The Opportunity
This was an on-market deal that sat for a long time. Most buyers couldn't see past the hillside maintenance challenges and the aging property. But I saw something different—a strategic location near Cal State LA and USC Keck that could serve youth transitioning out of foster care.
The property is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home on a hillside lot. The plan is to convert it into an 11-bed, 10-bathroom facility with a main house, ADU, and junior ADU—purpose-built for young adults who need stable housing while they pursue education and build their futures.
The Sellers' Story
The sellers were a couple in their 70s. Their kids had grown up, moved away, and started their own families. They were at a point where they couldn't even take out the trash anymore or keep up with the house maintenance on a hillside property.
It was a classic case of aging in place becoming unsustainable. The house that once worked for a young family with kids no longer fit their needs. They needed to move on, but the property's long days on market made it clear that traditional buyers weren't seeing the value.
I offered to help them find a below-market property in Orange County, but they opted to live part-time with each of their kids instead. That arrangement gave them the flexibility and family support they needed at this stage of life.
The Vision: Housing + Education + Community
This project will become housing for youth transitioning out of foster care. It's currently in plan check review, and I'll break ground in Q4 2026.
But this isn't just housing. It's a collaboration with Cal State LA, LA Trade Tech, and the City Terrace Farmers Market. The goal is to create a pipeline to education and provide programming around sustainability, healing, and local enterprise.
Education Pipeline
Partnership with Cal State LA and LA Trade Tech to connect residents with educational opportunities
Skills Development
Programming focused on nutrition education, sustainable farming, and entrepreneurship
Strategic Location
Proximity to Cal State LA and USC Keck provides access to resources and opportunities
The City Terrace Farmers Market will provide hands-on programming in nutrition education, sustainable farming practices, and entrepreneurship. This gives residents practical skills they can use to build careers and contribute to their communities.
The Transformation
Architectural rendering of completed project
The Win-Win
This deal works for everyone involved:
For the Sellers
They got to move on from a property they could no longer maintain and found a living arrangement that gives them flexibility and family support.
For the Community
This project addresses a critical need—housing for foster youth transitioning to independence. The partnerships with Cal State LA, LA Trade Tech, and City Terrace Farmers Market create a support system that goes beyond just a roof over their heads.
For the Investment
This project is funded through investment capital. It's a deal that generates returns while solving a real social problem—housing that stabilizes outcomes for vulnerable youth.