Lately, I’ve been reading a book on the psychology of money, and it’s sparked a lot of thoughts about how it relates to real estate investing. One question that’s stuck with me is this: why are some investors more successful than others? And why do their strategies differ so much?

Is it education? Money? Experience? Time?

The truth is, while those factors all play a role, they’re not the whole story. Some investors will outperform others—not necessarily because they’re smarter or more experienced, but because their personal circumstances align with their strategy. Maybe they have more capital to deploy across multiple projects. Or maybe they don’t have as much capital, but they make up for it with time, hustle, and creativity.

For example, some investors are drawn to fix-and-flips. Others prefer the long game of rental properties. Neither is wrong—it all comes down to what fits best with your goals, risk tolerance, and resources.

There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap in real estate. That’s why it’s so important to define success on your own terms. Ask yourself:

• What do I want from investing?

• How much risk am I willing to take?

• What am I bringing to the table—capital, time, skills, or a combination?

Once you know your answers, you can craft a strategy that’s unique to you. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. So create your goal, align your plan, and stay consistent in your pursuit.

Because in real estate, success isn’t always about doing it the “right” way—it’s about doing it your way.