Military life often feels unpredictable. Constant moves, unexpected TDYs, and career interruptions are part of the territory — especially for military spouses. But what if instead of seeing these as obstacles, you could turn them into the greatest financial opportunity of your life?
That’s exactly what Kaitlyn Dannhardt has done.
In a recent ADPI podcast episode, Kaitlyn shared how she and her husband Evan transformed military moves and rotations into a real estate empire — starting with just $1,500 to their name.
Here are the biggest lessons we can all learn from her story:
1. “TDY Hacking” — The Next-Level House Hack
When Kaitlyn and Evan found themselves facing a year of constant travel across the U.S. and Europe for Evan’s medical rotations, Kaitlyn saw an opportunity.
Instead of letting their home in Mississippi sit empty, they Airbnb-ed it out during every TDY.
They used a VA loan to buy the house with zero down and quickly started generating income while they lived nomadically.
Between BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), per diem from travel, and Airbnb income, they were banking serious cash.
Key Takeaway:
Military families can create portable income streams by renting out their homes during extended TDYs — even if you start with minimal furniture and savings.
The obstacle (constant moves) became the way.
2. Flexibility Is the Secret Weapon
Kaitlyn originally planned to pay off her first investment home in four years.
But when life threw her curveballs — including unexpected moves and later health challenges — she pivoted.
Instead of rigidly clinging to the original plan, she focused on building passive income, hiring property managers, and creating systems that allowed her family to thrive even when she needed to step back.
Key Takeaway:
You need a plan — but you must be ready to adapt.
Military life is unpredictable, and your financial strategy has to be flexible enough to bend without breaking.
3. Build the Right Team (and Pay for It!)
One of Kaitlyn’s biggest lessons?
Hiring cheap contractors or property managers almost always costs more in the long run.
She emphasized the importance of investing in great people, even if they charge a little more — because trustworthy managers, Airbnb hosts, and Turo operators can make or break your investments while you’re focused on the military mission (or life challenges).
Key Takeaway:
It’s not about doing it all yourself — it’s about finding people you trust and letting them run with it.
Ask around, vet carefully, and don’t be afraid to spend more for peace of mind and professional results.
Final Thoughts: Military Spouses as Wealth Builders
Kaitlyn’s story isn’t just about real estate.
It’s about empowering military spouses to see themselves as active wealth builders — even if their career paths get interrupted, even if life gets messy, even if the odds seem stacked against them.
By using VA loans, BAH, PCS moves, TDY assignments, and a lot of creativity, she and Evan are building a future where they aren’t chained to any one job or paycheck.
Freedom is the goal.
And it’s available to anyone willing to think differently and take action.
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