Building a Real Estate Empire from Cubicles to Co-Living with CPA Brothers Harrison and Ben Sharp
Key Takeaways
- Strategic house hacking and co-living models can jumpstart long-term wealth even in high-interest markets.
- Building systems and delegating operations is critical to avoiding burnout and scaling a business.
- Real success requires not just saving money, but learning to earn more and pay fewer taxes legally.
United States Real Estate Investor
The REI Agent with Harrison and Ben Sharp
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United States Real Estate Investor
United States Real Estate Investor
A Journey That Starts with Purpose
In a powerful episode of The REI Agent Podcast, host Mattias dives into the world of financial freedom, brotherhood, and business-building with special guests Harrison and Ben Sharp, two brothers who are former accountants who boldly transitioned from corporate cubicles to real estate trailblazers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
From the jump, Mattias sets the tone, fresh off a successful listing and feeling the kind of energy that only comes from hard-earned wins and personal healing.
Erica’s progress walking post-surgery mirrors the episode’s core message: breakthrough often comes after the hardest work. This theme plays out perfectly in the journey Harrison and Ben share.
“We’re trying to grow a real estate sales business… but we started this with one goal: financial independence through house hacking.”
The Bold Leap from Corporate to Creative
Harrison and Ben didn’t grow up in real estate. Both were CPAs who lived the suit-and-tie grind in Big Four firms. Harrison’s discovery of BiggerPockets lit the spark.
One house hack later, he was helping others and making twice the money in real estate than in his six-figure finance job.
Within a year, he was all in.
Ben followed, bringing operational skills to turn Harrison’s solo hustle into a streamlined sales machine.
With Ben as COO and Harrison leading the front lines, they transformed a side hustle into a thriving, scalable real estate sales business.
“It didn’t make sense to build two businesses. It made sense to turn one into a real company.”
The House Hack That Changed Everything
House hacking became their gateway to success—and it’s still their top strategy for new investors. In a market where multifamily options are slim, they innovated with rent-by-the-room models and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to generate strong cash flow from single-family homes.
“If you want to live below your means and invest in your future, this is the way to start.”
Their creative edge? Understanding zoning laws, parking issues, and how to avoid neighbor complaints—all while maximizing value through tax strategies like cost segregation and AGI-based deductions.
“You can only cut expenses so much. But you can earn as much as you want.”
Cash Poor but Asset Rich: The Investor Balancing Act
Mattias chimed in with relatable insight: many investors look rich on paper but are cash-poor because every dollar is being reinvested.
The Sharps confirmed it’s true—and necessary.
They’ve helped countless clients buy cash-flowing co-living properties, often partnering with PadSplit and investor-minded management firms to streamline operations and boost returns.
“It’s not always about making more—sometimes it’s about paying less taxes.”
Building a Brand, a Team, and a Legacy
The episode shifts from tactics to transformation as the brothers describe how they’re building a team from the inside out.
With 27 deals in escrow, full-time VAs, buyer agents, and new CRM systems, they’re laying the foundation for scale.
What sets them apart?
Relentless client service, transparency, and a deep understanding of both numbers and people. They don’t just sell properties—they solve problems.
“We’re not here to just close deals. We’re here to bring real value.”
And their branding vision?
Building a personal media platform that rivals top influencers—not to go viral, but to generate real opportunities.
“We’re trying to turn strangers into warm leads by making our message visible and authentic.”
The Ultimate Power Play: Relationships
One golden nugget for agents?
Build strong relationships with wholesalers. These lead sources can hand off warm opportunities that aren’t a good fit for quick flips but perfect for listed sales. Everyone wins.
And of course, the learning never stops.
Harrison’s top book recommendation?
“Set for Life by Scott Trench changed my money mindset. It helped me realize I needed to not just save, but earn.”
Wrapping It Up: This Is What Bold Living Looks Like
This episode isn’t just about numbers and properties—it’s about the mindset it takes to change your life.
Harrison and Ben Sharp are proof that if you bring vision, grit, and a good partner, you can create something massive.
They’ve turned real estate into more than just a career. It’s their launchpad for freedom, fulfillment, and the kind of impact that lasts.
“We’re not just building a business—we’re building a legacy of service, success, and significance.”
Ready to Level Up?
The journey from CPA to co-living kings isn’t easy, but it is possible. This episode of The REI Agent Podcast is the blueprint.
Listen, learn, and then leap. Because the life you want is on the other side of bold action.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on The REI Agent podcast, your go-to source for insights, inspiration, and strategies from top agents and investors who are living their best lives through real estate.
For more content and episodes, visit reiagent.com.
United States Real Estate Investor
United States Real Estate Investor
Contact Harrison and Ben Sharp
United States Real Estate Investor
Mentioned References
- Set for Life by Scott Trench
- BiggerPockets
- PadSplit
- Follow Up Boss
- CliftonStrengths
- Alex Hormozi
- Serhant
- Rosie Noel
- Pace Morby
- Veena Jetti
United States Real Estate Investor
Transcript
Yeah. Thanks so much for having us on. It was fun.
Yeah. Thanks for having us.
https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/building-a-real-estate-empire-from-cubicles-to-co-living-with-cpa-brothers-harrison-and-ben-sharp/?fsp_sid=4045
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