Real estate has been a central part of my life since 2009. Over the past decade and a half, I’ve had the privilege of not only owning and managing properties but also learning firsthand what it takes to build sustainable wealth while creating value for communities. From managing over 100 rental properties to completing numerous single-family flips, I’ve experienced the highs, the lows, and everything in between that comes with this business.
Now, I’m taking the next step in my journey: launching a real estate investment fund focused on private student housing throughout the Midwest. This venture represents not just a new business opportunity, but a continuation of my mission to combine smart investments with meaningful impact.
How It All Started
Back in 2009, I entered the real estate world with the goal of creating a stable source of income and building long-term wealth. Like many new investors, I started small, learning the ins and outs of property management, tenant relations, and market analysis the hard way. But over time, I discovered that success in real estate isn’t just about buying properties—it’s about understanding people, communities, and market trends.
Managing over 100 rental properties taught me lessons that no textbook could provide. I learned the importance of proactive maintenance, creating strong tenant relationships, and understanding the financials behind every decision. Each property came with its own unique challenges, but also opportunities to grow, adapt, and refine my approach.
Flipping Single-Family Homes
Alongside managing rental properties, I also pursued single-family flips. These projects allowed me to sharpen my skills in renovation, budgeting, and project management. Flipping homes isn’t just about turning a profit—it’s about seeing potential where others see problems. Every successful flip taught me the value of attention to detail, timing, and market research.
Through these experiences, I developed a keen sense of what makes a property profitable and how to mitigate risks before they turn into costly mistakes. The lessons learned from flipping homes and managing rentals now form the foundation of the investment strategies I plan to implement in my fund.
The Opportunity in Student Housing
The decision to focus on private student housing for my investment fund was deliberate. Midwest college towns offer a unique combination of stability, consistent demand, and growth potential. Students and young professionals are always looking for quality housing options, and by providing well-managed, safe, and convenient living spaces, we’re meeting a critical need in these communities.
Student housing isn’t just a financial opportunity—it’s a way to positively impact lives. By improving living conditions, offering reliable management, and fostering a sense of community, we’re not just investing in properties; we’re investing in people. That dual focus—profitability and impact—is at the heart of our fund’s strategy.
Why an Investment Fund
Creating a real estate investment fund allows me to scale the strategies I’ve honed over more than a decade. Rather than managing properties one by one, the fund enables us to pool resources, identify high-quality opportunities, and execute large-scale investments with greater efficiency and impact.
Investors in the fund can expect a professional, data-driven approach. Every acquisition will be carefully vetted, with attention to location, market demand, and potential returns. My experience managing hundreds of properties and executing multiple flips ensures that each investment decision is informed by both practical experience and financial analysis.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Real estate isn’t without challenges. Market fluctuations, tenant issues, and unexpected repairs are part of the journey. But these obstacles also provide invaluable lessons. I’ve learned the importance of patience, resilience, and adaptability. I’ve learned that the key to success is not just finding the right properties, but building strong systems, reliable teams, and trusting relationships with tenants, contractors, and investors alike.
These lessons inform every aspect of my new investment fund. By combining practical experience with a strategic vision, I’m confident we can deliver consistent returns while maintaining the integrity and quality of our properties.
Looking Ahead
The launch of this fund is an exciting chapter in my career, but it’s also a continuation of a long journey in real estate. My goal is to create a platform where investors can access high-quality student housing opportunities in the Midwest, while also contributing to the betterment of the communities we serve.
For me, real estate has always been more than a business—it’s a way to create stability, foster growth, and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. As we move forward with this fund, I’m committed to upholding those principles, leveraging my experience, and building a portfolio that benefits both investors and communities alike.
Real estate is about vision, strategy, and execution. It’s about seeing potential where others see challenges, and it’s about taking action to bring that potential to life. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, and I’m excited for what lies ahead as we launch this fund and continue to grow in the world of real estate investment.