C
onnie Bai, a tech professional living in Campbell, California, has turned her real‑estate passion into a plan for passive income. After arriving in the U.S. in 2001, she bought her first Bay Area single‑family home in 2011, taking advantage of a favorable market and building equity. She added a second property in 2019, just before the pandemic, using it as a vacation home.

    In 2021, she purchased a third house, but rising interest rates and insufficient due diligence caused a loss. She underestimated ongoing costs—insurance, taxes, maintenance—and lacked experience with rental regulations. The property produced no cash flow for four years, and she realized that real estate, unlike stocks, is illiquid and requires patience. She sold the asset, learning that holding for at least five years can turn a loss into profit.

    Despite the setback, Bai remains committed to real estate. She holds a real‑estate license and plans to obtain a broker’s license, eventually opening her own brokerage. Her long‑term goal is to build a portfolio of eight to ten properties, generating a reliable passive income that frees her from a traditional job.

    Bai advises other W‑2 employees to invest, whether in real estate or equities, emphasizing that land plus time equals money. She stresses the importance of diversification—having multiple backup plans—and encourages disciplined money management.

    Balancing a day job with weekend real‑estate work, she works seven days a week, scheduling tasks in advance to maintain momentum. Her ultimate ambition is to create a business empire that empowers others to achieve financial independence.

    For more on her journey, contact [email protected].