At the age of 23, while managing the intense demands of my 3rd year of med school—a critical year with comprehensive exams that determine who advances to clerkship or who will fail and get delayed for a year (basically, it was a do or die year for me)...

I secretly acquired four properties: one land and three house-and-lots.

Despite not coming from a wealth family, the real question is: how did I achieve this?

Today, I want to share my story to inspire and encourage others to explore the world of virtual assistance, and provide opportunities to other people.

The Decision to Freelance

During my 1st year of med school amidst the pandemic, I worked as a call center agent handling prior authorizations and insurance verifications. When the job shifted to full-time office work, which conflicted with my school schedule, I needed a more flexible job.

That's when I transitioned to being a Virtual Assistant (VA). I began in real estate, supporting realtors and mortgage loan officers. Seeing a rising demand for digital services like web design, social media management, and content creation, I was drawn to the flexibility they offered. I started freelancing with small projects on online platforms, enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere and set my own hours.

My First Income as a VA

My first gig was video editing for a US-based YouTube channel. The pay was very small...$13 for one minute complicated video edit...

but it gave me a taste of what freelancing could offer: autonomy, the ability to choose projects that excited me, and, importantly, a way to earn money while still in school. As I completed more projects and built a reputation for quality work, my client base grew, and so did my earnings.

Scaling Up

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Career on Top of School Workloads

I juggled multiple clients, outsourced tasks, and took on more gigs, repeating the cycle until I suddenly realized how much I had accomplished. I was so absorbed in the process—unleashing my creativity through video editing and graphic design—that I no longer lived paycheck to paycheck. Instead, I found myself genuinely excited about my work, with notifications of money received popping up on my phone from time to time.

This transition wasn’t without challenges. There were times when work was slow, and I had to hustle to find clients. However, I quickly learned the importance of diversifying my skills and income streams. I took on more complex projects, expanded my services, and even started collaborating with other freelancers. This allowed me to handle larger contracts and increase my rates.

Then I realized, what should I do with my money? Of course, I bought a few materialistic things for myself that I do not regret at all - Iphone 14 ProMax fully paid around 70k at that time - which has captured so many happy memories of mine!

So, I asked myself, what’s next?

As my freelance income stabilized and grew, I began thinking about long-term financial security. One of my goals had always been to invest in real estate, both for passive income and as a way to build wealth. I started researching the market, learning about property values, rental income, and the basics of being a landlord - all of which I have excellent background from being a Real Estate VA.

My first property purchase was a farm lot assigned with an aggregate area of one hundred seventeen  (117) square meters. It was peaceful, and beautiful. But I didn’t know what to do with it yet at that time. So I just parked my money into this.

Encouraged by the success of my first investment, I didn’t stop there. 

Over the next months, I acquired three more properties (2 of which was bought on the same day; hence, same outfit for both pictures)—each time leveraging the equity from the previous investments and the steady income from my freelance work. By 24, I owned four properties that not only provided me with rental income but also appreciated in value, significantly increasing my net worth.

Being a Virtual Assistant was the catalyst that made all of this possible. Here’s why:

1. Income Flexibility: Unlike a traditional job, freelancing allowed me to scale my income. By taking on more projects and increasing my rates, I could save a significant amount of money in a relatively short period. This was crucial for funding my property purchases.

2. Time Freedom: Freelancing gave me the flexibility to manage my time efficiently. I could work on my business, research real estate, and even manage my properties without being tied to a rigid schedule.

3. Low Overhead: Starting a freelance business requires minimal overhead compared to other ventures. This meant that most of my earnings could be saved or reinvested rather than being spent on business expenses.

4. Skill Development: The diverse range of projects I worked on helped me develop a wide array of skills, from negotiation to project management. These skills proved invaluable when it came to navigating the complexities of real estate investing.

Being a VA is not just a side hustle; it can be a gateway to financial freedom and success. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or someone looking to escape the confines of a traditional job, being a VA offers endless opportunities. Here’s my advice for anyone considering this path:

Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to dive in full-time immediately. Start with small projects, grab any learning opportunities, hone the right skills, and gradually increase your workload as you gain confidence and experience.

Invest in Yourself: Continuously improve your skills and stay updated on industry trends. The more you can offer, the more valuable you become to clients. Take that masterclass, even if it’s not free. The return of investment will be massive!!!

Buying four properties at the age of 23 while being a full-time med student is a testament to the power of becoming a virtual assistant.

It’s not just about the financial rewards but the freedom and control over my life that being a VA has provided. If you’re on the fence about starting your VA journey, I encourage you to take that first step. The opportunities are endless, and with hard work and determination, you can achieve far more than you ever imagined.