How I Built 13 Income Streams by Age 30 (Complete Breakdown with Real Numbers)
Preston Seo
Millionaires have on average 7 streams of income. But what does that actually look like in practice? In this comprehensive guide, I'm breaking down the exact 13 income streams I built from age 26 to 30, including the real numbers, startup costs, and step-by-step strategies for each one.
Even if you currently make a lot of money at your day job, the second you stop working, that income stream shuts off. Not only will having multiple income streams give you security if you lose your job, but it will also help you build your wealth on autopilot if you do it right.
In this article:
- Complete Income Streams Overview
- The 13 Income Streams Breakdown
- Income Stream Comparison Table
- How to Get Started
- Investment Platforms I Use
- Key Lessons Learned
- FAQs
Complete Overview: My 13 Income Streams at Age 30
| # | Income Stream | Type | Startup Cost | Income Potential | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Long-term Rentals | Semi-Passive | $385K+ (first fourplex) | $7.5M portfolio | Medium |
| 2 | Property Management | Active | $0 (in-house) | Varies | Medium |
| 3 | Assisted Living Facility | Passive | 1031 Exchange | Partnership income | High |
| 4 | Stocks, ETFs & Index Funds | Passive | $100+ | Compounding returns | Low |
| 5 | YouTube AdSense | Active | $0 | Varies widely | Medium |
| 6 | TikTok Creator Fund | Active | $0 | Lower than YouTube | Low |
| 7 | Brand Deals | Active | $0 | Premium rates | Medium |
| 8 | Cryptocurrency | Passive | $100+ | Volatile | Medium |
| 9 | Affiliate Marketing | Semi-Passive | $0 | Commission-based | Low |
| 10 | Short-term Rentals (Airbnb) | Semi-Passive | Varies | 30%+ cash-on-cash | Medium |
| 11 | REITs | Passive | $10+ | 22.99% (2021) | Low |
| 12 | E-commerce Stores | Active | Varies | Partnership income | Medium |
| 13 | Digital Products | Semi-Passive | $0 | Scalable | Low |
| 14 | Consulting | Active | $0 | Equity positions | High |
The 13 Income Streams Breakdown
Income Stream 1: Long-term Rentals (House Hacking)
How it started: My first investment property was a fourplex that I purchased for $385,000. I used an FHA loan which allowed me to put just 3.5% down because I lived in one of the units.
The strategy: House hacking is the most powerful way to get started in real estate because you can use owner-occupied financing, which has the best terms and lowest down payments. Living in one unit while renting out the others means your tenants essentially pay your mortgage.
Current status: That single fourplex was the foundation for a $7.5 million real estate portfolio. The property has appreciated significantly, and the cash flow from the other three units covered my living expenses while I saved aggressively for more investments.
Why this works:
- Low barrier to entry (3.5% down with FHA)
- Tenants pay your mortgage
- Learn property management while living on-site
- Forces you to save (no rent/mortgage payment from your income)
- Appreciation builds equity over time
Getting started: Look for multi-family properties (2-4 units) in your area. Calculate whether the rent from the other units would cover your mortgage payment. If so, you've found a potential house hack.
Income Stream 2: Property Management Company
How it started: Once I had multiple properties, I realized I was already doing property management. Instead of paying someone else, I formalized this into an in-house company.
The strategy: Property management is a natural extension of owning rental properties. You're already screening tenants, handling maintenance, and collecting rent. Creating a formal company structure allows you to potentially manage properties for others and create additional revenue streams.
Current status: My property management company handles all of my rental properties, keeping more of the profits in-house rather than paying external management fees (typically 8-10% of gross rent).
Why this works:
- Saves 8-10% on management fees across your portfolio
- Creates potential to manage other investors' properties
- Gives you complete control over your investment
- Builds valuable operational expertise
Getting started: Start by managing your own properties well. Document your processes, build relationships with contractors, and consider getting a property management license if required in your state.
Income Stream 3: Assisted Living Facility
How it started: I used a 1031 exchange to defer taxes on a property sale and partnered with experienced operators to invest in an assisted living facility.
The strategy: A 1031 exchange allows you to sell an investment property and defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting into another property. This strategy helped me move into a larger, more profitable asset class without triggering a massive tax bill.
Current status: This is a partnership investment where I'm a passive investor with experienced operators running the day-to-day operations. The assisted living space has strong demographics (aging population) and higher cash flow than traditional rentals.
Why this works:
- Tax-deferred growth through 1031 exchange
- Passive investment with experienced operators
- Strong demographic tailwinds (aging Baby Boomers)
- Higher cap rates than standard residential
Getting started: Build your real estate portfolio first. Once you have properties with significant appreciation, a 1031 exchange can help you scale into larger assets. Always partner with experienced operators in specialized asset classes.
Income Stream 4: Stocks, ETFs, and Index Funds
How it started: I've been dollar cost averaging into the stock market for years. Dollar cost averaging means investing a fixed amount regularly regardless of market conditions.
The strategy: Instead of trying to time the market, I invest the same amount every month into diversified index funds and ETFs. When prices are high, I buy fewer shares. When prices are low, I buy more shares. Over time, this averages out to a solid return without the stress of market timing.
My approach:
- Consistent monthly contributions (automated)
- Focus on low-cost index funds (S&P 500, total market)
- Reinvest all dividends
- Never try to time the market
- Hold for the long term
Why this works:
- Removes emotion from investing decisions
- Takes advantage of market volatility
- Compound interest builds wealth over decades
- Extremely low time commitment
Platform recommendation: I use Moomoo for stock trading. They offer commission-free trading and powerful research tools.
Getting started: Open a brokerage account and set up automatic monthly investments into a broad market index fund like VOO (Vanguard S&P 500) or VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market). Start with whatever amount you can afford consistently.
Income Stream 5: YouTube AdSense
How it started: I started creating content about real estate investing and personal finance. Once you reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can monetize with Google AdSense.
The strategy: YouTube pays creators based on ad revenue. The more views your videos get, the more you earn. Different niches have different CPMs (cost per thousand views)--finance and real estate content typically has higher CPMs because advertisers pay more to reach this audience.
Current status: With 17K+ views on videos like this one, YouTube has become a consistent income stream. The key is creating valuable content that helps people solve real problems.
Why this works:
- Content works for you 24/7 (videos earn while you sleep)
- Builds authority in your niche
- Compounds over time (more videos = more potential earnings)
- Opens doors to other income streams (brand deals, consulting)
Getting started: Start creating content in a niche you're knowledgeable about. Focus on value first, monetization second. It takes time to build an audience, but the compounding effect is powerful.
Income Stream 6: TikTok Creator Fund
How it started: I repurposed content from YouTube into short-form videos for TikTok.
The strategy: TikTok pays creators through their Creator Fund based on views. While the per-view payment is lower than YouTube, the platform's algorithm can give your content massive reach quickly.
Reality check: The TikTok Creator Fund pays less than YouTube AdSense. However, it's essentially free money for content you might already be creating. Repurposing longer YouTube content into TikTok clips takes minimal extra effort.
Why this works:
- Low barrier to entry
- Reach new audiences who prefer short-form content
- Repurpose existing content (minimal extra work)
- Potential for viral reach
Getting started: If you're already creating long-form content, cut it into 60-second clips for TikTok. Add captions, use trending sounds, and post consistently.
Income Stream 7: Brand Deals
How it started: As my YouTube channel grew, brands started reaching out about sponsorship opportunities.
The strategy: Brand deals are where creators partner with companies to promote products or services. This can be significantly more lucrative than AdSense, especially for smaller channels with engaged audiences.
My approach: I reject 90-95% of brand deal offers. Why? Integrity is everything. If I promote something I don't believe in, I lose my audience's trust--which is far more valuable than any single brand deal payment.
Selection criteria:
- Do I actually use this product/service?
- Would I recommend it to a friend?
- Does it genuinely help my audience?
- Is the company reputable?
Why this works:
- Significantly higher payouts than AdSense
- Builds deeper relationships with quality brands
- Selective partnerships maintain audience trust
- Can negotiate equity or long-term deals
Getting started: Focus on building an engaged audience first. Brands will come to you when you have influence. When they do, be selective--your reputation is worth more than any single payment.
Income Stream 8: Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin Staking)
How it started: I allocated a small portion of my portfolio to cryptocurrency, primarily Bitcoin.
The strategy: Beyond just holding crypto, I stake my Bitcoin on Gemini to earn interest. Staking means locking up your crypto to help secure the network, and in return, you earn rewards--similar to earning interest at a bank.
My approach:
- Only invest what I can afford to lose completely
- Focus on established cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Use reputable exchanges (Gemini for security and insurance)
- Stake holdings to earn passive yield
- Long-term hold mentality
Platform recommendation: I use Gemini for cryptocurrency. They're regulated, insured, and based in the US. Their staking program allows you to earn interest on your holdings.
Why this works:
- Potential for significant appreciation
- Staking generates passive yield on holdings
- Diversification from traditional assets
- Hedge against currency debasement
Getting started: Start with a small allocation (1-5% of portfolio) in Bitcoin. Use a reputable exchange like Gemini. Consider staking for additional yield, but understand the risks involved.
Income Stream 9: Affiliate Marketing
How it started: When I recommend tools and services I actually use, affiliate marketing allows me to earn commissions when people sign up through my links.
The strategy: Affiliate marketing means earning a commission when someone purchases a product or service through your unique referral link. The key is only promoting things you genuinely use and believe in.
What I promote:
- Investment platforms I actually use
- Real estate tools that helped me
- Books and courses that provided value
- Software and services I rely on
Why this works:
- Zero upfront cost
- Passive income once content is created
- Aligns incentives (you earn by helping others find good products)
- Compounds as your audience grows
Getting started: Make a list of products and services you already use and love. Check if they have affiliate programs. Create honest content explaining why you use them and include your affiliate links.
Income Stream 10: Short-term Rentals (Airbnb)
How it started: After mastering long-term rentals, I expanded into short-term rentals on Airbnb for higher cash flow.
The strategy: Short-term rentals can generate significantly higher returns than long-term rentals--I've seen 30%+ cash-on-cash returns on well-executed Airbnb properties. The trade-off is more active management (though systems and automation can make it semi-passive).
Why Airbnb outperforms:
- Nightly rates exceed monthly rent (often 2-3x)
- Flexibility to adjust pricing for demand
- Premium for amenities and experiences
- Multiple platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, direct bookings)
Current results: My short-term rentals consistently outperform my long-term rentals in terms of cash-on-cash returns. The extra management effort is worth it when you're generating 30%+ returns versus 8-12% on long-term rentals.
Getting started: If you already own rental property, consider converting to short-term rental (check local regulations first). For beginners, rental arbitrage (leasing a property and subletting on Airbnb with landlord permission) is a low-capital entry point.
Learn more about Airbnb arbitrage strategies
Income Stream 11: REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
How it started: Before I could afford to buy properties, I invested in REITs to get exposure to real estate.
The strategy: REITs allow you to invest in real estate without buying physical property. You can start with as little as $10 on platforms like Fundrise and earn returns from professionally managed real estate portfolios.
My results: In 2021, my Fundrise investment returned 22.99%. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, REITs have historically provided solid returns with less hassle than direct property ownership.
Platform recommendation: I use Fundrise for REIT investing. They have a $10 minimum, low fees, and a diversified portfolio of commercial and residential properties.
Why this works:
- Low barrier to entry ($10 minimum on Fundrise)
- Completely passive (no property management)
- Diversification across many properties
- Professional management
- Regular dividend payments
Getting started: Open a Fundrise account and start with whatever amount you're comfortable with. Set up automatic recurring investments to dollar cost average over time.
Income Stream 12: E-commerce Stores
How it started: I partnered with someone experienced in e-commerce to sell products on Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay.
The strategy: E-commerce can be done through various models--private label products, retail arbitrage, dropshipping, or wholesale. I partnered with someone who had the expertise while I provided capital and strategic input.
My approach:
- Found a partner with e-commerce experience
- Provided capital for inventory
- Split profits based on contribution
- Leveraged their expertise while I focused on other streams
Why partnerships work:
- Leverage expertise you don't have
- Share risk and capital requirements
- Learn from experienced operators
- Focus on your strengths
Getting started: If you're interested in e-commerce but lack expertise, consider finding a partner who knows the business. Alternatively, start small with retail arbitrage (buying discounted items and reselling) to learn the fundamentals.
Income Stream 13: Digital Products
How it started: People kept asking me for the spreadsheets I use to analyze real estate deals. So I productized them.
The strategy: Digital products have incredible margins because you create them once and sell them infinitely with no additional cost of goods. My spreadsheet calculators help people analyze rental properties, calculate cash flow, and make better investment decisions.
Product types:
- Spreadsheet calculators
- Templates and checklists
- Courses and training
- E-books and guides
Why this works:
- Create once, sell forever
- Zero marginal cost
- Scales infinitely
- Establishes authority in your niche
Getting started: What do you know that others want to learn? What tools have you created for yourself that others might find valuable? Start by identifying your expertise and packaging it into a digital product.
Income Stream 14: Consulting (Equity Positions)
How it started: As I built expertise in real estate and business, companies started asking for my advice. Instead of charging hourly fees, I often negotiate equity positions.
The strategy: Consulting allows you to monetize your expertise by helping others solve problems. Rather than trading time for money (hourly consulting), I prefer taking equity positions in companies I advise--aligning my incentives with their long-term success.
My approach:
- Only consult for companies I believe in
- Negotiate equity rather than hourly rates
- Provide genuine value (not just advice)
- Build long-term relationships
Why equity beats hourly:
- Uncapped upside potential
- Aligned incentives with company success
- Builds long-term wealth rather than trading time
- Creates portfolio of small ownership stakes
Getting started: Build genuine expertise in an area. Share your knowledge publicly (content, speaking). When opportunities come, consider equity compensation over cash when you believe in the company's potential.
Income Stream Comparison: Active vs. Passive
Understanding the active-passive spectrum helps you build a balanced portfolio:
Mostly Passive (Low Time Investment)
| Income Stream | Time Required | Startup Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks/ETFs (DCA) | Minutes/month | Low |
| REITs (Fundrise) | Minutes/month | Low |
| Crypto Staking | Minutes/month | Low |
| Long-term Rentals (managed) | Hours/month | High initially |
Semi-Passive (Moderate Time Investment)
| Income Stream | Time Required | Startup Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term Rentals | Hours/week | Medium |
| Affiliate Marketing | Hours/week | Medium |
| Digital Products | Hours/month (after creation) | High initially |
| Assisted Living | Hours/month | High |
Active (Higher Time Investment)
| Income Stream | Time Required | Startup Effort |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube/TikTok | Hours/week | Medium |
| Brand Deals | Hours/deal | Medium |
| E-commerce | Hours/day | High |
| Consulting | Hours/client | Medium |
| Property Management | Hours/day | High |
Investment Platforms I Use and Recommend
For Stock Investing: Moomoo
Moomoo offers commission-free trading, powerful research tools, and a user-friendly interface. Perfect for dollar cost averaging into index funds.
For Cryptocurrency: Gemini
Gemini is a regulated, US-based exchange with strong security and insurance. Their staking program lets you earn interest on Bitcoin and other holdings.
For REITs: Fundrise
Fundrise makes real estate investing accessible with a $10 minimum. Their diversified portfolios delivered 22.99% returns in 2021 for my investments.
Key Lessons from Building 13 Income Streams
Lesson 1: Start with One, Master It, Then Expand
Don't try to build 13 income streams simultaneously. I started with house hacking, mastered real estate fundamentals, then expanded into related streams (property management, short-term rentals). Build a strong foundation before diversifying.
Lesson 2: Reinvest Aggressively in the Early Years
The power of multiple income streams comes from compounding. Instead of spending the income from my first properties, I reinvested into more properties, then into stocks, then into other assets. Delayed gratification accelerates wealth building.
Lesson 3: Trade Time for Equity When Possible
Hourly work has a ceiling. Ownership has unlimited upside. Whether it's buying rental properties, negotiating equity in consulting deals, or creating digital products you own forever--prioritize building assets over trading hours.
Lesson 4: Leverage Partnerships for Expertise Gaps
I don't know everything about e-commerce or assisted living facilities. Instead of trying to become an expert in everything, I partner with people who have complementary skills. Focus on your strengths and find partners for your gaps.
Lesson 5: Protect Your Integrity Above All
I reject 90-95% of brand deals because my audience's trust is worth more than any single payment. Every income stream I build is something I genuinely believe in. Short-term gains from questionable partnerships destroy long-term wealth-building potential.
How to Get Started: Your First 3 Income Streams
If you're starting from zero, here's my recommended progression:
Stream 1: Dollar Cost Averaging into Index Funds
Why first: Lowest barrier to entry, completely passive, starts compounding immediately.
Action step: Open a brokerage account (Moomoo), set up automatic monthly investment into VTI or VOO.
Investment: Start with $100/month or whatever you can afford consistently.
Stream 2: REITs through Fundrise
Why second: Real estate exposure without buying property, $10 minimum, completely passive.
Action step: Open Fundrise account, start with $500-$1000, set up recurring investments.
Investment: Whatever fits your budget after maxing retirement contributions.
Stream 3: House Hack Your First Property
Why third: Highest impact for wealth building, but requires more capital and effort.
Action step: Save for down payment (3.5% FHA), learn to analyze multi-family properties.
Investment: Plan for $15,000-$25,000 minimum for closing costs and reserves.
Watch the Full Breakdown
Video highlights:
- 0:00 - Why millionaires have 7+ income streams
- 2:30 - House hacking fourplex ($385K to $7.5M)
- 5:45 - Property management and assisted living
- 8:20 - Dollar cost averaging strategy
- 11:00 - YouTube, TikTok, and brand deals
- 14:30 - Cryptocurrency staking on Gemini
- 17:00 - Short-term rentals and 30%+ returns
- 19:45 - REITs and Fundrise performance
- 22:00 - Digital products and consulting
Frequently Asked Questions
How many income streams do I really need?
While millionaires average 7 streams, the number isn't as important as the quality and diversification. Start with 2-3 complementary streams and expand from there. The goal is financial security through diversification, not hitting an arbitrary number.
Which income stream should I start with?
Start with index fund investing (lowest barrier, completely passive) while learning about a more active stream like real estate. Don't wait until you have "enough" money--dollar cost averaging works at any budget level.
How long does it take to see results?
Varies dramatically by stream. Stock investing compounds over decades. Real estate can generate cash flow immediately but requires upfront capital. Digital products can generate income within months of creation. Set realistic timelines for each stream.
Can I do this while working a full-time job?
Absolutely. Most income streams can be built part-time. Index fund investing takes minutes per month. REITs are completely passive. Even real estate investing can be done alongside a career--I house hacked my fourplex while working full-time.
Ready to Build Your First Income Stream?
The best time to start building multiple income streams was 10 years ago. The second best time is today.
If you're interested in building income through real estate--specifically short-term rentals with 30%+ cash-on-cash returns--Legacy Investing Show can help you get started faster.
About Legacy Investing Show
Legacy Investing Show is Preston Seo's comprehensive training program for building wealth through real estate and multiple income streams. Since founding, the program has:
- Trained 2,000+ students across the United States
- Generated $10M+ in cumulative student revenue
- Built an active community of real estate investors
- Produced numerous students earning $10K+/month
Preston Seo created Legacy Investing Show to teach the exact systems that built his 13 income streams, providing the mentorship, strategies, and community that accelerate wealth building.
Learn more about the program | Watch free training
This guide is based on Preston's personal experience building 13 income streams from age 26 to 30. All statistics and numbers are from actual results. Individual results vary based on market conditions, effort, and capital invested. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is not financial advice--consult with qualified professionals before making investment decisions.
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Millionaires have on average 7 streams of income. However, this doesn't mean you need 7 streams immediately. Start with 1-2 and gradually build from there. The key is diversification to protect against job loss and build wealth on autopilot.
The best starting points are: 1) Index fund investing through dollar cost averaging (start with as little as $100/month), 2) REITs like Fundrise ($10 minimum), and 3) House hacking if you can qualify for a loan. These require minimal expertise and can be started while working full-time.
You can start with as little as $10 for REITs through Fundrise, or $100/month for stock investing. House hacking a fourplex can require as little as 3.5% down with an FHA loan. Digital products like spreadsheets can be created for free. Not all income streams require large capital.
Active income requires your time to generate money (consulting, YouTube content creation, property management). Passive income generates returns with minimal ongoing effort (stocks, REITs, rental income from managed properties). Most income streams start active and become more passive over time with systems.
Real estate is powerful because one property can generate multiple streams: rental income, appreciation, tax benefits, and equity buildup. Preston's $7.5M portfolio grew from a single $385K fourplex. However, real estate requires more capital and expertise than stocks or digital products.
Start small with established coins like Bitcoin. Use reputable exchanges like Gemini that offer staking rewards (earning interest on your holdings). Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Crypto should be a small percentage of your overall portfolio due to volatility.
Yes. Most income streams can be built part-time: dollar cost averaging into stocks takes minutes per month, REITs are completely passive, digital products can be created on weekends, and rental properties can be managed by property managers. Start with low-time-commitment streams first.
House hacking means buying a multi-unit property (duplex, triplex, fourplex), living in one unit, and renting out the others. The rental income covers your mortgage, and you can qualify for owner-occupied financing with as little as 3.5% down. Preston started with a $385K fourplex using this strategy.
Preston built 13 income streams over 4 years (age 26-30). However, some streams like stock investing compound over decades. Expect 1-2 years before most streams generate meaningful income. The key is starting early and being consistent.
Focus on mastering 1-2 streams first before diversifying. Trying to build 13 streams simultaneously leads to mediocre results everywhere. Preston built his real estate foundation first, then expanded into complementary streams like property management and content creation.