How David Pere Helps Veterans Achieve Financial Freedom

In this interview, David Pere, the founder of From Military to Millionaire, shares his inspiring journey from the Marine Corps to financial freedom through real estate investing and entrepreneurship. David discusses how military benefits, discipline, and strategic thinking helped him build wealth, and offers valuable advice for veterans looking to transition from military service to business ownership. His insights provide a roadmap for military veterans seeking financial independence and success in civilian life.

What inspired you to transition from the military to real estate investing? How did you start From Military to Millionaire?

When I was in the Marine Corps, I realized that many service members were living paycheck to paycheck, not understanding how to leverage their benefits, and struggling with financial literacy. I didn’t want to be one of them. In 2015, I bought my first duplex with a VA loan while I was still broke, and that opened my eyes to the power of real estate investing. Over the years, I scaled up, eventually reaching financial freedom.

From Military to Millionaire started as a way to document my journey and share what I was learning. It began as a blog in 2018, then expanded into a YouTube channel, podcast, and community. The goal has always been to help service members, veterans, and their families take control of their finances, leverage their benefits, and build wealth.

How did your military experience shape your approach to business and entrepreneurship?

The Marine Corps instilled in me discipline, resilience, and adaptability—three traits that are critical in business. The military also taught me how to lead, problem-solve, and execute under pressure. When I started investing in real estate and growing my brand, I approached it like a mission: set the objective, plan strategically, take action, and adapt as needed. The “embrace the suck” mindset from the military also helped me push through challenges that would have discouraged others.

How did you build your first real estate investment, and what advice do you have for others just starting?

My first property was a duplex I bought with a VA loan in Missouri. I lived in one unit and rented out the other, which helped me cover my mortgage—this strategy is called house hacking. I didn’t have much money at the time, but I leveraged my VA loan’s zero down payment option and focused on learning.

For beginners, my advice is:

1. Educate yourself—Read books, listen to podcasts, and learn from others.
2. Use your VA loan if eligible—it’s one of the best tools available.
3. Start small—Don’t feel like you have to buy a 100-unit complex right away.
4. Take action—Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. You’ll learn more from doing.

What is the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business after leaving the military?

The biggest challenge was losing the guaranteed paycheck and adjusting to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. In the military, you always knew when your next paycheck was coming. As an entrepreneur, I had to learn to manage cash flow, deal with inconsistent income, and build multiple revenue streams. It was a mindset shift, but once I got comfortable with uncertainty, I thrived.

Can you share the most valuable lesson you learned in your journey from military to millionaire?

Wealth isn’t built overnight, but consistency and discipline win in the long run. Too many people chase get-rich-quick schemes, but real wealth is built through steady, intentional actions over time—whether that’s real estate, investing, or entrepreneurship. If you stay consistent, focus on learning, and take action, financial freedom is inevitable.

What role did military benefits play in your journey to financial freedom?

Military benefits were a game changer for me. The VA loan allowed me to get into real estate with no down payment. My military paycheck gave me stability while I learned about investing. The GI Bill covered my college education, and the VA disability benefits I later received provided another stream of income. The key is understanding and leveraging your benefits strategically, rather than just using them as they come.

How can veterans use VA loans to their advantage when starting a business or investing in real estate?

The VA loan is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available. Veterans can use it to:

• House hack—Buy a multi-unit property, live in one unit, and rent out the others.
• Eliminate housing costs—By renting out extra rooms or units, you reduce or eliminate your mortgage.
• Leverage their first property into more investments—After a year, you can refinance into a conventional loan and use your VA loan again on another property.

For starting a business, reducing your living expenses through house hacking can free up cash flow to reinvest into your venture.

How do you recommend military veterans balance the transition from service to entrepreneurship while maintaining financial stability?

• Start before you transition—Don’t wait until you’re out to begin learning and investing.
• Have a financial cushion—Save up at least 6 months of expenses before leaving the military.
• Leverage benefits—Use the GI Bill for education, the VA loan for housing, and VA disability if applicable.
• Start small—Don’t feel like you have to go all in on a business immediately. Build it while you still have income.

What resources or tools helped you the most when you first started your entrepreneurial journey?

• Books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, and The E-Myth Revisited.
• Podcasts & YouTube—I learned a ton from BiggerPockets, real estate channels, and business podcasts.
• Networking & Mastermind groups—Surrounding myself with like-minded people accelerated my growth.
• VA Loan & GI Bill—Leveraging my military benefits made a huge difference.

What mindset shifts are most important for veterans looking to build wealth after military service?

• From security to opportunity—Entrepreneurship and investing don’t have the same stability as the military, but they offer unlimited upside.
• From spender to investor—Use money to build assets, not just buy liabilities.
• From lone wolf to team builder—Success in business and investing often comes from partnerships and networking.

What would you say to veterans who are hesitant to start a business? How can veterans overcome the fear of failure?

Fear is natural, but you’ve already faced tougher challenges in the military. The worst thing that happens is you learn and try again. The key is to start small—test ideas, gain confidence, and build momentum.

How important is networking and mentorship for military veterans pursuing business or investment opportunities?

It’s everything. The best opportunities come from relationships, not just skills. Finding mentors, joining mastermind groups, and networking with like-minded people will accelerate your success exponentially.

What advice would you give to veterans who want to retire early or achieve financial freedom without a traditional 9-5 job?

1. Invest in cash-flowing assets—Real estate, businesses, stocks, etc.
2. Keep expenses low—Live below your means early so you can reinvest.
3. Create multiple income streams—Rental income, dividends, business revenue, and passive income sources.
4. Stay consistent—Building wealth takes time, but small actions compound over years.

Ultimately, financial freedom is about having enough passive income to cover your living expenses, so you can choose how you spend your time. It’s 100% possible for veterans who take the right steps.