28. How to Use Hard Money for Real Estate Flips with Martin Castro Silva

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/]

32. NYC Mayor Mamdani vs Slumlords: Rent Control, Housing Policy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/fan_mail/new] If you’ve been following the conversations around housing affordability, rent control, and landlord accountability, this episode dives into one of the most controversial real estate debates happening right now. Violeta breaks down the major housing and real estate proposals being pushed by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and shares her perspective as a real estate investor on what these changes could mean for landlords, tenants, and the future of investing. From cracking down on slumlords and issuing massive fines for neglected properties to discussions around rent freezes, affordable housing, insurance relief, and over-leveraged investors, this episode explores the tension between protecting tenants and protecting property owners. Violeta also shares her own experiences dealing with distressed properties, preventative maintenance, refinancing strategies, and the realities of managing affordable housing as an investor. We cover: • Zohran Mamdani’s controversial housing and real estate proposals • Rental “rip-off hearings” and tenant accountability initiatives • Why slumlords are facing larger fines and possible property seizures • How neglected maintenance impacts tenants and neighborhoods • The risks of over-leveraging rental properties through refinancing and HELOCs • Preventative maintenance, CapEx planning, and responsible investing • How LLC structures can make landlord accountability difficult • Rent freezes, rising insurance costs, and increasing property taxes • Affordable housing challenges for both tenants and landlords • City-backed insurance relief programs for affordable housing owners • The balance between profit, ethical investing, and community impact This episode is a reminder that real estate investing isn’t just about cash flow and appreciation — it also comes with responsibility. Violeta shares why ethical investing, proper maintenance, and long-term planning matter not only for protecting your assets, but also for protecting the people who live in your properties. Mentioned in this episode: * Free Latinas in Real Estate community  https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about [https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about] * Mamdani’s News Links:  * https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-rent-guidelines-board-preliminary-vote-freeze-hike-rents/ [https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-rent-guidelines-board-preliminary-vote-freeze-hike-rents/] * https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mamdani-administration-unveils-first-of-its-kind-insurance-progr [https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mamdani-administration-unveils-first-of-its-kind-insurance-progr] 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/]

31. The Best Mortgage Loans for First-Time Home Buyers & Real Estate Investors (2026)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2542604/fan_mail/new] If you’re thinking about buying your first home or investment property but feel overwhelmed by all the mortgage options out there, this episode breaks it all down in a beginner-friendly way. Violeta walks through NerdWallet’s Best Mortgage Lenders of May 2026 and explains which lenders may work best depending on your goals — whether you’re looking into FHA loans, VA loans, HELOCs, manufactured homes, refinancing, or your very first investment property. She also shares her own experiences using VA loans, refinancing, house hacking, and construction loans, plus practical advice on how new investors can use these lending options to start building wealth through real estate. We cover: * The best mortgage lenders for different types of buyers and loans * FHA, VA, HELOC, refinancing, and low down payment options * Credit score and down payment requirements to qualify * House hacking and using rental income to reduce housing costs * Financing strategies for duplexes, multifamily properties, and investment homes * Construction and manufactured home loans * Common mortgage mistakes new investors should avoid * How to choose the right lending strategy for your first property  This episode is a reminder that getting started in real estate investing doesn’t have to feel impossible. With the right financing strategy, education, and a willingness to take the first step, building long-term wealth through real estate can become much more accessible. Mentioned in this episode: *  NerdWallet Best Mortgage Lenders List (May 2026)  [https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/best/mortgage-lenders] * Free Latina real estate investing community [https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about] 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/]