On today's episode, Melissa Appleton talks about hard money and private money lending and how both can be valuable tools for real estate investing. Melissa is a certified Hard money broker and funding expert with DeBerry Funding. She also has a passion for real estate investing, specializing in creative solutions for fix and flips, mid -term rentals and ADU conversions. Melissa is dedicated to empowering investors with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Here are the key takeaways from today's episode:

1) Hard money is a tool, not a last resort-

Many investors misunderstnd hard money, assuming it's risky or predatory. In reality, it's a tool that allows investors to act quickly, scale their portfolio, and preserve liquidity for future deals. Knowing how to structure deals correctly makes hard money a pwerful advantage, not a burden.

2. Financial Freedom requires a mindset shift

Owning a home doesn't make you a real estate investor. The shift from traditional homeownership to strategic investing-through rentals, value-add projects and leveraging financing-is the key to building generational wealth.

3. Women are stepping into real estate investing more than ever.

Women are increasingly taking control of their financial futures in real estate. However, the space has historically been male-dominated, making supportive communitied like Women's REIO invaluable for networking, education, and confidence-building.

4. Leveraging Other People's Money (OPM) is essential

Investors don't need all of their own capital to scale. Hard money, private money lending, HELOCs, DSCR loans, and seller financing allow investors to grow faster and smarter while keeping their own reserves intact.

5. Realtors need to Understand Investment Financing

Many agents don't fully grasp hard money, creative financing, or investment strategies, which means they miss opportunities to serve investor clients. Agents who educate themselves can package better deals and close more transactions.

6. Networking & Mentorship are Critical for Success

Successful investors don't go it alone. Attending local meetups, building relationships with lenders, wholesalers, and other investors opens doors to off-market deals, partnerships, and funding solutions.

7. Creative Strategies like padsplit and Mideterm Rentals increase Cash flow.

Traditional long-term rentals often don't pencil out in expensive markets. Alternative strategies like padsplit, ADU conversions, and midterm rentals offer ways to maximize rental income and adapt to changing markets.

8. Education & Action Reduce Fear and Hesitation

New Investors often hesitate due to lack of knowledge or fear of making mistakes. However, the best way to succeed is to educate yourself, connect with experienced investors, and take action-even on a small scale.

Whether you're just getting started or you're looking to make your next move as a real estate investor, I'm rolling out a membership community called the Soulful Investor society (S.I.S) Hop on the waitlist here and you'll be the first to know all of the juicy details, including bonuses and special pricing.

stan.store/AnnReed/p/you-were-meant-for-moreand-you-know-it

You can also follow me on IG @annreedandco

If you'd like more info. about the loan options that Melissa offers, you can find her at:

www.deberryfunding.com

@melissahardmoneyappleton

503.453.6477

On Today’s episode, Beth Silverman shares how she went from $200,000 in debt to building a real estate business and real estate investment portfolio. She believes that anyone can achieve financial freedom and passive income through strategic real estate investments. She’s ranked in the top 1.5% of Realtors nationwide by Real Trends and she’s built a reputation as a powerhouse investment specialist, helping clients find off-market opportunities, maximize ROI, and leverage tools like 1031 exchanges to build long-term wealth. With roots in new construction and REO fix-and-flip, Beth began her career in Baltimore before relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she became a top producer in short-term rental acquisitions, leading the acquisition and sale of over 75 high-performing beach STRs.
Beth is also a leader in co-living investments, partnering with PadSplit to help investors place 250+ units while championing affordable workforce housing. A sought-after mentor, instructor, and best-selling author, she created “PadSplit Mastery for Realtors”, was named eXp Realty’s Mentor and Instructor of the Year, and is a three-time ICON agent. When she’s not closing deals or expanding her portfolio, you’ll find her enjoying a cigar and the Florida sunshine in St. Pete.

Here are the key takeaways from today’s show:

1) Want to Invest? Start With What You Have!
-House hack with roommates
-Use an FHA loan (3.5% down)
-Buy an investment property before your own home
-Utilize a HELOC on existing equity
Most people think they need $$$ to start investing. Reality? You just need strategy.
2) Real Estate: The Ultimate Tax Hack!
-Depreciation = tax-free cash flow
-Cost segregation = HUGE tax write-offs
-HELOCs = funding your next deal
If you’re making money, you NEED real estate in your portfolio. The wealthy know it—do you?
3) Investing is NOT One-Size-Fits-All!
You don’t need to fit into the "guru" model of investing. Ask yourself:
-Cash flow or equity?
-Short-term or long-term?
-Passive or active?
Your strategy should match YOUR goals, not someone else’s flex. Play your own game.
4) PadSplit: The Real Estate Hack No One Talks About!
Want cash flow WITHOUT crazy expenses? Try co-living investing.
-Convert single-family homes into multi-unit rentals
-Rent by the room for 2-3x traditional rent
-Passive income + helping solve the affordable housing crisis
It’s Airbnb for long-term tenants—but better!

For more tips, on how to invest in real estate follow your host, Ann Reed, on Instagram @annreedandco

You can find our guest, Beth Silverman, on Instagram @buildwealthwithbeth

Jessica is such a bright star in the real estate industry, and this interview provides a blueprint for building a service driven real estate and investment business while emphasizing the importance of mindset, clarity, and consistent action. With this, Jessica reflects the ethos of empowered leadership in real estate, which surely played a part in her being named EXP realty's icon of the year.

Here are the top takeaways from today's episode:

Lead with Service: Build trust and long-term success by focusing on providing tailored solutions that meet clients’ unique needs, whether they’re new investors, institutional clients, or homeowners.

Operate with Conviction: Shift from “I want to” to “I will” to turn intentions into actions, while maintaining a resilient and growth-focused mindset.

Cultivate VIP Relationships: Prioritize trust, deliver on promises, and nurture key connections to create a reliable foundation for referrals and growth.

Take Consistent Action: Progress comes from doing the work regularly, even without immediate results—experience and mastery are built in the doing.

Stay Laser-Focused: Align actions with clear goals to maximize time, energy, and results, avoiding distractions or spreading efforts too thin.

Empower Others: Lead with a mission-driven mindset, mentoring and uplifting those around you to create a ripple effect of positive impact.

Commit to Growth: Continuously refine skills, adapt to challenges, and stay curious, ensuring you evolve in step with your long-term vision.

You can find Jessica on IG @jessnieto28

For more real estate investing tips follow me on IG @annreedandco