Wait oh wait until you have to walk your first 100+ door property and walk each apartment, unit by unit to get an accurate condition and contractor estimate. Or maybe it will be a 12 unit property with no elevator. Either way, if you are not in shape, it is not going to be very fun at all! In fact, it might be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for you.
I was in the south of Colorado walking this former girls school from the 1800’s that my partners and I were considering converting into condos. I was huffing and puffing, especially at over a mile high above sea level on top of that.
I said all of that, to say this – Due diligence isn’t just paperwork.
It’s patience. It’s stamina. It’s pacing through site visits, chasing documents, and staying sharp enough to catch what others miss.
And the best way to train for it?
Walk it out. Literally.
If you’re getting ready to take on a new real estate project—or leveling up your investing game—you need more than capital and underwriting.
You need energy.
You need good daily habits.
And you need the kind of daily discipline that turns small wins into major momentum.
Here’s how to integrate the physical part of due diligence into your lifestyle by doing something as simple (and free) as getting your daily steps in.
1. Start a Little Earlier
My day kicks off at 4:30-ish AM.
Not just because it’s part of my Miracle Morning (wink, wink) —but because that’s when the world is quiet enough for clarity.
Alex Hormozi refers to the 5 AM to 9 AM window as your “money hours” or “sacred hours”—the time when you work on yourself or your business, not in it.
It’s that quiet, distraction-free window before the world starts pulling at you. He emphasizes using it for deep work, thinking, creating, or solving problems that move the needle—not checking email or reacting to noise.
You’ll sometimes hear him say things like:
“From 5 to 9, you buy your freedom. From 9 to 5, you rent it.
I encourage you to use this extra time to move your body (effectively warm up your mind and body). Plan your day or walk through your next big deal—mentally and physically.
2. Do a Sunrise or Sunset Walk with Family
Whether it’s your spouse, your child, or your grandchild, or even your neighbor walking 30 minutes each way is bonding. It’s health. It’s synchronicity. And above all it’s time away from screens and invested in your relationships.
3. Park Far. On Purpose.
Always choose the parking space farthest from the door.
It’s the easiest way to sneak in extra movement—and train yourself to stop chasing shortcuts.
4. Stand and Step at Your Desk
Use a standing desk and walk in place while working.
Got a call? or Zoom (where you don’t need to be on camera). Great. That’s a mini cardio session waiting to happen.
5. Warm Up or Cool Down with a Walk
Before or after your gym workout, add 10 minutes on the treadmill, or do laps around the track or soccer field. Ed Mylett always talks about the Power of One More. Eric The Hip Hop Preacher calls it ‘out working’ the competition. This is all about pushing yourself just a little more while also bringing everything full circle.
6. Walk During Your Calls
Wireless headset = mobile boardroom.
Pace your yard, your cubicle, or your driveway while you’re taking calls or listening to voicemails.
7. Zumba, Golf, or Move with Joy
Sometimes movement isn’t about discipline—it’s about fun.
Line dancing, group fitness, pickleball, or a round of golf with friends, is something that’s good for your soul and your step count.
The real due diligence begins with your daily habits.
Build you some!!