From $5,000 to $20 million before 40
Getting Started
Ilse started her property journey at 22 with enthusiasm, $5k cash, and a boyfriend who contributed the remainder of an $18k deposit.
Like many first-time investors, they bought in their neighbourhood and felt their way through a loose renovation plan.
As their equity grew, and with impeccable timing, they bought a second property just months before the GFC. With their mortgages now larger than the property values (negative equity) and interest rates at 9%, it was time for some tough decisions.
The boyfriend was toast, but Ilse’s enthusiasm was stronger than ever.
The Serviceability Trap
Ilse held onto her first property through a terrible market, saving and plotting her next project. She bought with a renovation strategy in mind to immediately add value. With a modest renovation budget and DIY skills she was able to lift her next property’s value enough to refinance and create a deposit for the next purchase.
This approach helped Ilse to get to 5 properties before her broker told her “you can’t afford any more lending.” Her renovations had built the equity required to buy again, but Ilse’s ability to service additional debt was completely tapped out. She then learned that capital gains would not pay her bills.
As a firm believer in self-education and learning from those have who gone before you, she invested in a property coaching program. However the service was a “one size fits all” approach with no focus on rent or cashflow.
After buying 3 inner Auckland properties in 6 months, Ilse found herself topping up these mortgages by $60k p.a. With a new baby and a single income, Ilse and her husband Taylor found themselves in real strife.
On paper they had built wealth, but Taylor’s salary was going straight back to the bank. Thankfully, they were able to move in with the in-laws, tighten their belts, and got to planning.
Ilse swore she would never get into that situation again, and a new strategy was born, Cashflow Hacking.
Cashflow Hacking
Cashflow Hacking™ was born as the culmination of blood, sweat, tears, and tough lessons, and laid the foundation for stunning success.
After seeing the pitfalls of not knowing the exact numbers of a project, Ilse became incredibly methodical when evaluating and completing renovations.
She found over time that she had a mental checklist of the things she needed to do to add significant value to a renovation, which later become her 6 Cashflow Hacking principles.
Think the BRRRR method using renovations, but focused on rent improvement that rustles up a higher value for the property.
With these principles, she developed the structure which allowed her to understand the post renovation results of a project BEFORE purchasing the project.
By doing this she would evaluate dozens on deals until she found those that would create significant equity gains, as well as maximise gross yield / cashflow, escaping The Serviceability Trap and building a life-changing portfolio.
Coaching
Ilse’s unique approach helped grow her portfolio to 30 rentals valued at $20m. With her new method and rapidly-growing network of property professionals, Ilse started getting some attention.
With admirers regularly asking for help on their own property journey, Ilse began coaching in 2020 with her trademark passion and a down-to-earth style that stands out in a competitive industry.
She originally partnered with Opes Partners to create Opes Accelerate. Then in 2023 rebranded as Wolfe Property Coaching.
By standing on the shoulders of giants, you’ll see further
Ilse’s vision for Wolfe Property Coaching
MY VISION IS TO CREATE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL GROUP OF PROPERTY INVESTORS IN NEW ZEALAND
“Almost every client tells me in their first session that they know property investment is a great strategy for long-term wealth, but they are worried about not getting it right, and mistakes can be costly when it comes to property. While some people might get it right first time, I certainly know I didn’t. Looking back, I can see that my early mistakes will protract into hundreds of thousands of lost dollars over time.
I’m a firm believer in learning from people who have demonstrated the success you want. Smart investors leverage expertise. By adding someones 16 years to your 0, you gain 16 immediately.
My clients skip all those easy-to-make, but easily avoidable pitfalls, and be successful from day 1.
Through over 100 renovations for myself and my clients I have shared my experience in the BRRRR method.
However the real confidence from my service comes from being numbers driven, now incorporating cutting-edge tools to help make decisions.
With my process, a client can calculate the equity uplift, rent and long-term wealth they will create BEFORE the property is purchased. You shouldn’t be using guesswork when it comes to your future.
My clients can invest anywhere in the country, from anywhere around the globe, as I've set up Power Teams in every major city in New Zealand, from Whangarei to Invercargill. This means clients can invest in the places that meet strong capital growth criteria combined with above-average rent potential.
In the interest of continual self-education, I plan to attend international property conferences, to meet with the world’s best property minds and bring back innovation to my investors in NZ.
Don’t try to outsmart the market. Find, then rinse and repeat successful strategies.
My vision is to create the most successful group of property investors in New Zealand using renovations.
So that their families can create the story of their dreams.”
