In this episode of the Generations of Wealth Podcast, Derek sits down with John Bonillas, a real estate investor, contractor, and tax deed specialist from San Antonio, Texas.
John shares how he transitioned from coaching, teaching, and the fitness industry into real estate investing through tax delinquent foreclosure auctions. He breaks down the process of finding tax deed opportunities, researching properties, understanding redemption periods, avoiding costly mistakes, and identifying areas poised for future growth.
This episode is packed with practical insights for investors looking to find off-market opportunities, purchase properties below market value, and create more freedom through real estate investing.
Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
Overview
John Bonillas didn’t start in real estate. After earning a degree in kinesiology, he spent years as a coach, teacher, and eventually a Regional VP in the fitness industry. Wanting more control over his time and income, he leveraged his construction background and launched a contracting business specializing in roofing, siding, and windows.
As his business grew, John began looking for investment opportunities and discovered tax delinquent foreclosure auctions. After months of researching county records, attending auctions, and learning how tax deed investing worked, he began acquiring vacant lots and properties at significant discounts.
His first purchases were vacant lots that generated substantial returns, proving the model worked and giving him confidence to pursue larger opportunities.
Throughout the episode, John explains:
- How to locate county tax foreclosure auction lists
- Why public records are an investor’s best resource
- The importance of researching liens, easements, and flood zones
- How Texas redemption periods work
- The difference between tax deeds and tax liens
- Why vacant lots can often be safer investments than houses
- How city planning meetings can help forecast future development
The conversation also explores creative real estate strategies, including options, excess proceeds, and helping distressed homeowners before properties reach auction.
One of John’s biggest messages is: 👉 Real estate isn’t just about making money—it’s about buying back your time.
Key Takeaways
- Tax deed investing can create opportunities to acquire properties below market value
- Public records contain most of the information investors need
- Vacant lots can provide excellent returns with lower risk
- Understanding redemption periods is critical
- Cash is often required for auction purchases
- Easements, flood zones, and zoning restrictions must be researched
- Development and zoning meetings can reveal future opportunities
- Excess proceeds create unique opportunities for previous owners
- Relationships with local government offices can be valuable
- Financial freedom is ultimately about gaining more control of your time
Relevant Topics Discussed
- Tax deed investing
- Tax delinquent foreclosure auctions
- Vacant lot investing
- Property research and due diligence
- Redemption rights
- Excess proceeds
- Zoning and development
- Real estate investing strategies
- Creative finance
- Time freedom and entrepreneurship
Why Should You Listen?
Listen to this episode if you:
- Want to learn about tax deed investing
- Are looking for off-market acquisition strategies
- Want to understand foreclosure auctions
- Are interested in land investing
- Want practical ways to create more freedom through real estate
This episode offers a real-world look at a niche investing strategy that many investors overlook but can produce exceptional returns when done correctly.
Important Links:
About John Bonillas
San Antonio born and raised, background and early career was in coaching and fitness industry, where I learned how to manage other people’s businesses. Then I started a small general contracting company in 2017, CASA Exteriors, I began using my extra income to invest at Tax Delinquent Foreclosure auctions in San Antonio and Corpus Christi Texas.
I witnessed many folks making huge mistakes at auctions, some spending life savings on what they thought was a home but was actually a vacant lot. Personally, I paid for seminars, RE education, but could never get clear answers from anyone on how Tax Foreclosure auctions work or the real due diligence required. It took me months of personal research and asking questions from city/county departments in my free time to gather all the knowledge needed. At that point I decided to create a youtube channel to educate folks on the pitfalls of this strategy.
However, this turned into them wanting mentorship and offering me compensation to educate them. I then began to educate folks from different parts of Texas, mainly Houston, Dallas, and SA. Some properties I flipped, others held as rentals or STR’s. The past 2 years in RE have not been ideal and our local market has dropped. While this strategy is still lucrative, now more than ever extreme due diligence and caution should be taken into account. Along the way, I have opened 3 other companies that failed and cost me much time and energy. However, I do not regret those losses, for they were lessons.