The InvestHER Podcast

EPISODE 594: What If You Didn't Need a Bank to Buy Real Estate?Most real estate investors have been taught there is only one way to finance a deal: Go to the bank. Qualify for a loan. Accept whatever terms they offer.But what if that's not your only option?In this episode of The Real Estate InvestHER Podcast, Liz Faircloth and Andresa Guidelli sit down with seller financing expert and author Mel Dorman to explore a strategy that has helped investors acquire properties without relying solely on traditional lenders.If you've ever been turned down by a bank, felt stuck because of rising interest rates, or watched a deal fall apart over financing, this conversation may completely change how you think about what's possible.Mel shares why seller financing is not only legal and accessible, but often simpler than investors have been led to believe. She explains how decades of conditioning have taught us to rely on institutions for capital, even though real estate transactions were conducted directly between buyers and sellers long before banks became the default.The conversation goes beyond deal structure and into something bigger: the historic wealth transfer currently underway in America and why women have a unique opportunity to understand, leverage, and participate in new ways of creating wealth.You'll also learn how to identify strong seller-financing opportunities, the four key negotiation levers available in every deal, and how to approach conversations with sellers in a way that builds trust rather than pressure.Whether you're an experienced investor looking for creative financing options or you're just beginning your investing journey, this episode will expand what's possible in today's market.In this episode, you'll learn:➡️ Why seller financing is often simpler than most investors think➡️ How traditional financing has shaped the way investors view real estate opportunities➡️ The connection between seller financing, microfinance, and person-to-person lending➡️ Why the largest wealth transfer in history creates unique opportunities for women investors➡️ The green flags that signal a strong seller-financing candidate➡️ The four negotiation levers every investor should understand:PriceDown PaymentInterest RateLoan Term➡️ How to have seller-financing conversations that create trust and win-win outcomes➡️ Common misconceptions that prevent investors from pursuing creative financing strategiesThis is not just a financing strategy. It is a relationship-driven approach to building wealth that creates genuine wins for both sides of the deal.Resources mentioned in this episode:Seller Finance Academy WebsiteBank On Your Neighbor (hard copy and audiobook)Bank On Your Neighbor (free podcast)Connect with Mel:WebsiteInstagram YouTubeFacebookTikTokTEDx TalkResources to Support Your Next Step:Ready to go beyond the episode and take action to build wealth, achieve financial freedom and live the life you want?InvestHER Assessment Take this 5-minute quiz to determine where you are in your investment journey and receive a custom roadmap with practical steps you can start taking today.InvestHER CON The National Premier Conference for Women Real Estate Investors. A Curated, Action Driven Experience Backed by 50,000+ Members. June 14-16th, 2026 / Scottsdale, AZSTRIVE Mentorship Program Stop growing your portfolio alone. Start building wealth with the right community behind you. STRIVE is a strategic framework that helps women real estate investors build wealth with more clarity, structure, and support.InvestHER Fund Investing in Women-Led Real Estate Projects. The InvestHER Fund is being built to allocate capital across multiple vetted real estate projects led by operators from the InvestHER community. The goal is to support experienced women operators with strong track records who have reached a capital growth barrier, while also fulfilling the needs of passive investors looking to diversify their portfolios through real estate investments that generate recurring income opportunitiesSee you in the arena! Liz + AndresaProduced by: Social Chameleon

EPISODE 592: How do you know if a real estate investment is actually right for you?With so many real estate investing options available today, from short-term rentals and multifamily properties to passive syndications and new construction projects, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of opportunities available. Many investors either stay on the sidelines too long or move forward with the wrong deal simply because they lack a clear framework for making investment decisions.If you have ever wondered whether now is the right time to invest, which real estate investment strategy aligns with your goals, or why a deal that looks great on paper still does not feel right, this episode will help you cut through the noise and invest with greater clarity.In this episode of The Real Estate InvestHER Podcast, Liz introduces the YOU Factor Framework, a five-part filter designed to help real estate investors evaluate opportunities based on their own goals, priorities, and season of life rather than market trends or outside opinions.Liz breaks down the key factors every investor should consider before saying yes to a deal, including time, control, financial needs, diversification, and experience. She explains why the same real estate investment can be exactly right for one investor and completely wrong for another, and why understanding your own needs is essential to building a successful real estate portfolio.Drawing from more than two decades of investing experience, Liz shares how her own investment strategy has evolved over time. What made sense in her twenties looks very different from the opportunities she prioritizes today, highlighting an important truth: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to real estate investing.She also addresses a common challenge she sees among women real estate investors: undervaluing the professional and personal experience they already bring to the table. Skills like leadership, project management, financial analysis, and decision-making are often some of the most valuable assets an investor can have.Whether you are focused on active investing, passive investing, or simply making more intentional investment decisions, this episode will help you identify the opportunities that best align with your goals and build a strategy that works for your life today.In this episode, you'll learn:➡️ Why most investors are short on clarity, not opportunity ➡️ How to evaluate the time demands of any investment ➡️ What level of control actually fits the season you are in ➡️ How to identify what you need an investment to do for you financially ➡️ Why diversification is about managing exposure, not just spreading money ➡️ How to honestly assess your experience and gaps before saying yesThis framework is not about finding the perfect deal. It is about finding the right deal for you, in the season you are in, and moving forward with confidence.Resources to Support Your Next Step:Ready to go beyond the episode and take action to build wealth, achieve financial freedom and live the life you want?InvestHER Assessment Take this 5-minute quiz to determine where you are and get a personalized roadmapLive Trainings (Free Monthly Events) Learn the 3-Step InvestHER Formula and take action with confidenceInvestHER CON The National Premier Conference for Women Real Estate Investors. A Curated, Action Driven Experience Backed by 50,000+ Members. June 14-16th, 2026 / Scottsdale, AZSTRIVE Mentorship Program The Support System for Women Real Estate Investors. Financial freedom isn't a finish line, it's a conscious choice you make every day when you look in the mirror and decide how to invest your time. STRIVE is designed for driven women real estate investors who are ready to grow intentionally.See you in the arena! Liz + AndresaProduced by: Social Chameleon

After 30 years of real estate investing, the biggest lessons are not about finding better strategies or chasing bigger deals. They are about making better real estate investment decisions. In this episode, Liz Faircloth shares three lessons that shaped her long-term success and cost real money to learn. Including the rushed decision that led to a $750,000 loss during a 1031 exchange and what that experience changed forever.From moving too fast, to defining non-negotiables, to understanding why the market matters more than the property itself, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the decision-making behind sustainable portfolio growth.If you are actively investing and your decisions feel heavier than they used to, this episode will give you a sharper lens without giving you a step-by-step playbook.What to listen for:Why rushing is more expensive than any bad deal, and Liz’s lessons learned from moving too quickly rather than taking the time to sit with a hiring decision. (00:35)Your non-negotiables protect you more than any deal ever will because if a deal requires abandoning your non-negotiables, it's not the right deal for you. (03:36)Keeping a finger on the pulse of the market matters more than the property or the deal itself, so you can ensure you have the best chance of a high return. (07:45)If this episode resonated and you’re craving more clarity, confidence, or support as you grow, that’s exactly why we created InvestHER PODs.PODs are a five-month, mentor-led experience for women real estate investors who want clarity, accountability, and consistent support as they grow. You meet twice a month in a small, curated group to work through real decisions, real challenges, and real opportunities alongside an expert mentor and women building at a similar level.If you’re ready to grow with support instead of isolation, you can learn more at https://mentorship.therealestateinvesther.com/pods And remember — you don’t have to build this alone.***InvestHER® CommunityAchieve Financial Freedom: Build a Life on Your Terms with a Community of Driven Women InvestorsInvestHER Assessment: Take this 5-minute quiz to determine where you are in your investment journey and receive a custom roadmap with practical steps you can start taking today. Start here: https://d90bdsg67z0.typeform.com/to/LQEgbB3MLive Trainings: You don’t need to know all the steps to take the next step. During our virtual events, we focus on the 3-Step InvestHER Formula, giving you the must-know insights so you can take action with confidence. Register here: https://therealestateinvesther.com/trainingsInvestHER CON: The #1 premier conference for women in real estate. It’s time to invest intentionally so every decision you make builds cash flow and buys back your time. Register now! https://investhercon.therealestateinvesther.com/STRIVE Mentorship Program: The Support System for Women Real Estate Investors. You’ve proven you can grow on your own. Now choose who you’ll achieve financial freedom with and build life on your own terms. Apply here » https://mentorship.therealestateinvesther.com/Need help? Submit a support ticket here:https://share.hsforms.com/1eH2kI0p2QFat8rsY6FcFdQdi2j2See you in the arena!Liz + Andresa

EPISODE 577: Many women real estate investors have built solid portfolios, but behind the scenes, you’re still doing everything yourself, from researching the property and negotiating the deal to leading renovations, managing the refi or sale, and starting all over again as if this were your full-time job.The time freedom you once wanted never seems to arrive, and instead of things getting easier, the harder you work, the harder you have to work just to maintain progress. The problem is not a lack of hustle. It is a lack of systems, delegation, and leadership structures that actually support growth and buy back your time.In this episode, Liz Faircloth and Andresa Guidelli are joined by Sonaya Williams, founder of The CEO Partner®, known for building businesses that operate beyond the founder. Drawing from her lived experience designing scalable operations, Sonaya breaks down how to simplify systems, document in real time, and build trust with teams and collaborators. You’ll walk away with a clearer framework for creating a portfolio that grows sustainably—without requiring your constant involvement in every decision or detail.What to listen for:Where unnecessary complexity enters real estate businesses, and how simple automations, playbooks, and systems restore consistency and ease. (03:27)Why high-performing operators focus on outcomes over tasks, and how documenting as you grow creates lasting leverage. (06:57)How to build trust in yourself, your team, and your partners so your time is spent on leadership, not daily execution. (11:22)How debriefing becomes a leadership tool for processing transitions, extracting lessons, and strengthening systems over time. (14:36)About Sonaya:I’m Sonaya Williams, Fractional COO, business systems strategist, and founder of The CEO Partner®, a digital management agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline operations and scale sustainably. With over 14 years of experience, I specialize in creating systems that automate repeatable work, empower teams, and reclaim time for business owners who want to do less, better.Before starting my agency, I worked as a Senior Financial Systems Analyst at TD Ameritrade and E*TRADE, designing brokerage cash management systems. I transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship, replacing my six-figure salary within nine months. I’m passionate about helping CEOs build profitable, efficient businesses that support balanced, fulfilling lives.My signature framework, Streamline & Scale with Systems™, has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs to increase profit, reduce overwhelm, and create reliable revenue streams. I enjoy speaking about business systems, digital innovation, and female entrepreneurship, inspiring audiences to work smarter and grow faster.Connect with Sonaya:Website: https://team@theceopartner.com/ ***InvestHER® CommunityAchieve Financial Freedom: Build a Life on Your Terms with a Community of Driven Women InvestorsInvestHER Assessment: Take this 5-minute quiz to determine where you are in your investment journey and receive a custom roadmap with practical steps you can start taking today. Start here: https://d90bdsg67z0.typeform.com/to/LQEgbB3MLive Trainings: You don’t need to know all the steps to take the next step. During our virtual events, we focus on the 3-Step InvestHER Formula, giving you the must-know insights so you can take action with confidence. Register here: https://therealestateinvesther.com/trainingsInvestHER CON: The #1 premier conference for women in real estate. It’s time to invest intentionally so every decision you make builds cash flow and buys back your time. Register now! https://investhercon.therealestateinvesther.com/STRIVE Mentorship Program: The Support System for Women Real Estate Investors. You’ve proven you can grow on your own. Now choose who you’ll achieve financial freedom with and build life on your own terms. Apply here » https://mentorship.therealestateinvesther.com/Need help? Submit a support ticket here:https://share.hsforms.com/1eH2kI0p2QFat8rsY6FcFdQdi2j2See you in the arena!Liz + Andresa

EPISODE 575: Business partnerships don’t usually break because of a lack of hard work. They fail because growth exposes cracks that were never addressed early on. When roles are unclear, decisions become reactive, and communication breaks down, even the strongest partnerships can fall apart. Most partners were never taught how to intentionally design a partnership that can evolve as the business grows. In this episode, Liz Faircloth and Andresa Guidelli break down what actually sustains a successful long-term business partnership.Drawing on their experience as co-founders and years of working with other high-level partners, they explore how to leverage differences rather than resist them, how to create alignment before conflict arises, and how intentional relationship-building supports better business outcomes. You’ll walk away with a clearer framework for structuring communication, navigating visionary–integrator dynamics, and building a partnership that grows strength, trust, and capacity over time.What to listen for:Shared vision and chemistry are only the starting point; clearly defined roles and differences can become a strategic advantage rather than a source of friction. (01:34)How visionaries can prioritize ideas with clarity, navigate integrator pushback productively, and create forward momentum without power struggles. (04:07)How building the relationship before formalizing the partnership creates stronger alignment around values, work ethic, and expectations, reducing friction later. (07:54)Using recurring strategic meetings to create business alignment, relational health, and personal growth, and how to address challenges to move shared goals forward. (11:40)Why partnerships can only grow as much as the people in them, and how personal development supports healthier decision-making, communication, and long-term sustainability. (17:30)Want to learn more about partnerships?We are hosting an in-person Partnerships Pop Up in NYC for real estate investors who want a clear, repeatable framework to evaluate, structure, and strengthen partnerships as they grow their portfolio.This event is ideal for you if:You are considering partnerships for the first time and want clarity before committingYou are already in a partnership and want cleaner roles and decision-makingYou are both business and life partners, and want to protect your relationship while building togetherWe are also honored to collaborate with Kass and Mike Lazerow. They are business and life partners who navigated the dot-com crash, bankruptcy, and the $745 million sale of Buddy Media to Salesforce, all while raising three kids and supporting founders as investors and advisors.In this candid conversation, they will share the operating rules that protect trust under pressure, including how they handle disagreements, set boundaries between work and life, and stay aligned through intense growth seasons.This is an interactive experience (especially powerful if both partners attend) where you will leave with clarity and practical frameworks you can apply immediately to build a lasting partnership.February 27th, 2026 From 1 to 6 pm ESTJoin here: https://therealestateinvesther.com/investher-popup-nyc ***InvestHER® CommunityAchieve Financial Freedom: Build a Life on Your Terms with a Community of Driven Women InvestorsInvestHER Assessment: Take this 5-minute quiz to determine where you are in your investment journey and receive a custom roadmap with practical steps you can start taking today. Start here: https://d90bdsg67z0.typeform.com/to/LQEgbB3MLive Trainings: You don’t need to know all the steps to take the next step. During our virtual events, we focus on the 3-Step InvestHER Formula, giving you the must-know insights so you can take action with confidence. Register here: https://therealestateinvesther.com/trainingsInvestHER CON: The #1 premier conference for women in real estate. It’s time to invest intentionally so every decision you make builds cash flow and buys back your time. Register now! https://investhercon.therealestateinvesther.com/STRIVE Mentorship Program: The Support System for Women Real Estate Investors. You’ve proven you can grow on your own. Now choose who you’ll achieve financial freedom with and build life on your own terms. Apply here » https://mentorship.therealestateinvesther.com/Need help? Submit a support ticket here:https://share.hsforms.com/1eH2kI0p2QFat8rsY6FcFdQdi2j2See you in the arena!Liz + Andresa

EPISODE 573: International real estate investing often feels inaccessible for women investors, shaped by persistent myths that it’s only for the ultra-wealthy, legally risky, or too complex to manage from the U.S. Many are interested in diversifying globally but stall because the available information is fragmented, overly technical, or rooted in fear rather than practical guidance, keeping international investing as a nice idea instead of a clear path to growth.In this episode, Andresa Guidelli sits down with Makeda Smith of Savvy Chicks in Real Estate® to break down what international real estate investing actually looks like in practice. Drawing on her lived experience and on-the-ground expertise, Makeda explains how to evaluate emerging markets, vet foreign developers, navigate short-term rental laws, and assess property values and tax considerations as a U.S. investor. You’ll walk away with a practical framework for determining if international investing fits your goals and the confidence to evaluate opportunities beyond your local market.What to listen for:The scale of the $326 trillion global real estate market, why women investors can’t afford to ignore it, and the key legal restrictions to know before buying property abroad. (02:45)How Makeda builds and vets relationships with reputable developers, the red flags she watches for, and how to protect yourself from money-laundering schemes. (10:48)What the true entry point looks like for international real estate investing, and how to structure your upfront capital for flexibility and leverage in contractor payments. (14:02)How to navigate international banking, financing, and tax considerations as a U.S. investor, and why the right accountant can save you from costly mistakes. (15:06)About Makeda:Makeda Smith is an international real estate broker, prophetic business strategist, and the CEO of Savvy Chicks in Real Estate®, a global real estate movement helping women and investors build wealth in multiple countries and currencies without a license, burnout, or spiritual compromise.Her personal story—rising from teenage motherhood to global influence— offers a vulnerable and powerful look at what it means to lead, scale, and remember who you are when the world tries to make you forget.She is a global real estate strategist, speaker, and author of Remember Who You Are. She leads a movement helping women build faith-based wealth through international real estate and prophetic strategy. She’s helped hundreds earn across borders, break generational cycles, and heal from burnout in the process.Connect with Makeda:Website: http://www.savvychicksinrealestate.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/makedasmithglobal Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/makedasmithglobal ***InvestHER® CommunityAchieve Financial Freedom: Build a Life on Your Terms with a Community of Driven Women InvestorsInvestHER Assessment: Take this 5-minute quiz to determine where you are in your investment journey and receive a custom roadmap with practical steps you can start taking today. Start here: https://d90bdsg67z0.typeform.com/to/LQEgbB3MLive Trainings: You don’t need to know all the steps to take the next step. During our virtual events, we focus on the 3-Step InvestHER Formula, giving you the must-know insights so you can take action with confidence. Register here: https://therealestateinvesther.com/trainingsInvestHER CON: The #1 premier conference for women in real estate. It’s time to invest intentionally so every decision you make builds cash flow and buys back your time. Register now! https://investhercon.therealestateinvesther.com/STRIVE Mentorship Program: The Support System for Women Real Estate Investors. You’ve proven you can grow on your own. Now choose who you’ll achieve financial freedom with and build life on your own terms. Apply here » https://mentorship.therealestateinvesther.com/Need help? Submit a support ticket here:https://share.hsforms.com/1eH2kI0p2QFat8rsY6FcFdQdi2j2See you in the arena!Liz + Andresa

EPISODE 571: Real estate investors often believe that landing a great deal is all it takes to secure private money. The truth is, most investors lack a clear framework for effectively raising private capital. In this episode, Lauren Brychell, a seasoned capital raiser who has raised over $75 million, breaks down what actually gets deals funded. Lauren explains why relationships matter more than the deal itself, how to shift from asking for money to presenting opportunities, and what belongs in a pitch deck that investors can evaluate in minutes. You’ll learn how to prepare months in advance, avoid red flags that turn investors away, communicate risk with confidence, and design a pitch deck that leads to deeper conversations and faster funding. This episode provides a clear framework for approaching private money with professionalism, clarity, and a long-term strategy rather than last-minute panic.What to listen for:How to reframe the ask for capital from feeling like a burden to confidently offering an opportunity you’ve done the work to stand behind. (04:26)Why waiting until the last minute to raise money costs you deals, and how to start building investor relationships now so funding is available when you need it. (07:25)How Lauren evaluates whether a deal is worth funding in five minutes or less, and why the structure, clarity, and presentation of your pitch deck make or break investor confidence. (11:01) The real differences between how introverts and extroverts raise capital, and how to use your natural style to build trust and increase profitability. (18:38)Why nurturing relationships with existing private money lenders is one of the fastest ways to raise capital, secure repeat funding, and generate investor referrals. (22:20)About Lauren Brychell:Lauren Brychell is the founder of Equity Elevated Consulting and a seasoned expert in capital raising and commercial real estate investing. With a proven track record of successfully raising over $75 million for diverse real estate ventures, Lauren excels in building strategic partnerships, expanding investor networks, and creating robust fundraising ecosystems. Her passion lies in driving growth and success for firms by leveraging her extensive experience and dedication to fostering meaningful investor relationships.Connect with Lauren:Website: https://equity-elevated.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equityelevatedconsulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equityelevated/ ***InvestHER® CommunityAchieve Financial Freedom: Build a Life on Your Terms with a Community of Driven Women InvestorsInvestHER Assessment: Take this 5-minute quiz to determine where you are in your investment journey and receive a custom roadmap with practical steps you can start taking today. Start here: https://d90bdsg67z0.typeform.com/to/LQEgbB3M Live Trainings: You don’t need to know all the steps to take the next step. During our virtual events, we focus on the 3-Step InvestHER Formula, giving you the must-know insights so you can take action with confidence. Register here: https://therealestateinvesther.com/trainings InvestHER CON: The #1 premier conference for women in real estate. It’s time to invest intentionally so every decision you make builds cash flow and buys back your time. Register now! https://investhercon.therealestateinvesther.com/ STRIVE Mentorship Program: The Support System for Women Real Estate Investors. You’ve proven you can grow on your own. Now choose who you’ll achieve financial freedom with and build life on your own terms. Apply here » https://mentorship.therealestateinvesther.com/ Need help? Submit a support ticket here:https://share.hsforms.com/1eH2kI0p2QFat8rsY6FcFdQdi2j2 See you in the arena!Liz + Andresa