Kathleen is a correspondent at Insider, covering investing and the path to financial freedom.
She started her career as an editorial intern at Business Insider in 2015, covered personal finance at CNBC Make It for four years, and returned to Business Insider in 2021.
She graduated from Williams College in 2014 and resides in Los Angeles. Follow her on LinkedIn.
"Kitchens, primarily, and baths sell houses. That's where you're generally going to get the most ROI."
One real estate veteran recommends house hacking and live-in flipping to offset costs and build capital.
Real estate investor Whitney Elkins-Hutten achieved financial independence buying long-term rentals. Here's what she looks for in a property.
Real estate investors explain how they do live-in flips to save on capital gains tax.
Jacob Shaidle started cleaning barbecues in 2021 to fund his education. Today, his company employs 20 students and operates in six Canadian cities.
"I work harder than ever right now, but I don't have to work. I get to work. It's a very different mentality," says investor Whitney Elkins-Hutten.
Jacob Shaidle spent nearly all of his savings on equipment to launch a barbecue cleaning business. Now, he runs a team of 20 with his best friend.
Natia and Jervais Seegars explain how they get "the most juice out of the berry" when it comes to their short-term rentals.
"If I'm an investor, I don't want to buy when everybody else is wanting to buy. I'm going to want to buy when everybody else is scared."
"I know what 70% of my week is going to be. The other 30% is a complete wild card," says an investor who manages more than 100 units.
Tess Waresmith says despite her success in real-estate investing, low-cost index funds should be the priority for investors.
Experienced real-estate investors share two lesser-known strategies they're turning to to free up time and energy.
"What I didn't realize that I know now is that making money and saving is just the first step."
"I definitely didn't make a million dollars in my day job and I didn't get here overnight," says self-made millionaire Tess Waresmith.
"Kitchens, primarily, and baths, sell houses. That's where you're generally going to get the most ROI."
I read "Rich Dad Poor Dad" to understand why it's cited as one of the greatest personal finance books of all time.
Real estate investors share strategies that can give you a leg up on other buyers in a competitive environment.
"It has to be townhomes," said the New York-based investor. "I'm totally avoiding single-family houses."
Liz Wilcox, who runs an email marketing business, has 4,500 members signed up for a $9-a-month coaching service.
Individuals and couples who have built passive income streams share the strategies they used.