Real Estate Investing for Latinas | Real Estate Chisme

Violeta Sandoval

Are you an ambitious Latina ready to build wealth through real estate? Then look no further!Learn the in's and outs of real estate investing from two Latina investors. We break down rental property investing in a way that’s culturally relevant, easy to understand, and strategically smart. Whether you're house-hacking, buying your first duplex, or just starting to dream, you're in the right place.You won't find hype, hustle, or shame here — just straight-up chisme, cafecito energy, and real strategies for mujeres rewriting their family’s money story.🎙️ New episodes weekly — with solo rants, expert guests, and community Q&As.Subscribe and join la comunidad of cycle-breakers, jefas, and future landlords.Because real estate is for us.

  1. 17h ago

    Real Estate Investing for Beginners: 5 Skills You Need Before Buying a Rental Property

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

    26 min
  2. Jun 17

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

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

    Jun 10

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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: InstagramWebsite Support the show Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

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

    Jun 3

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

    36 min
  5. May 27

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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/aboutMamdani’s News Links: 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-progrSupport the show Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

    23 min
  6. May 20

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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 loansFHA, VA, HELOC, refinancing, and low down payment optionsCredit score and down payment requirements to qualifyHouse hacking and using rental income to reduce housing costsFinancing strategies for duplexes, multifamily properties, and investment homesConstruction and manufactured home loansCommon mortgage mistakes new investors should avoidHow 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) Free Latina real estate investing communitySupport the show Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

    27 min
  7. May 13

    30. How Much Our Rental Properties Actually Made: Q1 Portfolio Recap

    Send us Fan Mail 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, and debt service across her 12-property portfolio. Violeta opens up about a “problem” property that led to surprise bills, city complaints, and growing frustration with her property management company. They also discuss:  • The true cost of vacancies and turnovers  • Managing older properties and unexpected repairs  • Rising property taxes and affordable housing challenges  • Lessons learned from tenant communication and self-management  • How they’re adjusting their strategies moving into Q2 This episode is a transparent look at the ups and downs of building wealth through real estate—and why staying adaptable is key when things don’t go according to plan. Tune in for an honest behind-the-scenes look at what real estate investing really looks like when the spreadsheets, stress, and surprises all collide. Support the show Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

    32 min
  8. 29. 2008 Housing Crash: Mistakes That Nearly Cost Her Everything with Michelle Meyer

    May 6

    29. 2008 Housing Crash: Mistakes That Nearly Cost Her Everything with Michelle Meyer

    Send us Fan Mail 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 “checkbook,” navigating an interest-only loan, and the moment she realized she was $100,000+ underwater with no clear way out. But instead of giving up, Michelle fought to rebuild—renting rooms, negotiating with banks, repairing her credit, and slowly regaining control of her finances. You’ll hear how she turned survival into strategy—leveraging tools like the 1031 Exchange, embracing house hacking, and building a portfolio of duplexes that now generate consistent income. Today, she’s on the verge of early retirement, proving that even the toughest setbacks can lead to long-term success. Michelle gets real about what she wishes she knew back then, the importance of financial education, and why discipline and sacrifice are non-negotiable if you want to build wealth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s made financial mistakes, feels behind, or is afraid to start—because Michelle’s story proves it’s never too late to turn things around. Ready to rebuild smarter and create real financial freedom? This is the perspective shift you didn’t know you needed. Connect with Michelle: Facebook: cachetona13@hotmail.com Support the show Join my Latina Real Estate Investors Community (FREE) https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about Get my FREE Real Estate Investing 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 Manage Your Funds with BASELANE Banking https://invite.baselane.com/Violeta84614 Follow us on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/money_chisme/ 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: ...

    50 min

About

Are you an ambitious Latina ready to build wealth through real estate? Then look no further!Learn the in's and outs of real estate investing from two Latina investors. We break down rental property investing in a way that’s culturally relevant, easy to understand, and strategically smart. Whether you're house-hacking, buying your first duplex, or just starting to dream, you're in the right place.You won't find hype, hustle, or shame here — just straight-up chisme, cafecito energy, and real strategies for mujeres rewriting their family’s money story.🎙️ New episodes weekly — with solo rants, expert guests, and community Q&As.Subscribe and join la comunidad of cycle-breakers, jefas, and future landlords.Because real estate is for us.