Stephanie Douglass and Mandy Mendoza pull back the curtain on the unconventional, yet totally doable, strategies that are helping first-time buyers in Austin win—despite the odds. From co-buying to sneaky duplexes, they break down how real estate can become more than a home: it’s a vehicle for freedom, flexibility, and long-term wealth.

• Real estate can provide financial freedom and flexibility

• Cash flow from rental units can offset or eliminate living expenses

• Co-buying with friends or partners opens doors to ownership

• House hacking helps first-timers turn their homes into income generators

• Using properties creatively can unlock multiple income streams

• Knowing your financing options is critical for early success

• Buyer education and empowerment go hand-in-hand

• The current market still presents real opportunity

• Real estate is one of the most accessible paths to wealth building

• Building equity early pays off for decades

00:00 – Introduction to Real Estate Journey

02:14 – Living the Real Estate Lifestyle

04:33 – The Freedom of Real Estate Investments

07:00 – Alternative Lifestyles and Financial Independence

09:13 – Co-Buying Strategies for Home Ownership

12:06 – House Hacking: Maximizing Property Potential

16:03 – Empowering Homeownership: Understanding Mortgage Benefits

16:55 – The Sneaky Duplex Strategy: A Creative Housing Hack

21:06 – Financing Your Future: Down Payment Options and Strategies

23:57 – Navigating the Market: Educating First-Time Buyers

28:36 – Inspiring Change: Helping First-Generation Homeowners