
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
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.
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.
