience and faith.
Fast forward to 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had $8,000 saved and a dream of getting into real estate. Despite having no prior experience, I took a bold step and purchased my first property—a triplex in the Midwest—for $52,000. That property was far from perfect, and managing renovations while balancing my job as a Senior Scientist at the CDC and caring for my two kids wasn’t easy. But I pushed through, learning as I went, and turned that investment into the foundation of my seven-figure real estate portfolio.
Each stage of my journey has tested my resilience, but I’ve come to see challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Every setback has taught me a valuable lesson, and every success has reminded me of what’s possible when you refuse to give up. Today, I mentor others, helping them navigate their own challenges and build lives they never thought possible. Resilience isn’t just something I talk about—it’s the thread that’s held my entire journey together.
When I purchased my first rental property, I quickly discovered that things weren’t as they seemed. The rent roll I received was misleading, claiming the property was cash-flowing. In reality, one tenant had already moved out, another hadn’t paid rent in months, and the third was about to leave. I had to act fast and strategically to stabilize the property.
I offered the tenant who was about to leave a “cash for keys” arrangement, quickly regaining control of her unit. Fortunately, her unit was in good shape, so I cleaned it up and rented it to a Section 8 tenant, ensuring steady, recession-proof income. For the tenant who hadn’t paid rent in months, I found a nonprofit organization offering rental assistance for those behind on payments. I worked with her to apply for the program, which paid the overdue rent. With that income, I updated the other units, rented the second unit to another Section 8 tenant, and successfully stabilized the property.
Once the property was stable, I started cash-flowing. However, new challenges arose when my property manager began stealing from me. He would present me with suspicious receipts for maintenance and materials from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other vendors. Often, he would justify the costs by saying, “Chester said this or that,” referring to the contractor he claimed to work with. The receipts didn’t make sense, but I didn’t have enough proof to confront him outright.
I decided to put my data science skills to use. I thought to myself, “How many Chesters can there be in a small town?” I narrowed my search to two possible candidates and eventually identified the real Chester. When I approached him, he was honest and willing to go through the receipts with me. He revealed that only one or two of the receipts were for my property. Chester even offered to do a three-way call with the property manager to clear his name, but I assured him that wasn’t necessary—I already knew the truth.
I fired the property manager immediately and asked Chester if he would be willing to work with me on future projects. He agreed, and I’m happy to share that we’ve been working together ever since. Chester has been instrumental in my real estate success, and together we’ve built a partnership that has generated millions of dollars.
This experience taught me the importance of due diligence, trust, and leveraging my skills to solve problems creatively. Challenges like these have shaped me into the investor I am today, proving that resilience and resourcefulness can turn even the toughest situations into opportunities for growth.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I decided to start my real estate journey, I had no large savings or access to substantial capital. However, I’ve always believed in working with what you have and being resourceful. My initial funds came from a combination of determination, creativity, and smart decision-making.
The first property I purchased was a triplex in the Midwest for $52,000. I only needed $8,000 out of pocket to secure the deal because I negotiated that the seller would pay my closing costs. I saved this money through disciplined budgeting and making sacrifices where necessary. I avoided unnecessary expenses, lived modestly, and funneled every spare dollar toward my goal.
I also used my background as a data scientist to analyze market trends and find undervalued properties that others overlooked. I focused on areas with affordable entry points but strong potential for cash flow, which allowed me to stretch my limited funds further.
Once I had my first property under contract, I leveraged every opportunity to make it work. I found programs like Section 8 and rental assistance organizations to stabilize my property and generate cash flow. The money I earned from the rental assistance program enabled me to reinvest into the property, updating units and attracting reliable tenants.
From there, I strategically scaled my portfolio by reinvesting profits and utilizing creative financing options, including partnerships and leveraging equity in my properties. I didn’t let a lack of large initial capital stop me—I focused on using what I had, finding deals that made sense, and building step by step.
The experience taught me that starting a business isn’t about having everything figured out or having access to massive resources upfront. It’s about starting with what you have, being resourceful, and staying committed to your vision. This mindset not only helped me build my real estate business but also shaped how I mentor others to achieve success, no matter their starting point.
My whole idea of investing started when I was in college. I observed something interesting: parents would buy homes close to the college their kids were attending, have their child live in one bedroom, and rent out the other rooms to generate income. As an international student, I faced financial challenges and needed roommates to help save money on transportation, food, and other bills. I had a work scholarship where I worked 20 hours a week for the college in exchange for a tuition waiver, but I only received a $1,000 stipend, which I had to stretch for bills and housing. So, the roommate situation became my best option.
When I saw what these parents were doing—buying homes close to the college and renting out the other rooms—it was a lightbulb moment. I thought to myself, “This is what I want to do when I start working!” This was in the Midwest, so I began researching real estate investing while still a student. Fast forward to 2018, after graduating, I landed my first job at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2019.
I was determined to save money, so I reduced my expenses drastically. I took the bus and the train to work, cutting out anything unnecessary. Within a few months, I had saved up around $8,000. During my research into real estate investing, I kept hearing about the importance of finding funding. Everyone said to work with local banks, so I took it upon myself to call every bank in the city where I wanted to invest. Most of them hung up on me because of my accent, some cited my low credit score, and others simply said no. But then one bank listened. The lady I spoke to told me that while my credit score was low, I had no liabilities, so she recommended I get a credit card, start paying utility bills, and come back in a few years for a loan.
I appreciated her advice, but I didn’t want to wait that long. I thought, “What if I find a deal they can’t resist?” That’s when I found the $52,000 triplex. I presented the deal to the bank and explained that, worst-case scenario, one unit alone could cover the mortgage. They were convinced and approved my loan.
Fast forward to 2025, and I now manage a portfolio of 156 units. From my humble beginnings, I’ve been able to scale my real estate portfolio and achieve financial freedom. And it all started with a simple observation in college, some strategic planning, and a refusal to wait for the “perfect moment.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sobelproperties.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingwealthfromrentals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086517049766
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yamundow-camara-75245957/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingwealthfromrentals
Image Credits
Me closing on multi family property, me with chester