How Robby & Athena Built Wealth Before 30 & their Path to 20 Properties

How do you start building wealth in your 20s with real estate? Discover how two young investors are charting their path towards aquiring 20 rental properties.

RealWealth members and real estate investors Robby Turner and Athena Vargus at a RealWealth real estate investing event.

Quick Summary: Real Estate Investment Success Story

Robby & Athena’s Investing Journey

Starting young gives you time to learn, make mistakes, and build compound wealth—but it’s never too late to begin.
Education comes first: 10 years of learning laid the foundation for Robby’s confident investing.
Challenges are opportunities: Difficult tenants taught Robby he needed more properties for security.
Investing as a couple creates accountability, shared knowledge, and stronger motivation to reach your goals.
The RealWealth community welcomes new investors and makes complex information easy to digest.

The Starting Point

Robby Turner didn’t start his real estate journey with money, connections, or expertise. He started with something simpler: showing up.

“I’ve been attending RealWealth real estate investing events with my father since I was 18, and I’m 28 now—so 10 years.”

While most 18-year-olds focused on college parties and entry-level jobs, Robby attended RealWealth events with his father. He listened. He learned. He asked questions.

When did he purchase his first investment property? At age 21, he bought a turnkey rental property in Ohio.

By age 28, he owned four properties with a clear vision: build a portfolio of 20 properties while bringing his partner, Athena Vargus, into the journey.

RealWealth members at RealWealth's live real estate investing event.

Quick View: From Beginner to Confident Real Estate Investor

First Steps: Showing Up

Attending RealWealth real estate investing events
Listening, learning & asking questions

Investing: From 1 property to 4

At 21, Robby purchased his first rental property in Ohio
At 28, he owns four turnkey rental properties

The Goal: The Path to 20 properties

Continued education and community involvement
Learning from both successes and challenges
Acquiring 16 additional rental properties in diversified real estate markets together
Investors at RealWealth's real estate investing live event.

Why Education Comes Before You Start Investing

Robby didn’t rush into investing. He spent years absorbing knowledge, watching real investors share their stories, and understanding what works.

This patient approach paid off. By the time he purchased his first rental property at 21, he wasn’t guessing—he was executing a strategy he’d been learning for three years.

“Listen, ask good questions, you can never ask too many. If you’re not in the room, you’re not learning. So get in the room by any means.”

Understanding Real Estate Investing Isn’t Always Smooth

After years of smooth sailing, Robby hit a rough patch when tenants stopped paying rent. But here’s what separates successful investors from those who quit: Robby viewed the challenge as an opportunity for education, not a failure.

“It was definitely a learning experience that I needed to go through. It’s taught me that I need to have more than just four properties to be comfortable.”

Robby Turner and Athena Vargus at a RealWealth real estate investing event.

Building real Wealth Together

After Athena, Robby’s partner, attended her first RealWealth event, she was struck by how accessible the information was:

“For someone that’s very new to real estate investing, it was a great way to get my foot in the door. All the information was packed very well, and it was really easy to digest. It makes you really excited and hungry to be able to learn more.” ~ Athena


“I think it’s amazing what Kathy and Rich do—giving us pointers on how to invest better. Yeah, it’s just an awesome experience. Very grateful to be here.” ~ Robby

“I got to see the different levels people had started from and where they’re at now, and everyone’s so willing to share. I think that’s the best part.” ~Athena

Why do they like attending realWealth events?

Ready to Start Your real estate investing Journey?

Whether you’re 18 or 80, single or partnered, experienced or brand new—your real estate investing journey starts with one simple action: showing up.

Discover how education, community, and proven strategies can help you build lasting wealth through real estate investing. Becoming a RealWealth investor is 100% free—Join RealWealth!

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