Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory West.
Gregory, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m born and raised Atlanta, GA. Moved to Dallas, Texas in 2015.
My journey started in banking back in 2012 and it’s been uphill from there. I know one of my strengths was finance but I had no idea what direction or path I should take. I also knew I wanted to buy homes but simply didn’t have the ‘“know-how”.
Once I moved to Dallas, I got into mortgages (2016). I love the industry and opportunities it has provided to me. I also love the relationships I’ve established.
But the best thing about being in the industry was that in laid a solid foundation for learning about real estate. I learned it from the lending side and this gives me an edge over most new investors.
From here, I was able to purchase my 1st rental property back in April 2019 located in Sunny South Dallas. This project was a full rehab project that took several months. I had no investor experience and limited resources but with God and my mortgage knowledge, we made it work.
From there, I’ve purchased two more properties and now own three properties that I bought all in less than 12 months. That’s not bad for a new investor with no experience.
Currently, I’ve taken all of the experiences I’ve learned and brought them to my Instagram platform. The page has grown from 200-300 to 900 in less than 12 months. This is all due to free real estate and mortgage information that I give out on the platform.
Regarding to my IG name (Cousin Greg), I got this from a longtime friend in Atlanta my hometown. She’s been calling me this for many years and I always found it odd but sorta catchy. I needed a name for my Instagram and business and this name came to mind. Cousin is obviously a family member and I want to be a trusted face in the community. In Atlanta, it is not abnormal to be call someone your cousin that is simply just a long time friend. It’s a cultural norm.
Regarding my beliefs, I am a Christian and gave my life to Christ at age 19. It has not been a smooth ride as I’ve experienced a ton of trials, tribulations and battles along the way. But that is what has made me stronger and wiser. I seek to do God’s will and help anyone I can along the way.
Regarding my dating life, I am single at this time. I know this is thrown away loosely, but I am really working on myself right now. I will open up and date seriously when the right situation comes along. I know my queen is out there somewhere.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been smooth. Dealing with childhood trauma, insecurities has been a brutal process at times. Not having mentors in real estate to really help me and give me the information needed has been a struggle at times as well. Makes you feel like you are alone in the journey.
Being an African American male coming from Atlanta made moving to Dallas rough because I am used to being around black people all of the time. I am used to working at a company that is predominantly black. Moving here, I am normally the only African American in the office. This has been tough at times to fit in without being overly professional.
The biggest struggle is knowing you have a problem with something, but not knowing the real solution that is catered to you. This is where my belief in Christ comes into play.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cousin Greg Realty – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
By day, I’m a mortgage loan originator. In short, what I do is simply help everyday folks purchase and refinance residential property.
By night, I’m a real estate investor and developer. I buy crappy homes and fix them up. I also buy vacant lots with the sole intention of developing an affordable home on the land.
Most know me for the real estate part of my business which is called “Cousin Greg Realty’.
I’m most proud of buying properties as fast I have and educating total strangers on social media. The feedback I get about my content, let’s me know I am headed down the right path.
What sets me apart from other mortgage professionals is that I actually own real estate. So this gives me an edge because I understand where my clients are coming since I’ve actually been in there shoes before.
What sets me apart most real estate professionals is that I’ve actually purchased real estate and own multiple properties. Most real estate professionals post about it, but I actually live the life so I have experience to back up anything I am saying.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The best thing about Dallas is the amount of opportunity. It’s abundant.
What I like least is the nightlife, dating scene and my overall experience with hanging out.
Contact Info:
- Email: westjr.gregory@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcousingreg
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