From 80-Hour Workweeks to Financial Freedom: The Inspiring Journey of Letizia Alto and Kenji Asakura

In 2015, Letizia Alto and Kenji Asakura embarked on a transformative journey that would change their lives forever. As physicians working long hours at the same hospital, they found themselves trapped in an exhausting cycle of 80-hour workweeks. Their quest for a better work-life balance led them to the world of real estate investing, a decision that would ultimately grant them the freedom to spend more time with each other and their family.

Starting from Scratch

Despite their demanding careers, Alto and Asakura were essentially starting from scratch in the realm of real estate. Asakura had dabbled in real estate investing in the early 2000s, primarily buying and reselling land. However, the 2008 housing market crash left him with significant losses. Alto, on the other hand, had never owned property before. Their initial foray into real estate began with two duplexes, purchased with funds they had originally set aside for a primary residence.

This decision to invest in rental properties instead of a primary home would prove to be pivotal. By 2025, they had expanded their portfolio to over 100 rental units, a remarkable achievement that underscores their dedication and strategic approach to investing.

The Power of Rental Income

The rental income generated from their properties allowed Alto and Asakura to step back from their demanding hospital jobs. This newfound financial freedom enabled them to spend more quality time with their children and pursue their passion for travel. They now split their time between Puerto Rico and various destinations around the globe, living a lifestyle that many only dream of.

Their journey into real estate was not merely a financial decision; it was a lifestyle choice that allowed them to build a community through their online platform, Semi-Retired MD. Here, they share their experiences and insights with others looking to escape the grind of traditional employment.

Self-Education: The Key to Success

As they navigated the complexities of real estate investing, Alto and Asakura relied heavily on self-education. "We were self-taught," Asakura remarked, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in their journey. Alto added, "We were reading all the time." Their commitment to education was instrumental in their success, and they attribute much of their knowledge to three pivotal books that shaped their investment strategies.

1. "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki

One of the first books they read together was Robert Kiyosaki’s personal finance classic, "Rich Dad Poor Dad." The couple read this book while on their honeymoon, traveling in a camper van through New Zealand. The lessons they absorbed during those nights without electricity were profound. Alto recalled, "It was really powerful. We were like: ‘Oh, my gosh, this is it: We’re employees, we trade our time for money… The only way it works is if we have another source of income outside medicine.’"

This realization catalyzed their decision to invest in real estate, marking the beginning of their journey toward financial independence.

2. "How to Use Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships" by Garrett Sutton

Another influential book in their arsenal was Garrett Sutton’s guide on LLCs and limited partnerships. This book helped them understand the legal and financial structures necessary for scaling their business. Asakura noted, "A lot of people don’t think about rental properties as a business — they think about it as providing housing — but ultimately, each property is a mini-business." This mindset shift was crucial for their growth and success.

3. "The Millionaire Real Estate Investor" by Gary Keller

Gary Keller’s book provided practical, actionable advice that helped them refine their investment strategies. They even built a cash-on-cash calculator based on a model from Keller’s book to ensure each property would generate positive cash flow before closing. The confidence they gained from reading about the experiences of over 100 millionaire real estate investors further solidified their belief that success was attainable.

The Importance of Confidence

Alto and Asakura emphasize that confidence is just as important as executing a well-thought-out investment strategy. "If you don’t believe it’s possible, then you’re always going to look for the reasons it’s not going to work," Alto explained. This mindset can lead to "analysis paralysis," where potential investors become stuck in indecision and miss out on opportunities.

Conclusion

Letizia Alto and Kenji Asakura’s journey from 80-hour workweeks to financial freedom is a testament to the power of education, strategic planning, and the courage to take risks. Their story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to break free from the constraints of traditional employment and pursue a life of adventure and fulfillment. By investing in rental properties, they not only transformed their financial situation but also created a lifestyle that allows them to spend more time with their loved ones and share their knowledge with others.

As they continue to grow their real estate portfolio and community, Alto and Asakura exemplify the idea that with the right mindset and resources, anyone can achieve their dreams.