{
  "id": 5081862,
  "title": "This couple ditched 6-figure paychecks for 14 Airbnbs and $12M in debt — here’s how it brought them financial freedom",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/this-couple-ditched-6-figure-paychecks-for-14-airbnbs-and-12m-in-debt",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-02T12:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Finance",
    "slug": "yahoo-finance",
    "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/articles/couple-ditched-6-figure-paychecks-112300675.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michael Elefante and his wife made a bold decision to abandon their six-figure careers to pursue financial freedom through Airbnb rentals and a massive debt load. In a recent X post, Elefante detailed their journey, explaining how they used $420,000 in mortgages to buy their first home in Nashville, which then became an Airbnb property earning $100,000 annually. The couple continued to buy properties, eventually owning 14 Airbnb homes with a combined debt of $12 million. By leveraging Airbnb's rental income, they were able to pay off their mortgages, create cash flow, and save on taxes. Robert Kiyosaki, a well-known personal finance commentator, has also claimed to be a billionaire in debt, supporting this strategy with his own real estate empire. While the couple claims their business requires only a few hours of work weekly, managing multiple properties typically demands significant time and effort. They also face risks such as changes in travel trends, regulations, natural disasters, and higher insurance premiums. Before attempting a similar strategy, it is essential to consider one's financial situation, market conditions, and potential risks. Seeking advice from a financial expert can help in making an informed decision.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}