Ep. 041: Grit in Action: Lessons from Erin Hudson’s Multifamily Rise
What does it take to pivot from running a successful chiropractic practice to leading a multifamily real estate portfolio of more than 2,500 units? For Dr. Erin Hudson, the answer lies in resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
In a recent conversation with Dustin, Erin shared her unconventional path into real estate, the hard lessons that shaped her along the way, and how she’s building a platform rooted in impact, innovation, and investor trust.
Taking the Leap: From Patient Care to Financial Freedom
Erin’s story begins far from the multifamily deals she now oversees. Raised in a family where investing and financial independence weren’t common dinner-table topics, she relied on grit and determination to earn her doctorate and launch a thriving chiropractic practice.
But like many professionals, Erin realized that trading time for money came with limits. Seeking greater flexibility, she turned to real estate—starting with single-family rentals in Indianapolis while living in California, where investing locally was cost-prohibitive. Through creative financing and strategic negotiations, she acquired 26 rental properties in just two years.
Breaking Barriers and Learning Fast
Despite early success, Erin hesitated when it came to multifamily investing. Sitting in the front row of an industry conference, she questioned whether she belonged—until she realized she was just as capable as anyone else in the room.
Her early strategy relied on creativity: double closes, value-add improvements, and smart repositioning of single-family homes. As her results grew, so did her reputation. Peers began seeking her guidance, and her confidence followed.
Her transition into multifamily brought one of her toughest challenges. On a 100+ unit deal in Texas, Erin discovered that partners had misappropriated $35,000 shortly after closing. It was a painful lesson in due diligence and partnership alignment—but it ultimately led to a positive outcome. After restructuring the partnership and bringing in trusted operators, the property sold at a profit. More importantly, the experience introduced Erin to the partners who would later form Quattro.
Building Quattro: Profit with Purpose
Today, Erin is a founding partner at Quattro, a multifamily investment firm built around four pillars: profit, people, philanthropy, and properties. The firm experienced rapid growth in 2021, acquiring 17 buildings and delivering annual returns exceeding 22%.
Quattro’s strategy centers on conservative underwriting and geographic diversification, with a focus on Sun Belt markets including Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, alongside select Midwest opportunities.
Erin is also candid about industry headwinds—rising insurance costs, tighter lending, and increasing taxes. When traditional financing stalled, Quattro launched a Fixed Income Fund, raising $12 million to fund renovations and preserve investor returns without dilutive capital calls. In a move that reinforced investor trust, the team waived asset management fees to prioritize long-term stability.
Operational Excellence Through Asset Management
Managing properties across multiple states requires strong systems and aligned partners. Erin emphasized the importance of leading property managers—not outsourcing responsibility. Quattro works closely with professional management firms like Vicinia, valuing accountability, transparency, and shared financial commitment.
“You have to manage the property managers,” Erin noted. “Leadership means setting expectations, tracking performance, and holding teams accountable.”
Continuous improvement remains core to Quattro’s culture, with lessons from past challenges informing stronger processes and better outcomes.
Lessons for Aspiring Investors
Erin’s advice for those entering real estate—or considering the leap into general partnership or capital raising—is straightforward: find mentors, focus on relationships over transactions, and be willing to add value before expecting returns.
“People invest in people,” she emphasized. By consistently showing up, following through, and genuinely caring about her investors, Erin has raised more than $80 million—largely from repeat relationships.
She also echoed a familiar truth: consistent follow-up separates the top performers from the rest. Success, she believes, belongs to those who stay engaged, curious, and committed to growth.
Connect with Erin
Dr. Erin Hudson shares insights daily on mindset, health, and multifamily investing. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or visit www.thequattroway.com to book a personal session and learn more about her approach.
Erin’s journey is proof that unconventional beginnings—paired with grit, integrity, and a growth mindset—can lead to extraordinary impact for investors, partners, and communities alike.
