From Surgeon to Syndicator: How Dr. Tom Burns Built a Thriving Real Estate Empire
Dr. Tom Burns, a renowned orthopedic surgeon and real estate syndicator, has proven that even the busiest professionals can achieve success in real estate investing. With a portfolio of over 2,600 units and additional holdings in industrial, office, and student properties, Dr. Burns exemplifies how strategic planning and a long-term approach can lead to financial freedom.
In a recent interview on the Property Profits Real Estate Podcast, hosted by Dave Dubeau, Dr. Burns shared his journey, insights, and strategies for thriving in the competitive world of real estate syndication.
From Medicine to Real Estate
Dr. Burns’ foray into real estate began during his medical training in the late 1980s. Despite his hectic schedule and limited resources, he recognized the potential of real estate as a pathway to passive income. Without the resources of the internet, he relied on books and personal connections to educate himself. By the mid-1990s, he was making his first investments.
Today, his portfolio includes multifamily units, build-to-rent properties, industrial spaces, and student housing. What sets him apart is his focus on holding properties long-term, often refinancing after a few years to maintain cash flow while minimizing tax impacts.
Balancing a Busy Career with Real Estate
As a practicing surgeon, Dr. Burns understood the challenges of finding time to invest in real estate. He emphasized that prioritization is key: “You’ll make time for what’s important to you,” he said during the podcast. By leveraging evenings and weekends early in his career, he built his portfolio gradually while still spending time with his family.
Dr. Burns encourages busy professionals to take action by starting small and focusing on manageable goals. “Real estate moves slow, and it’s simple math,” he said, highlighting the accessibility of the field even for those with demanding day jobs.
Networking and Building Relationships
Dr. Burns also shared his approach to networking, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections. Instead of aggressively seeking investors at seminars, he suggests engaging in meaningful conversations. “Enter the room thinking, ‘What can I give?’ rather than, ‘What can I get?’” he advised.
This authentic approach has helped him attract long-term investors who align with his philosophy of building wealth conservatively and steadily.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities in 2025
With market shifts creating opportunities, Dr. Burns is optimistic about the coming year. He aims to capitalize on emerging distressed properties in attractive markets that can generate cash flow immediately.
