How to Raise Over $1 Million for Your First Apartment Complex
The Journey to Multifamily Real Estate
Raising over a million dollars for your first apartment complex is no small feat. Anita Wong and Will Liu, a powerhouse couple, have successfully navigated this challenge and taken the real estate world by storm. Through strategic branding, networking, and investment knowledge, they’ve built an impressive portfolio, now managing nearly 100 units, including the 76-unit Emerald Point complex in Irving, Texas.
Many investors start small, working as passive investors before stepping into the general partner (GP) role. However, Anita and Will took a different approach—going straight into multifamily investments as lead GPs. This strategy, while challenging, set them up for rapid success in the industry.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Real Estate Investors
Build Your Personal Brand – Establishing credibility and a strong network before jumping into real estate can accelerate success.
Leverage House Hacking – Living in rental properties while renting out portions is an excellent way to build equity and experience.
Develop a Visionary Mindset – Seeing opportunities instead of obstacles can open doors to larger investments and partnerships.
Find the Right Partner – Whether in business or life, having a strong partner can provide stability and shared expertise.
Solve Bigger Problems – The more value you create in real estate, the more financial success you can achieve.
Building a Personal Brand for Real Estate Success
Anita attributes much of her success to building her personal brand before entering multifamily real estate. She spent three years developing SARE Ladies (Subtle Asian Real Estate), a 24,000-member investor group focused on the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Through this group, she built credibility, attracted investors, and established a strong foundation for her real estate ventures.
Most beginners look for mentorships or passive investment opportunities before becoming active investors. Anita, however, focused on creating a network and proving her value upfront. This approach fast-tracked her journey into multifamily investments, allowing her to raise capital and secure deals more efficiently.
Leveraging Vision and Optimism
Will credits Anita’s vision and ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles. Coming from a corporate background, he was accustomed to focusing on tactical details, but Anita’s 30,000-foot view allowed them to think bigger. This mindset shift helped them transition from single-family investments to large-scale multifamily projects.
The bigger problems you solve, the more money you can earn. By positioning themselves as problem-solvers, Anita and Will were able to attract investors and secure high-value properties. Their optimism and forward-thinking approach played a crucial role in their success.
Early Investments and Career Backgrounds
Anita’s journey began in architecture, but she soon realized her passion was in real estate. She started investing early, influenced by her family’s interest in single-family rentals. After earning her MBA, she shifted her focus to real estate syndication, a move that allowed her to scale quickly.
Will, on the other hand, began as an accidental landlord. He house-hacked properties in San Diego and Berkeley, learning the ropes of real estate through personal experience. His approach—buying homes, living in them, and renting out portions—helped him build a portfolio without significant upfront capital.
Both Anita and Will started with single-family investments, using house hacking as a stepping stone. This strategy remains one of the best ways for new investors to enter the real estate market with minimal risk and high potential returns.
House Hacking as a Foundation
House hacking played a crucial role in both Anita and Will’s early investments. By purchasing properties in desirable locations, they were able to live in their investments while generating rental income. This method allowed them to build equity and reinvest in larger projects.
For new investors, house hacking offers a low-risk way to start in real estate. Living in a rental property while leasing out additional units can help offset mortgage costs and build long-term wealth. Anita and Will’s success story highlights how this strategy can be a stepping stone to multifamily investments.
The Power of Partnerships in Real Estate
Beyond individual strategies, Anita and Will emphasize the importance of strong partnerships. They met on a dating app, but their partnership extends beyond their marriage into their business. Early in their relationship, Anita shared her vision of partnership—one built on mutual support, shared goals, and trust.
Their approach to business reflects this philosophy. They focus on their strengths, support each other’s weaknesses, and stay in their respective lanes. This dynamic allows them to operate efficiently while growing their real estate portfolio together.
Conclusion: Lessons from Anita and Will’s Journey
Anita and Will’s story is a testament to the power of branding, networking, and strategic investments. By building a strong personal brand, leveraging house hacking, and focusing on large-scale multifamily deals, they were able to fast-track their success.
For aspiring investors, the key takeaway is to start small but think big. Building a network, developing an investment strategy, and maintaining a visionary mindset can make the difference between struggling in real estate and thriving in it.
If you’re looking to raise capital for your first apartment complex, follow the strategies Anita and Will used—grow your influence, solve bigger problems, and partner with the right people. With the right approach, you can achieve real estate success faster than you ever imagined.
