Jacob Cox - Author

05/29/2026

What a crazy, fast-paced, and incredibly educational year it has been! 🙌

It's too early to say how rewarding it will be, but I see promise.

Balancing a 9-5 as a Solutions Architect designing AI projects for the government is a massive undertaking in itself, but building an "after-hours" real estate portfolio has taken things to a whole new level.

I’m incredibly proud to share some major milestones from this year:
🏡 First Rental in South Carolina Acquired: Officially added a beautiful, high-end 4-bed, 2-bath rental property to the portfolio in North Augusta, SC. Nearly all my rentals are in the Augusta, GA area.

🔨 First Flip In Progress: Stepped outside my comfort zone and took on my very first property flip—a 3/2 also in North Augusta!

💼 Private Money Lending: Expanding my horizons even further this week by officially entering the private lending space to fund another investor’s flip-over in Martinez, GA.

Shoutout to everyone who has supported me on this journey, shared advice, or partnered with me along the way. Managing code, generative AI models, and my after-hours special project from my home office here in Grovetown has been a rigorous journey, but momentum is building. 🚀

🙌

05/25/2026

I checked in on the Taylor Pond Project today. The floors and countertops are in , along with the new HVAC.

Someone with a boat or camper is going to love that driveway extending beyond the house.

05/19/2026

Last year, I started another project chronicling my path to 10 rental properties. I thought other investors, especially those who work a 9-5 like me, might be interested in how I did it. I don't self-manage; I don't run my own renovations; I don't market; and I don't handle maintenance. My book explains why.

Instead, I focus on creative acquisitions, finding deals, and outsourcing as much as I can, which allows me to focus on my day job and extracurriculars. I'm also not trying to become my own boss or retire early. I actually like my job, but I do like knowing that work is becoming an option more and more every day, while my lifestyle is not.

I'm now 90,000 words in and scaling it down to ~80,000. Editing is time-consuming, but as Mark Twain once said, "If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter." I'm making it shorter, dang'it!

I hope to complete it this year.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What would you like to learn from an insider's perspective on growing your rental portfolio?

Encouragement is welcome too!


















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05/14/2026

🎉 Facebook recognized me as a consistent post creator this week!

05/09/2026

Stopped by The Taylor Pond project today, and it is progressing! Walls are all repaired and painted and the flooring is ready to go in.

Following
Fort Gordon
Savannah River Site
North Augusta SC Community
Edgefield, South Carolina

05/06/2026

I've been busy.

05/05/2026

🚧RENOVATION UPDATE: The Taylor Pond Project is underway!🚧

This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,620-square-foot gem was built in 2016 and is on a full one-acre lot in North Augusta, SC. It features a spacious master suite with a walk-in closet and a master bath with a luxury rainfall shower system.

So, what's in store for renovations?
✅ New flooring throughout.
✅ New HVAC with a 10-year warranty
✅ Brand new stainless steel appliances (Refrigerator, Range, Dishwasher, and Microwave)
✅ Remodeled kitchen with Black pearl granite countertops and tiled backsplash.
✅ Newly updated bathrooms with quartz vanity countertop.
✅ New Plumbing
✅ Roof and ceiling work
✅ Fresh paint
✅ Small repairs throughout
✅ And, landscaping

This home is in a growing local economy supported by major regional employers, schools, dining, and recreation.

💼 Top Employment Hubs
👌Savannah River Site (SRS): A major regional employer for engineering and tech (approx. 28 miles)
👌SRP Federal Credit Union Headquarters: Local financial powerhouse (approx. 16 miles)
👌Augusta University & Medical District: Major healthcare and education hub (approx. 15 miles)
👌Georgia Cyber Center: a conglomeration of government, industry, and academia focused on all things cyber. (approx. 10 miles)
👌Fort Gordon: home of Army Cyber Command (approx 21 miles)

🎓 Schools
👌 Merriwether Elementary & Middle: Highly-rated and just minutes away! (~6 miles)
👌 Fox Creek High School: A premier charter school option nearby (~6 miles)
👌 Strom Thurmond High: The home of the Rebels! (~16 miles)

🍽️ Local Dining Favorites
👌Manuel’s Bread Café: French-inspired farm-to-table dining (approx. 12.5 miles)
👌Brink’s Tavern: Great atmosphere and Southern favorites (approx. 13 miles)
👌Hammond’s Ferry Area: Beautiful riverside dining and shops (approx. 12.5 miles)

🌳 Recreation & Activities
👌The Greeneway: 7+ miles of paved trails for biking and walking (approx. 12.5 miles)
👌SRP Park: Catch a GreenJackets baseball game by the river! (approx. 13 miles)
👌Riverview Park Activities Center: 149 acres of sports, gym facilities, and community events (approx. 12.5 miles)

Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or proximity to the best of North Augusta, this location has it all!

I expect to place this home on the market by early to mid-June, so it will be ready for summer. I'm targeting $305,000 or best offer.

If you're interested in following this project, enter in the comments.

Savannah River Site, Augusta GreenJackets, North Augusta Info, Herbst Renovations, Herbst Home Inspections, Fort Gordon, North Augusta SC Community

04/12/2026

We often think that being a "good person" is the finish line. In Matthew 19, a rich young ruler asked Jesus exactly what "good thing" he needed to do to get into heaven. He had checked all the boxes—he didn't steal, he didn't lie, and he honored his parents.

But when Jesus looked at him, He saw the one thing the young man couldn't let go of: his wealth.

"Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'" (Matthew 19:21)

The young man walked away grieving. It wasn't that money itself was the sin—it was that his possessions had become a "god" he put before the Almighty.

The Truth for Us Today:
Most of us have that "one thing." Maybe it isn't money. Maybe it’s pride, a habit, a relationship, or a desire for control. We try to earn our way to God by being "good," but our own efforts will always fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23).

The Good News:
Salvation isn't a paycheck for your good behavior; it’s a gift of grace. Jesus didn't tell the young man to sell his things to earn heaven—He was asking him to clear away the idols so he could finally follow the Way.

We can't bridge the gap on our own. That’s why Jesus said:

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Today, let’s ask ourselves: What is the "one thing" we’re holding onto tighter than we’re holding onto Him? Lay it down. Grace is waiting. ✨

03/21/2026

🏡 FOR RENT Now: Home in the Heart of Grovetown and Close to Fort Gordon! Looking for a modernized home in a prime Columbia County location? 119 2nd Ave will be available soon after renovations and is perfect for families, professionals, or military members seeking convenience, comfort, and value.

✨ Why This is the Best Deal in 30813:
At $1,550/month, this 3-bedroom home offers significantly more space and privacy than nearby 2-bedroom apartments that often rent for the same price. Enjoy 1,358 sq ft of stylish living space right in the center of Grovetown’s best amenities without the "new construction" price tag!

📍 Convenient Location:
• Fort Gordon: Only minutes away! Avoid the heavy I-20 commute with quick, local access to the gates.
• Weekend Fun: Enjoy easy access to Liberty Park, Walmart Marketplace, and local dining.
• I-20: Quick access to I-20 for weekend travel plans.

🚶 Walking Distance:
Leave the car at home! You can reach any of these places with just a short walk:

• Anytime Fitness (6 minutes)
• Grovetown Library and Museum (8 minutes)
• Restaurants (11–14 minutes)
• Top-Rated Schools: Just 0.3 miles from Grovetown Elementary—an easy morning stroll.

🏠 Key Features:
• 3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms (1,358 sq ft).
• Modern Interior: Sleek LVP flooring (no carpet headaches!) and stainless-steel appliances.
• Primary Suite: Large bedroom featuring a private ensuite bath.

💰 Rent: $1,550/mo
📍 Address: 119 2nd Ave, Grovetown, GA 30813
📅 Available: Now!!!

Ready to make this your next home? Visit Zillow for more details. Or, call 706.922.6390 to express your interest.

03/18/2026

🏡 FOR RENT: Soon-to-be-Ready Home in the Heart of Grovetown and Close to Fort Gordon!

Looking for a modernized home in a prime Columbia County location? 119 2nd Ave will be available soon after renovations and is perfect for families, professionals, or military members seeking convenience, comfort, and value.

✨ Why This is the Best Deal in 30813:
At $1,550/month, this 3-bedroom home offers significantly more space and privacy than nearby 2-bedroom apartments that often rent for the same price. Enjoy 1,358 sq ft of stylish living space right in the center of Grovetown’s best amenities without the "new construction" price tag!

📍 Convenient Location:
• Fort Gordon: Only minutes away! Avoid the heavy I-20 commute with quick, local access to the gates.
• Weekend Fun: Enjoy easy access to Liberty Park, Walmart Marketplace, and local dining.
• I-20: Quick access to I-20 for weekend travel plans.

🚶 Walking Distance:
Leave the car at home! You can reach any of these places with just a short walk:

Anytime Fitness (6 minutes)

Grovetown Library and Museum (8 minutes)

Restaurants (11–14 minutes)

• Top-Rated Schools: Just 0.3 miles from Grovetown Elementary—an easy morning stroll.
• Safety & Peace of Mind: Located just around the corner from the Grovetown Fire Department & Public Safety hub.

🏠 Key Features:
• 3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms (1,358 sq ft).
• Modern Interior: Sleek LVP flooring (no carpet headaches!) and stainless-steel appliances.
• Primary Suite: Large bedroom featuring a private ensuite bath.

💰 Rent: $1,550/mo
📍 Address: 119 2nd Ave, Grovetown, GA 30813
📅 Available: No Later Than 22 April 2026!

Ready to make this your next home? Keep an eye on Zillow for the official listing and application details! Or, call 706.922.6390 to express your interest.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/119-2nd-Ave-Grovetown-GA-30813/64764193_zpid/?view=public

02/22/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6T-Ea5CfRE&t=153s

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