In the world of sports, entertainment, and spirituality, there are individuals who transcend their industries, becoming icons of excellence. When you think of a prototype athlete, Deion Sanders, the Hall of Famer who conquered both professional football and baseball, comes to mind. When you envision a prototype entertainer, Drake, the multi-talented hip-hop rapper and R&B singer, takes the spotlight. And in the realm of spirituality, Pastor Mike Jr., a pastor and gospel sensation, stands out as a shining example.
However, when it comes to the real estate industry, there is a new prototype that demands recognition: Dr. Michael C. Threatt, also known as The Section 8 Landlord Coach™. Dr. Threatt has not only mastered the intricacies of the real estate sector, particularly the public housing authority segment, but he has redefined what it means to be an expert in this field.
With an impressive 17-year tenure in the public housing authority sector, Dr. Threatt brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to the real estate industry. He is not only a licensed REALTOR® and real estate investor but also a published author and a pracademic—a rare combination of practitioner and researcher.
Dr. Threatt’s dedication to advancing his field is exemplified by his attainment of a doctorate in public administration (DPA) from West Chester University (WCU). His dissertation, a testament to his commitment to excellence, focused on Section 8 landlords—an area of the real estate landscape that has long needed an authoritative voice.
As The Section 8 Landlord Coach™, Dr. Threatt is not just a landlord; he is a mentor, a guide, and an advocate for those navigating the intricate world of real estate, particularly within the context of Section 8 housing. His expertise and insights have empowered countless individuals to succeed in this challenging terrain.
Dr. Michael C. Threatt’s journey in the real estate industry isn’t just about personal success; it’s about transforming an entire sector. His dedication to research, mentorship, and advocacy has elevated him to the status of a true prototype in the real estate world—a shining example of what excellence and innovation can achieve in any field.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Nurtured by Compassion and Inspired by Real Estate
From a young age, Michael harbored a deep fascination for real estate, inspired by his father, Conrad Elwood Threatt, a construction worker who had contributed to the construction of the iconic World Trade Center in the Bronx, New York. Michael’s early years were punctuated by moments of donning his father’s suits, orchestrating imaginary business meetings, and even donning heavy steel-toe boots while engrossed in play with miniature Tonka trucks. This childhood affection laid the foundation for his enduring passion for real estate.
However, it wasn’t just his father, Conrad, who shaped Michael’s personal and professional outlook. Michael’s mother, Jacqueline Spencer Threatt, imparted a profound sense of compassion and empathy through her four-decade career as a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN). These values, deeply instilled by his mother, would later serve as guiding principles as Michael ascended the ranks in the real estate industry, an arena that brought him into contact with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
For Michael, his mother’s sage advice – to treat others as he wished to be treated and to empathetically consider their perspectives before making decisions affecting them – became his compass on his path to success.
Combining Compassion, Real Estate, and Public Service
Michael Threatt’s enduring compassion for people, nurtured by the values instilled by his parents, guided his career path towards serving the community through affordable housing. This trajectory allowed him to blend his love for real estate with a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.
While his career in real estate seemed almost predestined, a pivotal moment occurred when he received an unexpected email from landlord Dan Almendares during his tenure at the Tampa Housing Authority in 2007. In this email, Dan commended Michael for his unwavering dedication to ensuring the needs of both Section 8 clients and landlords were efficiently and empathetically addressed.
This email served as a catalyst, propelling Michael’s career into high gear and cementing his commitment to the real estate industry. It became the driving force behind his quest to elevate his career to new heights. From the moment he crossed paths with Dan Almendares, Michael recognized the inherent challenges and frustrations within the Section 8 Program’s bureaucratic processes, which often discouraged landlords from participating. This realization fueled his determination to enact positive change in the affordable housing sector.
Mission to Revolutionize Affordable Housing
For nearly five decades, the Section 8 Program has played a significant role in American rental housing, yet it has not fully realized its potential as a public-private partnership. This program, designed in 1974, constitutes a real estate transaction involving landlords, Section 8 voucher holders, and public housing authorities (PHAs).
However, this partnership appears to be unbalanced, with dissatisfaction and disengagement mainly on the landlord’s side. Landlords encounter numerous pain points that result in negative experiences, often leading them to withdraw from the Section 8 Program.
In his book, Michael Threatt addresses the future of affordable housing in the United States, focusing on the alarming trend of landlords exiting the program. Since 2009, an estimated 10,000 landlords have left annually, totaling around 140,000 today. Considering an average of four Section 8 voucher holders per landlord, this loss equates to 560,000 rental units over the past 14 years.
This exodus significantly contributes to the shortage of affordable housing, affecting 2.3 million households and 5.8 million individuals currently served by the Section 8 Program. Although Section 8 voucher holders secure a coveted opportunity, they often struggle to find available housing due to bureaucratic red tape and landlord attrition.
Landlords’ perception of the Section 8 Program revolves around institutional bureaucracy, translating into their everyday reality. Michael Threatt has stepped up to challenge this status quo by giving landlords a voice, offering support, and validating their concerns. His mission is to rectify the imbalance within the Section 8 partnership and revolutionize affordable housing in America.
Revolutionize Affordable Housing and Support Landlords
During the process of writing his dissertation and reviewing the Moving to Work (MTW) Landlord Incentives cohort, Michael Threatt had a moment of revelation. He decided to shift his research focus towards understanding the growing phenomenon of landlords leaving the Section 8 Program, a pivotal point in his mission to transform affordable housing in America.
Coincidentally, while working on his dissertation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Michael himself experienced challenges related to delayed payments and other issues as a Section 8 landlord. This firsthand experience, coupled with witnessing other Section 8 landlords facing similar problems, ignited his passion to find solutions for landlord pain points within the program.
In 2021, Michael turned his dissertation into a groundbreaking book titled “The Price of Bureaucracy: Removing Section 8 Landlord Pain Points through the Investment in Technology.” His book offers innovative solutions to enhance the relationship between landlords and public housing authorities (PHAs) and addresses the challenges faced by both parties.
Through his research and book, Michael sought to validate the concerns and perspectives of landlords, becoming their advocate in the quest to redefine the Section 8 Program within the real estate industry. His work represents a significant step towards improving affordable housing by addressing issues from the inside out.
Affordable Housing and Empowering Landlords
Amid the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael Threatt embraced entrepreneurship and leveraged his expertise to address issues within the Section 8 Program. He founded Elevate Housing Solutions, LLC, as a consulting management firm, bringing innovative solutions to the real estate industry, particularly for Section 8 landlords.
With a deep understanding of both the landlord and public housing authority (PHA) perspectives, Michael has become a pivotal figure in transforming the Section 8 Program. His hands-on experience as a landlord allows him to provide clients with practical real estate investment strategies and coaching, ultimately maximizing their return on investment (ROI).
Michael’s coaching services extend to various real estate investment opportunities, including short sales, foreclosures, real-estate owned (REO) properties, value-add projects, tax liens, and turnkey investments. His guidance empowers landlords to increase cash flow and build successful real estate portfolios.
Notably, Michael offers consulting and coaching services as well as educational courses for PHAs. His expertise helps PHAs attract, recruit, and retain landlords for their Section 8 Programs by implementing both monetary and non-monetary incentives. Additionally, he assists PHAs in rebranding initiatives to establish a positive public image and eliminate stigmas associated with the Section 8 Program.
Through Elevate Housing Solutions, Michael Threatt is reshaping the affordable housing landscape and championing the needs of landlords and PHAs alike. His dedication to creating a more inclusive and efficient Section 8 Program reflects his commitment to improving housing opportunities for all.
A Trailblazer in Affordable Housing and Community Transformation
Over the past four years, Michael Threatt has achieved numerous accolades and played a pivotal role in reshaping affordable housing and community development. His transformative leadership style has garnered recognition and fostered innovation in public housing authorities (PHAs).
As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sylacauga Housing Authority, Michael was named the 2019 Executive Director of the Year at the age of 37. Under his leadership, the agency also won the 2019 Best Website of the Year award, thanks to the implementation of his visionary “Housing Authority of Tomorrow” model.
In his role as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Dothan Housing (DH), Michael continued to drive excellence and innovation, leading to several notable awards. DH received the 2022 Best Website of the Year award, the 2022 Best Publication of the Year award, and the 2022 Executive Director of the Year award. In addition, DH earned the 2022 Maintenance Employee of the Year award, the 2021 Best Practices of the Year award, and the 2021 Commissioner of the Year award.
Michael’s impact extended beyond awards, as he played a key role in DH’s historic achievement of becoming the only Alabama PHA to be part of all five national affordable housing associations. These associations include the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), the MTW Collaborative, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA), and the National Leased Housing Association (NLHA).
One of Michael’s significant accomplishments was converting four former public housing properties to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project-Based Voucher platform. He also led DH to become the second PHA in Alabama to close its public housing program, transitioning to a Section 8 voucher-only agency. Additionally, he played a crucial role in crafting DH’s strategic plans and applications for various programs.
Michael’s commitment to community transformation is exemplified by his vision to rename former public housing developments after prominent servant leaders. These include David C. Jamison Village, named after the Board Chairman, John R. Lewis Village in honor of the late Congressman and Civil Rights Leader, and the recent addition of Samuel P. Crawford Village, named after the current and first African American CEO and Fire Chief in the City of Dothan.
Through his leadership and dedication, Michael Threatt has left an indelible mark on affordable housing and continues to drive positive change within PHAs and communities.
An Advocate for Section 8 Landlords and Affordable Housing Legislation
Michael Threatt’s commitment to improving affordable housing extends beyond his roles in public housing authorities (PHAs). As the principal & CEO of Elevate Housing Solutions, LLC, he actively advocates for Section 8 Program landlords and works on legislative initiatives to enhance affordable housing.
As a member of prestigious national real estate associations, including the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), the National Apartment Association (NAA), National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), Michael lends his voice to address the concerns of Section 8 landlords. He also serves on the NARPM governmental affairs committee, contributing to policy discussions and advocacy efforts.
One of his primary advocacy goals is supporting The Choice in Affordable Housing Act (S.32/H.R. 6880), which he actively promotes. He played a significant role in recruiting and onboarding the only Landlord Liaison in Alabama, a position specifically listed in the housing bill. This demonstrates his commitment to legislative changes that benefit both landlords and Section 8 voucher holders.
Michael’s dedication to sharing Section 8 best practices and insights has led him to speak at national conferences. In 2022, he presented “How to Maximize Your Profit & Return on Investment as a Section 8 Landlord” at the NARPM Broker/Owner’s conference in San Antonio, Texas. He is scheduled to speak at the 2023 PHADA Annual Convention & Exhibition in Denver, Colorado, where his presentation, titled “Best Practices to Expand Housing Opportunities by Attracting, Recruiting, & Retaining Landlords with Certified Renters,” reflects his ongoing commitment to improving the Section 8 Program and affordable housing options.
Michael Threatt’s advocacy work and dedication to legislative initiatives contribute significantly to the betterment of affordable housing and the Section 8 Program.
Beyond his impactful advocacy and leadership roles in the realm of affordable housing and the Section 8 Program, Michael Threatt is a multifaceted individual with a range of personal and professional interests.
- Real Estate Investment: Michael plans to continue his involvement in real estate investment, leveraging his extensive expertise in the field. With a keen eye for opportunities and a deep understanding of the industry, he aims to expand his real estate portfolio, contributing to his financial growth and providing valuable insights to aspiring investors.
- Authorship: As a published author, Michael is already working on his next two books. One of these books will delve into real estate investment strategies, sharing his wealth of knowledge with readers looking to navigate the real estate market successfully. The other book will focus on housing policy reform for voucher holders, addressing critical issues related to affordable housing and Section 8 Program reforms.
- Online Training Courses: Through his platform, My Landlord Liaison, LLC, Michael intends to offer online training courses. These courses, titled “5 Secrets to Making Six Figures as a Section 8 Landlord” and “5 Best Practices to Attract, Recruit, & Retain Landlords for Your Section 8 Program,” are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the Section 8 housing sector. They represent Michael’s commitment to education and mentorship.
- Podcasting: Michael’s venture, Roof Talks Podcast, LLC, is set to launch a podcast tailored to landlords and real estate investors engaged in the Section 8 Program. The podcast, expected to debut in the fall, will provide valuable insights, tips, and discussions on relevant topics within the real estate and affordable housing landscape. It offers a dynamic platform for sharing information and fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals.
Michael Threatt’s personal and professional endeavors reflect his dedication to real estate, education, and advocacy. Whether through his investments, written works, online courses, or podcasting, he continues to make a meaningful impact in the field of affordable housing and beyond.
From Purpose to Passion
Michael Threatt’s remarkable professional journey can be encapsulated in a single word: “Purpose.” He believes that while humans make plans, it is a higher power that orders their steps. Throughout his career, he has encountered adversities that have helped shape his character, and roadblocks that have taught him the value of trusting the process and having faith.
Michael’s favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, reflects his core belief in trusting in a higher purpose: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” This verse has been a guiding light in his journey, reminding him to have faith in the path that unfolds before him.
Moreover, Michael lives by a favorite quote from Bishop T.D. Jakes: “If you can’t find your purpose, find your passion, and when you find your passion, this will lead you to find your purpose.” It underscores the idea that passion can be a compass, leading individuals to their true purpose. For Michael, his passion for real estate, advocacy, and making a difference in the affordable housing sector has been the driving force behind his purposeful career.
In essence, Michael Threatt’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose and passion. His unwavering commitment to his calling has not only shaped his professional success but also inspired others to find their own purpose and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Approach to Work-Life Balance
For Michael Threatt, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is not just a luxury but a necessity. He recognizes that dedicating time to personal well-being and spending quality moments with family are essential aspects of a fulfilling life.
Michael emphasizes that finding the right equilibrium between personal and professional life is crucial. This balance includes cherishing moments with his wife, Dr. Jennifer M. Threatt, and their three high school daughters, as well as their two poodles. Quality family time, engaging in recreational activities like video and board games, and staying physically active are integral components of his work-life balance strategy.
Moreover, Michael is deeply committed to giving back to the community through volunteering at church and participating in various community functions. His role as a pastor and his belief in the importance of paying it forward drive his involvement in community service.
In the end, Michael’s approach to work-life balance is a testament to his belief that “health is wealth.” Taking the time to enjoy the rewards of hard work, both personally and professionally, enables him to confront challenges with energy and enthusiasm.
