From Rags to Riches: Real Estate Investing with

Juan Huizar and Mike Ferrante

A True Rags to Riches Story—Building Wealth Through Real Estate Investing

Hey everyone, Mike Ferrante here with Century 21 HomeStar and the 21 Mike Team, serving Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and beyond! Today, we have an incredible edition of Best Advice Ever, and if you are a real estate agent, investor, or someone looking to build wealth, you do not want to miss this.

Joining me is Juan Huizar from The Sage Group in Long Beach, California, one of the top multifamily brokers and investors on the West Coast. Juan is an expert in real estate investment, wealth-building strategies, and scaling a real estate business. His story is nothing short of inspiring—from working in the fields to becoming a multimillionaire investor by the age of 27.

Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets of real estate investing, passive income, and the long-term strategies that turn everyday people into financially free property owners.

Real Estate Investing in Cleveland vs. Southern California

Juan specializes in multifamily commercial properties in Long Beach, California, but the principles of investing apply across the country—including right here in Cleveland.

Who Are the Investors?

Sellers: Many are long-time property owners who purchased buildings decades ago at a fraction of today’s prices. Now, their properties have appreciated, and they are looking to cash out.
Buyers: Investors looking to build passive income through buy and hold strategies. These buyers want long-term wealth and understand that real estate offers guaranteed appreciation over time.

Juan works with both sides, helping sellers maximize their investments and assisting buyers in building their portfolios. Whether you are in California or Cleveland, the fundamentals remain the same—location, market demand, and financial strategy determine success.

Lessons from a Self-Made Real Estate Millionaire

Juan’s story is the ultimate American Dream. Originally from a small village in Mexico, his family immigrated to the United States, where they worked tirelessly to build a better life. After landing a prestigious job in accounting, Juan took a leap of faith—he left corporate America to pursue real estate investing full-time.

First Real Estate Deal at 23

Bought a condo while still in college.
Renovated, flipped, and made $35,000 in profit.
Reinvested that money into a 4-unit multifamily property.

By 27 years old, Juan had acquired a portfolio of properties worth millions. However, he learned some hard lessons during the 2008 market crash, which led to refining his investment strategy.

Building a Strong Real Estate Portfolio

Step 1: Know the Market

Before jumping into any investment, research is key. In Cleveland, investors need to focus on:
✔ Vacancy rates – Are rental units in demand?
✔ Rental trends – Have rents increased over the past decade?
✔ Property appreciation – Is the area experiencing growth?
✔ Economic factors – What industries and jobs are fueling the local economy?

Juan’s advice applies whether you are investing in Long Beach, Los Angeles, or Northeast Ohio.

The Power of Multifamily Investing

Juan specializes in multifamily properties, and for good reason.
✔ Multiple income streams: Unlike single-family rentals, multifamily buildings provide multiple units of rental income.
✔ Scalability: Instead of managing 10 single-family homes, why not manage one 10-unit building?
✔ Wealth building over time: The value of multifamily properties increases significantly over the years.

Here in Cleveland, we see higher cash flow opportunities compared to Southern California, where properties are more expensive but offer stronger appreciation over time.

How to Get Started as a Real Estate Investor in Cleveland

1️⃣ Educate Yourself – Follow experts like Juan Huizar and The 21 Mike Team to learn about investing.
2️⃣ Analyze the Market – Understand the key indicators of a strong rental market in Cleveland.
3️⃣ Find the Right Team – Work with a real estate agent who understands investment properties.
4️⃣ Start Small – Your first investment property doesn’t have to be huge. A duplex or triplex is a great way to begin.
5️⃣ Leverage Creative Financing – Options like FHA loans, private money, and 1031 exchanges can help investors acquire more properties.

The Power of Video Marketing in Real Estate

Juan didn’t just build wealth through investing—he also built a massive audience through YouTube.

✔ 177,000+ subscribers in just 5 years.
✔ Helps investors worldwide learn how to analyze real estate deals.
✔ Positions him as a top authority in the multifamily investment space.

If you are a real estate agent or broker, consider leveraging video content to build trust, generate leads, and establish yourself as an expert.

Best Advice Ever from Juan Huizar

“Real estate is not get-rich-quick. It’s get-rich-guaranteed.”

Success in real estate comes down to patience, research, and long-term strategy. Those who invest wisely and hold onto properties will see their wealth grow exponentially over time.

✔ If you are in Cleveland and want to build wealth through real estate, reach out to The 21 Mike Team.
✔ If you are in Southern California, contact Juan Huizar and The Sage Group for expert multifamily investment strategies.

Final Thoughts: Cleveland’s Real Estate Market & The Path to Financial Freedom

Cleveland continues to be an attractive market for real estate investors due to its affordable home prices, strong rental demand, and increasing property values. Whether you are just getting started or looking to scale your portfolio, there are opportunities to build generational wealth through real estate.

Want to learn more?

📞 Contact Mike Ferrante & The 21 Mike Team at 21mike.com
📞 Follow Juan Huizar on YouTube at Sage Real Estate; Instagram @MultifamilyLongBeach; SageREgroup.com check out their free calculators!
📍 Get expert real estate advice, market updates, and training on investing in Cleveland and beyond.

📩 Let’s connect and make real estate work for YOU!

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