For every success story of a real estate investment that turns into millions, there are even more horror stories. Every investor has one—go ahead, just ask them. The scary tenants, the prolonged vacancies, the dastardly contractors don’t have to keep you away, but you should know that these things can and likely will happen to you on your real estate journey. JL Collins, author of the international bestseller The Simple Path to Wealth , recounts his first experience as a real estate owner and investor. Impossibly naive and ready to capitalize on a hot market, he signed on the dotted line. Then the trouble began... In this humorous, engaging, instructive, and brilliantly illustrated tale , Collins weaves his tale of real estate woe and financial pain. While he has realized success with other real estate investments and is known for his enthusiastic endorsement of index fund investing, his first foray into real estate will give you a realistic idea of what could go wrong. Invest with eyes wide open after reading this captivating story. "A whimsical tale of debt and destruction...told in a light-hearted and jovial tone." --Zeona McIntyre, Real estate investor, agent, and mentor "...a gripping, vivid cautionary tale of how NOT to enter the real estate market, capping off the story with crucial life lessons." - - Paula Pant, Creator of Afford Anything "...this little gem of a book...a valuable, honest assessment of real risks you could face...truths about the fallibility of human decision-making." -- Chad Carson, Author of Retire Early With Real Estate "JL's tale of condo woe is a prime example of just how wrong it can go when you jump in blindly with both feet." --Mindy Jensen, Author of First Time Home Buyer "I absolutely loved this honest and refreshing take on real estate...will have you laughing & learning at the same time." --Jamila Souffrant, Creator of Journey to Launch "JL Collins is our Aesop with this delightful and sobering modern-day cautionary fable. Quickly read; impossible to forget." --Malachi Ray Rempen, Filmmaker, cartoonist, game designer "...haunting and humorous...an honest and refreshing, no-nonsense take on buying a home and investing in real estate." --Anita Dhake, Creator of The Power of Thrift "...the kind of financial lesson that sticks to your ribs! In this cautionary tale...the money we lose has as much of a story to tell as the money we make." --Julien and Kiersten Saunders, Creators of Rich & Regular "JL Collins is a natural storyteller and hilarious raconteur... I found myself laughing out loud and thoroughly enjoying what could otherwise be a dry topic." --Travis Shakespeare, Executive Producer and Director of Playing with FIRE: The Documentary "...a cautionary tale wrapped in humor and wit, JL Collins delivers knowledge, perspective and intrigue as only an experienced contrarian could." --Scott Rieckens, Author and Executive Producer of Playing with FIRE "It's a compelling horror story of what you can and can't control in home ownership and land-lording." -- Doug Nordman, Co-author of Raising Your Money-Savvy Family "...a masterful writer, storyteller, and financial educator...think that buying real estate is always a 'no-brainer'...think again." -- Brian Feroldi, Author of Why Does the Stock Market Always Go Up? "The amoun