Today we’d like to introduce you to Santino Becerra.
Hi Santino, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised on the west side of Cleveland. Troubled childhood growing up. High school dropout. At 15, I started to get my life on track and got a job at Mcdonald’s. By the time I was 18, I was a manager and then promoted to general manager. 20 years at Mcdonald’s until I closed that chapter of my life to start my own business in real estate. I actually started 2 years prior to leaving Mcdonald’s but it was hard taking care of my family, working full time & starting a business. I have 2 boys 16 & 5 and a beautiful wife that I have been with for 12 years. Working 50+hrs a week living check to check really wasn’t working for me anymore. I started watching videos on real estate investing when covid first hit. I knew and seen so many people lose their job due to covid, and it made me doublethink my future and where I was going. At the time I was just so comfortable at my job I never thought about starting over and looking for another food service job. Especially since I never graduated and didn’t really have much work experience except for 20 years at Mcdonald’s. After 2 years studying, watching YouTube videos, making a plan, I finally got the courage and was ready to quit Mcdonald’s. I cashed out my 401k and started marketing for my business. I remember after my first month of quitting I took my girlfriend at the time of 11 years to Las Vegas and we got married. I was standing on a balcony looking over the Vegas skyline thinking like wow… 20 years and now to a new beginning. In Feb 2022, I closed on my first real estate deal virtually with another investor that helped me through the process. My business of real estate is helping homeowners solve problems when it comes to real estate they own. Tired landlords, foreclosures, tax liens, divorce, inherited property owners, vacant properties, etc. These are the type of homeowners we help. On the flip side we get into these properties and fix them up and put them on the market or hold the properties as long-term/short-term rentals (Airbnb). One of my goals is to rejuvenate the areas I grew up in as a kid on the westside of Cleveland. Making more homes for people to live in and to improve the neighborhood. I also started another business called Boots on the Ground Cleveland. In this real estate business, I help local and out-of-state investors with helping them with ground work when they are trying to purchase or acquire properties in northeast Ohio. We take pictures, videos & give them insight on the property, area, and the market they are wanting to invest in. In Jan 2022 we only did 3 visits. As of June 2022, we have walked over 140 properties! This other business I started has pretty much replaced the income I was making at Mcdonald’s that took me 20 years to get to lol. It’s amazing how things can change and if you stay motivated, where it can really take you. This industry is tuff and success does not happen overnight but if you put in the work and stay consistent it does work! One thing I can say is if you think it’s too late it’s not… you can start over! Believe in yourself and set goals, chase dreams, and never quit! We only get one life so take advantage of what you really want in life and go for it!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trying to run a business by yourself is impossible. In this industry, you need a team. If it weren’t for Mathyus Holden & Shawn Mendal, I would be lost like I was when I first started trying to run my operation by myself. Now at this time, I have multiple partners that help me be successful in this business
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Real estate investment business. We solve problems that homeowners or real estate investing businesses run into. What sets me apart from everyone else is my boots-on-ground service. No one in my market is doing what I am doing. With being in customer service for 20 years, I have great relationships with all my clients and partners. We also pay people that bring in leads. If you see a house that is vacant or looks in total distress, we pay a finder’s fee of $500-$2000 based on the opportunity. Our biggest thing we take pride in is helping homeowners and solving problems.
What makes you happy?
My family! My wife and boys are my fuel and motivation. I wake up every day asking myself what am I going to do to get us to the next level. I want to retire my wife at 35 and make sure my boys are set for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Becerrainvestmentgroup.com
C M B
August 4, 2022 at 6:37 pm
Proud of you cousino!