Early in my real estate investing career, I made mistakes…

Some pretty big ones.

I was like most greenhorns back then: I started with luck…and mistakes.

It was 2005 and I was on a roll. I was a keen real estate investor, hot to do deals and expand. I had made my first real estate investments in my home country of Ireland. They were working out gangbusters and I’d just made the leap to international real estate with a highly successful play in Panama. I was on a high and feeling smart. Around me I saw people making even more money. What seemed like easy money.

Through a friend of a friend I heard about a deal…

He told me there was a great opportunity to buy an apartment in the city of Newcastle in the UK, and bank serious rental returns. A big part of the appeal was the attractive financing. I listened as he walked me through details of how Newcastle was booming.

It sounded good. I was in…

But I had made a classic mistake. I got carried away by the crowd. I made assumptions about the city’s economic vibrancy. I didn’t run the numbers properly. Even writing this today I flush with embarrassment. It seems so crazy to say it out loud.

I had believed what I wanted. And this is by far the biggest mistake I see investors make…

We humans excel at creating stories to suit ourselves.

But, I don’t regret this Newcastle investment. Truly. It was an incredibly valuable lesson and one I’m glad I learned early in my real estate journey.

Since Newcastle, I have never lost money on a real estate deal.

These days I have a process of exhaustive research. And I have a team to help me. Last year my team and I spent over a million dollars on travel and research to pinpoint opportunities for overseas real estate buyers.

I always run the numbers. But those only come 80% through the research process. First, the really big thing I’m looking for is unstoppable trends.

I keep the emotions of fear and greed where they belong—a million miles away from my investment decisions. I have learned to be emotionally detached in the face of windfalls or setbacks. And I believe it’s as important to pay attention to the dumb things you could do as it is to educate yourself about the smart things you should do.

We’re only human!

Every morning I remind myself to “Be Process Oriented.” This is the top of my daily “to do” list.

Because I know if I follow the processes I have learned as a global real estate scout and investor, then the outcome will usually take care of itself.

And I want to share those processes with you…

That’s why last year I launched the RETA Academy.

We rolled it out at The Gathering XI in Playa del Carmen—and it was a hit.

Since then, we’ve run our first ever RETA Academy masterclass (you can watch the recordings here). And at The Gathering XII in Panama, I’ll be taking it further—with something very special for attendees.

Because there’s no better place to plug in—in person—than The Gathering. Especially if you’re early in your journey.

It’s your chance to ask questions and get real answers that help you navigate, plan, and invest with confidence. Questions like:

• How do I start building an international property portfolio step by step?
• How do I balance investment goals with lifestyle dreams—vacations, retirement, or a family base overseas?
• How do I know if pre-construction is right for me—or if I should buy resale?
• How do I turn one property purchase into the foundation of long-term wealth?
• What’s the safest way to structure ownership overseas—for protection and for my heirs?
• How can I finance a condo in Panama…Portugal…or the Caribbean?
• How do I separate a genuine Path of Progress from a mirage?
• Where are the best opportunities today for rental yields and lifestyle?
• What tax and legal pitfalls do I need to avoid when buying abroad?
• Which destinations are rising fastest—and how can I get in ahead of the curve?

At The Gathering XII, I want you to ask ALL your questions…

And I’ve invited everyone in my million-dollar rolodex from around the world who can give you answers…

Get your seat this Wednesday, August 27 at 1 p.m. ET and start preparing your questions…

Questions for attorneys…for developers…for tax and finance experts…

Questions for scouts and market insiders…

And questions for your fellow RETA Lifetime members…

• What was your first deal through RETA, and how did it work out?
• How did you finance your first overseas purchase?
• What property has been your best lifestyle upgrade as well as your best investment?
• If you could do it over, what would you do differently in your investing journey?
• What’s the smartest move you’ve made thanks to RETA intel?

The Gathering is where you get all the answers in person—straight from me, my scouts, developers, attorneys, and your fellow members.

I’ll tell you something…

Every Gathering I’ve learned so much myself. We come together with curiosity and a belief that the world offers opportunities if we look in the right places and talk to the right people.

And at The Gathering XII we’re bringing the right people to meet us in the luxury surrounds of the Santa Maria Hotel in Panama for three days of relaxed sessions, and in-person conversations.

Whether you’re looking to build an empire or just want to find a good deal on your dream home, my hope is that you will find what you need to get you well under way as a member of RETA.

From the start of RETA in 2008, my goal has been constant improvement. Year on year, month on month, deal after deal. We began small—a handful of members, a few good deals. Today, we’re a global network with access to some of the most extraordinary opportunities anywhere.

Your Guide to The Gathering XII is now ready. Seats go live Wednesday, August 27 at 1 p.m. ET. Only 250 will be available—and they’ll go fast.

Read your guide now and be ready to act quickly.

Wishing you good real estate investing,

P.S. If you’re early in your journey, don’t sit on the sidelines. The Gathering XII is the event to plug in, ask questions, and get the kind of guidance that can save you years—and a fortune—in costly mistakes.