Case Studies
Meet the Investor
Caitlyn, a seasoned real estate investor and office manager by trade, approached The Elle Group with a clear goal: find an owner-occupied multifamily in a desirable neighborhood to support long-term wealth-building through rental income.
With a strong understanding of Boston’s surrounding markets, she had a budget up to $1M but prioritized value and opportunity.
“We really wanted something we could live in and rent out to help with the mortgage. Location and layout mattered a lot—we weren’t just looking for any multi.” - Caitlyn
The Challenge
The biggest obstacle wasn’t the market—it was the property itself. While Caitlyn had investing experience, this particular home posed a massive renovation challenge.
Four floors and a duplex layout meant extensive square footage to renovate, and fully gutting the property required vision, capital, and a high tolerance for risk. Even Lien had hesitations. "It was a large scope," she recalls, "and I needed to make sure Caitlyn fully grasped the scale of what she was about to take on."
The Strategy
What made this deal stand out was its rarity and potential:
- Unique Duplex Configuration: Side-by-side units offered privacy and flexibility, unlike typical up-down setups
- Ideal Zip Code: Located in Milton, a well-known, desirable town with high appreciation potential
- Team Advantage: With a strong lender, a cooperative listing agent, and The Elle Group’s local expertise, Caitlyn had the confidence to move forward
Lien provided critical comps analysis, supported construction planning, and tapped into her agent network to secure the deal.
“We knew a layout like this in this area almost never comes up. It was a rare gem hiding under all that dust and drywall.” - Lien Vuong, Founder of The Elle Group.
The Result
Caitlyn closed at $800,000 and invested heavily in renovations to completely transform the property. Post-renovation, the home is now worth an estimated $2,000,000, generates $9,000/month in rent, and is poised for long-term appreciation and cash flow.
Through owner-occupied financing and applying a house hacking model to a high-potential renovation, Caitlyn turned a risky purchase into a standout success.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Big rewards often follow big renovations—if you know the market.
- Milton, MA, remains a stronghold for long-term appreciation and rental demand.
- Unique layouts and rare property types can offer outsized returns.
- Having the right team—agent, lender, and contractor—is crucial for high-stakes plays.
- Even “traditional” buyers can make bold moves with the right guidance.
Caitlyn’s Testimonial
“My husband and I worked with Lien who sold us an investment property. She’s kept in touch since and has been phenomenal. We’d been looking for a home for 6 years and Lien nailed it after hearing our must haves. We love working with her and would highly recommend her. She will be honest with you and do everything she can to help you get your dream home, fixer upper, or investment property.”
Thinking about your next investment move? Let The Elle Group help you identify, analyze, and execute your strategy—just like Caitlyn did.
