Diego Corzo

Founder of Free By 26

It all started after I read the book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki back in 2011. That book changed my mindset and taught me that I am responsible for my life. It also made me aware of all the things we weren’t taught in school, whether it is high school or college.

I started with ZERO in the bank after I graduated from college at age 22. By age 23 I bought my first investment property while I was living in my friend’s extra bedroom. Fast forward 3 years later, I quit my full time job, I own 8 properties, have $0 in bad debt (I will explain good debt vs bad debt later).

My Motto: “Build a Bigger Life, Not a Bigger Lifestyle”  –  Adam Carroll

Hello! I am Diego. I am a 26 year old Peruvian living in Austin, Texas. I created FreeBy26.com to help millenials realize that they don’t have to settle to what society expects from us. I bet that you grew up with this expectation: Graduate high school, graduate from college with a degree, land your first corporate job, climb the corporate ladder, and 45 years later you can retire and enjoy your 401K.

When we are in that cycle, we are changing our time for money. Many people buy stuff and more stuff, get a new car every 2-3 years and get in more and more debt; they continue working to pay off the new gadget they bought last month.

What if I told you that there is a different way?

What if you were to learn to control your money before it took control of you?

What if you begin decreasing debt and start investing in passive income streams that will help you get the freedom you really want?

A few things about me. I am no different than any other millennial. I graduated from Florida State University in 2012 and moved to Austin, TX to work as software developer for an IT Company. I had a great salary, great vacation time and had a great team. In my spare time I started learning as much as I could about financial literacy and the habits of wealthy people.

I became really interested in real estate as I began to explore different ways that I could increase my income. I wanted to use a method call House Hacking, which is when you buy a home and rent out the secondary rooms while you live in the master bedroom. This method payed from my mortgage from day one and I haven’t had to pay a mortgage payment from my pocket ever since. How cool is that!

I bought my first property when I was 23. Fast forward 3 years, I now own 8 properties giving me passive income every month. I keep my expenses low and my do what I love doing. My goal is to be financially free before I turn 27. To be financially free I need to make $5,000 a month. I will be sharing my struggles, my successes and my mindset through this journey.

I follow the motto: “Build a bigger life, not a bigger lifestyle.”

What do I do for fun?

  • Traveling: I have traveled all over the United States and I do it very affordably through something called Travel Hacking. I travel for both, work and pleasure.
  • Running: I run about 20 miles a week while listening to podcasts or audio books. I got the pleasure to run a marathon in 2013. Still not sure I will do another one 🙂
  • Salsa Dancing: This is my top one! Dancing is a great way to meet people, good exercise, and get my mind clear from work. Check the video to your right! I love Cuban Salsa!