Strategy is Cute, But Literacy is Leverage
You can have the vision.
You can have the strategy.
You can even have the capital.
But if you don’t have the literacy to support your decisions—financial, emotional, or strategic—you’re building on unstable ground.
In my journey as a psychologist and real estate investor, I’ve learned that what separates those who grow from those who gamble isn’t hustle.
It’s understanding.
It’s knowing the language of leverage.
It’s knowing how to read the market and your mindset.
Why Literacy Comes Before Leverage
We often discuss using “OPM” (other people’s money), stacking strategies, and pursuing deals. But what about understanding amortization? Emotional ROI? Tax benefits? Equity positions?
Because here’s the truth: You can outsource your rehab, but you can’t outsource your wisdom.
Emotional literacy matters just as much as financial literacy.
If you’re building from burnout, shame, or fear, you’ll make short-term decisions that cost you long-term peace. That’s why so many savvy investors get stuck in cycles of overextension, people-pleasing, or perfectionism… even when the deals look good on paper.
Real Estate Books That Built My Foundation
For those who are ready to stop guessing and start growing, here are books that reshaped how I think, invest, and teach:
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
A reminder that wealth is behavioral, not mathematical.Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat by David Greene
Practical steps for building cash flow and long-term growth.Set for Life by Scott Trench
A guide to building financial freedom from the ground up.Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
Because how you respond under pressure shapes everything you build.
The Flip-Side Truth:
You don’t need more hustle. You need more clarity.
You don’t need to follow every trend. You need to understand your numbers, your niche, and your nervous system.
Because strategy is cute… but literacy is leverage.
So read the books. Learn the language. Ask better questions.
The brighter you are, the less convincing you’ll need to be.
And if you’re ready to grow in both mindset and mastery, I’m here for that.
— Dr. Eboni Morris
Psychologist • Investor AKA Dr. Flip & Dip
