#287: Renting Freedom: From Submarine Officer to Real Estate Investor with Justin Artis, USNA ‘18

Service Academy Business Mastermind

“We chose the name “Renting Freedom” because it's kind of like a play on words. But the whole goal is financial freedom. I'm sure that's a lot of people's goals. A way that you can do that is by having income-producing assets that you're renting out, and then that gives you freedom.” –Justin Artis

Justin Artis is a rising real estate investor and a naval submarine officer in the United States Navy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018 with a degree in mechanical engineering, after attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School from 2013 to 2014. Following his graduation, Justin completed Nuclear Power School at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) in January of 2020, where he gained expertise in nuclear engineering and submarine operations.

Alongside his naval career, Justin's investment strategy includes buying and renovating properties, land development, and creative problem-solving to maximize returns. Justin co-invests with his mother, a licensed realtor, combining her people skills and relationship-building expertise with his analytical approach to deals and technical knowledge. As a passionate advocate for financial freedom through real estate, Justin shares his knowledge and experiences on his YouTube channel, "Renting Freedom." He aims to educate and inspire others to build wealth through real estate investing and create financial freedom. Justin's diverse skill set, spanning nuclear engineering, naval leadership, and real estate investing, positions him uniquely in the business world as he approaches the end of his naval service commitment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Justin’s journey from selling candy as a kid to Naval Academy graduate to submarine officer to real estate investor.
• How he built a portfolio of rental properties in Charleston, South Carolina.
• The partnership between Justin, his wife, and his mom and how their teamwork helps to balance vital family time with entrepreneurial success.
• A detailed look at one of Justin's most successful investments: a single property rezoning that netted two valuable real estate assets.
• The creation of "Renting Freedom," Justin's YouTube channel aimed at educating others about real estate investing strategies.
• Justin's perspective on the four ways to make money in real estate.
• Justin's philosophy on valuing time over money and how it shapes his approach to real estate and life.

Connect with Justin Artis:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• [e-mail]

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Special thanks to Kris for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01