Business of Architecture Podcast

From Architecture Grad to Developer: How Baker Roddey Launched His First Investment Project | EP660

Nov 10, 2025
Baker Roddey, an architect and founder of Harborline Studio, transitioned from a steady paycheck to launching his first investment project by house-hacking a duplex in Charleston. He shares how he navigated real estate intricacies, creatively raised capital, and stabilized cash flow through self-managed short-term rentals. Baker discusses the importance of networking, strategic financing, and forming trust with investors. His journey challenges conventional norms, presenting insights into merging architecture with real estate development.
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ADVICE

Find The Right Local Agent

  • Find an agent who knows your target market and the local rules before you buy.
  • Use their local knowledge to validate deals and avoid dead-end listings.
ANECDOTE

Live-In Requirement Became An Opportunity

  • Baker discovered a Charleston code that required live-in residency to run a short-term rental in parts of the peninsula.
  • He used that rule and tourist demand to make the numbers work and closed the deal.
ADVICE

Self-Manage To Preserve Cash Flow

  • Self-manage a live-in short-term rental to improve cash flow and control operations.
  • Keep reserves for seasonality and use tools like AirDNA to model revenue.
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