Ashley Cao got laid off—twice—from two tech giants. But instead of chasing another job, she turned the setback into a wake-up call.
In this episode, she shares how losing her W2 helped her reclaim time, invest out of state with no experience, and build a life rooted in purpose and people. From her mother’s immigrant hustle to co-creating real estate meetups, Ashley proves you don’t need a title to create impact—you need a mission.
If you're done surviving and ready to build a life on your terms—this is the one to hear.
👤 Guest Bio
Ashley Cao is a former tech recruiter at Tesla and Google who pivoted into commercial real estate investing after a 2018 layoff scare. Starting with a BRRRR duplex in Columbus, Ohio, Ashley scaled into multifamily partnerships while working remotely. Today, she helps others finance their deals through her role at Old Capital Lending and co-leads grassroots events like the Anti-Conference Conference.
Ashley is passionate about building wealth in community—and proving that your backup plan can become your best life.
🔑 Key Insights
💡 Layoffs can be leverage—severance = runway.
💡 HELOCs make out-of-state BRRRRs possible.
💡 One offer a week builds deal discipline.
💡 $250/door cash flow beats spreadsheet fear.
💡 Community beats solo Googling for growth.
💡 Job skills transfer—recruiting helped her pivot to lending.
💡 Protect time like capital—put purpose first.
💡 Serving others expands your deal flow.
🕒 Timestamps
00:00 - Why “playing it safe” backfires
00:56 - Ashley’s origin—Great Recession grad to tech recruiter
04:19 - Upbringing & refugee work ethic shape money beliefs
08:58 - First BRRRR roadmap—HELOC + Columbus market hunt
15:16 - Making $250/door & realizing scale requires systems
21:17 - Cancer scare reframes time-wealth priority
24:51 - Google layoff → full-time real-estate & lending pivot
28:41 - Birth of the Anti-Conference—fixing networking overload
35:16 - Honoring mom through PanCAN walks & fundraising
🤝 Connect With Our Guest
Email: acao@oldcapitallending.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashqnc
Instagram: https://instagram.com/_ashflow
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ashqnc
📅 Projects/Events
Anti-Conference Conference by SARE Ladies — https://sareladies.com/anticonference
A fast and focused real estate conference built for busy people who want real answers, not just inspiration
Register now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-anti-conference-conference-registration-1352909541859
Friday, September 12, 2025
Electric Playhouse at Caesar's Forum, Las Vegas, NV
📚 Frameworks
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki — https://links.theimmiwealthbuilder.com/rich-dad-poor-dad
A game-changing book on wealth, mindset, and financial freedom through investing
💛 Charity Spotlight
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network — https://pancan.org
Improving the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge and advocating for patients
👋 Connect With Me
Giang Nguyen
Multifamily Investor
Commercial Mortgage Broker
Founder of One River Capital
Website: https://onerivercapital.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thatsalsainvestor
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thatsalsainvestor
FREE Discovery Call: https://links.onerivercapital.com/lets-connect
FREE Guide: https://links.onerivercapital.com/multifamily-syndication-guide
⭐ Enjoyed this episode?
💬 Send it to a friend.
🌟 Leave a review.
✅ Subscribe for more immigrant stories & wealth strategies.
