“It’s not one big leap. It’s small, consistent steps that build empires.” — Rod Khleif

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in multifamily real estate—or in life—this is for you. I’m breaking down the 7 steps to success I’ve used not just to build a massive portfolio but to rebuild after losing it all and come back stronger.

Whether you’re launching your first deal, scaling to hundreds of units, or chasing a dream outside of real estate altogether, these principles will serve you well.

Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on What You Want—and Why

Success always starts with clarity. You’ve got to know your destination before you chart the course.

Ask yourself:

Then write it down. Turn that dream into a measurable goal with a clear timeline. Clarity turns wishful thinking into action. And don’t just write your goal—visualize it daily. See it, feel it, live in it. This isn’t woo-woo; it’s neuroscience. Your mind needs to believe it’s possible before it commits to the journey.

Step 2: Love the Journey, Not Just the Outcome

Success isn’t a destination—it’s a daily decision. If you only associate happiness with the final result, you’ll burn out long before you get there.

Reframe your mindset to find joy in the process:

• Learn to love the hustle.

• Get addicted to progress.

• Celebrate movement, not just milestones.

When you love what you do, work becomes play. Whether you’re underwriting deals, networking with brokers, or analyzing market data, find fulfillment in the reps.

Step 3: Embrace Sacrifice to Accelerate Growth

Success always requires temporary discomfort for long-term freedom.

Back when I was building my empire, I lived in a one-bedroom apartment—even though I already owned over 100 properties. Why? Because I prioritized investing in my future over short-term luxuries.

This isn’t about deprivation—it’s about delayed gratification:

• Skip the new car to build your down payment fund.

• Delay the vacation to reinvest in your business.

• Say no to distractions so you can say yes to your dreams.

This mindset separates dabblers from doers.

Step 4: Build a Plan—and Ruthlessly Prioritize

Hope is not a strategy.

You need a written plan. Not just what you want—but how you’ll get there:

• What’s your first step?

• What are your top 3 priorities this quarter?

• What’s the 20% of action that’ll drive 80% of the results?

This is where the Pareto Principle becomes your best friend. Don’t confuse busy with productive. Focus on the actions that actually move the needle—networking, analyzing deals, raising capital, building relationships.

Step 5: Take Relentless, Consistent Action

Once the plan is clear, it’s time to move.

Massive action is the great equalizer. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. But if you’re the most consistent—if you show up daily—you will win.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Make calls even when you don’t feel like it.

• Send offers even when you’re unsure.

• Attend meetups even when you’re tired.

Progress = momentum. And momentum compounds.

Step 6: Celebrate Every Small Win

It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re still miles from your big goal. That’s why you’ve got to pause and acknowledge the progress:

• Got your first LOI accepted? Celebrate it.

• Closed on a duplex? Pop the champagne.

• Hit 30 days of consistent lead gen? High five yourself.

These micro-wins build positive reinforcement, which strengthens your habits and keeps your confidence high—especially when setbacks show up.

Step 7: Stay Flexible. Change Your Approach, Not Your Goal

Success is rarely a straight line. You’ll hit walls. You’ll face rejection. You’ll have moments when it feels like nothing’s working.

But here’s the secret:

If the path gets blocked, change your approach—not your outcome.