Why Losing 30k Was the Best Thing That Happened to This Investor

Welcome back to Radical Wealth Plan, brought to you by Entrepreneur Media. In today’s episode, I sit down with Remoun Said, a real estate investor and agent who has mastered the ability to create value in real estate. From transforming single-family homes into multi-unit cash-flowing properties to leveraging California’s ADU laws, his approach is both strategic and highly effective.

What makes Remoun’s story so compelling is that he didn’t come from wealth—he built his success through determination, smart decision-making, and a relentless work ethic. Having immigrated to the U.S. as a child, he saw firsthand the sacrifices his father made for a better future, and that experience shaped the way he approaches business and investing today. Now, he’s built a portfolio by focusing on value-add opportunities, staying local, and using zoning regulations to his advantage.

We go into detail on some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in real estate investing. Remoun shares how his first deal went horribly wrong, leading to foreclosure, and what he learned from that experience that allowed him to come back stronger. He explains his Buy Box strategy and why having clear investment criteria helps avoid costly mistakes. We also take a close look at how he turns small properties into highly profitable rental units through ADUs and zoning adjustments. If you’ve ever wondered how to legally and efficiently maximize the potential of a property, this part of the conversation will be invaluable.

One of the most important topics we cover is why Remoun prefers long-term wealth-building over house flipping. He breaks down why flipping can feel like two steps forward and one step back, and how owning income-generating properties provides much greater financial stability. We also discuss the realities of rent control, how it affects property values, and what investors can do to work within those regulations while still making smart investment decisions. Throughout our discussion, he emphasizes the importance of treating real estate as a business, building strong relationships with local experts, and making informed decisions based on long-term potential rather than short-term gains.

Toward the end of the episode, we shift gears with a rapid-fire Q&A where Remoun shares his biggest regrets, his goals for the future, and even what would make his Sundays perfect. It’s a great way to round out a conversation that is full of practical insights, real-world examples, and expert strategies.

If you’re looking to invest in real estate but aren’t sure where to begin, or if you’re an experienced investor looking for new ways to improve your approach, this episode offers valuable guidance. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and check out the show notes for ways to connect with Remoun.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:09 Remoun’s Background & Immigrant Journey

00:03:34 First Steps into Entrepreneurship

00:04:47 Advice for First-Time Real Estate Investors

00:05:58 A Costly First Investment Mistake

00:08:35 Turning a Setback into a Comeback

00:12:49 Understanding Property Inspections & Due Diligence

00:15:11 The Importance of a Buy Box

00:20:46 Adding Value with ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)

00:26:07 Zoning & Development Strategy

00:34:25 The Process of Converting a Single-Family Home to Four Units

00:40:05 Why Smaller Rental Units Are More Profitable

00:45:43 Exit Strategy & Valuation for Rental Properties

00:52:16 The Importance of Working with Local Experts

00:57:45 Navigating Bureaucracy & City Regulations

01:08:09 Why Remoun Prefers to Invest Alone

01:19:31 Property Management & Avoiding Tenant Issues

01:33:56 The Pros and Cons of Rent Control Properties

01:38:54 The Role of Real Estate in Wealth Creation

01:44:30 Why Flipping Houses Isn’t the Best Strategy

01:52:24 Lightning Round

01:54:42 Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Remoun

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