NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — It started with frustration. James Jones was already building his own portfolio of rental properties when he realized something wasn’t right: investors entering the Section 8 housing market were hungry for guidance, but the resources available to them were either too generic or too disconnected from real-world application.
Instead of settling for surface-level advice, James went deeper. He experimented, failed, recalibrated, and built a system that worked — not just for himself, but for anyone willing to follow proven steps. That experience became the foundation for Section 8 Guys and, later, his tech-driven platform Elevate REI. Together, they are reshaping how investors approach affordable housing — with tools, mentorship, and a mindset shift that prioritizes both profit and long-term legacy.
Closing the Gap Between Theory and Action
James didn’t begin with a plan to become a mentor or tech innovator. He began as a boots-on-the-ground investor, learning every lesson the hard way. But in time, he recognized a glaring industry gap: most real estate education focused on high-level concepts, leaving new investors stranded when it came to applying them.
That gap became the spark for Section 8 Guys. Built on practical, actionable strategies, the platform equips students with the exact steps to find, rehab, and rent properties within the government-backed housing program. The results speak loudly — students have collectively acquired more than 200 rental units in less than a year, proof that his system is more than theory.
“Our mission was never about just talking real estate,” James explains. “It’s about showing people how to win in this specific market and giving them the tools to actually do it.”
Elevate REI: Turning Strategy Into Simplicity
While mentorship laid the foundation, technology became the accelerator. James launched Elevate REI, a proprietary app designed to simplify and supercharge the investment process.
From browsing on-market listings to analyzing cash flow with a built-in deal calculator, Elevate REI consolidates what used to take hours of spreadsheets, research, and networking into a single, intuitive platform. Key features include:
Property Search & Analysis for instant cash flow estimates.
Off-Market Access to wholesale properties before they hit the MLS.
Fair Market Rent Insights by ZIP code to optimize income streams.
Rent Reveal to forecast maximum rental potential in seconds.
AI-Powered Assistant for instant real estate answers.
Skip Tracing Tools to connect directly with property owners.
What once felt like a maze of paperwork, calls, and guesswork is now a streamlined digital process. Investors can focus less on busywork and more on building portfolios that generate steady, reliable returns.
Beyond Mentorship: Financing and Community
James also recognized that mentorship and software alone weren’t enough. To truly empower investors, he introduced Elevate Holdings LLC, a financing arm offering DSCR loan products. These tools give investors the leverage to refinance, expand, and reinvest at scale — creating a sustainable growth cycle.
But numbers aren’t the only piece of the equation. Section 8 Guys has evolved into a collaborative community where investors exchange knowledge, support, and shared wins. For many, this network becomes the missing ingredient — a place where success is multiplied through connection.
Building Wealth That Lasts
At the heart of James’s work lies a deeper mission: helping people build generational wealth. By teaching investors to think beyond quick flips and instead focus on creating long-term, passive income, he empowers them to pass down not just properties, but financial independence.
“Real estate isn’t just about today’s deal,” James says. “It’s about building a legacy. It’s about knowing your kids — and their kids — will benefit from the decisions you make now.”
This perspective transforms Section 8 investing from a strategy into a movement — one that blends financial opportunity with social impact by improving affordable housing stock across communities.
What’s Next for Section 8 Guys and Elevate REI
As his platforms expand, James is doubling down on his mission: breaking down barriers for everyday investors. He plans to scale Elevate REI with even more integrated tools, broaden the reach of Section 8 Guys’ mentorship, and continue growing a network of investors who prove that affordable housing can be both profitable and purposeful.
For first-time investors, James offers a clear path forward. For experienced investors, he offers a way to scale without drowning in inefficiencies. And for anyone unsure where to begin, his story stands as proof: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel — you just need the right system, tools, and community.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve ever considered Section 8 investing but felt overwhelmed by the complexity, James Jones has built the roadmap you need. Between the mentorship of Section 8 Guys and the all-in-one power of Elevate REI, the path to building wealth through real estate has never been clearer.
Learn more and take your next step:
