ABOUT JOHN TRAUTMAN
John Trautman has spent his entire adult life in real estate — from his first property purchase at 23 to building a commercial portfolio across the Phoenix Metro area spanning medical, retail, office, multifamily, and industrial assets.
With over 23 years of investing experience, a VP role at Washington Mutual, and a track record that includes surviving the 2008 downturn by buying aggressively while others sold, John brings a rare combination of frontline real estate knowledge and institutional finance perspective to every deal he touches.
23+
Years Investing
"What's bigger — your ego or your bank account? No one man knows everything."— John Trautman
23 YEARS IN THE MAKING
First Property
John purchased his first real estate investment at 23 years old — the beginning of a lifelong commitment to building wealth through property.
Finance & Leadership
Applied his natural aptitude for finance and leadership to become Finance Manager at the largest car dealership in Washington state, honing his skills in capital, risk, and deal structure.
VP & President's Council
Spent eight years at Washington Mutual, rising to Vice President in the mortgage division and earning a spot on the President's Council. The lender's-eye view he built there has shaped every deal structure he's used since.
Buying When Others Fled
While others retreated, John moved aggressively into single-family rentals and multifamily properties in Detroit, Michigan — capitalizing on distressed pricing at the bottom of the market.
Commercial Expansion
Relocated to Arizona and pivoted toward commercial real estate — medical, retail, office, multifamily, and industrial — building a substantial portfolio across the Phoenix Metro area.
Emerald City Smoothie
Became the first franchisee of Emerald City Smoothie and eventually expanded to over 50 locations, joining the International Franchise Association and placing on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies.
Truth or Comfort
Authored "Truth or Comfort" — a no-hype guide to real estate investing drawn from 23+ years of ground-level experience. Recognized by Yahoo Finance as a Top Real Estate Professional.
Coaching & Partnering
Actively mentors and partners with investors across the country, reviewing real deals, structuring joint ventures, and passing on the hard-won knowledge that only comes from actually doing it.
HOW JOHN OPERATES
"I go through my goals constantly. I meditate on what I want to accomplish in a day and make sure I do it."
On Goal Setting"When an idea resonates, don't fall into analysis by paralysis. Trust your instincts and move."
On Decision-Making"Every dollar spent on the right technology returns at least 10X. Don't cut corners on your infrastructure."
On Technology5 AM
Start of day
Up before the market, reviewing goals and meditating before the world wakes up.
14 hrs
Daily focus
Works until 7 PM managing properties, contractors, sales teams, and marketing.
Daily
Goal review
Reviews and meditates on his goals every single day — not quarterly, not weekly.
Yahoo Finance
Top Real Estate Professional
Inc. 5000
Fastest-Growing Companies List
IFA Member
International Franchise Association
Think Realty
Published Contributing Author
PUBLISHED INSIGHTS
Why I Moved to Phoenix to Invest in Real Estate
Why Phoenix is one of the best places in the United States to invest — from someone who relocated specifically to do it.
Read on Think Realty8 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Real Estate
A case for commercial real estate investment despite economic uncertainty — the asset class most residential investors overlook.
Read on Think Realty4 Tips for Increasing Your ROI in Today's Market
Real estate is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Here's how to actually maximize returns with discipline and strategy.
Read on Think RealtyWhen You Cut Corners, Are You Really Saving Money?
A mentor once told John: "Don't jump over hundreds to pick up dimes." The false economy of cutting corners in real estate.
Read on Think RealtyDetroit: The Come Back City
Six reasons Detroit presented a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity — and why John was there when others weren't.
Read on Think RealtyHow to Find the Best Mentor for You
Why mentorship is non-negotiable for any serious beginning investor, and how to choose the right one.
Read on Think RealtyTRUTH OR COMFORT
There is a lot of hype about investing in real estate. John's book cuts through all of it — giving guidance based on real years in the field, not theory. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned investor, this book is for you.
Raw insight. Proven metrics. No comforting narratives — just the truth about securing real ROI in today's market.
Order on AmazonREADY TO INVEST ALONGSIDE JOHN?
John actively partners with investors on real deals — joint ventures, equity structures, and hands-on mentoring. No fluff. Just real estate.
Apply To Partner With Me