Karim Naoum isn’t your typical 22-year-old. At just 17, while most of his peers were preparing for college, Karim was closing real estate deals and learning how to turn government-backed Section 8 housing into a wealth-building opportunity. Now, at 22, he owns over 500 properties, generating millions in revenue each year.
His rapid rise to success in the Section 8 real estate investing world is inspiring, but what makes Karim stand out is his ability to offer valuable advice for young entrepreneurs eager to forge their own paths.
Here are 5 things “Section 8 Karim” recommends young entrepreneurs consider when following in his footsteps:
1. Start Before You Feel Ready
Karim didn’t wait for the “perfect moment” to get into real estate. At 17, he dove in, gaining hands-on experience from the start. “You don’t have to be fully prepared or have all the answers,” says Karim. “You just need to be willing to learn, adapt, and work hard.”
His advice? Don’t let age or inexperience hold you back. Start small, but start now. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to learn, fail, and ultimately succeed.
2. Find Opportunity in Overlooked Markets
One of the keys to Karim’s success was recognizing opportunity in a market others deemed too complex: Section 8 housing. While many investors avoid it due to government regulations, Karim saw the potential for consistent returns and scalable growth.
“Section 8 might seem complicated, but once you understand the system, it can offer stable income with lower risks,” Karim explains. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Find a niche where you can stand out, even if others shy away. The markets that look toughest can often be the most rewarding.
3. Fail Fast, Learn Faster
Like any entrepreneur, Karim’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. Early on, he faced difficult tenants, regulatory challenges, and market fluctuations. But instead of giving up, he learned from his mistakes and used those lessons to improve his strategy.
“Failure is part of the process,” Karim says. “Don’t let it stop you; let it teach you.” For young entrepreneurs, this is invaluable. The faster you embrace failure as a learning tool, the sooner you’ll reach success.
4. Surround Yourself with Experts
Even though Karim started young, he didn’t try to go it alone. He sought out mentors and professionals who could guide him through the complexities of real estate. By building a network of trusted experts, he was able to avoid costly mistakes and accelerate his growth.
His advice? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s lawyers, accountants, or experienced investors, surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people will save you time and money in the long run.”
5. Stay Focused on Your Mission
One of the driving forces behind Karim’s success is his mission to help those struggling with rising rent costs. His dedication to providing affordable housing has fueled his passion and kept him focused through the challenges of entrepreneurship.
For young entrepreneurs, Karim’s story shows that having a purpose bigger than profit can make all the difference. “If you’re passionate about what you’re doing and it has a real impact on others, you’ll find the motivation to keep pushing through even the toughest moments.”
About Karim Naoum
Karim Naoum is a 22-year-old real estate investor specializing in Section 8 housing. His journey began in the competitive market of Louisiana, where he has successfully navigated Section 8 investing. Karim’s approach to investing is rooted in his commitment to financial freedom and helping others achieve the same through smart, sustainable property investments. Learn more at Recession Proof Blueprint and on Instagram.