Raised in a small town in Ohio I grew up saving pennies and was absolutely convinced that I would and could own a mobile home park (At the time I referred to them as trailer parks), hire a manager to be responsible for it, and retire comfortably on a nice fat completely passive income.

I was also convinced I could do all of that by the time I was 30. I am now 32 and am realizing some of the things my father was trying to teach me when I was still that young brazen fella'.

I watched my parents struggle financially my entire life (They're doing pretty well these days) and I was bound and determined not to follow in their footsteps.

My Grandma had a mobile home park, but I was too young to know anything or participate in the business before she sold it. I can only imagine it was one of the very same mismanaged mom and pop operations that is an investors dream-- the very kind of park I keep my eye out for these days.

Anyway, the fact that she owned it at all is probably where the seed was planted in my noggin' to own one of my own. But, of course, being a young man I chalked it up as a product of my own genius.

Years passed (and continue to pass) and I find myself no closer to ownership. Again, young me underestimated greatly the expense of living as he was still under his parents roof. Also, young me demonstrated a crippling lack of ambition in finding higher/better professional opportunities. As long as I had the bills paid and was able to set aside a little every month I was (over) content that my plans were proceeding smoothly.

Of course, no sooner had I saved a reasonable sum then some piece of "deferred maintenance" would rear up to bite me. Eventually, I woke up and shook off my complacency. I moved out west, took up some ambitious career moves, and took some personal risks. Some paid off, some did not- such is life.

Whatever success, failure, or missteps I've made in the past has strengthened my resolve to carve out my future. When I was a young man, MHU did not exist and I hadn't the foggiest idea how to go about my aims. Now, I can see a clear path and all I've got to do is put forth the effort.

I'm fired up and determined to make up for lost time.