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Building Wealth Through Real Estate: Smart Investment Strategies for Osage and Shawnee County

  • Writer: Melissa Herdman
    Melissa Herdman
  • Jul 15
  • 2 min read

Real estate isn’t just about finding a place to call home—it’s also one of the most reliable ways to build long-term wealth. Whether you’re in Osage County’s quiet neighborhoods or Shawnee County’s bustling markets, the opportunities to grow your financial future through property are real and within reach.


I don’t just help investors from the sidelines—I’ve owned and rehabbed investment properties myself. I’ve seen firsthand how the right project, handled wisely, can turn into steady rental income or a big jump in equity. That experience shapes how I work with clients: I know what it’s like to weigh renovation costs, deal with tenants, and hunt for the best value in a crowded market.


The first step? Think beyond your own backyard. Maybe you start with a single-family rental in Topeka, or a duplex in Lyndon. Even small investments can pay off over time, especially as property values rise and rental demand stays strong. The trick is to look for places with good schools, steady job growth, and low vacancy rates—places where people want to live.


Don’t overlook the power of “house hacking,” either. This strategy means living in one unit of a multi-family property while renting out the others. Your tenants help pay the mortgage, and you build equity without feeling the pinch each month. It’s a proven path for first-timers in both Osage and Shawnee counties.


And remember: real estate is a long game. Flipping houses can work, but holding onto property—collecting rent and watching values appreciate—usually builds more wealth in the end. Partnering with a local realtor who knows these counties inside and out can help you spot deals, avoid pitfalls, and make your money work harder than it does in the stock market.


Ready to get started? The right investment property in Osage or Shawnee County could be the building block for your financial future.

 
 
 

Melissa Herdman

Kirk & Cobb Realtors

2810 Southwest Gage Boulevard

Topeka, KS 66614 USA

535 Market Street

Osage City, Kansas 66523

Direct - (785) 250-7020

Fax - (785) 273-7536

Email - melissa@melissaherdman.com

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