Bob Bode:  

After getting my BS in Biochemistry from UCSB in 1969, I was able to join the Hawaiian National Guard thru a friend of a friend as my draft lottery # was low, and I got my draft physical notice soon thereafter. I hopped a plane, moved to Maui, and was able to join before the pre-induction physical. So, instead of going to the jungles of Vietnam, I worked at the Sheraton Kaanapali Resort at night as a waiter, and surfed or skin dove during the day. After returning to Santa Barbara, I commuted to Ventura College of Law for 2 years, and at the same time got involved in real estate, bought a small home, lived in it while fixing it up, sold it, and bought 2 more. and did the same thing again. I worked at night at the Somerset Restaurant in Montecito as a waiter, saved my tips, sold the last 2 homes, and moved to Santa Monica where I continued what I had been doing successfully in SB. After a couple of years I was able to buy a 60 unit apartm...Expand for more