Andres Bernal arrived in the U.S. with a modest $500 and a tennis racket, chasing a pro‑tour career that never materialised. After two years on the circuit, he shifted to coaching, clocking 50‑60 hour weeks, and began studying real‑estate fundamentals.
In 2016, Bernal made his first property purchase in Connecticut, sparking a decade‑long journey that has since included more than 50 successful flips during 2024‑25. He credits a disciplined approach—conservative underwriting, contingency‑filled budgets, and a focus on core structural repairs—to keeping his cash flow steady.
The current portfolio spans multifamily units, duplexes, single‑family homes and student rentals, with 22 properties tied to the federal Section 8 program. Three of the state’s largest universities lie within a ten‑minute walk of his student‑housing clusters, a strategy that eliminates the need for on‑campus parking.
Bernal’s operations rely on a tight network of 12 contractors for carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, complemented by a part‑time team that manages day‑to‑day maintenance. This structure allows him to shift resources between renovation projects and routine upkeep efficiently.
Looking ahead, Bernal announced plans to add 10 new student‑centric units in 2026, targeting enrollment peaks at the region’s universities. The expansion aims to increase occupancy rates while maintaining the affordability of his Section 8 holdings.