In Episode 244 of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Jessie Lang, founder of Unlocked Rentals and author of “Rentals Made Easy,” to explore her journey from purchasing a $92,000 condo to building a self-managed portfolio of over 70 rental units.
From Accidental Landlord to Strategic Investor
Jessie’s real estate journey began unexpectedly when she rented out rooms in her condo to cover expenses. This initial step into house hacking laid the foundation for her investment strategy. Over time, she embraced the BRRRR method—Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat—and leveraged private money to scale her portfolio.
Strategies for Real Estate Success
Jessie stresses the importance of:
- House Hacking: Maximizing property value by living in one part while renting out others.
- The BRRRR Method: A systematic approach to growing a rental portfolio.
- Self-Management: Developing systems to manage properties remotely and efficiently.
- Community Engagement: Participating in meetups and mentorship programs to gain insights and support.
The Power of Single-Family Rentals
While many investors gravitate towards multifamily properties, Jessie prefers single-family rentals. She highlights benefits such as longer tenant retention, fewer maintenance issues, and the ability to create pet-friendly environments, which attract a broader tenant base.
Building a Supportive Community
Recognizing new investors’ challenges, Jessie launched a mastermind community through Unlocked Rentals. This platform offers resources, support, and guidance for those looking to navigate the complexities of real estate investing.
Jessie’s story is a reminder that building a strong rental portfolio is within reach with consistency, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
If you want to learn more about Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing Podcast, check out https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/244/.