Originally from Woodbridge, VA, Tilman attended the Naval Academy and graduated/ commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy in 2016.

Tilman was stationed in Norfolk, VA from 2017 until his separation from the Navy in March 2022, and he began his real estate investing career in 2020. He began his investing much like other investors by purchasing and rehabbing distressed single-family properties. While building his Real Estate portfolio, he managed to accumulate multiple properties over 2021 while being a full-time Naval officer leading two divisions of 135 enlisted Sailors and closing on five transactions as a realtor in his first three months as an agent. He has built a personal portfolio of 61 units worth over $8 million..