Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Linkous.
Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started with a deep belief that people—and the places they call home—are worth investing in. With a background in leadership and a heart for community, I entered real estate not just to build wealth, but to build impact.
In 2017, my husband Clay and I founded Freedom Investment Group. We started small, but with a clear mission: to create sustainable housing solutions while delivering strong returns. Over time, we grew a rental portfolio of over 300 doors, bought and sold more than \$20 million in real estate, and averaged over 100% ROI at exit. That momentum led us to expand into FIG Property Management, which now manages over 900 doors, along with FIG General Contracting, FIG Stays, and My Maintenance Men.
But our work goes beyond business. In 2020, we launched FIG Solutions, a nonprofit focused on affordable and transitional housing. Today, it provides support through 45 subsidized units and 87 conventional affordable units, in partnership with local agencies.
In 2023, we launched Linkous Solutions to support other leaders and organizations through coaching and consulting. I also serve as the managing broker at Ten Oaks Real Estate – Knoxville, continuing to support agents and investors across the region.
Through it all, my “why” has remained constant: people matter. My husband and I have six children—two of whom joined our family through adoption after experiencing homelessness. That part of our story fuels my work every day. For me, this isn’t just about real estate. It’s about using what we’ve built to open doors for others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road—but one worth walking.
Like most entrepreneurs, we’ve faced the usual challenges of running and scaling a small business: navigating market shifts, managing people, building systems, and learning from growing pains. At times, we grew faster than we were ready for, and that came with its own set of hurdles—staffing, infrastructure, and quality control.
The impact of COVID was especially challenging. It forced us to adapt quickly, not only in operations but in how we cared for residents, staff, and the community. That season also magnified the affordable housing crisis, which pushed us to think more creatively and compassionately about our role in the industry.
Leadership isn’t always easy—especially when the stakes involve people’s homes and livelihoods—but it’s taught me to stay grounded, listen well, and lead with both courage and clarity. Every obstacle has shaped the way we build, serve, and grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Freedom Investment Group?
At the core of everything we do is the belief that housing is more than a transaction—it’s a foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity.
Through Freedom Investment Group (FIG), we’ve built a family of companies that work together to provide full-spectrum real estate solutions. That includes FIG Property Management, overseeing 900+ doors with a hands-on, investor-minded approach; FIG General Contracting, which specializes in renovations and value-add projects; FIG Stays for short-term rentals; and My Maintenance Men, delivering reliable in-house maintenance support.
We’re especially proud of FIG Solutions, our nonprofit arm that addresses housing access and affordability. FIG Solutions operates over 130 affordable units and partners with agencies to provide rent relief, deposits, and transitional housing—bridging gaps for individuals and families in need.
What sets us apart is our blend of heart and expertise. We’re not just about ROI (though we’ve delivered strong ones); we’re about doing real estate differently—leading with integrity, compassion, and sustainability. Our clients trust us because we manage their investments like our own, and our community partners trust us because we show up for the long haul.
We also launched Linkous Solutions to extend our impact—helping other leaders and teams grow through coaching, strategy, and operational clarity. From one-on-one consulting to large-scale planning retreats, we bring the same intentionality and drive that built our real estate success to every organization we serve.
At every level, we’re building something bigger than business—we’re building community.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I developed a love for travel at a young age. I remember how fun it was to travel to see cousins and explore new cities. One of my favorites was dressing in my Laura Ashley dress and going into the city (San Francisco) with my mom and grandmother.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://freedominvestmentgroupinc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.linkous/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.linkous.1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-linkous-15b042134/
