Real Estate Entrepreneur Gary Giri
Lessons in Investing and Growth
Can you share with us your journey into real estate? What inspired you to get started, and what challenges did you face in the early days?
Great question. My wife and I purchased our first home in Newark, California, in 1994 when I was in my late 20s. The timing was perfect, and by the late '90s, home prices had increased significantly. I decided to pull a HELOC from that first house and remodel, adding extra square footage. In 2000, we moved to the Sacramento area, and we made almost $300k in net profit from that deal, which became the seed money for my financial journey.
We used that money to purchase a gas station business in Citrus Heights and a beautiful 2-year-old home in Rocklin. In 2009, I began to get serious about real estate investing. I had a basic understanding of finance, and after seeing how homes were sold between 2004-2007, I knew something major was about to happen. The unsustainable practices in the market led to a massive crash, and I knew it would be a lifetime event that may never happen again.
We began buying homes through auctions, fixing them up, and renting them out. We still own many of them today. In 2012, I got my real estate license and went all in. As I bought more homes, I became more familiar with the process and started helping others buy and sell. It’s incredibly satisfying to help people find homes—places where they’ll cook meals, sleep, and create memories. That’s what truly inspires me.
The challenges were all about not fully understanding the process at first. My advice to newcomers is simple: just get up and do it. You’ll make mistakes, but it won’t break you. You’ll learn quickly.
As a successful entrepreneur, what would you say is the most important mindset shift needed to succeed in real estate investing and business in general?
Every industry comes with its own set of challenges, but challenges also bring opportunities. The bigger the challenge, the more you grow. The key mindset is that there will always be ups and downs. Whatever you choose to pursue, give it your full attention. Don’t focus on money—money is simply the byproduct of the services you provide to the community. The more people you serve, the more rewards you will receive. That’s the mindset to have.
Real estate is often seen as a long-term game. How do you stay motivated and disciplined during slower periods or when faced with setbacks?
Real estate is definitely a long-term game. During slower periods, most successful professionals focus on marketing, organizing, and structuring their pipeline. Slow times also filter out less committed professionals, leaving those who are disciplined to benefit from the opportunities. These quieter moments allow us to strengthen our foundation and prepare for the next wave of growth.
The real estate market is constantly changing. What strategies do you use to stay ahead of the curve and identify emerging opportunities?
That’s absolutely true—the market is constantly evolving. The real estate industry isn’t going anywhere, but we have to be open-minded and adaptable to new methods. Good brokerages play a big part in this. They offer continuous education, teach cutting-edge technologies, and build apps and partnerships that keep us ahead. Staying informed and flexible is key to spotting emerging opportunities.
In your opinion, what’s the most common mistake new real estate investors make, and how can they avoid it?
We all have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to understand both. Hire professionals for areas you’re less comfortable with. Real estate isn’t for everyone, but many people dive in anyway. A common mistake I see is putting the wrong business or tenant in a property. Ask yourself: Will this business succeed here? Will this tenant find what they need in this community? If the answer is yes, everyone wins. My advice? Be patient. It’s better to wait for the right fit than to rush and deal with financial loss or headaches later.
Balancing multiple ventures and investments must be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively, and what routines or habits do you practice to stay organized?
I don’t focus on perfection, I focus on getting things done. Some of my businesses are interconnected. For instance, through my print business, I meet real estate clients and investors. You can’t do everything alone, and when you seek help, it’s crucial to find the right people who will help you succeed. People often say it’s hard to find good help, but I believe the right people are out there; you just have to search harder. Also, learning to say no is key—especially when focusing on your business.
Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the future of real estate, and how do you plan to position yourself and your business to take advantage of them?
Real estate will continue to grow. I’m not concerned about AI or new technologies making humans obsolete. Instead, I see these innovations making us more efficient, allowing us to be more productive in less time. My focus remains on meeting new people, building connections, and understanding the true needs of my clients. By staying adaptable and building strong relationships, I’ll continue to position my business for long-term success.
