From Public School Teacher to Millionaire
Reached $1M at age 52
Career public school teacher who used summers to build a real estate side business. Started house hacking by purchasing a duplex and living in one unit. Gradually acquired rental properties over 25 years while maintaining teaching career and pension benefits.
Educational Background
High School
Public high school in Sacramento, CA
Undergraduate
CSU Sacramento, Education
Family Background
Parents' Occupation
Middle-class working parents
Parents' Visa Status
US Citizens
Family Background
First-generation college graduate. Parents were blue-collar workers.
Financial Milestones
Age 35
First $100K through pension contributions and duplex equity
Key Strategies:
- House hacking
- Living on one income (spouse's income invested)
- Summer side work
Age 45
Reached $500K with four rental properties and pension growth
Key Strategies:
- HELOC for down payments
- Cash-flowing properties
- Tax advantages
Age 52
Crossed $1M with seven rental properties, pension, and 403(b)
Key Strategies:
- Property management systems
- Long-term tenants
- Geographic diversification
Challenges & Advice
Biggest Challenges
- Started with modest teacher's salary in expensive area
- Balanced property maintenance with full-time teaching
- Navigated tenant issues while maintaining professionalism
- Managed properties during 2008 housing crash
Advice for Others
Don't dismiss 'average' careers—they can provide stability while you build wealth elsewhere. House hacking is the perfect starter strategy for educators. Your pension is valuable but won't make you wealthy alone—build multiple income streams.