How My Rental Income Pays for My Passports
- Emily Sterling
- Dec 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 27
I used to think real estate investing was just for guys in suits with briefcases. I definitely didn't think it was for people who prefer hiking boots and a carry-on.
But a few years ago, I realized something: the best way to afford a life of constant travel isn't winning the lottery—it's building a passive income stream that pays the bills while you're gone.
My secret? Using my home base to fund my wanderlust.
The Home Base That Pays for Itself
The biggest mistake a traveler can make is having a huge mortgage or rent payment draining their bank account every month. I decided to flip that script.
Instead of renting, I bought a modest duplex. I live in one half, and the rent from the other half covers the entire mortgage, property taxes, and most of the utilities. This is what's called "house hacking."
Suddenly, my single biggest monthly expense—housing—went down to practically zero. Every dollar I would have spent on rent is now a flight, a street food budget, or a week in a new city.
Expanding the Portfolio (and the Adventures)
Once I saw how powerful that first property was, I saved up the cash flow and reinvested. Now, I own a couple of smaller rental properties that I manage remotely with the help of a great local property manager. They handle the leaky toilets and the tenant calls; I handle the flight bookings.
The cash generated from these rental units is the dedicated fuel for my travel life. It's not my savings; it's the engine.
The Travel Hack to Make It Go Further
Now, here's the reality check: even with rental income, international travel adds up fast. I needed a way to stretch that real estate cash as far as possible.
This is where I learned to be brutally smart about travel expenses. I started using this fantastic travel discount company, Travira. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. They offer their members exclusive, deep discounts on everything from hotels and flights to rental cars.
A typical international trip might cost me hundreds—sometimes thousands—less than what an average person pays. Think about that: a couple of successful rental months, combined with the significant savings I get through Travira (sorry, that link was a little sneaky, but seriously, check them out), means I can easily afford two or three extended trips a year without touching my emergency fund or personal savings.
The Bottom Line:
Real estate isn't just about getting rich slowly; it’s about getting free quickly. It’s the ultimate enabler for the travel lifestyle. It gives you the income stream you need, and smart resources like Travira ensure you get the most miles out of every investment dollar.
If you’re dreaming of quitting your job to travel, stop looking at your savings account and start looking at investment properties. Your next adventure is waiting.
