Today’s episode is exactly what the title promises: straight to it. I sat down with Billy Perez, a guy who went from public school teacher to operating tens of millions in STR properties and I didn’t hold back. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the real, unpolished version of what scaling actually costs.I asked Billy the questions most people avoid: how much of his journey was driven by ego vs faith, whether he’s ever actually eaten losses on deals, and why he’s warning people about the same STR risks he built his empire on. We dug into the vending machine detour, the coaching controversy, the hiring mistakes, and the tension between being a Christian husband at home and an operator running 50+ doors.If you’re tired of the “overnight success” narrative… this episode is going to feel like clean air. No sugarcoating. No dodging. Just two people cutting through the noise and talking about what it really takes to build something without losing yourself in the process.Instagram: realtor.tmg and _isaac_ramirezLinkedIn: Tristan Guerrero and Isaac RamirezEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]:Instagram: billy.elevateLinkedIn: Billy PerezChapters:00:00 Intro02:15 From Teacher to Airbnb Entrepreneur..was it ego or faith?13:18 Have you ever lost on property?17:30 Vending Machine business, Scam?21:35 Is Coaching just another Monetization Scam?23:50 What's the biggest takeaway from investing in yourself?28:10 Biggest Hiring Mistake?33:40 Did you Lose yourself to the Business?36:35 Is Social Media all FAKE?39:10 STR Leads..Cheap Aquisition Strategy?42:09 Short Term Rentals Regulations..the end?44:50 One Piece of Advice for Gen-z/Millenials