Episode 0 - What can this Podcast do for you? Kent Fai He, the Affordable Housing Guy
Why You Should Listen to the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast
Introduction: A Personal Story That Shapes a Mission
Most podcasts start with expert interviews. Few begin with the raw, personal story of why the host exists in this space at all. Episode 0 of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast sets the foundation.
Kent Fai He, known as the Affordable Housing Guy, is not just a real estate investor. He and his wife became millionaires after their first deal netted $350,000 in profit.
But his deeper “why” runs back to his family’s immigrant journey. Growing up in affordable housing showed Kent firsthand the power of a safe, dignified home—and the pain of living without one.
This episode matters because it reveals the heart behind the podcast: to help everyday people, from small landlords to large developers, demystify affordable housing investments and build wealth while solving one of America’s most pressing problems.
What Is the Goal of the Affordable Housing Podcast?
Kent shares that the podcast has three core missions:
Showcase investors across the spectrum: from single-family landlords to multifamily developers.
Highlight people who grew up in affordable housing and the impact it had on their lives.
Remove fear by demystifying the investment process so regular people can confidently invest.
The message is clear: affordable housing isn’t just an investment class, it’s a movement.
Why Affordable Housing Is One of the Biggest Challenges of Our Time
If you think housing affordability is a small issue, consider this: the waitlist for affordable housing in San Diego is 12 to 15 years. On the East Coast, where Kent grew up, the wait was already seven years decades ago.
Kent emphasizes that housing insecurity is not just an economic problem—it’s a dignity problem. Safe housing allows children to grow up with pride instead of shame. For investors, it’s also one of the most stable and flexible asset classes. During COVID, even as millions lost jobs, government-backed rents still got paid.
How Kent’s Family Story Fuels This Mission
Kent’s immigrant parents arrived from China with little money. His mom worked for $3 an hour. At one point, the family lost an entire year’s wages in a burglary before they ever secured affordable housing.
When they finally received an affordable unit, it changed everything. Instead of nine people living in a roach- and rat-infested apartment, they finally had a clean, safe place. His mother cried tears of relief the day they moved in.
That experience is why Kent says affordable housing is more than cash flow. It’s about giving families hope.
Why Affordable Housing Is a Strong Investment
Kent frames affordable housing as:
Safe: Rent is government-backed. You’ll get paid even during downturns.
Flexible: You control whether to sell, renovate, or live in the home.
Inspirational: Investors can choose to house vulnerable populations, from disabled veterans to survivors of domestic violence.
Unlike volatile stock portfolios, this is an investment where you directly improve lives while building long-term wealth.
Key Insights From This Episode
Affordable housing supply is one of the greatest challenges of our era.
Fear holds many would-be investors back. Learning from others’ mistakes removes that fear.
Government-backed rent makes affordable housing a reliable income stream.
Investing in affordable housing gives you the power to align your portfolio with your values.
Best Quotes From Kent Fai He
“Affordable housing is one of the most profitable investments, if you do it right.”
“Bad things will happen. It isn’t about what happens, it’s about how you handle it.”
“Affordable housing is an inspirational investment. You get to directly give hope to a family.”
“Our mission is to create the biggest affordable housing investment community in the United States.”
Common Questions Answered in This Episode
Why focus on affordable housing instead of traditional rentals?
Affordable housing has built-in demand, long waitlists, and reliable government rent payments. It’s both mission-driven and financially sustainable.
Is affordable housing riskier than stocks or traditional real estate?
No. In fact, during downturns, it can be safer because payments are government-backed. Unlike stocks, where leadership decisions can wipe out value, affordable housing puts you in control.
How does this podcast help beginners?
By sharing both success stories and mistakes, the podcast removes fear and provides step-by-step lessons from real investors.
What makes this podcast different from others in real estate?
It’s the only podcast focused exclusively on affordable housing investments, grounded in both lived experience and financial results.
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. His mission is to build the largest affordable housing investment community in the U.S.
DM me @kentfaiheon 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.
