26 Years of Real Estate Lessons: Buying, Holding & Weathering the Storms with Chris Lawson

In this episode of Baltimore RE Full Circle, I sit down with Baltimore native and longtime real estate investor Chris Lawson to talk about his 26-year journey building a portfolio across Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Delaware. Chris shares how a decision he made at 17 to pursue real estate eventually led to his first four-unit property in Washington, D.C., which became the foundation for everything he owns today. He takes us through his evolution from that first purchase to 42 doors, including his return to Baltimore and his work providing housing for people transitioning from homelessness.Chris also shares his perspective on today's market, including rising interest rates, loan resets, refinancing challenges, changing rental demand, and why he's choosing to slow down rather than chase the next deal. Most importantly, he explains why patience has been the key to his success, how holding through difficult cycles has shaped his approach, and why he continues to see real estate as his favorite vehicle for building long-term wealth.