How a Former Teacher Became a Tech-Driven Real Estate Investor

The Hidden Entrepreneur Show with Josh Cary

What happens when a middle school teacher trades lesson plans for property deals and then uses AI to scale it all? Luis Vanderhorst’s story is a modern American dream rooted in resilience, faith, and innovation.

In this inspiring conversation, Luis shares how he arrived in the U.S. from the Dominican Republic at age 11, lost his father soon after, and still managed to build a life of purpose and freedom. From teaching social studies to building multiple businesses, Luis proves that curiosity and community can change everything.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start investing in real estate, how automation can simplify your business, or how to use AI without losing your human touch, this episode is your roadmap. It’s a blend of heart, hustle, and high-ROI strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Power of Reinvention:

How Luis transitioned from middle school teacher to full-time entrepreneur and real estate investor and the mindset shift that made it possible.

Building Wealth with Purpose:

Why your “why” matters more than your first property and how to choose the right real estate strategy based on your goals, resources, and risk tolerance.

Faith, Mentorship, and Connection:

How losing his father and finding guidance through mentors shaped Luis’s character, leadership, and vision for business and life.

AI and Automation Done Right:

The surprising ways AI can actually humanize your business by removing busywork, improving customer experience, and freeing up time to build real relationships.

From Struggle to Structure:

How growing up without a father taught Luis to fix what’s broken whether it’s a house, a system, or a mindset—and why that same philosophy fuels his success today.

A Real-World Look at Real Estate Investing:

Luis breaks down entry points for beginners from flipping and rentals to private lending—and shares the practical first steps you can take today.

AI Tools That Save You Time (and Money):

How business owners can integrate simple automation tools to manage leads, track clients, and boost revenue without losing authenticity.

Key Takeaway

AI isn’t replacing people, it’s replacing inefficiency. And in the same way a fixer-upper can become a dream home, you can transform your skills, your business, and your life by improving what already exists.