From House Hacking to Full Development: A Closer Look Into Amy Johnson’s Real Estate Investment Strategies
Welcome to a deep dive into the world of real estate investing. In today’s discussion, we explore the journey of Amy Johnson, my partner and esteemed member of our Y Street Capital team. Despite our many years of successful collaboration, this marks her inaugural appearance on the show.
The Journey to Real Estate Investing
Before making her mark in the real estate industry, Amy applied her teaching prowess at West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite her passion for the profession, the substantial financial challenges led her to dip her toes into real estate investing. Driven by necessity, Amy and her husband began their foray into the industry by adopting the house hacking model. This model involves buying a house, renovating it, living in it, and then moving on to the next house. With time, they progressed from living paycheck to paycheck to becoming full-time real estate investors.
Involvement in Multi-State Projects
As active members of Y Street Capital, Amy and I are synonymous with projects spanning nine states. These projects touch on diverse areas such as senior housing, multifamily apartments, active adult housing, storage, flex multi-tenant industrial buildings, and land development.
Case Study: Brigham City Project
Among the projects, Brigham City holds a unique appeal. Located 45 minutes outside Salt Lake City, this suburb is witnessing significant growth owing to a massive influx of people to Utah. By emphasizing the importance of local market understanding, Amy outlines how the anticipated creation of inland ports by Utah State would result in an upsurge in the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, making Brigham City a lucrative investment hotspot.
In one instance, we took a 21-acre parcel right off the interstate fifteen interchange, re-entitled it, and obtained a fully approved project – all without turning a single shovel in the dirt. This process demonstrates the astounding potential of the equity multiplier in real estate development.
Economic Anchors and Investment Opportunities
A central theme in our investment strategy is the concept of economic anchors. In the case of Brigham City, these included its proximity to interstate roads, access to a major college town, Utah State, and the presence of national chain retailers, such as Walmart. In light of this, we are always on the lookout for promising projects and invite interested investors to reach out and explore potential collaborations.
Amy’s Investment Philosophy
To conclude, Amy emphasizes the requirement of a clear understanding of local markets, the importance of securing properties at the right price, and the need for flexibility when charting the course for investment. By highlighting the multiple exit strategies available in real estate – from selling shovel-ready lots to builders to having fully leased buildings on the market – we hope to inspire and educate potential investors about the expansive opportunities in real estate investment.
To learn more or to inquire about potential investment opportunities, feel free to connect with Amy Johnson at [email protected] or visit YStreetCapital.com for more information.
