How This 22-Year-Old Bought a Duplex with 5% Down and Zero Experience | Bigger Pockets Podcast

He had no money, no experience, and no idea how to renovate a house... but he still pulled off two real estate deals by 22.

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today’s guest, Steele Evangelisti, shares how he went from a 16-year-old stock dabbler to a full-time W2 employee buying a duplex right out of college. With just a 5% down conventional loan, $3K in seller assist, and pure hustle, Steele pulled off a house hack/live-in flip hybrid that came with a leaky roof, an electrical nightmare, and a totaled car…all within the first month.

But he didn’t stop there.

Steele saved aggressively, moved back in with his parents, and six months later had enough to buy property #2 using the same creative financing tactics. Whether you’re looking to buy your first property or scale without big money, Steele’s blueprint is proof that you don’t need perfect timing or deep pockets to get started.

In This Episode We Cover:

Buying your first property with just 5% down and seller assist

How to handle costly surprises like leaks, bad wiring, and tenant turnovers

Using YouTube (and now AI!) to self-renovate without experience

Saving $30K fast, even on a starter salary

How to confidently push past fear and analysis paralysis

And So Much More!

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