How To Go From Chasing Commissions to Building Wealth
Moose Math spent nearly 20 years as a successful Seattle real estate agent. While he was closing deals and earning consistent income, he felt stuck in the grind, what he calls the “rat race” of real estate sales.
“I used to just chase that 3% commission,” he recalls. “But I realized I was working for checks, not for freedom.”
In 2010, he shifted his focus. Instead of selling properties to investors, he decided to become one. That mindset change, from commissions to cash flow, laid the foundation for long-term wealth.
In an episode of the DealMachine Real Estate Investing Podcast, Moose Math shares his journey from agent to investor, revealing the mindset shifts, key strategies, and real numbers behind his deals. Want to hear the full interview? Watch the full episode below:
Moose's First Buy-and-Hold Investment in Seattle
His first deal came from an off-market lead. He had helped an investor buy properties in the past, and when he brought her this opportunity, she said something that changed everything: “If you don’t buy it, we will.” Moose acted.
- Purchase Price: $415,000
- Rehab Budget: $150,000
- After-Repair Appraisal: $750,000
- Estimated Value Today: $900,000–$950,000 (front house only)
- Bonus: Room to build a 1,000 sq ft, 2-bedroom DADU in the back
This first property became a blueprint. Instead of flipping houses or chasing fast returns, Moose chose to buy, improve, and hold, creating both equity and passive income.
Why Are Corner Lots With Alley Access So Valuable in Seattle?
Corner lots with alley access are one of Moose’s favorite real estate investing strategies in high-cost markets like Seattle.
“They give you flexibility, two alleyways, more access points, easier design, and better parking,” he explains.
He specifically avoids homes on main roads to reduce noise. His ideal property is one block off a busy street, still walkable, but quieter for tenants.
What Is a DADU, and Why Did Moose Build One?
A DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a second, smaller home on the same lot as the main house. In cities like Seattle, they’ve become a popular way to add units without buying more land.
Moose’s first DADU was:
- 1,000 sq ft
- 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms
- Built with a two-car garage
At the time, converting a garage into another unit was not legal, but today it is. Moose now plans to convert that garage, giving the property up to four doors on one lot.
“You already own the land,” he says. “That back unit becomes a freebie, if the front house works financially.”
The Equity That Moose Create Compared to a Commission
Had he sold the home as a traditional agent, Moose might’ve earned $12,000–$24,000 in commission.
Instead, by investing in it himself, he created over $150,000 in equity, and built a long-term rental income stream.
“That one deal made me more than five commission checks,” Moose notes. “And it’s still paying me today.”
How To Turn Postcards Into A Second Big Win
In 2017, while rehabbing his first property, Moose mailed out postcards looking for motivated sellers. One homeowner called him directly:
“You’ve been mailing me for years. I want you to have first shot at buying my house.”
The house was a total fixer, and Moose didn’t have cash. He brought in W-2 friends as partners. They used hard money, finished the rehab, and refinanced.
- Equity Created: $180,000
- Out-of-Pocket Cost Per Person: $500
- Current Status: Still cash-flowing, same tenants for 6+ years
- Next Move: Add a DADU to the large backyard
Why Focus on Paying Properties Off
Though many investors focus on scale, Moose values peace of mind more than maximum leverage.
“You can’t buy peace of mind,” he says. “At some point, you want to work because you want to, not because you have to.”
His financial target is age 55 for full freedom, with a backup goal of 60. Paying off properties is part of his plan to reduce stress, secure income, and gain time freedom.
What Tools Help Find the Right Investment Properties?
Moose uses tools like DealMachine to:
He wants even more filters:
- Searchable alley-side lots
- Unfinished basement filters
- Smarter visual mapping
These features not only help him as an investor, but also serve his traditional real estate clients, improving trust and speed.
“Sometimes my clients ask for owner info on a neighbor, and I can pull it up instantly.”
FAQs
What is the best real estate investing strategy in Seattle for beginners?
Buying and holding corner-lot properties with room for a DADU is a proven long-term strategy, especially when the front house cash-flows on its own.
How do I know if a house "pencils out" before building a DADU?
If the front house covers expenses or creates profit without the back unit, it pencils out. Don’t rely on future builds to justify the deal.
What’s better: commission checks or equity?
Equity. One deal earned Moose over $150,000, much more than a typical $12K–$24K commission check.
Final Thoughts: Build Wealth With Clarity, Not Just Hustle
Moose Math’s story is proof that long-term wealth doesn’t come from flipping or chasing deals, it comes from a clear plan, patient investing, and buying smart in high-cost markets.
He stopped relying on commission income and started building a portfolio that pays him, even when he sleeps. The key wasn’t timing the market. It was making one smart move, then another.
