From $68K Salary to $240K in Rentals: How Matt Krueger House-Hacked His Way to Financial Freedom

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From $68K Salary to $240K in Rentals: How Matt Krueger House-Hacked His Way to Financial Freedom

What does it take to walk away from your 9-to-5, become a stay-at-home parent, and make $240K a year? For Matt Krueger, it all started with a $92K fixer-upper.

The Leap from Sales to Real Estate

In 2018, Matt Krueger was making $68,000 a year in sales. It wasn’t a bad salary, but Matt had bigger dreams—ones that didn’t involve spending decades climbing the corporate ladder.

Inspired by his father-in-law, who had built wealth through real estate, Matt decided to try his hand at investing.

His first move? A $92,000 fixer-upper. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get his foot in the door. He and his wife rolled up their sleeves, renovated the property, and rented it out. That was the moment Matt realized real estate wasn’t just an investment—it was a way to build financial security for his family.

House Hacking: The Strategy That Changed Everything

Matt’s secret weapon was house hacking: buying properties that needed work, living in them while renovating, and renting them out for passive income.

With each project, he gained experience and confidence, and his portfolio started to grow.

By leveraging Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), Matt funded new purchases and renovations, turning small investments into steady streams of rental income.

His approach wasn’t flashy—it was strategic. And by 2023, his rental portfolio was bringing in $240,000 a year from a mix of long-term and short-term rentals.

Why Real Estate Was the Perfect Fit

For Matt, real estate wasn’t just about making money—it was about creating a life where time and family came first. By 2024, he had left his corporate job, become a stay-at-home dad, and built a system that allowed him to spend more time with his children while securing their financial future.

His properties weren’t just investments—they were his family’s safety net. And with each rental, Matt saw his vision of generational wealth come closer to reality.

How He Did It: Matt’s Real Estate Playbook

Matt’s journey offers a blueprint for aspiring investors. Here are the key strategies he used:

1. Start Small, Think Big
   Matt’s first property was a $92,000 fixer-upper. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught him the basics of buying, renovating, and renting. That foundation became the springboard for his success.

2. Leverage What You Have
   HELOCs allowed Matt to use the equity in his properties to fund new investments. This strategy gave him the capital he needed to expand without relying on massive upfront savings.

3. Mix Long-Term and Short-Term Rentals
   Matt diversified his portfolio with both long-term tenants and short-term rentals like Airbnbs. This balance allowed him to generate consistent cash flow while maximizing profits.

4. Focus on the Bigger Picture
   Matt wasn’t chasing flashy deals or quick wins. His goal was long-term financial freedom, and every property he bought fit into that vision.

Lessons for Aspiring Investors

Matt Krueger’s story is a masterclass in turning modest beginnings into life-changing wealth. Here are a few takeaways for anyone considering real estate:

• You Don’t Need Millions to Start: A $92,000 fixer-upper was Matt’s entry point. Starting small allows you to learn the ropes without taking on too much risk.

• Leverage Is a Powerful Tool: Properly using tools like HELOCs can help you scale your investments without needing massive upfront cash.

• Real Estate = Freedom: For Matt, real estate wasn’t just about money—it was about creating a life where time with family came first.

• Play the Long Game: Matt’s journey wasn’t an overnight success. It was built on consistent effort and a clear vision for the future.

Conclusion: The $92K Investment That Changed Everything

Matt Krueger’s journey from a $68K salary to $240K in rental income proves that real estate isn’t just about buying properties—it’s about buying freedom.

By starting small, thinking big, and staying consistent, he turned house hacking into a life-changing strategy. And for Matt, the best part isn’t the money—it’s the time he’s gained to spend with his kids.

The question is: What’s stopping you from making your first move?