“I’ve lived through poverty, so I understand firsthand how access to affordable housing isn’t just a transaction, it’s transformation. Real estate has the power to change lives, and that’s why I do what I do. In this industry, purpose drives profit, and impact is the new luxury.” — Hannah David, PadSplit host
Hannah grew up in a household where putting food on the table was a daily struggle, and wearing torn clothing wasn’t a choice — it was a reality. Her lived experience fuels her passion for creating housing that’s truly accessible. When she discovered PadSplit through a real estate mastermind group, she immediately connected with the mission. For Hannah, affordable housing isn’t just a business opportunity — it’s a personal commitment. Her journey is proof that when we invest in people, not just properties, real estate becomes a force for real change.
Today, she operates four PadSplit properties across Texas, Arizona, and Massachusetts, and she’s finally found the peace of mind she’d been searching for.
Leaving behind Airbnb and Vrbo
Like many property owners, Hannah started with short-term rentals and mid-term furnished rentals. With over 20 years of experience investing in real estate, she’s built a diverse portfolio of single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes across multiple states. While her Airbnb and Vrbo properties were generating $2,000 to $2,500 on peak weekends, the inconsistency was exhausting.
“During high season, I would make more than $7,000, but then during low season, it would be like $200 here, $400 there,” Hannah explains. “Every tenant who came wanted something different. They’d find a spot on the fridge that wasn’t clean, or a spot on the pillow. It was just way too much overhead, and I am a full-time employee, so that wasn’t working for me.“
The operational headaches were mounting. Between managing bookings, handling complaints, and coordinating cleanings, Hannah was spending her evenings and weekends tied to her phone. As a management consultant with experience in IT program and portfolio management, she needed a more hands-off approach to her real estate investments.
Discovering PadSplit through her community
Other real estate investors with 1,800 houses across multiple states, spanning Utah, Idaho, Indiana, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, consistently recommended PadSplit as their best-performing solution.
“Listing my properties on PadSplit was a breeze. I was able to join the community and loved the experience,” she says.
Hannah’s commitment to continuous learning and networking has been key to her success. She regularly attends real estate investor meetups, including the Boston REIA meetings, where she’s built valuable relationships with wholesalers and other investors. Her approach to finding deals relies heavily on leveraging her network rather than traditional methods like door-knocking.
100% occupancy in 10 days
Hannah’s first PadSplit property was fully booked within 10 days of listing for a unit that struggled to get long-term renters for approximately 60 days each year. Located in the Dallas medical district near seven hospitals, the location was ideal for healthcare workers seeking housing.
The transformation was immediate. Instead of dealing with demanding vacation rental guests or even long-term tenants, Hannah found herself connecting with residents whose stories resonated with her own experiences and challenges. Padsplit eliminated her annual travels to Dallas and significantly cut advertising overhead.
Beyond the numbers: The human connection
Like many successful PadSplit hosts, Hannah’s hosting philosophy revolves around creating a supportive community for her residents. During tenant screening interviews, she’s learned about individuals seeking stable housing and those relocating to new cities in search of better opportunities.
“I interview all the people who apply to get into my PadSplit rooms, and it has been amazing,” Hannah explains. “They are all trying to rebuild their lives or move to another city for better opportunities.”
The financial reality
The numbers speak for themselves. Hannah nearly tripled her annual net cash flow compared to traditional or mid-term rentals, with a significant increase in monthly cash flow from her Phoenix PadSplit property alone. Vacancy is a very costly expense for any real estate business.
“I’m increasing my annual net income after expenses,” she says. “PadSplit gets me the renters, and I have high occupancy consistently.”
More importantly, she’s reclaimed her personal time. “Compared to Airbnb and Vrbo, you get your evening and weekend hours back — a lot of reduced operational headaches.”
Expanding her coliving portfolio with confidence
Hannah’s success has given her the confidence to expand her business. She has recently transitioned midterm rentals to coliving properties in Phoenix and Massachusetts, with plans for further expansion. The key, she emphasizes, is understanding the market and building or leveraging a reliable team. From her experience as a project manager leading international teams, she knows the importance of delegation and having the right people in place.
“For prospective property owners, I would say you need to know your market, and you need to set up a team,” Hannah advises. “Have a handyman, because even if you have a general contractor, you can build on other things, like a plumber, an electrician. Start a team, and you don’t have to start PadSplit where you are — if remote markets work better, if the numbers work better, that’s fine.”
In the last 24 months alone, she has increased her portfolio by 75% using tools such as self-directed IRAs, HELOCs, DSCR loans, and seller financing.
Hannah no longer fears squatters or property damage
Beyond the financial benefits, Hannah values the security PadSplit provides. Having dealt with squatters and property damage at other investments, she appreciates having residents who regularly come and go each day.
“When you have PadSplit residents coming in and out of the house, you have secure access,” she explains. “The property is protected from physical and financial ruin.” Squatters can break all your windows, destroy the electric wires and pipes, and they can also clog the pipes with cement. Professional squatters threaten with guns and fierce dogs. Getting rid of squatters in several states is a very complex, exhausting, and time-consuming undertaking. In some states, squatters work with unethical real estate agents, general contractors, and government agency-approved tenants.”
Hannah has also learned to delegate operations effectively, working with property managers and multiple virtual assistants to handle day-to-day communications and maintenance issues. This allows her to focus on strategic growth while maintaining her full-time career in IT consulting.
Advice for prospective hosts
For new hosts, Hannah emphasizes the importance of getting educated first. Without education, Hannah was only able to grow at a snail’s pace for decades. Building your team is equally crucial, having reliable contractors and property managers in place before you need them.
Leveraging structured education, mastermind groups, and real estate investor meetups has been instrumental in Hannah’s success. She also emphasizes the importance of consulting with PadSplit managers, who have a deeper understanding of local markets and regulations. Finally, Hannah notes that success in real estate requires creativity and strong problem-solving skills. Whether it’s dealing with unexpected challenges or finding innovative financing solutions, adaptability is key.
“It’s extremely important that you talk to your PadSplit manager. You may not be familiar with the local rules, so that’s where I will start.”
A mission-driven approach
For Hannah, PadSplit isn’t just about generating rental income — it’s about creating opportunities for people who need them most. Her personal experience with poverty gives her a unique perspective on the importance of affordable housing.
“I have 37 doors and over 24 buildings, but at the end of the day, it’s the human-to-human interaction that matters. I like to connect with my residents. I prioritize human connection, empowerment, and prayer in resident engagement, transforming housing into long-term healing and empowerment.”
The bottom line
Hannah’s story illustrates how the right property management solution can significantly improve both financial outcomes and quality of life. By switching to PadSplit, she’s achieved:
- Consistent occupancy without the seasonal fluctuations of short-term rentals
- Significantly increased annual net cash flow compared to previous strategies
- Eliminated evening and weekend work that consumed her personal time
- Meaningful connections with residents who benefit from affordable housing
- Peace of mind knowing her properties are protected and well-managed
“PadSplit has worked out great for me,” Hannah concludes. “You have so many inquiries, high occupancy, and consistency, and it eliminates travel. There is a very good chance that you could double or triple your annual cash flow with strategic acquisitions, efficient and hands-off property management.”
For property owners seeking a sustainable, profitable, and mission-driven approach to rental management, Hannah’s experience demonstrates that PadSplit delivers on all fronts, providing not just financial returns but also the satisfaction of making a positive impact in people’s lives.
Ready to explore how PadSplit can transform your rental property strategy? Connect with our team to learn about opportunities in your market and discover the tools that have helped hosts like Hannah build successful, sustainable coliving businesses.
