Meet Joe Asamoah: A Real Estate Investor with a Purpose
If you’re exploring Section 8 real estate investing, you’re in for a treat with this episode of the BiggerPockets Podcast (#356) featuring Joe Asamoah.
Joe’s journey started in an unexpected place. Originally from England, he moved to the U.S. over three decades ago. Like many of us, he held a traditional job until a wake-up call hit close to home—his boss was let go due to a corporate shake-up.
Instead of panicking, his boss gave Joe some timeless advice: “Start investing in real estate—just in case it ever happens to you.” Joe took that advice to heart, and what began as a backup plan quickly turned into a thriving rental business.
From Plan B to Financial Freedom
Joe didn’t just dip his toes into real estate—he dove in. Fast forward to today, and he now owns over 30 rental properties in the Washington, D.C. area. Most impressively, he built this portfolio while working a full-time job for many years.
What does this mean for you? If you’re working a 9-to-5 job and wondering if real estate is worth the effort, Joe’s story proves that it absolutely can be. In fact, housingauthorityresearch.org encourages everyday employees to do exactly what Joe did: grow your real estate investments while working your job.
With enough cash flow, you might reach a crossroads someday:
- Keep the job and manage rentals on the side?
- Or go full-time into real estate?
Either way, that’s a great problem to have.
Why Joe Chooses Section 8 Tenants—and Why You Might Too
Joe doesn’t just accept Section 8 tenants—he prefers them. Yep, you read that right.
While some landlords shy away from housing voucher programs due to perceived red tape or tenant stereotypes, Joe leans in. And he’s not just being generous—he’s running a smart business.
Why? Because Section 8 offers reliable, guaranteed rent every month, which stabilizes income and lowers the risk of missed payments. And let’s face it—rent that shows up on time like clockwork? That’s hard to beat.
Joe’s Screening Process: Tough, But Fair
Now, Joe’s no pushover when it comes to picking tenants. In fact, his screening process is one of the most detailed you’ll come across:
- An 8-page application (yes, eight!)
- A review of credit reports
- Verification of rental history
- A personal visit to the applicant’s current residence
Why the home visit? Joe believes how someone maintains their home says a lot about how they’ll treat his property. It’s a smart, real-world strategy that helps him avoid future headaches.
He doesn’t cut corners—and it shows in the quality of his tenants.
Real Estate Success Is About Taking Action
Joe emphasizes something many new investors struggle with: fear.
He says fear is what holds most people back from getting started in real estate. And he’s not wrong. There’s always a reason to wait: market uncertainty, financial doubt, fear of bad tenants. But at some point, you have to take the leap.
The key, Joe says, is to take calculated risks and stay consistent. He didn’t become successful overnight. It took years of learning, mistakes, and growth—but he stayed the course.
Lessons Landlords Can Learn from Joe Asamoah
Joe’s story is filled with actionable advice, especially for new investors thinking about entering the Section 8 space:
1. Start While You’re Employed
You don’t need to quit your job to get into real estate. In fact, your steady paycheck makes it easier to secure financing and build slowly.
2. Don’t Fear the Voucher Program
Section 8 isn’t something to avoid—it can be a real asset if you manage it properly.
3. Screen Tenants Thoroughly
Take your time to find the right tenants. It might mean more work up front, but it saves you stress and money later.
4. Visit Where They Live Now
This tip alone could prevent dozens of future maintenance nightmares. Seeing how applicants live now gives you real insight into what to expect.
5. Take Action—Even if It’s Imperfect
No one starts out an expert. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Learn as you go, and keep moving forward.
Why This Matters for You
At housingauthorityresearch.org, we believe Joe’s story is a blueprint for everyday investors—especially those exploring Section 8 housing.
You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need 20 years of experience. You just need a willingness to learn, to act, and to build over time.
And the best part? By investing in affordable housing, you’re not just helping yourself. You’re providing safe, stable homes to people who need them. That’s something to be proud of.
Watch the Interview and Join the Conversation
Ready to hear it straight from Joe?
Watch the full video interview on BiggerPockets Podcast Show #356
Let us know your thoughts. Got questions? Ideas? Reach out anytime. We’re building a community of smart, helpful landlords—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
