What if your first investment property only required $3,000 down?That's exactly how Andres Martinez got started.In this episode of The Housing Dept. Podcast, Terence sits down with Andres to unpack how he went from working as a full-time waiter to building a portfolio of 14 co-living homes using creative finance.Instead of waiting years to save for a large down payment, Andres shares how he used strategies like subject-to financing, seller financing, and private money to acquire properties and create cash flow through co-living.But this episode isn't just about buying houses—it's about solving a real housing problem for working adults who earn too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to comfortably afford an apartment.If you've ever wondered whether you need a lot of money to get started in real estate, this conversation might change the way you think.What we cover:✅ How Andres built 14 co-living homes using creative finance✅ His first deal with only $3,000 down✅ Subject-to financing and seller financing explained✅ Why co-living is growing across the country✅ Finding properties that work for shared housing✅ Using private money to scale a portfolio✅ Marketing rooms and building a waiting list✅ Lessons learned from renovations, contractors, and tenant management✅ Why resilience matters more than having the perfect planOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode:You don't always need more money to get started—you need to understand the right strategies and be willing to take action.Whether you're interested in co-living, independent living homes, or creative real estate investing, this episode is packed with practical lessons from someone who's built a successful housing business one property at a time.👉 Ready to start your own housing business?Join The Housing Dept. Community:https://www.skool.com/kingdomhousing✅ Follow Terence:https://www.tiktok.com/@iamterencegarciahttps://www.instagram.com/iamterencegarcia💸 Work With Terence:https://stan.store/Terence-Garcia

Building one Independent Living Home is challenging.Building a 75-bed housing operation is a completely different game.In this episode of The Housing Dept. Podcast, Terence sits down with Kevin Anderson to break down how he built a 75-bed Independent Living Home business, the lessons he learned along the way, and what operators need to know to grow beyond their first property.After experiencing major setbacks in a previous real estate business, Kevin rebuilt from the ground up and created a housing operation that now serves dozens of residents while generating consistent cash flow.This conversation is packed with practical insights for both new and experienced operators.What we cover:✅ How Kevin built a 75-bed Independent Living Home business✅ The biggest differences between small and large housing operations✅ Why larger homes can create better cash flow✅ How referral partnerships keep homes occupied✅ The role of case managers and community organizations✅ California housing opportunities and challenges✅ Rental arbitrage vs. owning property✅ Recuperative care partnerships and higher-paying referrals✅ Common mistakes new operators make✅ How to scale without losing sight of your missionOne of the biggest lessons from this episode:The business isn't built by finding one property. It's built by creating systems, relationships, and referral partnerships that consistently fill beds.Whether you're looking for your first property or trying to scale your existing operation, Kevin shares real-world lessons from building one of the larger Independent Living Home portfolios in the space.👉 Want help building your own housing business?Join The Housing Dept. Community:https://www.skool.com/kingdomhousing✅ Follow Terence:https://www.tiktok.com/@iamterencegarciahttps://www.instagram.com/iamterencegarcia💸 Work With Terence:https://stan.store/Terence-Garcia#grouphomebusiness #grouphome #businessideas group home business, how to start a group home, starting a group home, group home startup, group home business plan, launch a group home business, start a group home company, group home for beginners, group home business for beginners, assisted living business, how to start an assisted living business, start an assisted living business, residential assisted living, transitional housing business, nursing home business, cost of starting a group home, costs of starting a group home, budgeting for a group home, group home rent costs, group home profit, group home regulations, licensed group home, unlicensed group home, group home operations, group home operations manager, group home property manager, group home mistakes, group home startup mistakes, group home business challenges, group home success tips, group home business advice, group home business journey, how to start a business, new business ideas, business ideas, real estate

Most housing operators are focused on finding their next property.Remy is focused on changing entire communities.In this episode of The Housing Dept. Podcast, Terence sits down with community developer Remy Jeus to discuss how housing providers can work alongside cities, nonprofits, and local organizations to create larger housing solutions that go far beyond a single home.While many people are focused on filling beds, Remy shares how community impact partners can gain access to city initiatives, housing committees, development opportunities, funding resources, and even underutilized buildings that can be transformed into housing.This conversation opens the door to a side of the housing industry that most operators never see.What we cover:

• How to partner with cities and local governments
• What community impact partners actually do
• Affordable housing initiatives and development opportunities
• How to join local housing boards and committees
• Working with nonprofits and community organizations
• Turning vacant or neglected buildings into housing
• The role of grants, funding, and community partnerships
• Why operators should think beyond a single house
• Creating long-term housing solutions in your community

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:Don't just learn how to get in the game. Learn how to see the entire chessboard.If you've ever wondered what comes after your first house, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about the impact you can make through housing.👉 Ready to build your housing business and connect with other operators across the country?Join The Housing Dept. Community:https://www.skool.com/kingdomhousing✅ Follow Terence:https://www.tiktok.com/@iamterencegarciahttps://www.instagram.com/iamterencegarcia💸 Work With Terence:https://stan.store/Terence-Garcia