37. How We Renovated Our First Rental Property as a Couple (Lessons We Wish We Knew)

37. How We Renovated Our First Rental Property as a Couple (Lessons We Wish We Knew)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/fan_mail/new] What if your biggest obstacle to investing wasn't the market—but getting your spouse on board? In this episode, Violeta is joined by her husband, Dave, for an honest conversation about what it's really like building wealth as a couple. From meeting as rivals in the Navy to tackling their first hands-on rental renovation together, they share the highs, frustrations, and lessons that come with investing side by side. For years, Violeta handled the investing while Dave watched from the sidelines, skeptical of buying properties sight unseen and trusting property managers hundreds of miles away. But after relocating to Texas and taking on their first local rehab, Dave experienced firsthand what it actually takes to transform a distressed property into a cash-flowing rental. They pull back the curtain on the realities of renovating an investment property—from uncovering hidden termite damage and unexpected electrical issues to watching a $3,000 renovation budget balloon to nearly $20,000. Along the way, they discuss how dividing responsibilities based on their strengths helped them navigate difficult decisions, manage conflict, and finish the project stronger than ever. The conversation also dives into the importance of communication, trusting your partner's vision, negotiating with contractors, and learning that successful real estate investing is about far more than crunching numbers—it's about teamwork. Whether you're investing with your spouse, considering your first rental property, or wondering if DIY renovations are really worth it, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of building wealth together. Ready to turn your partner into your greatest investing teammate? This episode is full of practical lessons, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/support] Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about [https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about] Get my FREE Real Estate Investing Starter Kit https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit [https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit] Property Management made easy with RentRedi https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare [https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare] Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 [https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614] Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ [https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/] https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/ [https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/] Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: ... [https://moneychisme.com/privacy-policy/]

36. 5 Skills You Need to Know Before Real Estate Investing for Beginners

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/fan_mail/new] What skills do you actually need to become a real estate investor? In this episode of Real Estate Chisme, Violeta and Lindsay break down the essential skills every aspiring real estate investor should focus on before buying their first rental property. From choosing an investment strategy and understanding cash flow to building a reliable team and managing fear-driven decisions, they share practical lessons they've learned throughout their own investing journeys. Lindsay explains why real estate investing starts with clarity and strategy, helping listeners understand the different paths available, including house hacking, long-term rentals, short-term rentals, multifamily properties, and out-of-state investing. She discusses the importance of defining your goals, understanding your risk tolerance, and creating a plan that aligns with your lifestyle and financial objectives. Meanwhile, Violeta shares real-world examples from her latest rental property rehab, including uncovering termite damage during renovations, managing unexpected expenses, and learning how to make confident decisions without letting fear take over. She discusses the mindset shifts that helped her navigate financial anxiety, perfectionism, and the realities of owning and improving investment properties. Together, they emphasize that successful real estate investing isn't about knowing everything before you start—it's about developing the right skills over time, asking good questions, and taking action despite uncertainty. They also discuss: • Choosing the right real estate investment strategy for your goals  • Understanding cash flow, expenses, vacancies, repairs, and CapEx  • How to analyze rental property deals without being a math expert  • Building a team of lenders, agents, inspectors, contractors, and property managers  • Asking better questions during inspections and due diligence  • The importance of understanding your "why" before investing  • Managing fear, financial anxiety, and decision-making as a new investor  • Handling unexpected renovation surprises and property issues  • Creating must-have vs. nice-to-have repair lists  • Why no deal is better than a bad deal  • Learning to balance risk, opportunity, and long-term wealth building  • Developing the confidence to take action as a beginner investor This episode is a practical guide for aspiring investors who want to get started in real estate but feel overwhelmed by everything they think they need to know. Violeta and Lindsay remind listeners that you don't need to be an expert to begin—you simply need to be teachable, willing to learn, and ready to take the next step. Tune in for an encouraging conversation packed with beginner-friendly investing advice, mindset shifts, and actionable lessons to help you build wealth through real estate with confidence. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/support] Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about [https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about] Get my FREE Real Estate Investing Starter Kit https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit [https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit] Property Management made easy with RentRedi https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare [https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare] Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 [https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614] Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ [https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/] https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/ [https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/] Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: ... [https://moneychisme.com/privacy-policy/]

35. Rental Property Problems We Didn't Expect: Landlord Problems

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/fan_mail/new] What happens when tenant drama, property turnovers, and financing challenges all hit at once? In this laid-back catch-up episode of Real Estate Chisme, Violeta and Lindsay share the real-life ups and downs they've been navigating behind the scenes as landlords and real estate investors. From vacant units and tenant conflicts to ADU expansion plans and creative financing strategies, they pull back the curtain on what’s been happening in their portfolios over the last month. Lindsay provides an update on her 12-property portfolio, discussing vacancies, turnover season, water-related maintenance issues, and her plans to potentially build a second ADU in California. She also opens up about the challenges of securing financing while balancing W-2 income, self-employment income, and future plans to leave her corporate job. Meanwhile, Violeta shares lessons learned from self-managing her latest duplex renovation, including handling tenant disputes, setting boundaries, coordinating junk removal, and preparing for a new tenant move-in. She reflects on how these experiences are helping her build valuable property management and communication skills. They also discuss: • Managing vacancies and rental turnovers during peak leasing season • Financing challenges and creative ways to fund real estate projects • ADU expansion opportunities and long-term portfolio growth • Tenant communication, conflict resolution, and property boundaries • The realities of self-management versus hiring property managers • Family real estate challenges, including inherited properties and difficult decisions This episode is an honest conversation about the everyday realities of real estate investing—the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons that come from learning as you go. Tune in for a casual behind-the-scenes catch-up filled with landlord stories, investing insights, and plenty of real estate chisme. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/support] Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about [https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about] Get my FREE Real Estate Investing Starter Kit https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit [https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit] Property Management made easy with RentRedi https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare [https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare] Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 [https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614] Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ [https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/] https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/ [https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/] Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: ... [https://moneychisme.com/privacy-policy/]

34. The Real Reason You're Afraid to Invest in Real Estate with Heather Enciso

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/fan_mail/new] What if the thing holding you back from investing isn’t the market—but the fear, anxiety, and stories you’ve carried about money your entire life? In this episode, Lindsay sits down with Heather Enciso, a licensed clinical social worker, real estate investor, queer Filipina, and first-generation American, to explore the powerful connection between financial anxiety and real estate investing. Heather shares how growing up in an immigrant household shaped her beliefs about money, why COVID-19 became the catalyst that pushed her toward investing, and how she went from knowing almost nothing about assets and wealth-building to owning multiple multifamily properties across Ohio and Pennsylvania. Together, they dive into the emotional side of investing that rarely gets discussed—fear, scarcity, self-doubt, and the challenges many first-generation investors, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color face when entering spaces where they don’t see themselves represented. Heather opens up about her journey into house hacking, how she leveraged low-down-payment financing to acquire properties faster, and why delayed gratification and sacrifice played a major role in building her portfolio. She also shares how she manages the anxiety that comes with making large financial decisions and explains the difference between a genuine intuition warning and a fear-based response. You’ll hear an honest conversation about overcoming mental blocks, finding supportive communities, learning to trust yourself, and creating systems that help you make sound financial decisions without letting anxiety take over. Heather also reveals the deeper motivation behind her investing journey: creating financial freedom not just for herself, but for her mother, whose sacrifices made her opportunities possible. If you've ever felt intimidated by real estate, struggled with financial anxiety, or questioned whether investing is truly for people like you, this episode will give you the mindset shifts, encouragement, and practical strategies you need to move forward. Ready to stop letting fear make your financial decisions and start building wealth with confidence? This conversation is for you. Connect with Heather: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/househackheather/] * Website [https://paradigmshifttalk.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/support] Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about [https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about] Get my FREE Real Estate Investing Starter Kit https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit [https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit] Property Management made easy with RentRedi https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare [https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare] Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 [https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614] Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ [https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/] https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/ [https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/] Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: ... [https://moneychisme.com/privacy-policy/]

33. Dealing With the City as a Landlord | with Ashley Pereira

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/fan_mail/new] If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dealing with city inspections, permits, tenant complaints, or confusing housing regulations as a real estate investor, this episode is for you. Violeta sits down with Ashley Pereira, a California-based investor building her portfolio in Rochester, New York, to talk about the realities of navigating local government, certificate of occupancy inspections, property management communication, and the unexpected challenges that come with owning rental properties out of state. Ashley shares how she went from analysis paralysis to closing on her first rental property in Rochester, why she chose a cash-flowing Midwest market over investing in California, and what happened when she suddenly started receiving scary violation notices from the city. From missing doors and tenant damage to delayed inspection updates and overwhelming paperwork, she opens up about the anxiety that comes with being a first-time landlord learning how to navigate the system. Violeta also shares her own experiences dealing with trash violations, Section 8 paperwork issues, storm door complaints, and buying properties from slumlords that required major repairs. Together, they discuss the importance of documentation, communication with the city, understanding local landlord requirements, and why learning to work with local government is an essential skill for long-term real estate investing success. They also dive into: • How Ashley overcame analysis paralysis and bought her first out-of-state rental • Why Rochester, New York stood out as a strong cash-flow market • The realities of dealing with certificates of occupancy and city inspections • Common rental property violations investors face • Why communication and documentation matter when dealing with the government • The hidden challenges of tenant turnover and property maintenance • Investing in older homes and handling repairs like peeling paint, handrails, decks, and lead safety issues • Lessons learned from buying properties from slumlords • Section 8 delays, housing authority issues, and government bureaucracy • Why beginner investors shouldn’t be afraid of dealing with the city • The importance of community, mentorship, and networking in real estate investing Whether you’re a brand-new investor looking to buy your first rental property or already managing units and dealing with inspections, this episode offers practical insights and reassurance that these challenges are part of the journey—not the end of it. Connect with Violeta: Latina-focused real estate investing community linked below the episode description. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/support] Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about [https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about] Get my FREE Real Estate Investing Starter Kit https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit [https://moneychisme.kit.com/rei-starter-kit] Property Management made easy with RentRedi https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare [https://app.rentredi.com/signUp/AOK400?utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=referralShare] Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 [https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614] Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ [https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/] https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/ [https://www.instagram.com/lindoesinvesting/] Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. This helps me provide you with free content, like this podcast! You can read my full disclaimer here: ... [https://moneychisme.com/privacy-policy/]