As a single mother of two , working a full time job , trying to put myself through college , and maintain a home and vehicle , I tried several different paths to earning an extra income . Do to the other demands , I tried selling Amway . While I can't say I was successful , I did learn things through their classes . At another point , I also took a real estate course , which helped me meet the extra credits I needed towards my IT degree . I learned I am not a salesperson , although I did learn more about real estate . Growing up , my parents were always working on where ever we lived . I learned some skills , but more importantly , I figured if my Dad , who never graduated from ninth grade could do it , most likely I could as well . When I paid off my vehicle , I went to my credit union , and applied for a loan . My application was turned down , after all , I was a lone woman .Shit . I asked for an interview . turns out , my interview was with two women , one black and one white . I pointed out how long I had been with both my job and with the Credit Union , over ten years , and the fact that they knew I could repay a loan at the amount I was requesting , because I had just paid off the car for a similar amount . The white woman pointed out my divorce . I almost pointed out that my ex had no skills , no ambition , didn't maintain the house, never had , and never did more than exist , but instead backed off . I looked at the black lady and pointed out that , "It's a lot easier to get a boyfriend to do things than a husband , because of ulterior motives ." She jumped right in , on my side . I didn't mention the fact that I did not have a boyfriend , nor was I looking for one . I got a loan , bought property , and upgraded and maintained it myself after work , and on weekends . In time I owned four properties at the same time .