From Fear to Freedom: How One Rental Property Transformed My Retirement

Kevin’s testimonial is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to build wealth through real estate. With Audrey’s guidance, what started as a retirement concern turned into a life-changing investment—one that now brings in more income than his 401(k) and offers long-term security for his family.

How One Rental Property Turned Kevin’s Retirement Into a Financial Win

Audrey profoundly changed my retirement.

I retired in 2020 with $440,000 in my 401(k) and Social Security as my income sources. Using the 4% rule, my retirement income from the 401(k) would be about $1,500 per month—not nearly enough to maintain my lifestyle comfortably.

Then Audrey stepped in. She brought a rental property in Mason, Michigan to my attention—an area she knew well and already owned rentals herself.

I ended up purchasing the property, a two-unit house for $60,000, using $21,000 from my 401(k) for the down payment and closing costs. That $21,000 would have generated just $80/month in a traditional investment account. But with Audrey’s help, that same amount was soon producing $1,800/month in real income and tax benefits.

Audrey didn’t just find the deal—she helped me every step of the way. She:

• Guided me through setting up an LLC

• Helped structure my business bank accounts

• Provided tech tools for screening tenants and collecting rent

• Ensured I complied with Michigan landlord-tenant laws

• Gave me ready-to-use lease documents and templates

She made what felt like a scary jump into real estate simple and empowering.

After purchasing, I remodeled the upper unit for $15,000 and rented it for $700/month. The lower unit was already bringing in $1,000/month. Within a few months, I was making $1,200/month net income from this one property.

Ten months later, thanks to strategic improvements and rising market values, the house appraised at $130,000. Audrey connected me with a lender, and I was able to do a cash-out refinance—lowering my payment and pulling $45,000 in equity. I kept $21,000 of that cash in reserve and used the rest to reinvest.

When I filed taxes, I also saw a $5,000 increase in my return—another bonus I hadn’t expected.

Today, in 2025, the property is worth $180,000 and nets me $1,200/month after expenses. With tax benefits included, it adds about $1,800/month to my income. That’s more than I make from my entire 401(k).

I also took Audrey’s advice and placed the property in a Lady Bird Deed, ensuring it will transfer directly to my children without probate.

If I had understood real estate investing years earlier, I would’ve started decades ago. But thanks to Audrey, my retirement is now the most financially secure time of my life. My lifestyle hasn’t suffered—and I’ve gained an appreciating asset that will help my kids too.

Audrey performed a miracle.

– Kevin B.
Grateful client & retired investor
Mason, MI