LIVING THE INVESTMENT: A Student's Take on Investment Property

The Purchase Process: Luck & Instinct

Phoebe's parents had the idea to purchase an investment property from the get-go, but plans fell by the wayside as time went on. They looked at a few properties, but nothing stood out. Her dad always 'threatened' it, she said jokingly. And during a visit her mother made the summer before sophomore year, they happened to drive by a promising house with a sign out front. The family decided to submit an offer and succeeded in beating out the competition - step 1 was complete.

Sometimes, the ideal real estate investment can come unexpectedly. Trusting your instinct (and some basic math) and acting quickly can turn a casual idea into a successful investment.

So You Have a House...Now What?

Owning the home was just the beginning. Phoebe took a hands-on role in managing the property, gaining firsthand experience in everything from maintenance to tenant relations.

Living in a home owned by her parents came with its own set of challenges. She took on the role of property manager, doing everything from furnishing the house to finding vendors for renovations. One of the most rewarding aspects of the experience was improving the home's value through incremental upgrades - a new roof, deck resurfacing, and interior paint.

While managing the property wasn't always easy - especially when things broke - setting clear boundaries with her roommates was key to keep things running smoothly.

Not every student is capable of taking on this responsibility. While it can certainly cut into the 'college experience,' it also provides invaluable skills in property management, problem-solving, and financial responsibility...insights that could inspire your kid to be a savvy investor in the future. Phoebe even went on to get her real estate license after graduating!

The End Game

With 3 years of property management under her belt and graduation around the corner, the family faced a decision.

Continue to own and operate the home as a student rental?

Sell the house and cash in on their investment.

The family was open to keeping the home as a rental but wanted to ensure they had trustworthy, responsible tenants. Phoebe had a few prospects in mind, but when those plans fell through, they were left uncertain about their next steps. Ultimately, they listed their home after 3 years of ownership.

The home sold after 2 days on the market, yielding a return on investment that covered nearly all of her out-of-state tuition!

Lessons & Advice from their Experience

Looking back on her time at the University of Oregon, Phoebe admits that managing the property came with its fair share of challenges - but it also gave her a crash course in responsibility, problem-solving, and real-world skills she wouldn’t have learned in a classroom. She’s grateful for the experience, not just because it helped her parents save money, but because it reinforced her sense of ownership and confidence - proof that she can rise to challenges and get things done when it matters, a mindset that has already shaped her and will continue to influence her for years to come.

For her family, this setup made sense. Pheobe was the one in town, willing to take on the role, and her parents were comfortable without a property manager. But she knows that’s not the case for every family. If the goal is a truly hands-off investment, hiring a property manager can be well worth the time, stress, and late-night calls about a broken dishwasher.

View my Property Management page for more information!

Thanks for chatting Phoebe!