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How I Quit My 9–5 Job and Became a Full-Time Real Estate Investor

March 28, 20253 min read

"Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." – John D. Rockefeller

Introduction:

If you're sitting at your desk dreaming of doing something more meaningful, more exciting, or just more you — I’ve been there. Just a few years ago, I was working full time in a job that paid the bills but drained my energy. I felt stuck. I knew I was meant for more, but I didn’t know where to start.

Fast forward to today: I’m a full-time real estate investor with rental properties, house flips, and a business I love. And guess what? I didn’t have a ton of money, a fancy background, or a perfect plan when I started. I just took one step at a time.

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Here’s how I made the leap — and how you can, too.

Step 1: I Realized I Was Ready for More

I had a good job on paper. I worked in corporate sales after earning my CPA and spending years in accounting. But I wasn’t happy. The long hours, the stress, the feeling that I was missing my kids grow up — it all started to feel too heavy.

The truth is, I didn’t hate working. I just hated working for someone else on their terms.

So I asked myself: What if I used my skills and drive to build something of my own?

That question changed everything.

Step 2: I Got Educated (Without Going Back to School)

When I started learning about real estate investing, it was like a lightbulb went off. There were real people out there flipping houses, building rental portfolios, and making money work for them.

I didn’t have to go back to school or get a fancy degree. I just started reading books, listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos, and eventually, I joined a mentorship group that helped me fast-track my progress.

If you’re just starting out, trust me — you don’t need to know everything. You just need to be willing to learn.

Step 3: I Took Action (Even Though I Was Scared)

My first house flip wasn’t perfect — but it worked. I bought a fixer-upper, managed the renovation, and sold it for a profit. The numbers weren’t huge, but the confidence boost was massive.

After that, I bought my first rental property. Then another. And soon I had enough momentum (and income) to seriously consider quitting my job.

I want to be honest: I was scared. But I was more scared of looking back and wishing I had tried.

Step 4: I Made a Plan (So I Wasn’t Just Jumping Blind)

Before I quit, I made sure we had:

  • At least 6 months of living expenses saved

  • A few solid deals under my belt

  • A pipeline of leads and partners I could rely on

This wasn’t a leap-without-a-parachute situation. I built my parachute as I climbed.

If you’re dreaming of leaving your job, you don’t have to quit tomorrow — but you can start building your exit plan today.

Step 5: I Left My Job and Built a Business I Love

Walking away from my W2 job was one of the scariest — and most freeing — things I’ve ever done. Now, I spend my days flipping houses, managing rentals, and teaching others how to invest. I work hard, but I work for me. And I never miss the important moments with my family.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This, Too

You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

If you’re ready to create more freedom, real estate can be a powerful path. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

And if you’re reading this thinking "Maybe I could do this too..." — the answer is yes. You can.

Want to learn more about how to start investing in real estate?

👉 Grab my free Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing and take your first step today.

Hi, I’m Amy Rende—a real estate investor, mentor, and educator. I grew up with humble beginnings, which lit a fire in me to build financial freedom—and now, I want to help others do the same.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, I teach a clear, step-by-step approach to flipping houses and building a rental portfolio using proven, repeatable strategies. My goal is to make real estate investing simple, approachable, and doable for anyone who's ready to learn.

After leaving my corporate career, I built a multi-million dollar portfolio and multiple income streams—and now I’m here to help you take action with confidence, without the guesswork or overwhelm.

But this isn’t just about business—it’s also about legacy. I’m building this life to show my twin daughters what’s possible when you chase your dreams and bet on yourself.

It’s your time. Let’s build wealth together—one deal at a time.

Amy Rende

Hi, I’m Amy Rende—a real estate investor, mentor, and educator. I grew up with humble beginnings, which lit a fire in me to build financial freedom—and now, I want to help others do the same. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, I teach a clear, step-by-step approach to flipping houses and building a rental portfolio using proven, repeatable strategies. My goal is to make real estate investing simple, approachable, and doable for anyone who's ready to learn. After leaving my corporate career, I built a multi-million dollar portfolio and multiple income streams—and now I’m here to help you take action with confidence, without the guesswork or overwhelm. But this isn’t just about business—it’s also about legacy. I’m building this life to show my twin daughters what’s possible when you chase your dreams and bet on yourself. It’s your time. Let’s build wealth together—one deal at a time.

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