Women Invest in Real Estate

Hosted by Amelia McGee, Grace Gudenkauf

Business Investing Education

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Episodes

245

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Women Invest in Real Estate podcast where we talk about real estate investing, business, and give a behind-the-scenes look at Amelia and Grace’s lives as full time investors.

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60 recent

August 17, 202642 min

WIIRE 244: Landlord Scripts: Exactly What to Say to Difficult Tenants (Word-for-Word)

In this episode of the WIIRE Podcast, we sit down with Victoria Sydni , owner of Fulcrum Property Management in Corvallis, Oregon, to talk about something every woman in real estate secretly worries about: hard tenant conversations. We walk through real scripts and strategies for: Screening tenants with no credit, no job, or big sob stories Enforcing your lease terms when tenants cause damage Charging back for maintenance issues that are clearly tenant-caused Handling non-responsive tenants and repeated no-shows for maintenance Setting and communicating business hours and true emergency protocols Doing security deposit accounting confidently, with documentation to back you up Navigating breakups on the lease (when one partner wants off) Communicating rent increases without feeling like “the bad guy” We also talk candidly about the mindset shift from “I feel bad” to “I run a business,” especially for female landlords and investors who want to stay kind but firm. You’ll hear how we set boundaries, avoid becoming friends with tenants, and still lead with compassion—without getting walked on. If you’re a female real estate investor or aspiring landlord who fears the midnight maintenance call or the angry text, this episode will give you language, confidence, and systems to protect both your cash flow and your peace of mind. Resources : Follow Victoria on Instagram Listen to Episode 158 Get the deets on Steadily Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

August 10, 202634 min

WIIRE 243: How Much Do Our Rentals Actually Make?

This week, we are pulling back the curtain on the real numbers behind our long‑term rental portfolios—and the myths about quitting your W‑2 to “live off real estate” that female investors are constantly sold online. We share how we both left our full-time jobs, why active income (flips, side businesses, WIIRE, etc.) was critical, and what it actually looked like to live well below our means while our rentals slowly grew. We walk through real deals—including single‑family rentals in small‑town Iowa and a small multifamily triplex—breaking down purchase prices, cash flow, refinances, negative cash flow decisions, and long‑term appreciation plays. You’ll hear: Why most investors can’t replace a full‑time income with long‑term rentals in 2–5 years How we used cash‑out refis and BRRRR strategies to scale and access tax‑advantaged capital The role of tenant quality and neighborhood class in your real cash flow When a $300–$500/month cash‑flowing rental is actually a great deal—and when it’s not worth your time We also talk about the power of community. If you’ve ever underwritten a deal alone at midnight with no one to sanity‑check the numbers, this episode will show you what’s possible when you stop investing in isolation and start surrounding yourself with other ambitious women in real estate. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

August 3, 202627 min

WIIRE 242: Why Cash Flow Isn't the Whole Story: Understanding Total Return

In this episode of the WIIRE Podcast, we break down why cash flow alone is not the full story for female real estate investors—and how focusing only on monthly cash flow may be keeping you stuck and sidelining some of your best deals. We walk through the four ways real estate actually makes you money: Cash Flow – what’s left after all expenses (and why accurate bookkeeping matters). Debt Paydown – how your tenants quietly increase your net worth every month. Tax Benefits from Depreciation – the “paper loss” that can put real dollars back in your bank account at tax time. Appreciation – why market growth can dwarf your cash flow, especially in higher-priced markets. We also talk about: How trying to mitigate every risk and build a 25-point “buy box” can actually be a stalling tactic. Why doors don’t matter nearly as much as total return and return on equity. How time in the market amplifies every part of your return—cash flow, amortization, appreciation, and your own skill set. If you’re a woman real estate investor feeling stuck because “nothing pencils out,” this episode will help you zoom out, see the full picture of total return, and run a simple framework you can use to evaluate your own portfolio. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Get the deets on Steadily Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

July 27, 202634 min

WIIRE 241: How Much Real Estate Do We Actually Own?

We’ve spent the last five to six years building our real estate portfolios from a single property to dozens of doors—and in this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on exactly what we own, how we own it, and why. We walk through our real-life portfolios: Amelia’s mix of small multifamily (triplex, quadplex, fiveplex) and a future luxury short-term rental Grace’s single-family homes, small multis, and new construction projects How many units we fully own vs. 50/50 partnerships with family and trusted operators We get honest about: Why unit count is overrated and how syndication ownership is often misrepresented The difference between owning vs. investing in real estate deals How we’ve used flips, BRRRR, mid-term and short-term rentals to create income and recycle capital Working with our moms as partners, navigating trust, money, and roles What “enough” looks like to us in terms of cash flow, lifestyle, and long-term freedom We also share our vision for Women Invest in Real Estate Summer Camp—a space to normalize big portfolios, big dreams, and female financial independence at any age. If you’re a woman building—or dreaming of building—a real estate portfolio that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is for you. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Get the deets on Steadily Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

July 20, 202640 min

WIIRE 240: Are You Making the Insurance Mistake That Could Cost You Hundreds of Thousands?

This week, we sit down with Vania Nettleford to unpack every real estate investor’s worst nightmare: a devastating house fire and the discovery that her insurance policy didn’t actually cover what she thought it did. We walk through how Vania bought her first house hack—a two‑family property with a finished attic in Belleville, New Jersey—and turned it into a profitable mix of long‑term rentals and MTR arbitrage, going from paying the mortgage to getting paid to live there. Then we shift into the moment everything changed: the grease fire , the frantic calls, the damage, the claim process, and the emotional and financial toll of carrying a $3,000/month mortgage with no rental income. Together, we break down: The difference between homeowner and landlord insurance Why correct occupancy and coverage type (ACV vs. replacement) matter How to advocate for yourself with your insurance agent What we, as female real estate investors, can do this week to protect our portfolios We also talk about mindset—why Vania didn’t quit real estate, how she leveraged relationships to sell the damaged property, and how to stay in the game when things go horribly wrong. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Follow Vania on Instagram See what Vania is up to next Get the deets on Steadily Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

July 13, 202635 min

WIIRE 239: 10 Reasons Not To Switch Markets When You Feel Like Giving Up

In this episode of the podcast, we get real about a question almost every female real estate investor faces at some point: “Is my market the problem… or am I just early?” We share the story of Jamie, a WIIRE community member who came to us ready to pivot to a new city. After talking through her situation, she didn’t switch markets—she wrote an offer on an 8‑unit deal in the very city she was ready to abandon. We unpack exactly why. We walk through: Why quitting a market after 1–3 deals keeps you stuck in “Zillow beginner mode” The power of deep local knowledge—rents, ARVs, school districts, “weird” pockets, and neighborhood vibes you’ll never see on Google Maps How long-term relationships with local lenders, realtors, and contractors can lower your costs, strengthen your offers, and get you access to off‑market deals Why consistency (even one deal every year or two) naturally moves you up the “totem pole” with agents, banks, and vendors How community and honest conversations with other women investors can stop you from burning it all down on a hard day If you’ve ever late‑night Zillow‑searched your way into believing “everyone else just has a better market,” this one’s for you. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

July 6, 202635 min

WIIRE 238: 7 Real Estate Lessons From 7 Women Investors

We’re sharing seven real-life wins and lessons from women inside the WIIRE community—and how you can apply them to your own investing journey. In this episode, we talk about the power of getting in the right room with women who are actively doing deals. We break down how community, masterminds, and accountability can normalize big goals, shift your money mindset, and help you step fully into your identity as an investor and business owner. You’ll hear: How Amelia structured an 11‑unit acquisition, including why deposits and prorated rent at closing matter so much Nancy’s simple Facebook Marketplace deal that turned into a $70K flip win Danielle’s triplex and why systems before scale sets you up to grow Sophia’s out-of-state flip in Jacksonville, funded by a line of credit and supported by another WIIRE member on the ground Amber’s story of winning a bidding war without the highest offer by building rapport with the seller Lily’s fully booked 13‑bedroom retreat property and her strategy for future bookings and repeat guests How Shayna used AI to push occupancy from 65% to nearly 90% on her MTR/STR hybrid If you’re a woman who’s tired of thinking about real estate investing and ready to take action, this episode will show you what’s possible when you surround yourself with the right women, systems, and strategies. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

June 29, 202641 min

WIIRE 237: Seller Financing Explained: Live Coaching on a Real Rental Property Deal

This week, you are in for a real treat! We are doing a live coaching session with community member Tracy Weber, a pharmacist-turned-real-estate-investor who’s building her portfolio while on maternity leave. Tracy and her husband found a dream short-term rental cabin in Northern Michigan—but when their bank changed lending rules, traditional financing fell apart. Instead of walking away, Amelia and Grace walk Tracy step-by-step through creative financing and seller financing strategies to keep the deal alive. You’ll learn: How to bring up seller financing with a seller (without overexplaining or scaring them off) The 5 key terms to negotiate: down payment, interest rate, monthly payment structure, term length, and amortization How to structure win-win deals that protect both cash flow and relationships with family sellers Simple ways to explain tax benefits of seller financing to a seller When to consider interest-only vs. principal-and-interest payments Whether inspections, appraisals, and loan servicing companies still matter in seller-financed deals If you’re a female real estate investor who’s ever thought, “I found a great deal, but how do I fund it?”, this conversation will give you practical scripts, confidence, and a clear framework to negotiate your next creative finance opportunity. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

June 22, 202645 min

WIIRE 236: Buying a Short-Term Rental Abroad: A Costa Rican Investment Breakdown

On this episode of the WIIRE podcast, we got to sit down with Shaletha Colbert , a military brat turned investor-friendly realtor, to unpack how she went from corporate benefits sales, postpartum, and a surprise layoff to owning and profiting from short‑term rentals in Costa Rica. This conversation is a must‑listen for female real estate investors who are: Feeling stuck in six‑figure corporate jobs Craving more freedom, flexibility, and “mini retirements” Curious about investing abroad and short‑term rentals You’ll hear how Shaletha: Got “bit by the Airbnb bug” in Atlanta during the Super Bowl Evaluated different countries before choosing Costa Rica Protected herself with smart due diligence, escrow checks, and local teams Structured and operated two ocean‑view condos as profitable short‑term rentals Eventually exited with a strong gain (from $395K to $580K) and what she’d do differently next time She also shares three concrete tips to start investing internationally: Research deeply beyond the dreamy Instagram version Find an investor‑friendly, CIPS‑certified local agent Leverage Facebook groups and expat communities as free masterminds If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I really buy a vacation rental overseas?” this episode will challenge your limits and show you what’s possible. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Connect with Shaletha on Instagram Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram

June 15, 202629 min

WIIRE 235: Inside Amelia's New 11-Unit Apartment Deal: Numbers, Strategy & Profit Plan

This week, we pull back the curtain on Amelia’s newest acquisition: an 11-unit apartment building in a B+ suburb of Des Moines. This candid conversation is packed with insights for female real estate investors who want to scale beyond single-family rentals without taking on 100-unit syndications. You’ll hear how Amelia: Spotted this off-market CBRE pocket listing and knew instantly it was a killer deal Analyzed the numbers, negotiated the price from $750K to $735K, and structured a 50/50 partnership with her mom Plans to boost returns by converting select units to mid-term rentals (MTRs) for traveling nurses Uses local market expertise, not endless spreadsheets, to move fast and confidently Projects over $200K in debt paydown, $160K in appreciation, and $308K in cash flow over 10 years We also dive into: Why sticking to one market can be your biggest competitive edge How to balance risk, reserves, and anxiety as you level up What “total return” really means for your net worth and lifestyle design If you’re a woman ready to grow from a few doors to a scalable portfolio, this episode shows you exactly how one thoughtful 11-unit deal can be life-changing. Resources : Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Make sure your name is on the list to secure your spot in The WIIRE Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Leave us a review on Spotify Join our private Facebook Community Connect with us on Instagram