From Designer to Investor | Jessica Bean's Journey into Real Estate

Real estate investing isn't just for Wall Street moguls; it's for anyone willing to start, learn, and grow. That was the message loud and clear in our latest Making Sense of Money podcast episode, featuring Jessica Bean, CEO of Unlock Real Estate.

Jessica's story began in interior design, but after a few career twists and an unexpected opportunity, she found herself diving headfirst into the world of real estate investing, and hasn't looked back since.

Lessons from the Ground Up

Jessica's first investment wasn't glamorous; it came from spotting potential in a property she did a market analysis on for a client dealing with a family estate. Her ability to create a win-win solution helped her secure the home, transform it with minimal updates, and rent it out for steady income. Since then, she's completed over 15 projects, ranging from rental flips to strategic sales, all aimed at building long-term wealth.

 

The Power of Passive Income—And the Reality Behind It

"Passive income" sounds like a dream, but as Jessica points out, it's a hustle at first. From learning to manage tenants to navigating insurance for different property types (short-term, long-term, flips), her story emphasizes the importance of treating investing like a business. "Buying investments, there is work," Jessica says, "you need to treat this like a job." Jessica also notes that today's interest rates make passive income a little more challenging, but she still buys properties, focusing on appreciation and long-term gain.

Start Small: House Hacking and Creative Financing

Jessica's biggest tip for beginners? House hacking. Buy a small home or duplex, live in it, rent the rest, and repeat yearly. It's a strategy that requires sacrifice, but the payoff? Financial freedom and wealth building in your 20s and 30s. She debunks the myth that money is a barrier: "There are people out there who want to invest in you, you just need to ask the right way."

 

Smart Moves: Legal Protection and Long-Term Thinking

Two musts in Jessica's playbook:

  • Set up an LLC before buying investment property
  • Get a great attorney and insurance agent

These steps protect your assets and future, especially when unexpected events (like a fire in one of her rentals) come knocking.

 

Ready to Explore Real Estate?

Jessica's journey proves that with the right mindset and resources, investing is accessible, even for beginners. For more tools and tips on building financial confidence, check out our newsletter and explore educational content at p1fcu.org/newsletter.

 

Listen to the full episode of the Making Sense of Money podcast on your favorite platform, and start building your future today.