From Film Editor to ADU Builder | Gil Vaisman on Solving the Housing Crisis and Creating Rental Income

Homeowners across the country are sitting on valuable property—but don’t know how to unlock it. Rising housing costs, aging parents, adult children moving back home, and the need for extra income are creating pressure… but traditional real estate feels expensive and out of reach.

Many people think their only options are refinancing, selling, or becoming a full-time landlord. Meanwhile, the housing crisis continues, assisted living costs skyrocket, and starter homes push past the million-dollar mark in markets like California. The opportunity is there—but most homeowners don’t know how to leverage their own land.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Gil Vaisman, founder of Go ADU, to break down how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are transforming real estate investing—especially in high-cost markets like Los Angeles. Gil shares how he transitioned from freelance film editor to construction entrepreneur, why ADUs are one of the smartest ways to increase property value and generate rental income, and how delegation—not hustle—is what ultimately created his own version of freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create cash flow without buying another property, this episode might completely change how you look at your backyard.

Key Takeaways:

1. What an ADU really is (and how it differs from additions or tiny homes)
2. Why ADUs must be fully independent structures with separate utilities
3. Typical ADU costs in California ($350–$500 per sq ft)
4. How ADUs can help offset mortgages or generate rental income
5. Why ADUs are a powerful solution for aging parents or adult children
6. The reality of California’s rebuilding bureaucracy after wildfires
7. Why short-term rentals are not truly passive
8. How Gil’s business evolved through vertical integration (buying equipment, adding dumpster services)
9. The leadership shift from doing everything yourself to delegating effectively
10. Why freedom starts with controlling your reactions—not just your income

About the Guest:

Gil Vaisman is the founder and CEO of Go ADU Construction, a leading design-build firm in Los Angeles that is redefining the residential housing market through high-quality Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and garage conversions. Frustrated by the lack of transparency in the construction industry, Gil established his company with a "client-first" philosophy, specializing in navigating the complex logistics of permitting, engineering, and zoning so homeowners can focus on the joy of expanding their living space rather than the red tape.

Passionate about solving the local housing shortage and creating tangible value for families, he brings a warm, hands-on approach to building, viewing every project as a partnership rooted in trust and integrity. Whether discussing the technical intricacies of urban planning, the financial benefits of ADUs, or the entrepreneurial journey of building a values-driven business, Gil offers a relatable and expert perspective on how smart construction can transform communities.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/gil.vaisman.7

https://www.youtube.com/@goaduconstruction

https://www.instagram.com/goaduconstruction

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilvaisman/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Try to find something that I can leverage for more. It’s probably going to be a service. Where can I create value? I’d look at my skill set. For $500, I’m not going to start investing in imports.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “A lot of them… but I don’t see them as mistakes. I call it education. The only way I was going to learn was by messing it up.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Using AI. If you’re not incorporating it into your day-to-day life, you’re behind.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is the ability to stop and decide how I want to react—not react in the way I’m supposed to. We can’t control what happens to us, but we are 100% in control of how we react.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

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