Build Community. Build Wealth.
While Solving America’s Affordable Housing Crisis. Earn passive returns helping 1,000 families buy their first home—properties they couldn’t afford without you.
It’s not charity. It’s Compassionate Capitalism.
Dual Mission
Build Community. Build Wealth. (Not One or the Other—Both)
For Your portfolio
15-18% Average Annual Return (AAR) in 12 Months
Minimum Investment: $50,000
SEC Reg D 506(c) Compliant
for first-time buyers
Homes at 80% Area Median Income (AMI)
20% down payment assistance
Mortgage parity with current rent payment
Permanent wealth-building opportunity
This is what impact investing looks like when it’s done right.
The Problem
A Case Example: Portland
The Math That Doesn't
Add Up
At Portland ZIP 97217, a family of four at 80% AMI ($99,280/year) can afford $2,482/month for housing.
At 6% interest over 30 years, that buys a $326,500 home.
Portland's median home price: $520,000–$565,667.
The Gap: $238,500.
The renting trap
Ages 22–37, renters spend $333,000 on rent. Return: $0 equity.
The same $2,482 could build wealth—but families are locked out.
First-time buyer age:
In 1981 = 29 years old.
In 2026 = 40 years old.
11 years stolen from wealth building.
NATIONWIDE CRISIS
90,000 affordable units could convert to market-rate annually. This isn't Portland's problem—it's America's problem.
The system has failed families.
The Solution
This is how StarterHome Bridges the Gap
60% Discounts (0.40x ARV): We buy properties at 40 cents on the dollar through foreclosure auctions, tax sales, and distressed channels.
Nonprofit Partners: Community-based partners identify qualified families and provide wraparound support.
20% Down Payment Assistance:
Substantial assistance makes the $2,482 monthly payment achievable.
Proven Results
case study: Campus Condos | Portland, Oregon
The community impact
14 Apartment Units converted into StarterHomes
Neighborhood stabilized
Rent - to - Mortgage Parity proven.
Average Rent: $1,250 | Current Mortgage: $1,250
the wealth impact
Homes at 80% Area Median Income (AMI)
20% down payment assistance
Mortgage parity with current rent payment
Permanent wealth-building opportunity
Our Portfolio
Leadership Team
John Laine
Founder
Jerry Miller
CEO
FAQs Answered
1) What is StarterHome.Fund?
StarterHome.Fund is an evergreen real estate investment fund designed to bridge the gap between investor returns and community impact by expanding access to affordable homeownership.
2) How does the model work (in simple terms)?
We buy distressed multifamily properties at deep discounts (through nonprofit partnerships and distressed channels), complete condo-grade renovations, convert to condos, and then sell homes to qualified first-time buyers—supported by down payment help so monthly payments are achievable.
3) What are the investment terms?
The current offering is Common Equity with a target of 15–18% Average Annual Return (AAR) and a $50,000 minimum investment.
4) How do you make homes affordable for buyers?
Homes are sold to 80% AMI owner-occupants, and we provide 20% down payment assistance (via a second mortgage structure) to reduce the upfront barrier and expand the buyer pool.
5) How does StarterHome.Fund protect affordability while still targeting investor returns?
The model combines discounted acquisitions (40–60% off ARV) with 20% down payment assistance for buyers at 80% AMI, designed to expand access to homeownership while pursuing the fund’s 15–18% AAR target.
Latest News & Blogs
7.5 Million Affordable Apartments Just Vanished
America lost over 7.5 million rentals under $1,000/month in a decade. Here's where they went—and who's profiting. ...more
Affordable Housing
February 04, 2026•4 min read
New Blog Post
San Jose needs a $595K salary to buy a median home. And it’s not alone. ...more
Affordable Housing
February 02, 2026•3 min read
America's Homelessness Crisis
Nearly 768,000 Americans are homeless. That's a 41% surge since 2016. And the crisis is accelerating. ...more
Affordable Housing
February 02, 2026•4 min read
Closing the Affordability Gap: What It Takes to Turn Rent Into Equity
Closing the Affordability Gap: What It Takes to Turn Rent Into Equity ...more
Affordable Housing
January 14, 2026•4 min read
Compassionate Capitalism: How Profit Motive Can Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis
For decades, affordable housing has been primarily a government-endorsed (top-down orchestration) endeavor, supported by 15,000 non-profit housing providers. The results speak for themselves: the cris... ...more
Affordable Housing
December 30, 2025•7 min read
The Homeownership Multiplier: How One Home Creates $124,800 in Economic Value
The Homeownership Multiplier: How One Home Creates $124,800 in Economic Value ...more
Affordable Housing
April 24, 2025•4 min read
