Michael Bareh's passion for real estate was ignited at the early age of 19. Growing up in Pasadena, he found himself out of high school with just $2,500 to his name. His dream was to buy a new car and head out to college.

Realizing he would not be able to make the monthly payments and attend college, he was discouraged. But Michael's father said, "How would you like to buy this car, a year from now, all cash?" Answering in the affirmative, Michael...