www.dkaufmandevelopment.com | www.danielkaufmanre.com
Yesterday, I met with a young developer—sharp guy, hungry, asking all the right questions. He’s early in his career, trying to build a track record, trying to learn. What struck me was how much he’s spent just trying to get in the room. Not to close a deal. Not to raise capital. Just to gain access. He’s paid thousands for mentorship sessions, overpriced workshops, even coffees with people who offered him nothing they didn’t get for free themselves.
And honestly, it made me angry.
If you’re actually out there doing deals—if you’re making money in this business—you shouldn’t be charging people for advice. Especially when someone gave you that same knowledge without a price tag.
What Are We Doing?
We’ve made mentorship transactional. People are building entire side businesses around “coaching” or “access” when in reality, they’re just repackaging what they learned from someone else.
Here’s the truth: I wouldn’t be here without the people who answered my calls, sat down with me, and helped me learn the ropes. No invoices. No Calendly links with fees attached. Just conversations. Real guidance. Real support.
That’s how this industry used to work. And that’s how it should still work.
We Owe It Forward
I’m not against structured education. If you’re creating something real—if you’re building a program with real frameworks, access, follow-up, and accountability—that’s different. But if you’re just selling generic advice in a flashy package and calling it mentorship, you’re not helping anyone.
This business doesn’t need more people selling shortcuts. It needs more people showing up with integrity, with experience, and with a willingness to share.
If someone asks you for a coffee, take the meeting. If someone’s trying to understand how a deal works, walk them through it. Share what you’ve learned. Give people the shot you were given.
We talk about legacy in real estate. Well, here’s what that looks like: helping the next person without turning it into a transaction.
Let’s Raise the Bar
At Kaufman Development and across our family office, we’re focused on growing with people—not around them. That means investing in relationships, not hiding behind paywalls. And it means remembering that someone once took a chance on us—so we can do the same.
If you’re new to this space and trying to find your way, reach out. No pitch. No payment. Just a real conversation.
Let’s keep building.
Daniel Kaufman
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