What does it take to break generational cycles, defy impossible odds, and build lasting wealth from scratch? In this episode of INHABIT, host Alessia Citro sits down with Yamu Camara—CDC data scientist, real estate investor, and founder—to uncover the extraordinary journey from a small village in The Gambia to financial freedom in America. Listeners will be inspired by Yamu’s resilience, learn how she overcame trauma and cultural barriers, and discover practical strategies for building wealth through real estate investing.

Yamu shares her powerful story of surviving childhood abuse, escaping an arranged marriage, and leveraging education and scholarships to transform her life. She reveals how she started a nonprofit to teach girls coding, earned a prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship, and ultimately built a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio—growing from 90 to over 150 rental units in just 18 months. The episode covers actionable topics like house hacking, Section 8 rentals, building credit as an immigrant, and the mindset shifts required to succeed against all odds.

Whether you’re an aspiring real estate investor, an immigrant chasing the American dream, or anyone seeking inspiration to overcome adversity, this episode delivers practical advice and proof that it’s possible. Don’t wait to buy real estate—tune in and learn how to buy real estate and wait.

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TIMESTAMPS:

[03:15] Yamu Camara shares her early life in The Gambia, including cultural challenges and personal trauma that shaped her resilience.

[09:11] Despite severe adversity at home, Yamu excels academically and earns scholarships with the support of teachers and principals.

[13:11] Yamu negotiates with her family to delay an arranged marriage, determined to pursue higher education.

[18:41] She starts a nonprofit to teach girls IT and coding skills, empowering others while still in her early twenties.

[26:18] Yamu is selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, which brings her to the U.S. and includes meeting President Obama.

[33:50] She describes the courageous and secretive steps she took to leave The Gambia for good and start a new life in America.

[39:56] Yamu rapidly grows her real estate portfolio, nearly doubling her rental units in just over a year.

[54:50] She credits her success to people who took a chance on her and now mentors others, achieving an 89% success rate with over 1,200 students.

[66:20] Yamu reflects on achieving the American dream and her mission to show everyday people that real estate investing is possible for anyone.

[73:08] She shares her trademarked advice: “Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait,” encouraging listeners to take action.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Yamu:

Instagram: @buildingwealthfromrentals

Yamu’s Website: Sobel Properties

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KEYWORDS: real estate investing, building wealth, financial freedom, immigrant success story, overcoming adversity, Section 8 rentals, house hacking, rental property strategies, passive income, generational wealth, women in real estate, mindset shifts, entrepreneurship, teaching girls to code, escaping arranged marriage, Midwest real estate, property management, American dream, real estate mentorship, inspiring stories, podcast for investors, actionable advice

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