Investing in rental properties can feel overwhelming, especially for those who aren’t sure where to start or worry about making a costly mistake. Without the right support, many people end up stuck in endless research, missing out on real opportunities, or making choices that set them back financially. With so much conflicting advice from blogs, books, and podcasts, it’s easy to feel lost. Some get trapped in “analysis paralysis,” while others struggle with building a clear strategy, feel unsure about out-of-state investments, or want help managing properties confidently.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and the right guidance can make all the difference. Real estate has the power to create long-term financial freedom, but success depends on having the right tools, direction, and support. That’s where real estate leaders come in. They simplify the process, break it down step by step, and walk alongside their clients to turn uncertainty into confident action.
Eric Hughes, Founder & CEO of Rental Income Advisors, brings this kind of support directly to his clients through a highly personal and hands-on approach. After leaving his corporate career at age 39, Eric built a personal portfolio of 25 rental properties that now generate over $100,000 in annual income. This experience laid the foundation for his mission to help others achieve similar results. Since then, he has guided more than 100 clients in purchasing over $30 million worth of rental properties, showing them how to invest smartly and confidently.
Through personalized, one-on-one coaching, Eric offers unlimited support and strategic guidance tailored to each client’s goals.
“This isn’t an online course or community—I work 1-on-1 with every client, over 6 to 18 months, to help them buy up to three rental properties,” says Eric Hughes.
Rather than relying on generic programs or delegating to a team, he works hands-on, helping clients identify strong markets, sidestep costly errors, and build reliable rental income. His approach has led to more than 250 successful property purchases, with over 80% of clients acquiring their first property within six months. His leadership transforms confusion into clarity and action into results.
From Retail Leadership to Real Estate Mentorship
In his earlier career in the retail industry, Eric found the most fulfillment in coaching and mentoring younger executives. After leaving that field, he began using cash-flowing rental properties to replace his W2 income. As he shared his journey with others, he noticed a strong interest in how he made it work—many people wanted to follow a similar path but lacked the confidence to take the first step alone. Recognizing this gap, Eric saw the opportunity to offer private coaching for rental property investors.
His goal was to work directly with clients, build strong one-on-one relationships, and guide them every step of the way toward success. To support this, he launched a blog under Rental Income Advisors, where he shared valuable insights for new investors while also showcasing his own experience and rental portfolio. Today, the blog serves as the main platform where potential clients learn about his investing style and connect with him to begin their real estate journey.
No Pre-Recorded Lessons—Only Personalized Guidance
What sets Eric apart is his personal, hands-on approach. He works directly with each client one-on-one, offering unlimited support as they go through the process of buying up to three rental properties. Unlike online courses or large communities, there are no pre-recorded lessons or handoffs to assistants. Instead, clients work closely with Eric over a period of 6 to 18 months, allowing him to build real relationships, understand their unique goals, and guide them through every step of their investment journey.
Eric’s coaching is completely personalized and focused on real progress. He walks each client through the full journey of buying rental properties—choosing the right market, running the numbers, managing the properties, and tracking performance. The goal isn’t just to provide information, but to deliver clear, confident action and meaningful results.
This one-on-one experience is designed to last throughout the purchase of up to three properties. Clients get unlimited access to Eric Hughes via phone, email, or text, ensuring they always have expert guidance when they need it.
The coaching process includes:
- Get Ready: Planning and strategy
- Acquisition: Property selection and purchase
- Post-Coaching Support: Continued tools and guidance after purchases
All training materials and resources are included, making the process clear, structured, and fully supported from start to finish.
A Fair Pricing Model
Like many who step into private coaching, Eric initially struggled with confidence in the value of his services. In the beginning, he was quick to accept new clients and often charged fees that were lower than what his time and expertise truly deserved. Over time, he became more selective about the clients he works with and established a fee structure that he believes is fair for both sides. He also learned the importance of standing firm on his pricing, even if it means turning away potential business.
“Fear and uncertainty will always be a part of running your business. Learn to embrace it and take positive action anyway,” says Eric Hughes.
While that takes courage, Eric Hughes has found that this approach leads to better client relationships and stronger long-term results.
He also believes in clear, honest pricing rather than “hiding the ball” or making prospective clients jump through hoops to determine the cost of his coaching. The current fees for his coaching are always clearly displayed on his website.
Coaching That Delivers Results You Can Count On
“Several of my clients have built portfolios of 10 or more rental properties and used the cash flow to leave their jobs. That’s what I’m most proud of,” notes Eric Hughes.
Several of Eric’s clients have successfully built rental portfolios with 10 or more properties, using the cash flow to improve their work-life balance, reduce dependence on traditional jobs, or even leave full-time employment altogether. These success stories are a reflection of the impact his coaching delivers. Eric believes that rental properties offer one of the fastest and most effective paths to financial freedom, and he finds it deeply rewarding to guide clients along this journey and watch them achieve real independence in their lives.
Here are just a few comments from happy clients:
| “Eric Hughes is a phenomenal coach. I highly recommend him.” – Dimitrios P. | “With Eric’s help, I now own 10 cash-flowing rental properties.” – Ian M. | “Eric’s experience was worth way more than he charges.” – Sean G. |
| “What sets Eric apart is his dedication to his clients.” – Divesh V. | “With Eric’s help, I grew my portfolio from 3 to 7 properties in 6 months.” – Maiko Y. | “His coaching gave me great confidence that I’m investing the right way.” – Mangat R. |
Equipping Clients to Succeed at Every Stage
Eric has developed a wide range of tools and resources to help his clients understand key concepts and apply practical strategies with confidence. His support goes beyond just helping clients find the right properties in the best markets. Eric also guides them on how to manage those properties effectively over time. Even when clients use professional property managers, there are still important decisions to make—ones that can significantly affect long-term success. Eric makes sure his clients are ready to make those decisions wisely.
To support this, his coaching walks clients through every essential step of building a strong and sustainable rental portfolio.
This includes:
- Choosing the right market (local or out-of-state)
- Picking the best type of property
- Running financial numbers accurately
- Navigating the buying process smoothly
- Selecting and working with property managers
- Tracking performance and preparing for taxes
Real-Time Knowledge, Real Results
Eric Hughes stays updated by regularly reading daily newsletters across business, finance, and real estate. He also keeps track of the latest tools and software that could help his clients, guiding them on which ones to use. To share insights and stay connected with industry trends, he writes his newsletter called The Rental Roundup, which focuses on rental property investing.
The Two Myths New Investors Must Stop Believing
Eric advises upcoming leaders entering the real estate or rental investment industry that it’s best to stop chasing the two common myths in real estate investing—timing the market and trying to predict future home prices. The truth is, no one can do either with consistent accuracy. Instead, the focus should be on strong cash flow and the long-term value that rental properties can offer as a reliable investment.
Media Contributions
Eric has contributed as a guest author on several platforms, including Humble Dollar and Retire Before Dad. He has also been featured as a subject matter expert in various articles for well-known sites such as Homelight and Realtor.com.
Eric Hughes’s 4 Pillars for Rental Property Investing
- Prioritize Personal Coaching: Tailored one-on-one guidance delivers better results than generic courses.
- Act with Confidence: Overcome analysis paralysis by turning uncertainty into smart, consistent action.
- Focus on Cash Flow: Ignore market timing—build wealth through strong systems and steady returns.
- Play the Long Game: The richest returns with rental properties come in the out years, so plan to hold for the long term and ignore short-term swings.
