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How a $240K Commercial Property in Austin Transformed My Life—and Led to My Next Big Adventure
In 2018, I took a leap that completely changed the course of my real estate journey. Alongside a former business partner, I purchased a run-down commercial property for $240,000. At just 504 square feet, the building was tiny, but the 7,487-square-foot lot held endless potential. This project became so much more than just a real estate investment—it shaped my career, my community, and my confidence in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
The Vision
At the time, I was exploring ways to make real estate more accessible and creative. This project introduced me to the concept of office-hacking—getting others to help cover your mortgage on a commercial space while you also occupy it. It was the perfect win-win.
The property had seen better days. It had been a flea market, a BBQ restaurant, and even a meeting space for NA. But for years, it sat vacant, overrun by potholes and weeds. I saw an opportunity to breathe new life into it.
My plan? Turn it into a functional office and community event space while renting out the lot to food trucks. One of those trucks would even be my partner Eric’s coffee business, LeverCraft Coffee, which he launched full-time by gutting and renovating a vintage Spartan trailer.
The Renovation
Transforming the rundown property was no small feat. Over the course of three months, we tackled a long list of projects to bring it back to life:
- Trash Cleanup: We removed mountains of trash that had accumulated on the lot over the years.
- Closing Open Permits: This ensured the property was in compliance and ready for business.
- Re-paving the Lot: We repaired the massive potholes and added new parking spaces to make the space functional.
- Electrical Upgrades: Installed three 50-amp plugs for food trucks to operate seamlessly.
- Painting: Gave the interior and exterior a fresh coat of paint to brighten and modernize the space.
- Garage Door Installation: We knocked through a cinder block wall to create an opening for a brand-new garage door, adding versatility to the building.
- Business Sign: Installed a welcoming sign that signaled new life for the property.
- Deck and Awning: Built a deck and installed an awning to make the space more inviting.
- Fence Installation: Added a fence around the property for security and privacy.
- Lighting: Upgraded the interior and exterior lighting to improve functionality and safety.
- Interior Design: Brought in office furniture and décor to make the interior both practical and beautiful.
By June 2019, the little yellow building that had once been overlooked became a vibrant space for work, community, and connection.
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Beyond the Financials
This property wasn’t just an investment—it was a launchpad. It gave me the confidence to take risks, provided Eric with a space to grow his business, and became a hub where I hosted free community events. Through this venture, I met some of my now closest friends and discovered just how fulfilling real estate could be.
The Sale
Fast forward six years, and it was time to close this chapter. Selling the property was bittersweet, but it allowed me to take a significant step forward. After paying off some lingering credit card debt from the renovation, I walked away with $185,000.
What’s Next?
The funds from this sale are now fueling my next big adventure: Open House Education—a nationwide online community for women interested in creative real estate. This company is a dream I’ve had for years, and selling the commercial property has allowed me to bootstrap this venture entirely on my own.
Open House Education is designed to show women that real estate doesn’t have to look like the traditional 20%-down-white-picket-fence dream. It can be creative, collaborative, and deeply rewarding. Whether it’s buying a house with friends, renovating a sneaky duplex, or hacking an office space, there are countless ways to build wealth and community.
