This episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing features Katie Kim, a third-generation developer who has turned hands-on experience and thoughtful strategy into a development business focused on impact and mentorship. From her early days helping on family projects to launching her own Development Academy, Katie brings a practical, grounded mindset to investing, and she’s helping others do the same.
From Council Meetings to Capital Stacks
Katie’s development education began early. She attended council meetings as a child and negotiated with tenants before she had a driver’s license. That foundation gave her a deep understanding of how real estate really works: the layers of planning, the challenges of zoning, and the power of being in the room where decisions get made.
Over time, she realized that real estate isn’t just about what you build. It’s how you build it, who you build it with, and whether you’ve structured your deals with a solid capital strategy.
Making Real Estate More Accessible
One of Katie’s primary goals is to make development more accessible to a broader audience. That’s why she created the Development Academy, a hands-on program that provides aspiring developers with real-time feedback on their projects, helps them structure deals, and teaches them to think like investors. Her approach combines coaching with collaboration, enabling students to bring real-world projects to the table and walk away with the tools to take action.
She also stresses the importance of finding the right partners and mentors. Her advice? Be clear about your strategy, come prepared with questions, and look for people who’ve done the work—people who bring different strengths to the table.
Lessons from the Field
Katie and Jonathan dive into the reality of navigating public opposition, red tape, and tough council meetings. She shares how urban infill projects can spark revitalization, why economic incentives can make or break a deal, and what it takes to balance growth with community needs.
They also talk about the personal aspects of development, including raising a family while building projects, setting boundaries, and what it means to find joy in mentoring others.
Key Takeaways
- Consistent reps build confidence more than any course or book.
- Strategic partnerships with clearly defined roles lead to smoother projects.
- A well-structured capital stack can unlock deals others walk away from.
- Development is about people as much as it is about numbers. Community trust matters.
- Education is most effective when it’s grounded in real-world experience.
If you’ve ever thought about taking the leap into development, Katie’s journey shows it’s possible—with the right mindset, strategy, and support.
If you want to learn more about Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing Podcast, check out https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/250/.