Real Estate Rookie How I Quit Corporate with Just 3 Rentals (Real Estate Changed My Life)
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Oct 27, 2025 James Kitt, a real estate investor who left his corporate job at 26, shares how he built a lucrative portfolio of three duplexes in affluent New York suburbs. He emphasizes the power of house hacking, allowing him to live for free while generating $9,000 monthly from rent. James discusses creative financing options, DIY renovations, and the importance of strong contractor relationships. He also shares invaluable lessons on tenant screening and scaling strategies, all while enjoying newfound freedom in the high-cost market without conventional investing caution.
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House Hack To Beat High Rents
- Do house hack to lower living costs instead of paying high rents in expensive metro areas.
- Compare mortgage vs rent; leveraging debt and house hacking can make living cheaper and build equity faster.
Bought A $785K Duplex For $1,000
- James bought a $785,000 side-by-side duplex with a $1,000 deposit using a VA loan.
- He house hacked it and friends paid rent, effectively wiping out his living expenses and netting him ~+$100/month.
Won An Under-Market Duplex By Persistent Follow-Up
- James found an overpriced but under-marketed duplex and negotiated it off-market to $900K after months of follow-up.
- He locked financing at ~4.3% and performed light rehabs to boost rents significantly.