Ever wondered how firefighters can build wealth despite their demanding schedules? Mike Lowerey, a heavy equipment operator for Milwaukee Fire Department, reveals exactly how he acquired six rental properties in just six months while working one of the busiest trucks in the city.
Mike's journey began with an eighth-grade teacher who sparked his interest in finance and compound interest, leading to a finance degree before joining Milwaukee Fire in 2010. After seven years on the job, Mike leveraged his intimate knowledge of Milwaukee neighborhoods to identify promising investment opportunities in 2017 – just before the market took off and attracted outside investors.
The conversation delves into the practical mechanics of property acquisition and management that rarely get discussed in typical real estate content. Mike shares a remarkable early deal: a single-family home purchased for just $35,000 that rented for $900 monthly after minimal renovations. He explains how he used seller financing to acquire a duplex with $10,000 down that later sold for $165,000 – pocketing over $70,000 in profit.
What makes this episode particularly valuable for first responders is Mike's candid discussion of property management systems and tenant screening processes. He emphasizes treating real estate as a business rather than a hobby, establishing clear boundaries with tenants, and developing systematic approaches to maintenance issues. His advice on using separate phone lines for tenants and setting business hours provides practical solutions for managing properties while working 24-hour shifts.
Mike also addresses the challenges of real estate partnerships, explaining why he ultimately sold most of his portfolio during COVID despite strong appreciation. The conversation concludes with his current focus on vacation rentals in Northern Wisconsin and advice for first responders looking to get started in real estate.
Whether you're a first responder curious about real estate or an existing investor looking to refine your systems, this conversation provides honest, practical guidance from someone who's successfully balanced public service with wealth-building through careful property investment. Ready to take the first step in your own real estate journey? This episode gives you the roadmap to get started.