Last year, I set out to build something bigger than just a career or a side hustle. I wasn’t just looking for extra income or a new project—I wanted to create a life that offered freedom, flexibility, and long-term wealth. I bought my first multi-family home, started renovating it myself, and made a decision to share the ups, downs, and lessons learned along the way.
Lattes & Leverage is the documentation of that journey. It’s not a how-to guide from someone who’s already “made it.” It’s the story of someone figuring things out, one deal, one renovation, and yes, one latte at a time.
Why Real Estate? Why Now?
I’m not going to sugarcoat it—this whole process is hard. Balancing a full-time job as a software engineer while managing a rental property (and doing the DIY work myself) has pushed me to my limits at times. But every new project, every mistake, and every lesson learned brings me closer to the life I want to build.
The goal? To create financial freedom through real estate investing—using properties as tools to generate wealth, build equity, and eventually break free from the need for a traditional 9-to-5. I’m not interested in being the next “real estate guru” selling overpriced courses. I’m here to share the real, raw journey: the wins, the failures, and the mindset shifts along the way.
Why Should You Follow This Journey?
This isn’t just a real estate blog, and it’s not just about making money (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s about using smart financial moves to build a life on your own terms. Here’s what you can expect from Lattes & Leverage:
🛠️ DIY Home Transformations: Watch me turn run-down spaces into income-generating assets—with all the mistakes and lessons in between.
💰 Wealth-Building Strategies: How I leverage my income, invest in property, and make my money work for me.
🏡 Real Estate Insights: From financing my first multi-family property to breaking rent control and boosting my cash flow, I’ll share what works—and what doesn’t.
📈 The Bigger Picture: This isn’t just about passive income. It’s about buying back my time, creating financial freedom, and designing a life that’s mine to control.
What’s Next for Lattes & Leverage?
Right now, I’m finishing up renovations on my current property and gearing up for a cash-out refinance that (hopefully) frees up capital for my next real estate deal. Along the way, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes content—everything from DIY mishaps to financial breakdowns of each project.
If you’re here for real estate tips, wealth-building strategies, or just to see someone turn coffee into cash flow, you’re in the right place. Follow along, ask questions, and let’s figure this out together.
Welcome to Lattes & Leverage.
Let’s get to work.
— Colin Mills
