Walking Away: How One Couple Replaced Their Jobs With Real Estate in Just 3 Years

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Matt and Catie Fihn transformed their family's future through real estate investing in just three short years. Starting with a simple conversation between moms at a playdate, they discovered a path that would ultimately free both of them from their corporate careers and allow them to be present for their young children's formative years.

Their approach wasn't about getting rich quick or building a massive empire—it was about thoughtfully replacing their W-2 incomes while creating flexibility and freedom. After completing their first flip in Wauwatosa in 2022, they gained confidence and momentum. Soon Matt was able to leave his corporate job at Thermo Fisher Scientific to become the primary caregiver for their children while managing their growing business. Now Catie is joining him, leaving her 19-year career behind to go all-in on their real estate ventures.

The Fihns share candidly about their journey, including how they utilized hard money lending to fund their first projects, their meticulous approach to the BRRRR method for rental acquisitions, and how they manage properties across Wisconsin without living nearby. They've calculated missing between 20-30 potential deals worth approximately $500,000 while juggling jobs and parenting—missed opportunities they're now positioned to capitalize on with both partners fully dedicated to their business.

What makes their story so compelling is the intentionality behind their decisions. Rather than chasing undefined wealth, they focused on creating enough cashflow to support their desired lifestyle—one that prioritizes time with their young homeschooled children. As Matt puts it, "I cannot imagine waking up and being to work at a certain time or leaving at a certain time, or having to delegate your three weeks of vacation... I get the benefit of hanging out with the two coolest people in the world every day."

Ready to create your own real estate success story? Start following Wisconsin Discount Properties today for weekly investment opportunities that could change your future. www.wisconsindiscountproperties.com.