Real Estate Hustle: Hunter Ferrari’s Journey

Today, I talk with Hunter Ferrari, a real estate investor. We kick off the conversation with Hunter sharing that his hustle is all about real estate investment and handling rentals. He confirms he’s both an investor and a realtor, focusing primarily on long-term rentals but also managing a couple of Airbnbs. Recently, his main focus has shifted to mid-term rentals, those staying longer than a week but not quite a year. He mentions having some commercial space, including an office ready for rent.

Hunter shares that he started his company in August 2020, bought his first property in December 2020, and has been growing ever since. The biggest challenge he faced initially was securing financing, which is a common hurdle.

For those looking to get into real estate, Hunter advises finding a mentor with experience in real estate investing and maintaining continuous action. He emphasizes the importance of always hustling, a sentiment I fully support, which is why I named this podcast the Kanawha Valley Hustlers.

We touch on the difficulties Hunter faces with systems and consistency. He admits to sometimes flying by the seat of his pants but still manages to get the job done. His approach is task-focused, preferring to tackle one job completely before moving on to the next. This style suits his entrepreneurial nature, where he avoids the monotony of a 9-to-5 job. Hunter values the freedom of being able to finish his work by noon or 2 PM and spending the rest of the day with his family.

This entrepreneurial lifestyle, though it comes with more responsibilities and commitments, allows for flexibility and time freedom. Hunter acknowledges that while entrepreneurs often struggle with routine, the freedom to manage one’s time is a significant trade-off.

I share my perspective as someone who values systems and incremental progress. For me, setting big goals and breaking them down into manageable tasks has always been crucial. I ask Hunter how he approaches large projects, like renovating a property. He prefers tackling the big tasks upfront, leaving smaller tasks for later, aligning with the “Eat the Frog” philosophy of doing the hardest thing first.

I suggest he consider creating standard operating procedures for routine tasks. This can help train others to take on specific responsibilities, freeing up his time for more critical tasks. Hunter mentions that one of his goals for 2024 is to ensure his business is on the right track by establishing clear processes and maintaining level growth.

Hunter agrees with the idea of delegating tasks to others once they can perform at 70% of his capability. This rule of delegation, though hard for many entrepreneurs to accept, can significantly free up time for higher-level work. He acknowledges that treating his business like his baby makes it tough to let go, but he’s learning that others can effectively handle tasks.

As we wrap up, Hunter mentions his interest in buying more properties, including those that might be used as rentals or need significant renovation. He’s always on the lookout for new deals and opportunities.

This conversation with Hunter Ferrari offers valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of a successful real estate investor. The key takeaways include the importance of mentorship, continuous action, and the willingness to delegate tasks to achieve higher efficiency and growth. It’s a reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is about balancing freedom with responsibility, setting clear goals, and building systems to sustain long-term success.