Ep. 059: Beyond the Hospital: How Dr. Calvin Lowe Built Wealth Through Multifamily Investing

May 4

In this conversation, we sat down with Dr. Calvin Lowe, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, to talk about his transition from a demanding medical career into multifamily real estate investing—and why he chose to build a second path toward financial freedom.

With more than 33 years in medicine, Dr. Lowe has built an impressive career, serving not only as a front-line physician but also as Medical Director of the Allen Perwin Emergency Transport Program, coordinating the transfer of critically ill children from around the world.

By most standards, he had already “made it.” But like many high-income professionals, he reached a point where income alone wasn’t enough.

A Rewarding Career—With a Cost

Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Lowe grew up in Fullerton and now lives in La Habra. His daily commute into Los Angeles—roughly 30 miles each way—can easily stretch into an hour or more.

While he speaks passionately about the impact of his work, the long hours and relentless commute began to take a toll.

“I love what I do, but… it’s just the grind of Southern California traffic.”

At the same time, his priorities were evolving. Married for over 30 years with two recently married children, Dr. Lowe found himself thinking more about time, family, and what the next chapter of life could look like.

Why Real Estate?

Real estate wasn’t a new concept for Dr. Lowe—it was something he had seen modeled early.

His parents quietly built wealth through single-family rentals, including a fourplex in Huntington Beach purchased when he was just six months old—an asset they still own today. That portfolio helped fund the education of four sons, including a physician, an attorney, and two pharmacists.

But he also experienced the realities of hands-on landlording firsthand.

“With single family, it’s all about the tenants, the taxes, and the toilets.”

That experience made one thing clear: he wanted the benefits of real estate without the day-to-day operational burden.

Multifamily investing—especially as a limited partner—offered exactly that.

The Tax Advantage: A Turning Point

Like many physicians, Dr. Lowe faced a familiar challenge: the more he earned, the more he paid in taxes.

That changed when he and his wife Peggy implemented a strategy centered around Real Estate Professional Status (REPS).

Because Peggy is a full-time homemaker, she is able to qualify as a real estate professional. This allows them to use real estate losses to offset Dr. Lowe’s W-2 income—significantly improving their after-tax position.

“We have the ideal situation… we can write it against my physician salary.”

Real estate became more than an investment—it became a tool to reduce workload, increase flexibility, and accelerate their path to financial independence.

Stepping Into an Active Role

After gaining confidence as passive investors, Dr. Lowe and his wife decided to take a more active role.

They joined Vertical Street Ventures and its academy, where they gained hands-on experience in:

Capital raising
Deal analysis and underwriting
Asset management and operations

Their investments have included markets like Phoenix, Tucson, and Salt Lake City.

The transition wasn’t easy.

“The learning curve was steeper than med school or residency.”

But the effort paid off. Dr. Lowe has since reduced his hospital schedule to three-quarters time—creating more space for family, travel, and building their real estate business.

A Mission to Educate Other Physicians

Today, Dr. Lowe is focused not just on investing—but on helping others, particularly within the healthcare community.

He sees a common pattern: high-income professionals who are overworked, heavily taxed, and stuck in a cycle of trading time for money.

His message is simple—real estate is not a quick win. It’s a long-term strategy.

He often connects with fellow physicians by first addressing their immediate challenges—like scheduling and burnout—before introducing the idea of passive income and tax-efficient investing.

Some are ready to act. Others aren’t yet.

Either way, he leads by example:

Working fewer hours
Traveling more
Being more present with family

Market Outlook: Opportunity Ahead

Looking forward, Dr. Lowe is optimistic about the multifamily space.

He points to increasing opportunities driven by:

Softening prices in markets like Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston
A rise in lender-controlled and distressed deals
More flexible deal structures, including seller financing

While interest rates remain a variable, the broader takeaway is clear: market shifts create opportunity—especially for investors who are prepared.

Peace Equity: Investing With Purpose

Dr. Lowe and his wife formalized their efforts through their company, Peace Equity—a name rooted in family:

P – Peggy
E – Elizabeth
A – Austin
C – Calvin

The mission behind it is simple: create financial peace for their family and the investors they serve.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Lowe’s story is a strong reminder that even after decades in a successful career, it’s possible to pivot, learn new skills, and build a more balanced life.

For high-income earners feeling the pressure of long hours and high taxes, his journey offers a practical example of what’s possible with the right strategy and mindset.