Swapnil Agarwal, CEO and founder of NITU Capital, shares his journey from humble beginnings in India to becoming a successful real estate investor in the US. He discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. Swapnil emphasizes the importance of tenacity, adaptability, and taking calculated risks. He also talks about the market cycle from 2019 to 2024 and the impact of COVID-19 on the real estate industry. Swapnil addresses the misleading articles and provides his side of the story, highlighting the strategic decisions he made to navigate the market. Swapnil Agarwal discusses the challenges he has faced in the real estate industry and how he is navigating through them. He talks about the negative media attention he has received and how it has affected his reputation and investor base. Despite the challenges, Swapnil remains resilient and focused on his goals. He shares his strategies for cost-effectiveness and vertical integration in his business operations. Swapnil also mentions the books that have added value to his life and the importance of having mentors. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of staying positive and focused during difficult times. Takeaways Tenacity and adaptability are crucial for success in the real estate industry. Taking calculated risks can lead to significant growth and opportunities. The market cycle from 2019 to 2024 was influenced by COVID-19 and government interventions. Misleading articles can cause unnecessary concern and confusion. Strategic decision-making and working with lenders and servicers can help navigate challenging situations. Negative media attention can have a significant impact on reputation and investor base. Staying positive and focused during challenging times is crucial for success. Implementing cost-effective strategies and vertical integration can help mitigate risks and control expenses. Having mentors and seeking wisdom from successful individuals can provide valuable insights and guidance. Long-term thinking and perseverance are key to achieving success in the real estate industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:08 Swapnil Agarwal's Origin Story and Early Experiences 10:04 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship and Building NITU Capital 13:36 Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes 19:27 Addressing Misleading Articles and Setting the Record Straight 22:06 Strategic Decision-Making and Navigating Challenging Situations 23:38 Navigating Challenges in the Real Estate Industry 26:05 The Impact of Negative Media Attention on Reputation 28:36 Strategies for Cost-Effectiveness and Vertical Integration 37:42 The Value of Mentors and Wisdom 40:23 The Importance of Staying Positive and Focused