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Women Invest in Real Estate

Women Invest in Real Estate

Hosted by Amelia McGee, Grace Gudenkauf

Episodes

237

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
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

June 8, 202640 min

WIIRE 234: Seasons of Scaling and Stabilizing in Real Estate

In this episode of the WIIRE podcast, we're getting personal about the mindset behind building a real estate portfolio as women, beyond the constant “hustle harder” messaging. Using Amelia’s journey from taking almost a year off buying to closing on another 11‑unit, we unpack: How we define seasons of scaling and stabilizing in our businesses Why nonstop growth without a stabilizing season leads to burnout, chaos, and risky over‑leverage How we’ve used pruning (selling what no longer serves us) to create space and capital for better deals The role of divine timing, preparation, and working capital in landing the right opportunities How each property has been a building block, not a home run—and how those reps built our confidence We also share candidly about: Choosing to be the bigger person with tenants, contractors, and lenders Letting go of the need to “win” every conflict to protect our peace How masterminds and community helped us think bigger, invest in coaching, and normalize 7‑figure goals Why being in rooms with ambitious women investors completely changed our trajectory If you’re a woman trying to decide when to push, when to rest, and how to think bigger in real estate, we recorded this episode 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

June 1, 202643 min

WIIRE 233: The Luxury STR Playbook: Amenities, Branding, and First Impressions That Increase Bookings

Unlock what real luxury really means in short‑term rentals with hospitality and branding expert Katie Cline, former PR lead for brands like Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, and St. Regis. In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into how female real estate investors can elevate their STR, MTR, and LTR portfolios through hospitality, design, and guest experience—without overspending. In this episode, we cover: How Katie went from UK long-term landlord to profitable US short‑term rental investor Why hospitality is a non‑negotiable skill for real estate investors (even for long- and mid‑term rentals) The “art of the arrival” and how the first 10 minutes shape reviews, referrals, and repeat bookings Practical luxury: the small details that feel high‑end (think: linens, hair dryers, cookware, amenities) Smart policies for bachelorette groups and high‑energy stays that still protect your asset Personalization strategies that help you stand out on Airbnb and Vrbo Branding your property: naming, storytelling, and designing for your actual ideal guest If you’re a female real estate investor building wealth with short‑term rentals, vacation homes, or mid‑term rentals, this conversation will show you how to think like a luxury hotelier while staying profitable.     Resources: Book your spot at WIIRE Summer Camp before it fills up Check out what Katie is up to next on Instagram Listen to Katie's podcast Get the rest of the deets on Katie's ventures 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 Connect with us on Instagram

May 25, 202628 min

WIIRE 232: When Can You Pay Yourself from Rental Properties? A Real Investor Guide

As women investors, we were taught how to grow portfolios—not how to actually pay ourselves from them. In this episode, we break down the difference between our business making money and us taking home money, and why we both spent years feeling “cash poor” despite owning strong portfolios. We share why we started paying ourselves (even when it felt “too small to matter”) to avoid resentment and burnout, and how you can do the same—whether that’s a few hundred dollars a month or strategic lump‑sum payouts. We walk through: How our LLCs are set up and what they actually do (liability, not magic tax shelters) How we use owner distributions and contributions without triggering new taxable events The simple rules we follow to avoid commingling funds How we use bookkeeping, P&Ls, and regular CFO meetings to decide what we can safely pay ourselves How each of us handles big checks from sales or refinances while still funding taxes, reserves, and future deals We’ll show you how we let our portfolios actually serve us, not just look good on paper.       Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group 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

May 18, 202627 min

WIIRE 231: The Power of Getting in the Room: Inside WIIRE’s Summer Camp Anti-Conference

Join us as we unveil the upcoming WIIRE Summer Camp, a unique blend of real estate, networking, and outdoor fun designed specifically for women investors. Discover how this experience can elevate your confidence, connections, and business, all in a stress-free, fun setting.In this episode, you will learn: The origins and vision behind WIIRE Summer Camp, and how it evolved from our retreats and events Why being in proximity to women building wealth transforms your mindset and results The balance of real estate education, networking, and fun activities in the camp How Summer Camp fosters genuine connections, collaborations, and private money opportunities The details on lodging, amenities, and all-inclusive pricing for an effortless experience Testimonials from past retreats highlighting community, confidence, and practical growth How to easily join, including creating buddy systems and support for introverts Our core values: authenticity, fun, collaboration, and anti-fluff culture As we wrap up this episode, we hope you're as excited as we are about the WIIRE Summer Camp. It's more than just an event; it's a movement towards empowering women in real estate. Whether you're looking to expand your network, gain new insights, or simply enjoy a refreshing break with like-minded individuals, this camp promises to deliver. We look forward to seeing you there and witnessing the incredible transformations that await. Let's continue to build a community where women thrive and succeed together.       Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Get all the deets on joining us at 2026 WIIRE Summer Camp Check out Steadily for all your rental property insurance needs 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

May 11, 202629 min

WIIRE 230: Pest Control for Landlords: Proactive Systems That Protect Your Cash Flow

Pest control isn’t just about bugs. It’s how we think about being proactive landlords who protect profit, reduce stress, and create a better tenant experience. We’ve learned that waiting for problems to happen is one of the most expensive mistakes we can make. Spending $50–$150 quarterly on preventative pest control is far cheaper than dealing with emergencies, tenant turnover, or property damage later. The bigger shift for us has been thinking ahead. We make sure our leases clearly outline pest responsibilities, we communicate expectations with tenants, and we stay on top of regular inspections so small issues don’t turn into big ones. We also approach properties differently: With single-family homes, tenants often handle pests With multifamily, we take more responsibility to prevent issues from spreading From experience, we know how quickly things can escalate—one pest issue can lead to damage, bad reviews, or a tenant moving out. At the end of the day, we remind ourselves: it’s not about the cost, it’s about what that cost prevents. Our goal is simple: solve problems before our tenants ever see them.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group 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

May 4, 202643 min

WIIRE 229: Private Money Lending Gone Wrong: Horror Stories, Due Diligence, and Getting Your Money Back

This week, we sit down with investor Kasey Hilgers and unpack the dark side of private money lending. We walk through how Kasey’s very first deal—a $30K second-position lien on a nearly finished flip—went sideways when the borrower failed to refinance and her money was stuck for years. We talk about: Why second-position liens are so much riskier and what it means when the first-position lender can wipe us out How scaling too fast, sloppy bookkeeping, and “robbing Peter to pay Paul” put our capital at risk as private lenders The creative strategy we used with a DSCR lender so Casey could take over the property and claw back her $30K How we underwrite now: vetting both borrower and deal, insisting on a recorded promissory note and deed of trust, and avoiding “silent seconds” How we decide how much we can emotionally and financially afford to lose on any one loan We wrap by debating what matters more to us as lenders—a great deal or a great borrower—and how that answer has evolved.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Connect with Kasey on Instagram 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

April 27, 202633 min

WIIRE 228: Should Real Estate Investors Create a Rental Management Company?

In this episode of the WIIRE podcast, we sit down with Katie Johnson, real estate attorney, STR investor, and founder of STR Law, to unpack when a rental management company actually protects us as investors—and when it’s just extra complexity. Katie, who’s been investing in short‑term rentals since 2015, walks us through: Why even one short‑term rental often belongs in its own LLC, illustrated by a real $11.6M lawsuit. The four pillars of protection we should have in place: the right insurance, solid LLC structure, proactive safety procedures, and a strong rental agreement (and what those agreements don’t cover). How to think about holding companies vs. management companies, and when it really makes sense for us to create a separate management entity—especially if we manage for others. Common mistakes we might be making, like commingling funds, failing to deed properties into the LLC, and forgetting to update insurance after transfers. How deed restrictions and local/state rules can quietly block short‑term rentals, even when there’s no HOA. We wrap up with practical steps everyone can take right now to better protect themselves and their properties.     Resources: Follow Katie on Instagram Visit Katie’s website Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group 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

April 20, 202632 min

WIIRE 227: Should I Refinance My Rental Property?: How to Know, When to Wait, and How to Run the Numbers

In this episode, we explore the essentials of refinancing rental properties. Our aim is to help you decide when refinancing is a smart move and how to run the numbers effectively. Whether you're considering a cash-out refinance, lowering interest rates, or paying off higher-interest debt, we offer practical strategies and real-life examples to guide your decisions. Key takeaways from this episode include: Understanding when refinancing is beneficial for rental properties Evaluating refinancing options using payback period calculations The impact of interest rates, loan terms, and amortization schedules Using return on equity (ROE) to assess investment effectiveness Creative uses for refinance proceeds, such as debt reduction or new acquisitions Minimizing closing costs by negotiating with local lenders Timing your refinancing based on property value and market conditions We also share real-life examples from our portfolios, including recent refinances and their outcomes, and provide tips on negotiating fees and closing costs. Our discussion includes strategic planning for multiple refinances in a property investment cycle.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group 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

April 13, 202625 min

WIIRE 226: How to Use AI in Your Real Estate Business To Save Time and Money

In this episode of the WIIRE podcast, we dig into practical, real-world ways female real estate investors are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to save time, money, and stress—without losing the human touch that makes real estate a relationship business. We start with the ethics: why you should always be transparent about using AI, why you must verify everything it produces (especially legal, tax, and financial content), and how to keep building your own skills instead of outsourcing your thinking to a bot. You’ll hear specific examples from women in the WIIRE Community who use AI to draft clearer, kinder tenant communications, translate for Spanish-speaking tenants, summarize confusing contractor explanations, and turn Loom videos into SOPs. We also cover using AI to read zoning ordinances and city codes, compare construction budgets and bids, analyze complex invoices, build simple financial analysis spreadsheets, and even negotiate inspection repairs—like one member who used AI-generated reports and photos to secure a $70K price reduction on a triplex.  On the creative side, we talk about AI for rental design and furnishing checklists, direct mail marketing campaigns, investor pitch decks, and even rough revenue models for potential campground or glamping sites. You’ll also hear how one investor used AI to calculate her exact FIRE number and design her ideal snowbird lifestyle. Finally, we touch on real estate–specific tools like TurboTenant’s AI maintenance bot and how AI can help with insurance questions and refunds, positioning AI as your smartest “employee” that doesn’t need a W2—but always needs your oversight.     Resources: Simplify how you manage your rentals with TurboTenant Get in touch with Envy Investment Group Check out Steadily for all your rental property insurance needs 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

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