We recently connected with Riley Wenger and have shared our conversation below.

Riley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I’ve made, both in terms of time and money, was buying my first house in 2019 and house hacking it. I purchased a property, renovated it, and rented out the extra rooms while living there myself. The idea of taking on a fixer-upper, managing tenants, and navigating the financial and emotional risks felt daunting at first — it was definitely outside my comfort zone.

But within about six months, after the renovations were complete and my roommates moved in, I was essentially living for free. That experience taught me so much about real estate investing, financial discipline, and the power of taking calculated risks that set you up for long-term growth.

Equally important, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family. They encouraged me, helped me problem-solve, and reminded me to believe in myself when I doubted I could pull it off. That experience reinforced for me just how much community, mentorship, and support can accelerate success.

Living rent-free gave me the confidence and flexibility to take my next leap of faith: starting my own real estate business during a risky and uncertain time, right in the middle of the pandemic. Today, I help others leverage real estate to build long-term wealth, and I’m endlessly grateful for the lessons, the courage, and the people who made it possible.

Riley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Riley Wenger, a real estate agent based in Denver, passionate about helping people make smart, informed decisions about buying, selling, and investing in homes. I specialize in working with first-time home buyers, move-up buyers, and anyone looking to leverage real estate to build long-term wealth. My goal is to empower my clients with the knowledge and education they need to make confident, strategic decisions that fit not just their current life, but their dream future life.

I got into real estate because I love helping people navigate one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions of their lives. Over the years, I’ve worked with clients relocating to Denver, first-time buyers navigating the market, and investors looking for smart opportunities — all with the same focus: making the process clear, approachable, and tailored to each person’s goals. In 2024–25, I was honored to be the top-selling agent at my brokerage and receive the 5 Star Rising Young Professional Award, which was a meaningful recognition of the dedication I bring to my clients.

What sets me apart is my emphasis on education and empowerment. I want my clients to feel confident in every decision they make, whether it’s buying their first home, upgrading to a larger property, or building a real estate portfolio. I combine practical market knowledge, strategy, and personal guidance to help them navigate each step successfully — and ultimately, to help them achieve the life they envision.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Early in my career, I thought I had found my dream job in international education. I was excited by the idea of helping students navigate opportunities abroad, but after a while, I realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Despite the prestige and the stability, I found myself feeling unfulfilled and even a bit miserable.

That experience forced me to take a step back and really think about what I wanted from a career — what would align with my strengths, passions, and long-term goals. Through reflection and experimentation, I discovered that real estate and investing was where I could truly thrive. I loved the combination of strategy, people, and impact, and I realized I could help others make life-changing financial decisions while building something meaningful for myself.

Making that pivot wasn’t easy — it required risk, patience, and a willingness to start over in a new field. But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It taught me the importance of self-awareness, following your instincts, and being willing to change course when something isn’t serving you — lessons I now bring to every client I work with.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my social media audience by showing up consistently and authentically. From the beginning, my goal was simple: to share what I know about real estate in a way that’s helpful, approachable, and relatable. Whether it’s tips for first-time buyers, insights on investing, or lessons I’ve learned from my own experiences, I try to create content that people can actually use to make smarter decisions about purchasing and owning property.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is to focus on authenticity and consistency over perfection. Don’t worry about having polished videos or thousands of followers at first — focus on showing up, sharing your expertise or perspective, and connecting with people who resonate with your message. Over time, being consistent and genuinely helpful will naturally attract the right audience, and you’ll build a community that trusts and engages with you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @realestateriley
• Other: Tiktok @realestateriley_denver