API media director is also part-time blogger

Wohlschlegel

Eric Wohlschlegel bought his first Capitol Hill row house in 1996, at the age of 26, after saving $20,000 working two jobs for two years. He lived in the smallest room, renting out the others. Three years later, while working as a Hill staffer, he tapped the growing equity for a downpayment on his second row house (and current home). Today, the director of media relations for the American Petroleum Institute owns all or part of five properties in Washington, D.C., and a house in Palm Springs, Calif.

Over the years, Wohlschlegel said people switched from saying, "You're crazy to buy in the District," to "How can you help me?" He started assisting friends and relatives with the "real estate math" and providing referrals to mortgage brokers, roofers and other experts.

Finally in 2011 he launched The Cribline, a blog featuring his top house picks in D.C., along with calculations of the after-tax mortgage payments. The budding enterprise has four advertisers and 16 sponsors—Wohlschlegel's network of service-providers—and turns a profit. Cribline recently started covering Charlotte, N.C., as well.

Wohlschlegel said he's passionate about passing on his real estate knowledge—which includes learning from his own mistakes—and contributing to a thriving city. He's heartened by the growing number of D.C. residents, reversing a long population slide.

"Spring is going to be a zoo," he said. "If you want to get a jump on the market, now's the time."