In this episode of the Accredited Investors Only podcast, I’m joined by the dynamic Michelle Jeong, founder and managing partner of Fire Capital. Michelle shares her journey from the high-paced tech world to becoming a full-time multifamily real estate investor, driven by a mission to provide affordable and workforce housing. We dive into how her people-first approach delivers strong returns while positively impacting communities—and why “boring” deals might just be the sexiest strategy around.

Michelle and I explore how to navigate the current economic landscape, what makes a market and deal stand out, and her thorough due diligence process (she checks every unit!). We also talk about the importance of strong property management, cultivating broker relationships, and why the time to act is now if you’re serious about building legacy wealth through real estate. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode is packed with insights to help you live your accredited life.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – A motivational nudge on getting past analysis paralysis in your investing journey

[5:34] – Introducing Michelle Jeong and her mission-driven real estate company, Fire Capital

[10:08] – Michelle’s transition from tech to real estate and the personal story behind her FIRE journey

[13:07] – Her early investing experiences and roots in workforce housing

[16:26] – Defining workforce and affordable housing across different markets

[22:02] – The markets Michelle is actively investing in and why

[26:09] – What Michelle looks for in a value-add deal and how she prepares for the unexpected

[32:15] – How she finds and vets her property management teams

[36:27] – Building community with residents and driving retention through meaningful programs

[41:36] – Michelle’s market outlook for 2025 and why she’s optimistic about multifamily

[50:24] – The tax advantages of investing in real estate and FIRE Capital’s long-term vision

[52:33] – How to learn more about Michelle and connect with her work

5 Key Takeaways

1. Confidence Comes from Action – The best way to overcome analysis paralysis is by building confidence through education, networking, and real-world engagement.

2. Workforce Housing Has Resilience – This segment offers both social impact and financial stability, especially in markets with high demand and limited supply.

3. Due Diligence is Non-Negotiable – Michelle’s team inspects every unit pre-acquisition—right down to flushing toilets—to eliminate surprises and prepare accurate budgets.

4. Strong Teams Are Essential – From broker relations to property management, having the right people in the right roles makes all the difference in executing a business plan.

5. “Boring” Financing is Sexy – In volatile markets, stable agency loans with predictable terms offer peace of mind and long-term reliability for investors.

Links & Resources

• Michelle Jeong’s website: InvestingWithFIRE.com

• FIRE Capital Group email: [email protected]

Closing Remarks

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