Case Study: How One Investor Partnered with the Right Agent and Scaled to 15 Doors
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June 4, 2025

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Not all success stories start with deep pockets. For Olivia, a part-time nurse turned real estate investor, the turning point came when she found a real estate agent who understood investment strategy, not just home buying.

In just three years, Olivia scaled from one house hack to 15 rental units—all with the help of an investor-savvy agent.

Here’s how they did it.

Step 1: Aligning on Strategy

Olivia’s goal was clear: build a cash-flowing rental portfolio using the BRRRR method. She needed an agent who:

  • Knew how to find below-market deals
  • Could estimate rehab costs and ARV accurately
  • Was familiar with DSCR loans and refinancing timelines

She interviewed three agents. Only one asked about her financing structure, her target ROI, and her long-term portfolio plan.

“That’s when I knew he got it,” Olivia says. “He treated me like an investor, not just a buyer.”

Find Your Ideal Investment Agent

  • Connect with agents who are also investors​
  • Get matched with local market experts
  • Tailored support for strategies like BRRRR, house hacking, and flips​
  • Leverage insights from a community of 3M+ investors

Step 2: Targeting the Right Properties

Together, they focused on:

  • Older duplexes in C+ neighborhoods
  • Properties with zoning flexibility for ADUs
  • Off-market listings through investor networks

Her agent brought her deals every week, and even previewed some before they hit the MLS.

Step 3: Leveraging DSCR and BRRRR

Her agent connected her with a DSCR lender who offered cash-out refis based on market rent.

“I didn’t qualify based on W2 income, but the properties did,” Olivia explains. “DSCR financing helped me recycle capital.”

They closed four BRRRR deals in 18 months. Each one added to her monthly cash flow and equity.

👉 Learn more: BRRRR Investing Guide

Step 4: Scaling With Confidence

With systems in place—contractors, lenders, property managers—Olivia and her agent kept acquiring. Her agent brought her:

  • A triplex with long-term tenants
  • A mixed-use property with a storefront and two rentals
  • A fourplex in a gentrifying area with STR potential

By year three, she had 15 units under management.

Lessons for Other Investors

What made the difference?

  • Clarity: Olivia knew her strategy and ROI goals.
  • Alignment: Her agent shared those goals and brought matching deals.
  • Action: She moved quickly, leveraging financing tools like DSCR.

“I didn’t just find an agent,” she says. “I found a partner.”


Want to Build a Portfolio With the Right Partner?

We’ll connect you with a real estate agent who understands investor financing, deal analysis, and long-term strategy.

👉 Find a real estate agent who understands investors


Read Next:

Find Your Ideal Investment Agent

  • Connect with agents who are also investors​
  • Get matched with local market experts
  • Tailored support for strategies like BRRRR, house hacking, and flips​
  • Leverage insights from a community of 3M+ investors

Our advise is based on experience in the mortgage industry and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of owning a home. We may receive compensation from partner banks when you view mortgage rates listed on our website.

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