What if you could take your passion and turn it into a real estate empire? Ryan Dumas shares his investing origin story, spanning the predictable path from restaurants to finance...with an unexpected twist into storage units, apartment complexes, and beyond. Ryan Dumas is a Senior Associate with GRP Capital and has been active in the hospitality industry for 25 years, practicing in financing, lodging, and food and beverage. Ryan’s extensive network of hospitality professionals and active participation in the industry has been a driving force to support GRP Capital in becoming a nationally recognized financial advisor and direct lender.  [00:00 - 09:22] Learning from Failures and Seeking Mentors Ryan got started in the restaurant industry and transitioned into financeThe importance of learning from past deal failuresSurround yourself with people who have done it before successfullyThe goal is to focus on asset management and working with solid teams [09:23 - 23:58] Evaluating Deals and Managing Assets  Critical to analyze financing terms and the ability to refinance or exitTarget emerging markets in Southeast US like Tennessee and the CarolinasPartner with local operators to run assets in Midwest markets [23:59 - 29:38] Balancing Business and Family Build systems and teams to create more freedom in scheduleTaking action and getting uncomfortable is key to growthHelp others along the way and add value to the community [29:39 - 37:36] The Final Four: Worst Job, Book, Skill to Learn, & Definition of Success Worst job ever was being a data analystBook that gave a paradigm shift: The BibleSkill/talent to learn: Being a handymanSuccess means being able to enjoy the time with family while building a legacy  Connect with Ryan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.dumas3  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dumas-77280482/  Phone: 727 729 2647 LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quote: "[In real estate], everybody's experience is different. You don't want to be going to 20 conferences a year and being in 10 masterminds… You have to have that medium slope of having a coach or two coaches, being in a mentorship or two, learning… having that right mindset, hanging out with people that have that right mindset like you, those same goals as you, that can work with you. " - Ryan Dumas Support the show