Real Estate Investing for Women | Real Estate Chisme
Real Estate Chisme is a real estate investing podcast for women of color ready to buy their first rental property, build wealth, and create financial freedom.Join Violeta and Lindsay, two Latina real estate investors, for tips on rental property investing. From house hacking and buying your first duplex to analyzing deals, financing investment properties, and managing tenants, we break down what you need to know in everyday language.We also get into what the spreadsheets leave out: cultural money expectations, being the first in your family to invest, and building wealth while caring about your community. We got the c...
52. How to Price Your Rental Without Losing Money on Vacancy
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How do you price your rental without leaving money on the table, or letting it sit empty all winter?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay break down everything that goes into pricing a rental property the right way. Because it's not just about chasing max rent, it's about understanding your market, your competition, and the time of year, and knowing how to balance it all so your property stays cash-flowing instead of sitting vacant.
The episode starts with understanding your rental market, and why national headlines about rents falling...
51. Landlord Horror Stories That Will Make You Question This Business
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Roaches crawling out of the walls, a thousand fleas hitching a ride on your blazer, and a tenant who turned out to be running a brothel, welcome to Spooktober, landlord edition.
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay dish out some of the scariest real estate horror stories pulled straight from the Owned Real Estate Collective community, social media, and their own personal nightmares as out-of-state investors. Because no matter how good your numbers look on paper, eventually you're going to meet a tenant, a bug, or a storm that reminds you...
50. Inside an $8 Million Castle (and Other Haunted Real Estate Finds)
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Would you live in an old funeral home? What about a haunted house? Or maybe a gothic or witchy home is more your style?
In this episode, keeping in theme with Spooktober, Violeta and Lindsay go house-hunting with a twist, checking out real estate listings that are haunted, witchy, gothic, or downright creepy. From a horror-themed Airbnb mansion to a $8 million medieval castle, this is real estate chisme at its most fun.
The episode kicks off with The Macabre Mansion of Sonoita, a four-bedroom, 4.5-bath Gothic estate in Arizona's...
49. The Tax Benefits of Owning Real Estate 2026 | With Laura Zarrate
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What if you could write off up to $200,000 in losses against your spouse's income—just by qualifying for one specific tax status?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay sit down with Laura Zarrate, CPA and founder of Athena CPAs and Advisors, to break down the real estate tax strategies that can make or break your bottom line. Laura shares her expertise on active versus passive income, real estate professional status, and the advanced strategies that seasoned investors use to legally minimize their tax liability.
The conversation starts by clearing up...
48. How Appraisers Calculate a Property's Value (Sales vs. Income Approach)
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What if you did everything right—found a great deal, negotiated a good purchase price—and the bank still tells you your property is worth less than you paid?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay break down everything you need to know about home appraisals, sparked by Violeta's own experience getting her appraisal back for a duplex she's closing on next week. They cover what an appraisal actually is, why lenders require it, how it's calculated, and what to do if the number comes back lower than expected.
Lindsay expl...
47. Why 60,000 NYC Rent-Stabilized Apartments Are Sitting Vacant (Reaction)
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What if the same landlords crying about rent stabilization are the ones who created their own crisis by refusing to do basic maintenance for years?
In this episode, Violeta goes solo for a reaction-style episode, breaking down a video she came across called "Why 60,000 New York City Rent Stabilized Apartments Are Sitting Vacant," featuring Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association, in conversation with The Real Deal's Eric Enquist. Violeta shares her honest, unfiltered take as a real estate investor herself—someone who understands the economics of running rental pr...
46. Navigating Evictions and Difficult Tenants | With Dion & Chelsea
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What if the reason your property manager keeps dropping the ball isn't incompetence—but a business model that actually profits from tenant turnover?
In this episode, Lindsay sits down with Violeta in San Antonio, joined by special guests Dion and Chelsea (of Dion Talks Financial Freedom), for an impromptu, no-holds-barred conversation about the messier side of real estate investing. The episode kicks off with Violeta explaining why she just fired her property manager after months of red flags—unexplained charges, tenants calling her directly to complain, and issues that never got reso...
45. She Bought Her First Investment Property in Mexico | With Ingrid Morales
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What if your first real estate investment wasn't even in the country you live in—and it ended up teaching you everything you needed to know to build a multi-million dollar portfolio?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay sit down with Ingrid Morales, a first-gen Latina who built financial freedom from the ground up through real estate investing. Ingrid shares how her journey started not with a plan, but with a library book called "Real Estate Riches" and a friend's simple request to run the numbers on an Airbnb property in Me...
44. Natural Disasters & Real Estate Investing: How to Protect Your Rental Properties
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What happens when you’re sitting in one of the best buyers markets in years—and you decide not to buy another property?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay have an honest conversation about what it really means to pause your real estate investing growth, especially when everything around you is telling you to keep buying. Lindsay shares why she decided at the beginning of the year to stop purchasing properties, even with favorable market conditions, and how a recent natural disaster in Gary, Indiana reinforced the importance of having financial rese...
43. How Much Money You Actually Need to Buy a Rental Property
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How much money do you actually need to buy a rental property? This episode breaks down the real upfront cash needed to buy a rental property, and why social media examples like “buying a house for $10,000” can be misleading. Violeta and Lindsay compare house hacking versus straight investment purchases, then walk through down payments, closing costs, inspection costs, reserves, and repair buffers.In this episode, they also share practical ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs through negotiation, seller credits, and choosing the right deal in the right market. The goal is simple: help new...
42. How a Respiratory Therapist Built Financial Independence With Fix and Flips | Yenny Alfaro
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How a Respiratory Therapist Gained Financial Independence With Fix and Flips| Yenny Alfaro
Buying your first investment property can be exciting—but what happens when your very first deal doesn't go as planned?
In this episode of Real Estate Chisme, Violeta sits down with respiratory therapist, entrepreneur, and real estate investor Yenny Alfaro to discuss how she went from working hospital shifts to building wealth through fix-and-flip investing. Yenny shares the honest story behind her first flip, the costly mistakes she made, and how those lessons helped her achieve fi...
41. How to House Hack Your First Property With Just 3.5% Down FHA Loan
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What if you could buy your first rental property with as little as 3.5% down—and have your tenants help offset your mortgage?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay break down one of the most accessible strategies for getting started in real estate investing: house hacking with an FHA loan. They explain what house hacking is, how FHA financing works, and why combining the two can create a lower-barrier path to becoming a first-time real estate investor.
Throughout the conversation, they walk through how you can purchase a property with up...
40. 7 Risk Questions Every Real Estate Investor Should Ask Before Buying
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What if the biggest risk in real estate investing isn't the market—but choosing a strategy that no longer fits your life?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay have an honest conversation about one of the most overlooked parts of building wealth through real estate: understanding your personal risk tolerance. As both of them navigate major life transitions, they share how they're reassessing their investment goals, evaluating new opportunities, and making decisions that align with the lives they want to build—not just the returns they hope to earn.
Rath...
39. Why This Airbnb Arbitrage Business Failed in the First Month (And How to Avoid It)
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What if Airbnb arbitrage seems like the perfect way to get into real estate—until everything falls apart in the very first month?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay break down one of the most talked-about real estate investing strategies: Airbnb arbitrage. They explain how the model works, why it's become popular among new investors, and the advantages of getting started without purchasing a property. But they also reveal the hidden risks that many beginners overlook before jumping in.
Using a real-life story from someone in their community, they wa...
38. How to Know When It's Time to Sell a Rental Property
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What if holding onto a rental property is actually keeping you from reaching your financial goals?
In this episode, Violeta and Lindsay tackle one of the toughest questions real estate investors face: Should you keep an underperforming rental property, or is it time to let it go?
Using a real question from a community member, they break down how to evaluate whether a property is still serving your long-term goals—or quietly draining your finances. Violeta shares the personal story of walking away from three in...
37. How We Renovated Our First Rental Property as a Couple (Lessons We Wish We Knew)
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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 pr...
36. 5 Skills You Need to Know Before Real Estate Investing for Beginners
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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...
35. Rental Property Problems We Didn't Expect: Landlord Problems
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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 is...
34. The Real Reason You're Afraid to Invest in Real Estate with Heather Enciso
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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 k...
33. Dealing With the City as a Landlord | with Ashley Pereira
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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 sh...
32. NYC Mayor Mamdani vs Slumlords: Rent Control, Housing Policy
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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, in...
31. The Best Mortgage Loans for First-Time Home Buyers & Real Estate Investors (2026)
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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...
30. How Much Our Rental Properties Actually Made: Q1 Portfolio Recap
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What happens when rental income looks great on paper—but repairs, vacancies, and property management mistakes drain your cash flow?
 In this honest Q1 recap episode of Real Estate Chisme, Violeta and Lindsay break down the real numbers behind their rental portfolios and the unexpected challenges that came with them. From costly repairs and vacant units to frustrating property management issues, they share the lessons they’re learning while navigating the realities of real estate investing.
Lindsay reveals how over $41,000 in rental revenue was quickly reduced by rehabs, utilities, management fees...
29. 2008 Housing Crash: Mistakes That Nearly Cost Her Everything with Michelle Meyer
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What if the biggest financial mistake of your life could become the foundation for your freedom?
In this episode, Michelle shares her raw and unfiltered journey through the highs and devastating lows of real estate investing—from buying her first home with just 3% down to nearly losing everything during the 2008 Financial Crisis. What started as a dream fueled by refinancing and easy access to equity quickly spiraled into overwhelming debt, risky loans, and hard lessons about trusting the wrong advice.
She opens up about using her home like a “chec...
28. How to Use Hard Money for Real Estate Flips with Martin Castro Silva
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Most aspiring real estate investors shy away from debt, thinking it's risky or even cheating. But what if leveraging other people's money could fast-track your success—without the fear holding you back? Martin Castro Silva dives deep into the truth about using private and hard money to turn dreams into reality, revealing how he quit a high-salary job and built a thriving flipping empire in Florida.
He'll share the raw lessons learned—like how to find private lenders when everyone seems broke, why having a solid business plan is non-negotiable, and how to n...
27. Real Estate Tax Benefits Explained: Pay Less Taxes
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Are you tired of seeing a huge chunk of your rental income go straight to taxes? What if I told you there are powerful legal strategies that can literally wipe out your tax bill — making your rental properties work for you, not against you? This episode dives deep into how real estate can transform your financial future with bold, proven tax tactics. In this episode:
Discover the top tax deductions for rental properties — mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation, and operating expenses.Learn how to leverage depreciation to reduce your tax liability every year...27. Real Estate Tax Benefits Explained: Pay Less Taxes
Are you tired of seeing a huge chunk of your rental income go straight to taxes? What if I told you there are powerful legal strategies that can literally wipe out your tax bill — making your rental properties work for you, not against you? This episode dives deep into how real estate can transform your financial future with bold, proven tax tactics. In this episode:
Discover the top tax deductions for rental properties — mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation, and operating expenses.Learn how to leverage depreciation to reduce your tax liability every year.Find out why long-term rentals are...26. DSCR Loans Explained & How to use them to scale
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Are traditional loans holding you back from building your real estate empire? Discover how DSCR loans can revolutionize your investing journey, even without stable income or a perfect W-2. This episode uncovers a game-changing approach for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and dreamers eager to break barriers and create wealth through real estate.In this episode:
What is a DSCR loan and how does it differ from traditional financingWhy property income, not personal income, qualifies you for a DSCR loanThe key requirements: credit scores, down payments, and reservesHow to calculate...26. DSCR Loans Explained & How to use them to scale
Are traditional loans holding you back from building your real estate empire? Discover how DSCR loans can revolutionize your investing journey, even without stable income or a perfect W-2. This episode uncovers a game-changing approach for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and dreamers eager to break barriers and create wealth through real estate.In this episode:
What is a DSCR loan and how does it differ from traditional financingWhy property income, not personal income, qualifies you for a DSCR loanThe key requirements: credit scores, down payments, and reservesHow to calculate your property's DSCR ratio (aim for...25. Bad Closing Experience: Buying my Next Property
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In this episode I share my latest adventure in real estate with you. Imagine this: I just closed on another property, and let me tell you, it was quite the rollercoaster! From dealing with a title company that seemed to be on its own timeline to the unexpected thrill of signing papers at a McDonald's, this journey was anything but ordinary.
In this episode, I open up about the nerves and excitement of transitioning to self-managing my rental properties. It's a whole new ballgame without a property manager, but luckily, my...
25. Rental Property Drama: My Worst Closing Experience Yet
In this episode I share my latest adventure in real estate with you. Imagine this: I just closed on another property, and let me tell you, it was quite the rollercoaster! From dealing with a title company that seemed to be on its own timeline to the unexpected thrill of signing papers at a McDonald's, this journey was anything but ordinary.
In this episode, I open up about the nerves and excitement of transitioning to self-managing my rental properties. It's a whole new ballgame without a property manager, but luckily, my husband and I make a great...
24. The Cash Flow Mistake That Wrecks Most New Rental Investors
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Download the free calculator and master the true art of cash flow analysis today!
https://moneychisme.kit.com/cashflow_calculator
Ready to stop guessing your rental income and start understanding the real numbers? Violeta spills the truth about why most investors get their cash flow wrong — and how you can fix it with just a few simple steps. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, this episode will transform your approach to real estate investing.
In this video:
- Critical mistake investors makeÂ
- How to acc...
24. Avoid These Mistakes: How to Calculate Cash Flow the Right Way
Ready to stop guessing your rental income and start understanding the real numbers? Violeta spills the truth about why most investors get their cash flow wrong — and how you can fix it with just a few simple steps. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, this episode will transform your approach to real estate investing.
In this video:
- Critical mistake investors make
- How to accurately account for expenses like taxes, vacancies, maintenance, and CapEx
- A step-by-step example of calculating cash flow
-The free tool that simplifies complex calculations for up to...
23. Investing in Real Estate During Economic Chaos: Protecting Your Investment
Are you panicking about rising costs? While the headlines scream chaos, history shows that economic uncertainty breeds opportunity. In this video we explore the impact of economic chaos on wealth building opportunities, focusing on the influence of oil prices, rising costs, rental housing demand, and real estate investment strategies during economic uncertainty. We talk about the need for strategic planning and risk management in real estate investment during turbulent economic times.
Don’t let fear freeze your investments!
Key Takeaways:
**Protect Your Cash Flow
**Increase Your Reserves
**Stay Informed
* Wealth building opportunities ex...
22. Buying Rental Property with little money with Seller Financing
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Start Investing in rental properties with my Free 5 Day Crash Course: https://moneychisme.kit.com/c8eb949716
If you have been wanting to start investing in real estate but you don't have much money, a good credit score or maybe your debt to income ratio is too high, seller finance is a great option. In this episode we explore the concept of seller financing, its benefits for both buyers and sellers, negotiation flexibility, tax advantages, and the types of seller financing available. It also delves into expert-level strategies, risks, and precautions associated...
22. Buying Rental Property with little money with Seller Financing
Start Investing in rental properties with my Free 5 Day Crash Course: https://moneychisme.kit.com/c8eb949716
If you have been wanting to start investing in real estate but you don't have much money, a good credit score or maybe your debt to income ratio is too high, seller finance is a great option. In this episode we explore the concept of seller financing, its benefits for both buyers and sellers, negotiation flexibility, tax advantages, and the types of seller financing available. It also delves into expert-level strategies, risks, and precautions associated with seller financing, providing a comprehensive...
21. Real Estate Investors Under Fire? The American Home Ownership Act
The proposed American Home Ownership Act aims to address the housing affordability issue by making changes that impact real estate investors. The bill seeks to remove tax deductions, prevent the purchase of foreclosed homes, and ban federally backed mortgages for certain entities. It also aims to limit the impact on small-time investors and non-profit organizations. The conversation explores the proposed changes, their potential impact, and the broader real estate market dynamics.
Takeaways
Proposed changes in the American Home Ownership Act include removing tax deductions, preventing the purchase of foreclosed homes, and banning federally backed...20. Mortgage Rates Drop, Buyer's Market and Vacancies Increases | Real Estate Chisme
What is going on in the real estate market? Mortgage interest rates have dropped, home sales has stalled, is it a buyer's market? Plus, vacancies have increased and the rental market is shifting. Plus I share my takeaways from the ORAAT Conference in Las Vegas. Tune in for some real estate chisme.
Takeaways
Mortgage rates are influenced by various factors including treasury yields, inflation, economic growth, and the job market.The real estate market is experiencing a shift towards a buyer's market, with decreasing home prices and longer time to sell properties.Vacancies have...19. Turning a $10K House into a Rental Property | Maribel's First REHAB
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Buying a house for $10,000 seems impossible, but this Latina investor was able to do it. Maribel shares her first-time real estate investment journey, when she purchased her first full rehab property in a rural town. She highlights the challenges and lessons she learned during the process. She shares her journey from going way above her initial rehab budget to how she is navigating the loss but pushing forward. Her story shows the reality of rehabbing properties when you jump in without a strategy. However...
18. How to Talk to Your Spouse about Real Estate Investing
The conversation focuses on the importance of discussing real estate investment with a significant other, addressing concerns, understanding fears and financial anxiety, and the emotional impact of money. It also covers the need to involve and share the vision with a partner, as well as the impact on finances and relationships.
Takeaways
Honest conversations are crucial for real estate investment with a significant other.Understanding fears, financial anxiety, and the emotional impact of money is essential for effective communication.How to Talk Money with Your Partner episode
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