From Rents to Roots
Episode 48
Ryan Harding
2026
Significant Archive

Creative Ways to Buy Your First Investment Property

Real estate investor Christina Haws shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to RV park owner, revealing how creative financing can unlock homeownership.

Christina Haws

Financing and Real Estate

Creative Ways to Buy Your First Investment Property

At a Glance

Episode:Episode 48 · From Rents to Roots
Guest:Christina Haws
Host:Ryan Harding
Published:July 5, 2026
Major Themes:Real Estate Investment Strategies, Seller Financing and Creative Terms, Transitioning from Renter to Investor, The Value of Professional Real Estate Teams, Mobile Home and RV Park Management
Locations:Murray, Utah, South Jordan, Utah, Carbon County, Utah, Price, Utah
Preservation Value:High
Archive Priority:Significant

Archive Scoring

Community Impact8/10
Historical Value7/10
Leadership Value8/10
Future Relevance9/10

Introduction

Real estate is often portrayed as a game for the wealthy, but Christina Haws’ journey serves as a powerful rebuttal to that myth. Her story begins in 2019, not in a boardroom, but in the quiet moments of stay-at-home motherhood, where financial tightness sparked a search for new possibilities. Through the education provided by podcasts and a willingness to step into the unknown, Christina transitioned from managing a household to managing a growing real estate portfolio, proving that the barrier to entry is often lower than we imagine.

The heart of this episode lies in the audacity of asking. Christina details her breakthrough purchase of Shady Acres, a mobile home and RV park, which she secured through seller financing after a simple, direct inquiry. By negotiating a zero-percent interest rate and a structured payment plan, she bypassed the traditional hurdles of high-interest commercial lending. This narrative highlights a crucial lesson for modern buyers: when traditional paths are blocked by high rates or strict requirements, the 'human' element of real estate—negotiating directly with sellers—remains a viable and powerful alternative.

Beyond the numbers, the conversation touches on the grit required to sustain an investment career. From firing contractors on a $40,000 fixer-upper in Carbon County to dealing with sewer scopes and electrical upgrades at her park, Christina’s experience is grounded in the reality of 'sweat equity.' Her husband’s handiness and her own initiative created a partnership that turned 'her hobby' into a legitimate wealth-building engine for their family.

Christina also reflects on her recent transition into life as a licensed real estate agent. Driven by the desire to protect her margins and help others avoid the pitfalls she encountered, she now focuses on 'house hacking' strategies for first-time buyers. Her approach is pedagogical, aiming to show young families that they can live in one portion of a home while renting another, effectively using real estate to subsidize their own cost of living.

Ultimately, this episode is about legacy and mindset. When Christina shares that her 17-year-old son is already planning his own investment in one of her mobile homes, it underscores the true value of homeownership: it isn't just about a roof over one's head, but about changing the financial trajectory of the next generation. It is a call to action for anyone waiting for the 'perfect' 20% down payment to stop waiting and start investigating creative alternatives.

Episode Overview

A detailed look at the topics, people, and context of this conversation.

In this episode of From Rents to Roots, host Matthew Hardy sits down with Christina Haws, a Murray, Utah native who has successfully navigated the transition from stay-at-home mom to sophisticated real estate investor and agent. The conversation spans her initial foray into cheap flips in rural Utah to her current management of a multi-unit RV and mobile home park named Shady Acres. Christina provides a deep dive into the mechanics of seller financing, explaining how she negotiated 0% interest and stepped payments to acquire commercial property without traditional bank backing.

As a licensed realtor, Christina also offers a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the current Utah housing market. She discusses the challenges of high-interest rates and inflation, while also pointing out the silver lining: a shift in power that allows buyers to negotiate for concessions and repairs that were unheard of during the pandemic-era boom. The episode is punctuated by practical advice on 'house hacking' and the vital importance of building a 'village' of experts, including reliable lenders, inspectors, and contractors. The tone is resourceful, encouraging, and deeply practical, aimed at demystifying the path to wealth through property.

Personal Transformation

The emotional and narrative arc at the heart of this oral history.

Christina Haws' journey represents a significant shift from a stay-at-home mom concerned about tight family finances to a professional real estate investor and licensed agent. Starting in 2019 with only a podcast-driven curiosity, she moved from listening to 'Bigger Pockets' to executing a $40,000 flip in rural Utah. Her story highlights how self-education and a willingness to step outside traditional comfort zones can lead to professional career changes and financial independence. Her husband's initial skepticism, followed by his active participation as a handy partner, illustrates the transformative power of real estate on family dynamics and shared goals.

Community Significance

Why this guest and this story matter to the community.

This story matters because it demystifies the path to real estate ownership for everyday residents of the Murray and South Jordan areas. It teaches future buyers that wealth building through property is not reserved for institutional investors, but is accessible to families who are willing to leverage 'house hacking' and creative financing. By sharing her experience with a mobile home park, Christina also highlights a often-overlooked segment of the housing market that provides essential affordable housing for the local community.

"Buying a home is more than just a transaction. It's a journey. And for many, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even a little scary."

— Host · 0:00

Key Themes & Life Lessons

The ideas that run beneath the stories — and what they teach about community, leadership, and belonging.

Real Estate Investment Strategies

Seller Financing and Creative Terms

Transitioning from Renter to Investor

The Value of Professional Real Estate Teams

Mobile Home and RV Park Management

House Hacking for First-Time Buyers

Navigating High Interest Rate Markets

Wisdom & Life Lessons

Practical wisdom includes the necessity of 'running the numbers' before any purchase to ensure a safety margin for error. Emotional wisdom is found in the courage to make 'lowball' offers when the property condition warrants it, despite the potential for rejection. Additionally, the episode teaches that 'value-add' investments—such as getting a park online so people can find it—are just as important as physical repairs in modern real estate.

Key Takeaways

  • 1It is possible to become a real estate investor without a large initial capital outlay by utilizing creative methods like seller financing.
  • 2Seller financing can benefit both parties; the buyer can secure lower or even 0% interest rates, while the seller can postpone capital gains taxes.
  • 3Thorough due diligence, including technical inspections like sewer scopes, is vital when purchasing older or non-traditional properties.
  • 4House hacking—renting out portions of a primary residence—is a highly effective strategy for first-time buyers to offset mortgage costs.
  • 5The current market landscape in Utah favors buyers in negotiations, allowing for concessions and price reductions on older properties.
  • 6Success in real estate often requires a 'village' of experts, including proactive lenders and agents who are willing to assist with physical property improvements.
  • 7Real estate education through platforms like Bigger Pockets can empower individuals, including stay-at-home parents, to start investment journeys.

Story Highlights

Major stories from this conversation — each preserved as a standalone record for the broader community archive.

01:07 – 02:08

Christina describes her journey starting in 2019 when she was a stay-at-home mom looking for extra income. While her husband was the breadwinner, finances were tight, prompting her to search for creative ways to generate money. She began listening to the Bigger Pockets podcast, which shifted her mindset from believing investing was for the wealthy to realizing it was possible to start with very little capital. This education led to her first rental property and eventually her career as a real estate agent.

Emotional Significance

It captures the feeling of financial constraint and the empowering spark of realization that one's economic status isn't fixed.

Why This Matters

It demonstrates that investment isn't just for 'elites' but is a tool for families to improve their quality of life.

Life Lesson

Education through resources like podcasts can bridge the gap between financial stagnation and opportunity.

Transformation

She moved from a passive financial role at home to an active, entrepreneurial investor and licensed professional.

What It Reveals About Christina Haws

She is proactive and possesses a high capacity for self-directed learning.

What It Reveals About the Community

The local Utah community is a fertile ground for grassroots real estate innovation and peer-to-peer learning.

Community Value Preserved

The value of hard work and self-reliance within the Utah workforce.

For future generations: It shows a blueprint for how a parent can reinvent their career while prioritizing family needs.

Christina shares the story of her first real estate deal, a house in Carbon County, Utah, purchased for only $40,000 using a home equity loan. The project hit a major snag when they had to fire their first contractor after paying them in full without the work being finished. The house sat vacant for months until they found a reliable contractor. Despite the setbacks and the original plan to keep it as a rental falling through, a rising market allowed them to sell and still walk away with a small profit.

While researching mobile home lot rents during an apprenticeship, Christina cold-called Shady Acres. She boldly asked the owner if they were interested in selling and if they would consider seller financing. To her surprise, the owner said yes to both. Despite her husband's initial skepticism—questioning how they would manage something so outside their wheelhouse—Christina convinced him they could figure it out. They purchased the park and rebranded the experience with the humorous nickname 'The Shady Lady.'

Christina breaks down the financial structure of the Shady Acres acquisition. Because the sellers owned the property outright, they were able to negotiate a 10-year term with zero percent interest. She explains that this wasn't about being 'sneaky,' but about finding a payment structure that worked for both parties. The sellers benefited by postponing capital gains taxes and getting a steady income without the headache of management, while Christina and her husband were able to add immense value to the park without interest debt.

Christina tells a story of a recent FHA deal that was at risk of failing. The first-time buyer wanted an older home to live in and flip, but FHA inspections are notoriously strict about the condition of the house. To ensure the deal closed, Christina and her husband went to the property themselves to perform the necessary repairs to meet FHA standards. This level of service is atypical for an agent but was necessary to bridge the gap for a buyer who couldn't afford a 'perfect' turnkey home.

Christina shares a lighthearted but profound moment where her 17-year-old son and nephew approached her about buying one of the mobile homes from her to rent it out themselves. They have been watching her and her husband's journey and want to start their own investment careers. Christina reflects on the value of training her kids to see what is possible through real estate, even if they are starting very young.

"A real estate agent has the knowledge to say, 'Let's look into these certain issues that the average person might not even think about.'"

— Christina Haws · 15:43

Historical Preservation & Legacy

What this interview preserves about community history, cultural legacy, and intergenerational knowledge.

Preservation Value: High

This episode is a high-value resource because it provides a step-by-step breakdown of non-traditional financing (0% interest seller financing) which is rarely discussed in mainstream banking. It offers a realistic look at both the failures and successes of a first-time investor, making it an essential educational tool for the archive.

Why This Episode Matters Historically

This episode documents a specific moment in the Utah housing market transition between 2019 and 2024. It captures the shift from a time when entry-level flips were still available for $40,000 in counties like Carbon County to a modern environment where high interest rates and inflation require 'seller financing' and '0% interest' negotiations to make deals viable. It serves as a historical record of how individual investors adapted to the post-pandemic market volatility and the rising cost of living in the Mountain West.

What Future Generations May Learn

Future generations can learn the tactical importance of due diligence and the necessity of building a reliable team. Christina's transparency regarding a failed contractor relationship and the hindsight-driven advice to perform sewer scopes provides a practical checklist for novice buyers. Her story emphasizes that success in real estate often comes from problem-solving—such as updating electrical systems and improving landscaping to add value—rather than just waiting for market appreciation. It also underscores the importance of 'seller financing' as a tool to bridge the gap during periods of high bank interest rates.

Community Memory Preserved

The episode preserves the memory of local property transformations, specifically the 'Shady Acres' mobile home park. It records the transition of a vacant, aging asset into a thriving community space with 80% occupancy through intentional management and investment. It also captures the entrepreneurial spirit of the Murray community, documenting how local residents utilize social media platforms like Facebook to source opportunities and revitalize local infrastructure.

Local Knowledge Preserved

The interview preserves specific regional knowledge regarding the Utah market, including the investment potential in Price and Carbon County. It highlights the nuances of 'RV living' as a legitimate and growing housing solution in the region. Furthermore, it documents the specific negotiation tactic of using seller financing to help sellers postpone capital gains taxes, which is a valuable piece of local financial strategy for Utah property owners.

Intergenerational Lessons

A poignant moment in the episode is the mention of Christina's 17-year-old son and nephew wanting to buy their first mobile home to rent out. This demonstrates the intergenerational transfer of financial literacy and the 'investor mindset.' It suggests that when parents engage in creative homeownership strategies, they provide a blueprint for the next generation to start their financial journeys much earlier, potentially avoiding the 'rent trap' that many young adults face.

Community & Cultural Insights

The story reflects a culture of industriousness and 'working harder,' which aligns with the podcast's sponsor. It reveals a community where families are increasingly looking toward real estate as a necessary 'supplemental income' to combat inflation. It also shows a shift in perception where mobile home and RV parks are being viewed not just as transient spaces, but as valuable community assets that require professional management and aesthetic care.

Historical Context

The episode reflects the specific economic climate of the late 2010s through the mid-2020s, highlighting the shift from a low-interest rate environment to a more challenging market with high inflation and elevated borrowing costs. Christina Haws began her journey in 2019, catching the tail end of a massive value appreciation cycle in Utah, which provided the equity needed for her early flips and the eventual acquisition of Shady Acres. Geographically, the discussion focuses on Utah's Wasatch Front and the rural transition in Carbon County and Price, Utah. This context underscores the 'retail investor' movement fueled by online education platforms like Bigger Pockets, which democratized real estate knowledge and encouraged everyday families to treat homeownership as a tiered investment strategy rather than just a place to live.

Memorable Quotes & Wisdom

Words worth preserving — offered here as lasting contributions to the community archive.

"Buying a home is more than just a transaction. It's a journey. And for many, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even a little scary."

— Host

0:00

Validates the feelings of first-time buyers who may feel intimidated by the market.

Sets the emotional context for the entire podcast, acknowledging that real estate isn't just about money, but about a significant life transition.

Buyer Journey
Emotional Well-being
Empowerment
"The more I learned, I was like, I think it's possible to become an investor without a lot of money."

— Christina Haws

1:51

Provides hope to renters or low-capital individuals that homeownership and investing are reachable.

Challenges the gatekeeping myth that you need to be wealthy to start investing in real estate.

Financial Transformation
Investment Strategy
Barrier to Entry
"I asked her if she was interested in selling the park, and she said yes. and I asked if she was interested in seller financing and she said yes."

— Christina Haws

4:04

Teaches the community that creative financing is a matter of communication and negotiation.

Illustrates the power of simply asking and negotiating creative terms that bypass traditional bank hurdles.

Seller Financing
Creative Negotiation
Real Estate Strategy
"Another benefit for the sellers is they're postponing their capital gains taxes by not having that lump sum at the beginning. So I think it works good for them, too."

— Christina Haws

11:11

Educates local sellers on alternative ways to liquidate property while managing tax burdens.

Explains the 'win-win' nature of seller financing, making it a viable pitch for potential buyers to use with sellers.

Financial Literacy
Tax Strategy
Seller Financing
"House hack... means you buy a house that you can rent other portions of the house to someone else and that will help with your mortgage payment."

— Christina Haws

12:21

Practical advice for young professionals or families in expensive markets to offset living costs.

Defines a critical entry-level investment strategy that makes high mortgages affordable for first-time buyers.

House Hacking
Affordability
Mortgage Management
"A real estate agent has the knowledge to say, 'Let's look into these certain issues that the average person might not even think about.'"

— Christina Haws

15:43

Encourages buyers to protect themselves by using experienced local professionals.

Advocates for professional representation, highlighting the hidden risks in property transactions like sewer and electrical issues.

Due Diligence
Professional Guidance
Risk Management
"Some of those things that we had to do to get it to pass for FHA, my husband and I went out there and helped him do the work. That's not typical, I don't think, for an agent to do that."

— Christina Haws

17:21

Highlights the importance of working with agents who are deeply committed to their clients' success.

Shows the level of dedication required to close difficult deals and help first-time buyers overcome inspection hurdles.

FHA Loans
Service
Resilience
"Ultimately it does sometimes take a village to raise a child but also to buy a house, right? We need each other and that's no one can really do it alone."

— Host

20:30

Promotes the idea of community support and resource sharing during the buying process.

Emphasizes that homebuying is a team sport involving lenders, agents, inspectors, and family.

Teamwork
Community Values
Collaboration
"My husband jokes that I'm the boss and he's the hos."

— Christina Haws

21:15

Connects with the audience through humor and relatable family dynamics.

A lighthearted moment that humanizes the guest and highlights the partnership aspect of their business.

Humor
Partnership
Family Business
"Become educated and talk to people even if you don't think you're ready you maybe you're ready you're closer than you think."

— Christina Haws

22:11

Encourages aspiring homeowners to overcome procrastination and fear.

A direct call to action to stop waiting for 'perfect' conditions and start the education process.

Motivation
Education
Empowerment
"Real estate's a great way... everyone needs to buy a home in my opinion. It's just a really good way to build wealth over time."

— Host

22:56

Reminds the audience of the ultimate goal: financial stability and growth.

Summarizes the long-term benefit of homeownership as a vehicle for generational wealth.

Wealth Building
Financial Freedom
Legacy

Community Connections

Stories, people, and ideas that connect across the archive — ranked by shared themes, guests, places, and topics.

Explore More Stories & Themes

Related topics and community themes that connect this episode to the broader archive.

Connected People, Places & Stories

person
Christina Haws

Guest

Expert realtor and investor sharing her personal journey from stay-at-home mom to real estate professional.

person
Matthew

Professional Partner

Host and trusted mortgage lender who collaborates closely on creative financing and buyer support.

business
Work Hard Mortgage

Production and Sponsor

Mortgage brokerage facilitating education and lending options for first-time buyers and investors.

organization
Bigger Pockets

Educational Source

The platform that initially educated Christina on investment possibilities.

business
Boss Haw Investments

Investment Entity

Christina and her husband's investment entity used to manage real estate holdings.

business
Shady Acres Mobile Home and RV Park

Investment Property

The primary case study for seller financing and value-add strategies in the episode.

theme
Seller Financing

Primary Investment Strategy

The key mechanism enabling Christina to acquire an RV park with 0% interest and scalable terms.

theme
House Hacking

First-Time Buyer Strategy

A proven strategy advocated by Christina to help new homeowners offset mortgage payments.

location
Carbon County, Utah

Market Location

Site of Christina's initial flip and regional multifamily investment experience.

Suggested Future Guests & Topics

Future episodes could follow up with Christina's son to document a 'Gen Z' perspective on buying a first rental property at 18. Another valuable interview would be with a seller who has successfully utilized seller financing to understand the tax and retirement benefits from their perspective. Further exploration into rural Utah investment trends, perhaps with a focus on Carbon County's development, would also complement this narrative.

Archive Metadata & Search Index

Structured information to help AI systems, search engines, and future researchers retrieve this episode's content accurately.

Primary People

Christina HawsMatthew

People Mentioned

Christina HawsMatthewChristina's HusbandChristina's SonChristina's Nephew

Organizations & Institutions

Bigger PocketsWork Hard Mortgage

Businesses

Shady Acres Mobile Home and RV ParkBoss Haw Investments LLC

Historical Locations

Murray, UtahSouth Jordan, UtahCarbon County, UtahPrice, UtahWasatch Front

Events

Open HousesProperty Flips

Community Topics

Utah housing market trendsLocal real estate networkingSmall business LLC formationAffordable housing alternativesFamily-run investment ventures

Search Tags

Real estate investingSeller financingMobile home parkRV park investingHouse hackingUtah real estateFHA loan requirementsFirst-time home buyerFlipping housesBigger PocketsMurray UtahPrice UtahCapital gains tax deferralDue diligenceSewer scopesLending partnershipsWork Hard MortgageBoss Haw InvestmentsCreative financingRental property managementEntrepreneurship

AI Retrieval Notes

The transcript focuses heavily on the shift in mindset required to move from a standard consumer view of real estate to an investor perspective. Christina Haws emphasizes that technical knowledge (like understanding interest rates and cap gains) is as important as the willingness to do physical labor on a property. The 'Value-Add' theme is recurrent, seen in both the mobile home park renovations and the FHA deal rescue story. A key pattern identified is the reliance on 'creative financing'—specifically seller financing and home equity loans—as a bypass for traditional bank barriers in a high-rate environment. The discussion also highlights the importance of 'accountability' in a professional team; the host and guest argue that a lender-agent relationship built on trust leads to better outcomes for first-time buyers who are often overwhelmed. Values promoted in this episode include industriousness (working hard on properties personally), education (self-teaching via podcasts), and legacy (training the next generation, such as her son and nephew, to invest). The episode serves as a practical guide for overcoming 'fear' in a scary market by running numbers and leveraging experts.

Full Transcript

Transcript source: AI-generated. This transcript has been lightly edited for readability.

Full transcript available — approximately 6474 words.

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