From Renting to Owning: A Real-World Guide to Building Your Real Estate Portfolio

Liana Pomeroy
Jun 30
3 min read

Updated: Jul 2

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Renting is just throwing money away.” And let’s be honest—some days it really feels like that. You write that rent check, and poof—those dollars are gone, building equity for someone else. Every. Single. Month.

But let’s also be real: renting isn’t always a bad thing. It gives you freedom, flexibility, and breathing room—especially during seasons of transition. Owning a home is a responsibility, and not everyone is ready to leap into it immediately.

But if you’re starting to think long-term about building wealth, investing in your future, or finally owning something that’s yours, then renting just won’t get you there. You can’t refinance a rental. You can’t pull equity out of your lease. You can’t build wealth by paying someone else’s mortgage.

Renting Has a Role—But Ownership Builds Security (and Options)

There’s no shame in renting. Sometimes it’s the smartest move in the moment.

But if you’re aiming for financial stability, generational wealth, or the freedom to make bold life moves, staying stuck in renter mode will hold you back.

Here’s the truth: Every mortgage payment you make on a property you own builds equity—real, usable value that belongs to you.

And with that equity, you can:

Buy your next home
Renovate a fixer-upper
Pull cash out to invest in another property, your business or even crypto if that’s your thing
Take a break, travel, or pivot careers—without financial panic

Equity = freedom. And the sooner you start, the more options you’ll have.

You Don’t Need a Mansion or a Perfect Credit Score. You Just Need a Plan.

You don’t have to be rich. You don’t need a spouse. You definitely don’t need a flawless credit score. That’s old-school thinking.

Smart investors often start simple: Buy a small place. Live in it. Let it grow in value. Then? Rent it out and move up.

If you’re just starting out, you might qualify for:

• Zero-down payment loan programs

• FHA loans with flexible credit guidelines

• Down payment assistance, grants, or gift funds

• House-hacking strategies (live in one unit, rent the other)

It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about having a strategy that fits your life, not someone else’s checklist.

Your First Property is Just the Beginning

Buying your first home isn’t just about having a place to live. It’s about building leverage.

When you own real estate, you can:

Build equity (instead of padding your landlord’s portfolio)
Create future rental income
Use appreciation to move into your next home or life move

Every month you own instead of rent, you’re investing in you.

And even a small start is a powerful one.

This Is What I Do Best

I work with people who are ready to stop renting and start building—even if they’ve been told “no” before.

Whether you’re:

• Self-employed with a complicated income story

• Starting fresh after a divorce

• Need help fixing your credit

• Trying to qualify on one income

• Or finally ready to build a real estate portfolio…

I’ve got you. I’m not just a mortgage lender, I’m a real estate investor too. I know what it takes to build a future from scratch. And I know how to structure smart, realistic loans that actually work in the real world.

No fluff. No shame. Just doable steps, customized to your life.