How to Acquire 60+ Units for Affordable Housing with BRRRR Strategy | Jessie Lang
How Jessie Lang Acquired 60+ Affordable Housing Units with the BRRRR Strategy
Turning setbacks into systems and leveraging other people’s money to build an affordable housing portfolio.
Why this episode matters
Many investors dream of scaling from one or two rentals to dozens of properties, but fear, financing challenges, and management headaches often stop them short. Jessie Lang—known as the “BRRRR Queen of Columbus”—shares exactly how she went from being an “accidental landlord” to owning more than 60 affordable housing units.
On the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast with Kent Fai He, Jessie breaks down how she mastered the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), built trusted contractor and lender relationships, and created a resident-friendly system that balances cash flow with compassion.
If you’ve ever wondered how to scale an affordable housing portfolio without being wealthy upfront, Jessie’s story will resonate.
What is the BRRRR strategy in affordable housing?
Investors frequently ask: “How does the BRRRR method actually work in affordable housing markets?”
Jessie explains that the process is straightforward but requires discipline:
Buy under-market properties in transitional neighborhoods.
Rehab them to force appreciation while keeping renovations lean and functional.
Rent at market rates that still qualify as affordable in cities like Columbus.
Refinance with long-term lenders to pull out invested capital.
Repeat the cycle using the same funds to acquire more units.
She emphasizes that this strategy is especially powerful in affordable housing markets, where demand is high and well-managed properties remain cash-flow positive.
How can investors use other people’s money (OPM) to scale faster?
One of Jessie’s biggest breakthroughs was learning to leverage private lenders. Instead of waiting months to save a 20% down payment, she built relationships with friends, family, and community members who wanted returns without managing real estate themselves.
Her process:
Present a clear deal (purchase price, renovation budget, timeline, and exit).
Secure funding through a promissory note and recorded mortgage.
Refinance, pay back the lender, and roll into the next project.
As Jessie puts it: “If people don’t know what you’re doing, they can’t participate.” That’s why she consistently shares her projects on social media—an easy way to attract potential lenders.
How do you avoid costly mistakes in tenant screening?
Jessie learned one of her hardest lessons when a poorly vetted tenant turned a rental into a drug house that was eventually raided by SWAT.
What saved her?
Comprehensive insurance coverage, including loss of rent.
A reliable insurance advisor who handled claims quickly.
Turning the experience into a system—an applicant scorecard with strict checks on income, references, and employment.
She stresses that every setback should become a safeguard: “Our applicant scorecard exists because of that mistake.”
How do you build a trustworthy team of contractors and vendors?
A major challenge for new investors is avoiding contractors who overpromise and underdeliver. Jessie’s solution:
Network relentlessly. Ask for referrals through local real estate associations and social media.
Pay immediately. By paying vendors same-day after work is verified, Jessie ensures she’s always at the top of their call list.
Keep documentation. Standardized scopes of work and templated contracts reduce disputes and surprises.
This “pay fast, build loyalty” approach has kept her renovation pipeline consistent, even in competitive markets.
What role does affordable housing play in Jessie’s strategy?
Jessie’s properties may rent at “market rates,” but because of their location and renovation scope, they often remain affordable compared to new Class A apartments in Columbus. She also works directly with churches, nonprofits, and rental assistance programs to help residents stay housed when emergencies hit.
As she puts it: “We treat everyone firm but fair. The expectation is rent is paid, but we’ll work with assistance agencies if residents hit a tough patch.”
This balance of professionalism and compassion has built long-term tenant relationships while keeping her portfolio profitable.
Key Insights from Jessie Lang
The BRRRR method creates infinite returns. Recycling the same capital allows exponential growth.
Relationships matter more than money. Networking brings private lenders, contractors, and deal flow.
Insurance is a safety net. Having the right advisor makes worst-case scenarios survivable.
Teamwork fuels scale. Pay vendors quickly, and they’ll prioritize your projects.
Affordable housing is resilient. High demand ensures stability, even during market shifts.
Best Quotes from Jessie Lang
“If people don’t know what you’re doing, they can’t participate.”
“Our applicant scorecard exists because of that mistake.”
“I’m not scared of debt when it’s leveraged against an asset I own.”
“Networking has been absolutely key in my success in this city.”
Common Questions This Episode Answers
How do you invest in affordable housing without being rich?
By using the BRRRR method and private lending, you can recycle small amounts of capital across multiple deals.
What happens if a tenant destroys your property?
Insurance, loss-of-rent coverage, and strong screening processes ensure financial protection and lessons for future tenants.
How do I find good contractors?
Leverage networking, referrals, and fast payment systems to attract and retain trustworthy vendors.
Can affordable housing investments still cash flow in today’s market?
Yes. Transitional neighborhoods and mid-tier properties often meet affordability standards while producing strong returns.
Kent Fai He is an affordable housing developer and the host of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, recognized as the best podcast on affordable housing investments. Each episode brings firsthand stories from investors, developers, and advocates shaping the future of workforce housing in America.
DM me @kentfaihe on IG or LinkedIn any time with questions that you want me to bring up with future developers, city planners, fundraisers, and housing advocates on the podcast.
