512: From Losing $150k at the Blackjack Table to 7-Figure Profits in Real Estate

<p>Back in 2004, <a href="https://www.thebrooklynbank.org/our-team" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Jude Bernard</strong></a> was sitting at a <strong>blackjack table in Vegas</strong>. This wasn’t his first game of the day, nor his second, or even his third. Jude had been <strong>sitting at that blackjack table for thirty hours straight</strong>. When the final game ended, he walked away, <strong>$150,000 poorer than he started</strong>. Jude then found the closest tattoo parlor, walked in, and got the phrase<strong> “never again</strong>” tattooed on his hand as a testament to his mistake.</p><p>Now, Jude runs a <strong>rental and flipping empire</strong>, settling for no less than <a href="https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/biggerpockets-podcast-390-leka-devatha" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>seven-figure profits</strong></a> on his fix and flips. He also runs <a href="https://www.thebrooklynbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Brooklyn Bank</strong></a>, a non-profit designed to help economically <a href="https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/gender-racial-wealth-gaps-how-to-do-something-about-it" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">empower people of color</a> in New York City. Through his earlier gambling mistakes, Jude realized that no matter what, <strong>the “house” always wins</strong>. So, he searched for a way that he could become the “house” in his environment, and the best way was through real estate investing.</p><p>Jude has built a very strong foundation for his real estate investing through taking calculated risks, <a href="https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/ultimate-guide-building-maintaining-powerful-real-estate-network" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nurturing his relationships</a>, and letting his fears fuel his fire.</p><p>Jude is currently <strong>raising money to help the people of Haiti</strong> through their most recent natural disaster. Brandon and David have both pledged $5,000 each. To help out, ev