W-2 jobs give us a sense of security. But what happens if you lose your job or can’t work due to illness or injury? Spencer Hilligoss wanted to play financial defense and build enough passive income to keep the lights on for his family should something unexpected happen. And though real estate gets a bad rap for being a risky investment, Spencer discovered that multifamily is actually very predictable. In fact, it’s the best kind of boring! 

Spencer has 13 years of experience in tech startups, building high-performing teams across five companies—three of which valued at more than $1B. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Professional Development for LendingHome, the largest residential flip lender in the country. Spencer is also the Cofounder and Principal at Madison Investing, a real estate education platform dedicated to helping busy professionals build passive income, and a contributing writer and member of Forbes Real Estate Council.

On this episode, Spencer joins me to explain how the ‘dark decade’ he endured as a young man inspired him to pursue passive income through real estate. He shares his approach to financial planning, describing how he and his wife set goals and analyze deals together. Listen in for Spencer’s insight around the benefits of passive investing in multifamily over SFH strategies and learn exactly what he looks for in a sponsor, a market and a deal.

Key Takeaways

What’s keeping Spencer at his W-2 job

How Spencer got into real estate

The Silicon Valley wealth playbook

  1. Join early stage tech startup for equity
  2. Work 16-hour days
  3. Pray for liquidity event
  4. Save for retirement (can’t access)

Spencer’s path to multifamily investing

How passive investing in multifamily differs from SFH

Spencer’s approach to financial planning

What Spencer looks for in a sponsor

Spencer’s advice for new syndicators

What Spencer looks for in a market

What Spencer looks for in a deal

What’s next for Spencer

Connect with Spencer Hilligoss

Madison Investing

Spencer On LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Resources

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money—That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki

City-Data

Department of Numbers

What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate?

Nighthawk Equity

Podcast Show Notes

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Michael’s Website

Michael on Facebook

Michael on Instagram

Michael on YouTube

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing: The Blueprint to Quitting Your Job with Real Estate—Even Without Experience or Cash by Michael Blank

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