Own Less, Gain More Freedom!

November 04, 2025•3 min read

R. Kenner French sits down with Jim Sheils, a seasoned real estate investor and author of The Passive Income Playbook and The Family Board Meeting. Sheils shares his core philosophy on real estate success—“own less of better quality.” Over his 26 years in the industry, he’s learned that investing in fewer, higher-quality properties yields better cash flow, equity, and freedom than managing numerous low-end assets. His approach prioritizes time and lifestyle balance over quantity, emphasizing that true wealth comes from smarter—not harder—investing.

Jim explains how he transitioned from rehabbing foreclosures to new construction projects, which allowed him to scale efficiently and achieve more consistent returns. His company, now backed by Sumitomo Forestry, a 330-year-old Japanese conglomerate, has become part of the eighth-largest builder in the U.S. This partnership enables them to pre-buy mortgage rates and build thousands of homes in Florida without relying on bank financing—a major advantage in today’s uncertain lending environment. Their focus remains on affordable workforce housing, a sector still seeing strong demand due to Florida’s population and job growth.

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For aspiring investors, Jim’s advice is clear: resist the temptation to chase cheap properties that look good on paper but come with high maintenance and turnover costs. Instead, he encourages beginners to save and invest in stable, mid-range markets with solid fundamentals and favorable landlord laws. He stresses that while cash flow is important, long-term equity and steady growth provide greater freedom and sustainability. Jim’s strategy aims to help investors avoid burnout and create lasting wealth through smarter property choices.

Beyond real estate, Sheils’ second book, The Family Board Meeting, highlights the importance of work-life balance for entrepreneurs. Drawing from his experience as a father of five, he promotes simple family-focused habits that prevent professionals from losing connection at home while building their businesses. The book’s success—even hitting #1 on the Wall Street Journal business list—proves that his message resonates with driven people seeking harmony between professional and personal success.

Throughout the conversation, Kenner and Jim align on the idea that real estate should serve as the foundation of a diversified wealth strategy. They discuss how its tangible nature, tax advantages, and leverage potential make it one of the most reliable paths to financial freedom. Jim concludes by encouraging investors to develop proficiency in whatever investment they choose—but reminds them that “eight out of ten millionaires made their wealth in real estate.” His story and philosophy together reveal a roadmap to wealth that balances profit, freedom, and family—an ethos both he and Kenner champion through their respective ventures.

Takeaways

• Investing in real estate is straightforward and accessible.

• Real estate has a proven track record of wealth creation.

• Eight out of ten millionaires in the US made their money in real estate.

• Understanding the basics of real estate can lead to success.

• Crypto investments come with higher volatility and risk.

• Real estate offers stability compared to other investment options.

• Entrepreneurship often begins with a desire to create something new.

• Financial literacy is crucial for successful investing.

• The market can be unpredictable, unlike real estate.

• A common recipe for success exists in real estate investing.

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