Real Estate Investing for Latinas | Real Estate Chisme

Violeta Sandoval
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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. 5d ago

    43. How Much Money You Actually Need to Buy a Rental Property

    Send us Fan Mail 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 investors set realistic expectations so they can plan, save, and buy with confidence. Key topics Challenging the “$10,000 property” social media mythThe amount needed depends heavily on strategy, loan type, and whether you are a beginner or experienced investor.For owner-occupied purchases, they explain that down payments can be as low as 3.5% with FHAFor straight investment properties, they explain that lenders often want 20% to 25% down, and sometimes more, especially for inexperienced investors.They break down the typical costs beyond the down payment: closing costs, inspection, appraisal, reserves, and repair money.Violeta and LinDoesInvesting compare a house hack example versus a pure investment example on a $200,000 property and show how the total cash needed changes dramatically.In the house hack example, the estimated cash needed is about $28,000.In the investment property example, the estimated cash needed is about $55,200.LinDoesInvesting shares negotiation tactics, including targeting properties with higher days on market, asking for seller credits, and using inspection findings to reduce out-of-pocket costs.Violeta adds that understanding local rent prices, vacancy, and property history is key before making offers.Read more on the blog! https://moneychisme.com/how-much-money-do-you-need-for-a-rental-property/ 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: ...

  2. Aug 5

    42. How a Respiratory Therapist Built Financial Independence With Fix and Flips | Yenny Alfaro

    Send us Fan Mail 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 financial freedom without leaving the career she loves. From saving every extra dollar to fund her first investment to navigating contractors, hard money loans, and unexpected renovation costs, Yenny offers practical advice for anyone thinking about getting started in real estate. She also shares how investing has given her more time with her children and why she believes anyone willing to learn can build wealth through real estate. Whether you're dreaming about your first flip, considering rental properties, or simply looking for inspiration to take your first step, this conversation is filled with valuable lessons from someone who's been exactly where you are. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why Yenny decided to invest in real estate while keeping her full-time healthcare careerHow she saved enough money to fund her first fix-and-flip projectThe biggest mistakes she made on her first investment propertyWhat happened when a wholesaler overestimated the property's valueHow she overcame fear after realizing her first deal was much harder than expectedWhat to know before using hard money lenders to finance a flipWhy taking rehab funds may be smarter than paying renovation costs yourselfCommon renovation surprises, including foundation issues and termitesHow to avoid being taken advantage of by contractorsThe importance of studying your local market before buying a propertyWhy your first investment should be viewed as an education, not just a paydayHow Yenny balances motherhood, healthcare, and real estate investingWhat financial freedom looks like for her today—and why she still chooses to work as a respiratory therapistEncouragement and practical advice for Latinas who want to start investing in real estateLinks Mentioned:  Join the  Latinas in Real Estate Community More on the Blog! https://moneychisme.com/from-respiratory-therapist-to-real-estate-investor-yennys-journey/ Connect with Yenny Alfaro: TikTok: @yenrealestateinvestor Instagram: @yenrealestateinvestor 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: ...

    42. How a Respiratory Therapist Built Financial Independence With Fix and Flips | Yenny Alfaro

  3. Jul 29

    41. How to House Hack Your First Property With Just 3.5% Down FHA Loan

    Send us Fan Mail 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 to four units, live in one unit, and rent out the others to help offset your housing costs—or potentially cover a significant portion of your mortgage. They also explain some of the key benefits of FHA financing, including the lower down payment requirement, more flexible qualification criteria, and the possibility of using rental income to help qualify for the loan. But house hacking isn't as simple as finding a property and moving in. Violeta and Lindsay break down the FHA occupancy requirements, mortgage insurance, property eligibility standards, loan limits, and the importance of making sure the property is safe, livable, and actually works financially. They also explain why a property being eligible for an FHA loan doesn't automatically make it a good investment. They then walk through the steps aspiring investors should take before making an offer, including conducting a financial audit, finding the right FHA lender, researching local rents, analyzing the market, identifying eligible properties, and determining whether the numbers align with your personal goals. They emphasize that successful house hacking requires more than simply qualifying for financing—it requires understanding your market and knowing exactly what you want the property to accomplish for you financially. And once you become a landlord, the learning doesn't stop. Violeta and Lindsay discuss the responsibilities that come with managing tenants, handling repairs, enforcing leases, following local housing laws, and maintaining a safe property. They also explore what ethical landlording looks like and why building wealth should go hand in hand with treating tenants with care, respect, and responsibility. Whether you're a first-generation Latina thinking about buying your first home, exploring real estate investing, or looking for a way to lower the cost of homeownership, this episode offers a practical introduction to house hacking and FHA financing. Violeta and Lindsay also share why starting with a duplex may make more sense for some beginners than immediately jumping into a four-unit property—and why you should always balance your investment goals with what you're realistically prepared to manage. Before you start shopping for your first house hack, tune in for practical advice, important questions to ask your lender, and the key steps you need to take to determine whether an FHA house hack is the right strategy for you. Links Mentioned: Free Latinas in Real Estate CommunityHow to Calculate Cash Flow EpisodeFHA, VA & Other Home Loan Options for Real Estate Investing EpisodeSupport 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: ...

  4. Jul 22

    40. 7 Risk Questions Every Real Estate Investor Should Ask Before Buying

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Rather than offering a simple checklist, they invite listeners into the real conversations they have behind the scenes. By thinking out loud, they walk through how they evaluate potential investments, balance financial security with growth, and determine when taking on more risk makes sense—and when it doesn't. Throughout the episode, Violeta and Lindsay discuss why risk tolerance isn't fixed but evolves with experience, financial stability, and life circumstances. They explore how changes like leaving a W-2 job, starting a family, changing careers, or pursuing entrepreneurship can completely reshape the types of investments you're comfortable making. They also explain why comparing your investing journey to someone else's can lead to poor decisions and how building confidence over time allows you to gradually take on larger opportunities. Whether you're buying your first rental property, considering a new investment strategy, or simply trying to decide if now is the right time to invest, this episode will help you think beyond numbers and focus on building a portfolio that matches your goals, lifestyle, and peace of mind. Before making your next investment decision, tune in for a candid behind-the-scenes look at how experienced investors evaluate risk, adapt to changing seasons of life, and create long-term wealth without sacrificing what matters most. Links Mentioned: Free Latinas in Real Estate Community Real Estate Starter Kit 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: ...

  5. Jul 15

    39. Why This Airbnb Arbitrage Business Failed in the First Month (And How to Avoid It)

    Send us Fan Mail 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 walk through how an Airbnb arbitrage business went from exciting new venture to complete shutdown in just a matter of weeks. After investing thousands of dollars furnishing two rental units, one guest's reckless behavior led the landlord to terminate the lease, leaving the new investors without a business and scrambling to recover their losses. Throughout the conversation, Violeta and Lindsay unpack the biggest lessons from the experience, including the dangers of shiny object syndrome, why proper planning matters more than speed, and how borrowing money before validating a business model can increase your financial risk. They also discuss the importance of screening guests, understanding local regulations, preparing for unexpected setbacks, and treating short-term rentals like a real hospitality business rather than passive income. Whether you're considering Airbnb arbitrage, exploring your first real estate investment, or simply looking for ways to build wealth with less capital, this episode offers a balanced look at both the opportunities and the challenges of this strategy. Before signing your first lease or furnishing your first Airbnb, tune in for practical advice, real-world lessons, and the questions every aspiring short-term rental investor should ask before getting started. Link Mentioned: Free Latinas in Real Estate Community: https://www.skool.com/real-estate-jefas-9075/about 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: ...

  6. Jul 8

    38. How to Know When It's Time to Sell a Rental Property

    Send us Fan Mail 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 investment properties despite others telling her to hold on, while Lindsay offers practical strategies for weighing your options before making a big financial decision. Together, they explore the emotional side of letting go, the importance of staying focused on your investing goals, and why sometimes selling isn't a sign of failure—it's a strategic move that creates new opportunities. The conversation also covers how rising property taxes, negative cash flow, debt payoff goals, and changing life circumstances can all impact whether a rental property still deserves a place in your portfolio. Rather than relying on emotions or the fear of missing out, they explain how to make decisions based on numbers, strategy, and the future you want to build. Whether you're struggling with an investment that's no longer performing, trying to become debt-free, or wondering if it's time to pivot your real estate strategy, this episode provides a practical framework for making confident decisions. Ready to decide whether your rental property deserves another chance—or it's time to kick el tóxico to the curb? Tune in for actionable advice, real-life investing lessons, and the questions every landlord should ask before making their next move. 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: ...

  7. Jul 1

    37. How We Renovated Our First Rental Property as a Couple (Lessons We Wish We Knew)

    Send us Fan Mail 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 property managers hundreds of miles away. But after relocating to Texas and taking on their first local rehab, Dave experienced firsthand what it actually takes to transform a distressed property into a cash-flowing rental. They pull back the curtain on the realities of renovating an investment property—from uncovering hidden termite damage and unexpected electrical issues to watching a $3,000 renovation budget balloon to nearly $20,000. Along the way, they discuss how dividing responsibilities based on their strengths helped them navigate difficult decisions, manage conflict, and finish the project stronger than ever. The conversation also dives into the importance of communication, trusting your partner's vision, negotiating with contractors, and learning that successful real estate investing is about far more than crunching numbers—it's about teamwork. Whether you're investing with your spouse, considering your first rental property, or wondering if DIY renovations are really worth it, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of building wealth together. Ready to turn your partner into your greatest investing teammate? This episode is full of practical lessons, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. 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: ...

    37. How We Renovated Our First Rental Property as a Couple (Lessons We Wish We Knew)

  8. Jun 24

    36. 5 Skills You Need to Know Before Real Estate Investing for Beginners

    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: ...

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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.

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