There’s no shortage of books on building wealth from real estate. Hundreds of textbook-type offerings present all the business basics you could ever need, and plenty of how-to advice to go with them. This is not that book.

Mitch Stephen delivers a unique and practical guide to real estate success, one that examines the bigger picture. My Life & 1,000 Houses describes Mitch’s personal journey as a real estate entrepreneur, from his early struggles to his phenomenal success—success he achieved just one house at a time.

More than 1000 houses later, Mitch delivers what few real estate books do:  the personal insights of an entrepreneur who not only knows what to do but does it. Plus, he goes beyond the boundaries of business, revealing how his experiences affected his personal life. You’ll gain a rare insight into the challenges, setbacks, triumphs, and unexpected lessons that come from one man’s venture into the entrepreneurial life. More importantly, you’ll be inspired.

— Eddie Speed, Founder of NoteSchool® and Author of Streetwise Seller Financing

The San Antonio Real Estate Investors Association has dedicated its offices in Mitch Stephen’s name. Although he never served as president, on the board, nor on a committee, Mitch has made a tremendous difference in the success of others by simply showing up and giving freely of his expertise. My Life & 1,000 Houses captures the essence of this man’s business acumen and the personal history on which it’s based.
His book is as fascinating as it is entertaining. It speaks to you on levels far deeper than the issues of money, and demonstrates how success is much more than financial wealth. We'll always have a copy of this invaluable book at "The Mitch Stephen Investment Center."    

— Orlando Rodriguez, President of the San Antonio Investor's Association, San Antonio, TX

If only Mitch had written this book 5 years ago when I got started in real estate! I’ve read about a hundred books on real estate and attended dozens of seminars on the subject. But if I had to pick the one factor that helped me the most in moving from homelessness to financial freedom, it would be this book. Mitch’s straight-forward, tell-it-how-it-is style blends the perfect amount of humor with serious and insightful content. 

— Eli Call, Financially Independent Real Estate Investor, San Diego, CA

Mitch is a walking encyclopedia of information, and it shows in this long-overdue book. Rarely do you meet someone like this who has the charisma, smarts, and initiative to take action in the direction of their passion. After reading this book, I find it much easier accept life’s challenges, take action, and push forward to success!

— Joseph Ponce, Retired Army Officer/Real Estate Investor, Ft. Bragg, SC

Bookstore shelves are packed with publications claiming to reveal the easy route to wealth. However, few address the struggles encountered and the life lessons learned during the pursuit of success. My Life & 1,000 Houses is that rare offering. With little more than passionate desire and initiative, Mitch moved from abject poverty to extraordinary riches. He takes you along on his amazing quest for financial freedom through real estate, without sparing the rich texture of setbacks and disappointments he experienced along the way. His tale of blood, sweat, tears and laughter is truly inspirational.

— Michael Walloch, Co-Founder of www.IBuyHouses.com, Dallas, TX

My Life & 1,000 Houses is refreshingly different. I found myself enlightened and entertained at the same time. This book is a real achievement. It’s a keeper! 

— Bill Bridges Jr., Regional Director, The Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences

When it comes to real estate, Mitch Stephen is the real deal. With single-minded purpose, hard work, and a devotion to his investors, Mitch has succeeded in numerous facets of real estate. His inspiring book delivers several revelations about life in this business. You'll laugh and cry and turn the last page with a smile.

— Bill Crawford, Author, Stevie Ray Vaughan: Caught in the Crossfire, Border Radio,
    Austin, TX

My Life & 1,000 Houses is not another get-rich-quick book. Rather, it’s an inspirational story about thinking outside of the box, looking towards the future, establishing the right relationships, standing by your word, and continuing to challenge yourself. I saw myself in this book, and contemplated its content much more than I had expected. This book is a smooth, gentle read that keeps you turning page after page. I read it in just two days because I couldn't put it down.

— Tommi L. Leonard, Vice President, Stillwater National Bank, San Antonio, TX

My Life & 1,000 Houses is a must read for the serious or aspiring real estate investor. If Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series ever decide to offer a book about real estate investment, this is the story they should use. I found myself laughing out loud on an airplane while reading it!

— Mike Ochsner, Founder of the www.IBuyHouses.com Marketing System, Salt Lake City, UT

I’ve just finished reading My Life & 1,000 Houses by Mitch Stephen. What a trip!
I laughed, I cried, and I felt like I had been there myself. Mitch is a great storyteller.  His descriptions of the hard times he encountered and how he got through them were a great education for me. I also reveled in the good times he experienced. With this book, you’re in for a real treat.

— Margaret Childress, Customer Support Assistant, One Advocate Group, San Antonio,
     TX

I consider myself very fortunate to have met Mitch Stephen early in my real estate endeavors. He has been extremely influential with regard to my real estate business. He has wholesaled deals to me that have always been profitable, and has given me valuable advice concerning the rehab process, resources to complete projects economically, and marketing methods to sell my properties quickly.

Perhaps even more important are Mitch’s many outstanding attributes. His personal energy, enthusiasm, attitude, knowledge, and integrity are unmatched in this business. Among our colleagues, Mitch is held in the highest regard.

My own business would be nowhere near its level of success without Mitch’s help and guidance.

I've worked with Mitch as a protégé, then as a partner. Today, with his help, I’m financially independent. I’ve seen him in many different situations where others would have taken an easy way out. Mitch never waivers; he always takes the high road. I still seek his advice—and often.

— Jarrett Hale, Private Investor, Dallas, TX

It is rare to meet someone who is very successful in his own business dealings, but is willing to help you in your endeavors, as well. I have found Mitch Stephen to be such a person. Mitch has always been interested in seeing me do well. On numerous occasions, he has saved me from making costly mistakes. His selfless attitude pervades his relationships with his customers, as well. Mitch is committed to ensuring that customers and colleagues alike benefit from his dealings with them.

— Dan Steinke, Private Investor, San Antonio, TX

I have been investing with Mitch for more than 12 years, and have financed hundreds of houses that he either bought and held or re-sold.  He is the most honest, hardworking, and creative investor I have ever dealt with. In the field of real estate investments, I believe that Mitch is the most accomplished specialist in San Antonio.  
 
— Dr. Jerry Winakur, Comfort, TX 

I have personally traded in the neighborhood of $2 million worth of real estate with Mitch Stephens. These transactions have involved selling, buying, borrowing, lending, and optioning of real estate.

Mitchell embodies all the qualities I would look for in a business partner, borrower, lender, or other participant in a real estate deal.  His competence is superseded only by his sincerity, sense of fairness, and commitment to integrity. He does right even when it costs him.  Mitch always values relationships over personal gain. He offers only those deals that benefit everyone involved. I value the privilege of having done business with him.  
 
— Michael Walloch, Former President, San Antonio Real Estate Investors Association and Principle, www.IBuyHouses.com

Through my association with Mitch Stephen, I’ve been able to ramp up my new business and get it going quickly. Mitch has a great deal of knowledge, and is very successful at making money through real estate investing.

In the time that I've known Mitch, I've come to realize just how highly he values personal integrity and the importance of establishing a good reputation. These attributes are extremely important in real estate investing, and I have seen Mitch demonstrate them time and time again.

— Bob Prado, Private Investor, San Antonio, TX

With this book Mitch takes the reader through his ride and incredible journey that has led to where he is today, a self made real estate success story.  Mitch takes the reader deep into his mind set and shares his heart and soul, along with how HE got THERE, in a candid straight forward manner.  He puts it all out there for the reader to learn what he has done and is currently doing to make it happen in the real estate market.  This book should be required reading for all inspired real estate professionals looking for relevant information on how to make it with single family homes in today’s market.  I will certainly be recommending “My Life and 1000 Houses” to our network.  Mitch provides an “In the Trenches” point of view because he is in the trenches every day and he is the REAL Deal.  Here is to the next 1000 Mitch.
— Marc Faulkner, Founder of Creative Solutions, Kalamazoo, MH