The idea of real estate investing

From $47,300 to Quick Lube Stores: My Start in Real Estate

Back in 1978, my new little family and I bought our very first home in American Fork, Utah. I had just gotten out of the Army, and thanks to the GI Bill, we were able to buy that little house for $47,300. At the time, it felt like the biggest step in the world—and in many ways, it was the beginning of my journey in real estate.

Over the years, I found myself taking chances and following opportunities. With some luck—and a lot of asking, begging, and borrowing—I was able to purchase and build two brand-new quick lube stores. From there, I sold a string of them, rolled profits into new ventures, and even bought a home through a 1031 exchange. Eventually, I picked up land and commercial properties too. Looking back, it all started with that first house.

Now, I’ll be the first to say: real estate isn’t for everyone. It takes research, gut instinct, and patience. You don’t make money until you sell, and every decision matters—taxes, projections, the type of renters you allow, and whether a property fits into your long-term goals. Sometimes you stumble onto a deal through a contract or a tax sale, but no matter what, due diligence is key.

Today, my experience spans nearly every kind of transaction—residential, commercial, rental properties, 1031 exchanges, land, and ranches. I also understand financing options like Convential, USDA, FHA loans and GI Bill benefits, and my team and I regularly work with buyers in unique or difficult financing situations. If you’re looking to buy or sell in San Juan County, me or a member of my team would be glad to put that experience to work for you.