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House Hacking to Freedom: How Michael Hoang Escaped His 9 to 5 Grind


In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves trapped in the endless cycle of the 9 to 5 grind, yearning for a taste of financial freedom and a lifestyle that truly resonates with our personal values. Michael Hoang, a real estate investor from Houston, Texas, once found himself in this very predicament. However, through strategic real estate investments, he managed to escape the daily grind and now dedicates his life to helping others achieve the same.

Before diving into real estate, Michael was entrenched in the telecom industry, working as a risk manager with a grueling travel schedule that spanned the U.S., Canada, and even Puerto Rico. As he juggled this demanding routine, he recognized the unsustainable nature of his professional life. Motivated by the desire for stability and a gentle nudge from his wife, he embarked on a quest for financial independence through real estate.

Michael’s journey in real estate began with “house hacking,” a strategy where one purchases a multi-unit property, lives in one unit, and rents out the others. This initial step provided a crucial foundation for his real estate business, allowing him to build capital and experience. However, he soon learned that fear and hesitation had initially held him back from progressing further, despite possessing the necessary knowledge and tools.

His breakthrough came when he discovered the power of private money. Traditional financing methods, such as hard money lending, often come with cumbersome paperwork and higher costs. In contrast, private money offered a more flexible and relationship-driven approach, making it easier to secure funding quickly and efficiently. This strategy enabled him to scale his operations significantly faster.

Michael credits much of his success to direct-to-seller marketing, emphasizing the importance of finding deals off-market through methods like direct mail. Despite numerous technological advancements, he attests to the timeless efficiency of direct mail in reaching potential sellers and securing profitable deals.

Furthermore, Michael utilizes the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), acquiring distressed properties, renovating them, and refinancing to recoup his initial investment. This method has allowed him to recycle his capital repeatedly, growing his portfolio and wealth without the limitations imposed by traditional financing institutions.

Through networking and relationship-building at local meetups and self-directed IRA gatherings, Michael connected with private money lenders who shared his vision. He emphasizes the significance of nurturing these relationships early, suggesting that aspiring investors “dig their well before they are thirsty” to avoid desperation when a lucrative deal arises.

Michael’s story is not just about financial gain; it’s about creating a fulfilling life based on personal values and priorities. He finds joy in knowing that his investments provide him with financial freedom and benefit his private lenders, creating a cycle of opportunity and growth.

His journey underscores a critical lesson: in real estate, as in life, relationships are everything. Whether connecting with potential sellers or building trust with private lenders, Michael’s approach revolves around integrity and mutual benefit, resulting in a win-win scenario for all parties involved.

As he continues to expand his real estate ventures and digital presence, Michael remains committed to sharing his knowledge and insights. Through his podcast, “The Be Someone Podcast,” and his active participation on social media, he inspires others to break free from their constraints and pursue lives of passion and purpose.

In a world where many feel trapped by the constraints of traditional career paths, Michael Hoang’s success story offers hope and inspiration. By leveraging creative real estate strategies and cultivating meaningful relationships, he has charted a path toward financial freedom that is accessible to anyone willing to leap. 

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the world of real estate, Michael’s journey proves that with determination and the right approach, you too can break free from the grind and create a life of your design.

10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:

  1. How did Michael Hoang transition from his career in telecom to achieving financial freedom through real estate investing?
  2. What strategies did Michael use to accomplish financial freedom in just five years?
  3. Can you explain the BRRRR method and how Michael has applied it in his real estate investing journey?
  4. How does Michael view the role of private money in comparison to hard money lending, and what are some benefits he highlights?
  5. What does Michael mean by “dig your well before you’re thirsty” in the context of real estate investing?
  6. What are some direct-to-seller marketing strategies Michael prefers, and why does he favor direct mail?
  7. How does Michael describe the flexibility of using private money lenders compared to institutional lenders?
  8. Michael talked about an innovative strategy for closing deals quickly with sellers still living in the house. How did he structure this offer, and what benefits does it provide?
  9. In what ways does Michael engage with potential private money lenders, and what seems to be the most effective method for him?
  10. How has Michael leveraged social media in his strategy to attract private money lenders, and what specific call-to-action does he use in his posts?

Fun facts that were revealed in the episode: 

  1. Worldwide Workweek View: Before diving into the world of real estate, Michael Hoang had a job that took him to various places, including Canada and Puerto Rico. His extensive travel routine highlighted the unsustainability of his 9-to-5 job, driving him to seek a more stable and flexible lifestyle through real estate.
  2. Real Estate Escape Plan: Michael initially considered more traditional ways to transition into real estate, like wholesaling and house flipping, before discovering the power of private money. His first deal was an eye-opener, where he not only managed to hold a property long-term but also found the potential of multiplying his investments using private funds.
  3. Direct Mail Devotion: Despite having tried several direct-to-seller marketing strategies, Michael swears by the power of direct mail. He considers it a tried-and-true method that remains effective despite the ever-evolving marketing landscape, proving that sometimes the best strategies are those that stand the test of time.

Timestamps:

00:01 Raising Private Money Unpacked

04:59 Expanding Real Estate Portfolio Strategies

08:37 BRRR Method Explained

10:33 “Predicting Rate Changes and Opportunities”

13:09 Choosing Private Over Hard Money

16:35 Irresponsible Real Estate Lending Practices

22:51 Expanding Marketing for Private Lending

24:52 Connect with Michael: Private Lending

https://www.instagram.com/michaelbesomeone/

27:17 Get Jay Conner’s Free Money Guide

https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyGuide 







Private Money Academy Conference:

https://www.JaysLiveEvent.com

Free Report:

https://www.jayconner.com/MoneyReport

Join the Private Money Academy: 

https://www.JayConner.com/trial/

Have you read Jay’s new book: Where to Get The Money Now?

It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at

https://www.JayConner.com/Book 

What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner

https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyPodcast

Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his money or credit.

What is Real Estate Investing? Live Private Money Academy Conference

https://youtu.be/QyeBbDOF4wo

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/RealEstateInvestingWithJayConner

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-money-academy-real-estate-investing-with-jay/id1377723034

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing

Listen to our Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2025961/episodes/17012063-house-hacking-to-freedom-how-michael-hoang-escaped-his-9-to-5-grind


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