Hey there, fellow real estate enthusiasts! Welcome back to another gripping episode of the Deal Fighters podcast. Today, I had the privilege of hosting Dustin Johns, a seasoned real estate investor, developer, and local agent who has carved a niche for himself in the industry. In this episode, Dustin peels back the curtain on his journey from a builder's license at 20 to navigating the treacherous waters of the 2008 market crash, and how he pivoted to start a real estate brokerage during a recession. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Dustin delves into the intricacies of commercial real estate, sharing invaluable insights on the challenges and rewards of this sector. Whether you're an aspiring investor or a seasoned professional, Dustin's story is a testament to the resilience and innovation required to thrive in real estate.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:53] The Beginning of a Builder's Journey: Dustin shares his early start in real estate, obtaining his builder's license at 20 and his passion for design and development.
• [02:03] Pivoting During a Crisis: Learn how Dustin navigated the 2008 market crash by starting a real estate brokerage, Resource Realty, focused on investment properties.
• [03:08] Transition to General Brokerage: Dustin discusses the evolution of his brokerage and the shift towards a general brokerage model as the market improved.
• [05:14] The Appeal of Commercial Real Estate: Discover Dustin's journey into commercial real estate, appreciating its straightforward, math-based approach and the opportunities it presents.
• [06:10] Investment Philosophy: Dustin talks about his investment strategy and philosophy, emphasizing real estate's long-term value.
• [07:15] Creating Your Own Tenants: A dive into how Dustin's ventures into commercial real estate led to the creation of new businesses, showcasing the synergy between real estate and entrepreneurship.
• [11:38] Advice for Young Investors: Dustin offers sage advice for young people looking to enter the real estate market, emphasizing the importance of adding value and learning from consumer-facing roles.
• [15:19] The Power of Adding Value: A discussion on the importance of finding where you can add value in the real estate process, regardless of your role.
• [18:11] The Importance of Saying No: Dustin reflects on the importance of focus and the ability to say no to opportunities that don't align with your goals or add value.
• [22:34] Lake Murray's Evolution: An exploration of Lake Murray's transformation into a coveted destination and the challenges and opportunities presented by local development and tourism.

Links & Resources:

• Lake Murray Guidebook - Your comprehensive guide to Lake Murray, offering insights on recreational activities, real estate, and more.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Deal Fighters. Dustin's journey through the highs and lows of real estate offers a blueprint for resilience, innovation, and success. If you've enjoyed our conversation, don't forget to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us bring more valuable insights and stories to you. See you in the next episode!