How My Real Estate Investing Journey Started in Pontiac, Illinois — and Why It’s Expanding to Morris

I grew up in Pontiac, Illinois.
This is where it started for me

At 21 years old, I knew real estate investing was the path for me. Not because it was glamorous or easy, but because I saw firsthand—right here in Livingston County—what was possible when people committed to building something the right way.

Learning from Local Leaders in Pontiac

Growing up in Pontiac, I was influenced by local entrepreneurs who were deeply rooted in the community. One of the biggest influences was Frank Panno—a highly respected real estate broker, entrepreneur, and figure involved in city politics. For more than 50 years, Frank was top of mind in local real estate because of trust, consistency, and relationships.

Frank built his own company from the ground up, and I always looked up to that example—along with my mom, who was an entrepreneur herself, and other local business owners who proved that success doesn’t have to come from somewhere else. It can be built right here at home.

Before real estate became my full-time focus, I spent five years in law enforcement. That job shaped who I am. It taught me discipline, honesty, integrity, and how to be a man of my word. It also allowed me to save money, live lean, and build the seed capital I needed to get started.

At 21, I bought my first rental property.

It wasn’t pretty.
It wasn’t sexy.
It was cheap and under-maintained.

But it was a start.

Over the next few years, I continued buying similar rentals—learning how to manage tenants, repairs, cash flow, and risk one deal at a time.

One Cold Call That Changed Everything

Around this time, I made a cold call.

One phone call led to a mentor and friend who would go on to supercharge my entrepreneurial journey. That relationship didn’t come from luck—it came from taking action. From being willing to pick up the phone, ask questions, listen, and learn.

That experience taught me something I still believe deeply today:

One call. One action. One step can change your life.

It’s preparation meeting opportunity—and then backing it up with hard work.

My First Flip — Barely Making It

My first flip nearly broke me.

I used my own cash. I lived in the home while renovating it. I almost went broke. The market turned at the worst possible time. And two weeks before closing, I lost my father.

That house was a large old farmhouse, and my dad was able to see it completed before he passed. He even traveled home to stay with me during that time. When I was short on cash and needed to finish a major staircase, he bought a Toro lawn mower from me—just to help me get across the finish line.

He was my hero.

I know he was proud. And I try to make him proud every single day.

He never got to meet my daughter Stella, who’s now 1½ years old and In March 2026, my son will be born—and his name will be Kevin, after my dad.

Growing Through Opportunity and Experience

Around that same season, I had the opportunity to work for Frank Panno’s company, now run by his daughter Lisa. I’m forever grateful for that opportunity. Being part of a brokerage with that kind of local legacy sharpened my understanding of real estate, leadership, and community responsibility.

Since then, I’ve completed:

20+ personal real estate transactions
6 renovation flips
A handful of rental properties
2 commercial properties
Today, I own DeLong Homes, a real estate brokerage with multiple locations, recently purchasing a building to expand to our second location in Morris, Illinois.

Serving Pontiac and Morris with DeLong Homes

DeLong Homes is built on experience, community, and straightforward business. We specialize in:

Real estate brokerage services
Buying houses for cash
Helping homeowners find honest, no-pressure solutions
If you’re searching for cash for houses in Pontiac IL or Morris IL, we provide fair offers and transparent communication.

We also operate DeLong Junk Removal, a locally owned junk removal company that supports homeowners, landlords, and investors with cleanouts and property transitions.

Why I Share This Story

I share this not to brag—but to encourage.

It’s more possible than we’re told.

Real estate investing takes sacrifice, delayed gratification, and risk. You will take bumps and bruises. But whether your goal is buying your first home, owning rentals, or building a real estate business, it all starts the same way:

You get your foot in the door.

It might not be the perfect deal.
It might not be the perfect time.

But one action—one call—can change everything.

This is how it starts.

Stay Connected

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