Escaping the 9-5 Grind with Just 2 Properties (in 2 Years!)

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: September 29, 2025
Getting Started

Summary

This BiggerPockets article shares insights from a host who built a two-property portfolio in two years, leaving their corporate job. Key takeaways include the importance of building relationships with real estate agents, creating a detailed buy box for property criteria, and carefully scoping out rehab costs before making offers.

Key Insights

  • The host built a two-property portfolio in two years and quit their 9-5 job.
  • The host secured their first property through an off-market pocket listing obtained through an existing relationship with a real estate agent.
  • The host underestimated the rehab costs on their first property, and the budget ballooned.

Action Items

  • Thoroughly research and estimate rehab costs before making an offer on a property. Use tools like Chat GPT or get bids from contractors.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium
  • Build relationships with local real estate agents and communicate your specific buy box (property criteria) to them.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium
  • When assessing potential properties for renovation, take detailed photos and videos of the exterior and interior, including closets and potential repair needs. Document everything in writing.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Common Mistakes

  • Underestimating rehab costs can significantly impact profitability. Create a realistic scope of work.

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