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.
Non-Profit Housing Providers We Work With
Latest News & Blogs
7,500,000 Affordable Apartments Just Vanished And Nobody Noticed
New Blog Post Description ...more
Affordable Housing
March 07, 2026•4 min read
Home Prices Are Growing 3X Faster Than Incomes - The Math That Broke America
When homes cost 5.7x annual income rather than 3x, homeownership doesn't just get harder. It becomes mathematically impossible for most Americans. ...more
Affordable Housing
March 05, 2026•4 min read
The Renter Trap
7.5 million affordable rentals gone. Prices requiring $100K+ incomes. The American renter is caught in a wealth-destruction cycle with no exit. ...more
Affordable Housing
February 24, 2026•5 min read
The Trillion-Dollar Arbitrage - Why Distressed Affordable Housing is the Best Investment of the Decade
Properties trading at $40K/door in markets where new construction costs $200K/door. This isn't a deal. It's a structural mispricing that won't last. ...more
Affordable Housing
February 17, 2026•5 min read
The Renter Trap - Pay More, Own Nothing, Repeat Forever
7.5 million affordable rentals gone. Prices requiring $100K+ incomes. The American renter is caught in a wealth-destruction cycle with no exit. ...more
Affordable Housing
February 13, 2026•5 min read
Home Prices Are Growing 3X Faster Than Incomes
When homes cost 5.7x annual income instead of 3x, homeownership doesn't just get harder. It becomes mathematically impossible for most Americans. ...more
Affordable Housing
February 10, 2026•4 min read
