A Few Good Doors

What does death have to do with real estate investing?

More than you think.

In this deeply meaningful episode, I sit down with Christy Braun—death doula, guide, and soul-centered trailblazer—to explore what it means to truly live. We talk about preparing for the inevitable in a way that brings peace, presence, and purpose into your life now.

From navigating my own father’s sudden passing to the financial freedom my rental properties gave me during that sacred time, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why we build wealth in the first place.

Whether you’re an investor, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally, this episode will challenge you to ask:

 How do I want to live—and what legacy am I really creating?

If you’re ready for a raw, inspiring, and surprisingly uplifting conversation about life, loss, and the true meaning of freedom, press play.

1. Preparing for the Future Shouldn’t Cost You the Present

Just like real estate investing can provide freedom and options, death planning brings peace of mind and presence. Both are about intentionality now for ease later—whether it’s financial or emotional.

2. Life Has Meaning Because It Ends

For the investor who wants to live a life of impact and not just accumulate doors, this is a reminder: urgency brings clarity. When we acknowledge life’s impermanence, we get clearer on what really matters. 

3. Your Investments Buy You Time for What Truly Matters

This is the soulful why behind investing—freedom, family, presence. It’s not about hustle. It’s about buying back your life.

4. What You Don’t Resolve Now Doesn’t Just Disappear

Just like we can’t ignore deferred maintenance in a property, we can’t ignore the emotional and spiritual work in our lives. Facing the hard stuff now creates a softer landing later.

5. Planning for Death Helps You Live More Fully

Values-based end-of-life planning—like values-based investing—isn’t morbid. It’s liberating. It gives structure to your goals and fuels your ability to live a bolder, more aligned life.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Follow me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more. 

Looking for additional support, community, and accountability to help you build your real estate portfolio? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society, a community membership for real estate investors and those who'd like to get in the game. Once on the waitlist, you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session with me, where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property and scale your portfolio. 

Be sure to check out the link below for information and a generous coupon code for Christy's upcoming class on becoming a death doula. 

This immersive 10-week training program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide meaningful end-of-life support for loved ones or to pursue a career as a death doula. Launches June 4.

Coupon Code for 20% off 
Doors20

https://www.askchristyb.com/death-doula-training-online

You can learn more from Christy and stay connected here:

Christy Braun: https://www.askchristyb.com/

Today’s episode is part nervous system reset, part soul-aligned success strategy—and 100% what every real estate investor needs to hear. I’m sitting down with the radiant Erin Wallen, a stress and freedom coach who helps high-achieving women create extraordinary success without sacrificing their sanity, relationships, or health.

We met at a Cathy Heller retreat (because of course we did), and I knew immediately—this woman gets it. Erin blends science, energy work, and lived experience to help you thrive without the hustle hangover.

In this episode, we dive into what it really means to be regulated, how to spot hidden stress signals before you hit burnout, and why your best results come right before you tip into overwhelm. You’ll walk away with tangible tools like the “physiological sigh,” a deeper understanding of your body’s wisdom, and maybe even a brand-new relationship with your to-do list.

If you’ve ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world (or a portfolio of properties) on your shoulders—this one’s for you. Here are the top takeaways from today's show:

1. Stress is Not a Badge of Success—It's the Block

Many investors equate hustle with results, but Erin reminds us that success without stress is not only possible—it’s optimal. Chronic stress isn't a prerequisite for achievement. In fact, it decreases your ability to perform at your best.

2. Regulation Equals Peak Performance

This flips the hustle narrative on its head. Instead of pushing through stress, Erin explains that pre-stress is actually the most productive zone. By tuning into your nervous system and staying in regulation, you’ll get better results in less time.

3. Simple Tools Can Create Big Shifts

A quick body scan or Erin’s favorite tool—the physiological sigh (a double inhale + long exhale)—can move you out of fight-or-flight in moments. These practices don’t require hours; they’re accessible, free, and proven to lower stress.

4. Nervous System Work is Compound Interest for Your Energy

Just like real estate investing builds wealth over time, working with your nervous system builds resilience. Small daily practices pay off exponentially—creating more energy, clarity, and peace of mind.

5. Your Regulation Influences Everyone Around You

Whether you're a team leader, parent, or partner, your state of regulation impacts others. Erin calls this a ripple effect—and it’s one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools for empowered leadership in real estate and life.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Follow me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more. 

Looking for additional support, community, and accountability to help you build your real estate portfolio? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society, a community membership for real estate investors and those who'd like to get in the game. Once on the waitlist, you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session with me, where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property and scale your portfolio. 

Be sure to check out all of the ways you can learn more from Erin and stay connected:

Erin Wallen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joybyerin/

Erin Wallen FREE Stress Quiz:

If you've ever told yourself, “I don’t have time to invest,” or “I should already know how to do this,” this minisode is your wake-up call. Chelsea Wright—coach, speaker, Realtor, and real estate systems ninja—drops truth bombs on the stories that hold us back, the identity work required to break through, and why building wealth starts with boundaries and belief.

In just a few minutes, you'll hear why you don’t have to do it all alone and how one aligned action can create three ripple effects. This clip barely scratches the surface of our full conversation, where we dive even deeper into self-leadership, emotional resilience, and real estate strategy.

If this lights a fire in you, do yourself a favor and go listen to the full episode; Season 1, Episode 1, “How to Build a Real Estate (investment) Business and a Life you Love with Chelsea Wright”

Because empowered investing isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more of who you really are.

Here are the takeaways from today's show:

1. Don’t go it alone—build your support system.

Success doesn’t happen in isolation—build your team early. Behind every powerful entrepreneur is a strong support system—success isn't meant to be solo.

2. Make every action serve multiple purposes.

Work smarter by stacking wins—one aligned action can move multiple goals forward. If you're doing one task, make it count in three ways—maximize every move.

3. Examine the stories holding you back from investing.

Your stories are either your excuses or your fuel—get curious about them. The stories you believe about money, risk, and your past may be the biggest blocks to building wealth.

4. Redefine your identity around learning and abundance.

Your identity is your blueprint—build one that’s rooted in abundance and capability. The fastest way to expand what's possible is to shift who you believe yourself to be.

5. If you say you want to invest, prove it.

Time isn’t the problem—priorities are. When someone says they don’t have time to invest, it’s rarely about time.

6. People-pleasing robs you of peace and progress.
People-pleasing keeps you broke and burnt out—choose aligned service instead. People pleasing might look selfless, but it’s often a fast track to burnout and bitterness.

7. Boundaries are for you, not them.

Boundaries are a form of self-trust—use them to protect your peace and your power. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re sacred containers for your well-being and alignment

8. Progress is more important than perfection. Show up and be consistent.
Momentum matters more than perfection—create a sustainable rhythm. The myth of overnight success keeps too many people stuck—start where you are and build forward.

9. Failure isn’t identity—it’s feedback.

Mistakes are not failures—they’re feedback loops for growth. Failure doesn’t define you—your ability to learn and stay curious does.

10.  Invest like a business—it takes time to profit.
Real estate investing is a long game—treat it like the business it is. Wealth-building through real estate isn’t fast—but it is transformational if you commit.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society, a community membership for real estate investors and those who'd like to get in the game. Once on the waitlist, you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session with me, where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property and scale your portfolio. 

You can also find me on IG 

Today, I’m talking to Erin Bradley, of Pursuing Freedom Official. She’s a speaker, a coach, an author, and a podcaster, as well as a successful real estate investor. Erin is high vibe, and down to earth all wrapped into one, and her message resonates so much with me. Like so many in real estate, as a lender, Erin followed the roadmap to success, and while her numbers indicated she was successful, her life felt anything but. So, she got clear on what success in life meant to her, and took action. Now, she teaches other realtors and lenders how to truly live a life of freedom that leads to financial success. Here are the top takeaways from today’s show.

1. Real Estate Is a Path to Lifestyle Freedom, Not Just Income

Erin’s story of retiring her husband (2016) and herself (2022) through real estate investing proves the point: real estate is a tool for designing your life, not just hitting financial goals.This reinforces the belief that it is possible to exit unaligned careers and reclaim your time.

2. Burnout Is Not the Price of Success—Alignment Is the New Strategy

Erin debunks the old model of hustling for GCI and volume at the cost of health and joy? For those who’ve checked the traditional boxes but feel unfulfilled, this episode is a wake-up call that burnout is not required to build wealth.

“I didn't feel like I had any freedom and flexibility because I had no money. Then I was making more money than I ever expected, but I had no time.”

3. You’re Allowed to Redefine Success on Your Terms

Success isn’t just “deals done” or “money in the bank”—it’s peace, fun, energy, and meaning. Erin encourages listeners to get honest about whether they’re truly living or just performing success.

“None of that matters if you’re not living, right? Like none of that matters.”

4. Morning Rituals & Mindset Work Aren’t Woo—They’re Strategic

The Miracle Morning, energy check-ins, and intentional routines are Erin’s go-to tools for cultivating clarity, confidence, and flow. The inner work is  just as important as spreadsheets and numbers.

“The more I take care of myself, the more opportunities find me.”

5. Fear is Just a Story—And You Don’t Have to Believe It

Whether it’s buying your first property, quitting a job, or raising your prices, fear is inevitable—but not final. Erin reframes fear as a signal, not a stop sign, and urges listeners to act in spite of it.

“If you say, ‘I can’t because…’, all you're doing is getting intimate with your fear.”
 “Our clients deserve better. Our families deserve better. And we deserve better.”

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society, a community membership for real estate investors and those who'd like to get in the game. Once on the waitlist, you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session with me, where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property and scale your portfolio. 

You can also find me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

Having recently celebrated the one year anniversary of this podcast, it felt fitting to create this minisode of highlights from the first A Few Good Doors podcast, S1 E1.

If you haven’t yet listened to Episode One of A Few Good Doors, I highly recommend going back to the beginning. Vince was the perfect guest to help kick off this podcast because his teachings made real estate investing feel not only possible — but inevitable.

Let’s dive into 10 key takeaways that every Empowered Investor should hear.

1. Get Rich Slow Plan - If You Can Qualify for One Mortgage, You Can Start Investing

2. The Real Wealth Effect Is in Appreciation, Not Just Cash Flow

3. House Hacking Is a Game Changer

4. Choose Opportunity Over Terms

5. Low Down Payments Can Create High Returns

6. Mindset Matters More Than Money

7. HELOCs Are Powerful Tools — Use Them Strategically

8. Real Estate Is a Faith-Based Investment, Just Like Your 401k

9. Four to Five Doors Equals Generational Wealth

10. The Best Time to Buy Was Then. The Next Best Time Is Now.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society, a community membership for real estate investors and those who'd like to get in the game. Once on the waitlist, you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session with me, where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property and scale your portfolio. 

You can also find me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

What started out as an invitation for my guest, Ben Kirkpatrick, to pick my  brain about real estate investing, ended up  turning into a very spiritual conversation. Ben is a self-proclaimed “newbie investor” who took the plunge and the first property he purchased is an investment property as opposed to a primary residence, a trend that is becoming more common amongst first-time homebuyers. When a nightmare tenant damaged Ben’s property, he quickly learned that whether you pay for an education or learn by experience, one way or another you’re paying. I hope you’ll get as much out of this conversation as I did.

1. Action is the First Investment

Ben’s story is a powerful reminder that taking imperfect action is more valuable than endlessly planning. Many aspiring investors stay stuck in education mode. Even though his first deal came with unexpected challenges, it moved him from the sidelines into the arena—and that’s where the real growth happens.

2. Every Mistake is a Masterclass

Ben’s nightmare tenant situation turned into a real-world education in property management, leasing, and resilience. 

3. Know Your Zone of Genius—and Stay In It

This episode celebrates radical self-awareness. Knowing where your time, energy, and gifts are best used allows you to scale smart. Whether it’s hiring a property manager or outsourcing repairs, choosing alignment over ego is a major success move.

4. Real Estate is a Spiritual Journey Disguised as a Business

This isn't just a story about properties—it's about trusting the process, tuning into purpose, and doing the inner work alongside the outer hustle. When you lead with values like compassion, generosity, and integrity, the universe supports you—often in miraculous ways.

5. You Don’t Have to Own a Million Doors to Be Wealthy

Being strategic and heart-aligned can lead to both fulfillment and financial freedom.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society, a community membership for real estate investors and those who'd like to get in the game. Once on the waitlist, you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session with me, where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property and scale your portfolio. 

You can also find me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

In this episode, your host, Ann Reed, flips the script and shows up as a guest along with her husband, Dexter, to share their journey as real estate investors-something neither of them ever imagined they'd be doing, until they did. Here are the top takeaways from today's show.

 1. You Don’t Need a Fortune—Just the Right Knowledge

“If you have the funds but don’t know the rules of the game, you can’t play it.”
 Ann and Dexter highlight how close they were to launching their real estate journey earlier—but lacked a knowledgeable guide. The empowered investor learns that real estate is possible without massive wealth, as long as you're equipped with the right mentorship and education.

2. Equity is Power—Use It Strategically

“Rather than pulling equity out and buying an investment property, we built our ADU...and rented it on Airbnb.”
 They leveraged their primary home’s equity to build an income-generating ADU—proving that thinking creatively and strategically about your home’s value can jumpstart passive income and future purchases.

3. Create a Legacy, Not Just Cash Flow

“Our goal was to accumulate properties and have at least one for each kid.”
 The long-game vision is powerful here. Ann and Dexter’s strategy isn't just about wealth now—it’s about planting generational seeds so their kids inherit knowledge and assets. Empowered investors are legacy builders.

4. Impact Investing Can Start with One Door

“We figured out a way that you can invest in real estate and have it be beneficial to the investor—and to the community at large.”
Their nonprofit, Modest House Foundation, embodies conscious capitalism. They’re housing people in transition and showing that social impact and profitability can go hand-in-hand. 

5. Start Where You Are—Regular People Build Wealth Too

“We’re seriously such regular people. If we could do it, anybody can do it.”
 Their journey proves that you don’t need to come from money to build wealth through real estate. With a willingness to learn, take action, and stay the course, anyone who is empowered can build their portfolio one property at a time.

Want to learn more? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society and you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally build that real estate investment portfolio. 

You can also find me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

In this episode, Astin Brown, a relational therapist and coach, who also happens to be a budding real estate investor shares her tips, tricks, and advice on how to show up as the best version of yourself and how to effectively share your desires in a relationship-trust me, this is integral when approaching real estate investments. Astin also asks me her burning questions and gets advice on how to dive into real estate investing, something she and her partner have been wanting to do for awhile, but haven’t yet pulled the trigger. Here are the top takeaways from this episode:

1. Your relationship dynamic impacts your investing potential.
Understanding and strengthening communication with your partner is a key step in aligning on big financial moves like real estate.

2. Don’t abandon yourself when met with resistance—get curious instead.“Start with yourself, without abandoning yourself… be curious: what is your partner really hesitant about?”

3. Investing can be a catalyst for healing, growth, and alignment.
Real estate is more than numbers—it’s a spiritual path, an opportunity to grow in self-awareness and connection.

4. Know who you are relationally—it influences everything.
Astin introduces the idea of the relational self, which is deeply empowering for investors—especially those navigating decisions with a partner. Self-awareness here isn’t just personal development—it’s a strategy for success.

5. You always have a choice-own it!

This is a powerful mindset reminder: even when you're at an impasse, you’re not stuck. Empowered investors take aligned action, not reaction—making clear choices rather than abandoning their desires or building resentment.

Follow Astin on instagram @thebestrelationalselfpodcast or tune into her show, The Best Relational Self podcast, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society and you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session with me, where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property. 

You can also find me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

In this minisode, you'll gain valuable insights on how to select the right type of investment property. We’ll touch on how to look at the numbers and other key factors to set you up for success as an investor.

1. Get in the Game – Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Perfection
Ann emphasized that real estate investing is a long game. Many empowered investors stay on the sidelines waiting for a “perfect” cash-flowing deal, when in reality, even a slightly negative cash flow can still be a win if appreciation and tax benefits are factored in. Like planting seeds, the return may take time—but it’s worth it.

2. Know Your Numbers – And Your Options
Understanding how to quickly analyze deals as long-, mid-, or short-term rentals is crucial. Start by checking if a property pencils out as a long-term rental, then layer in mid- and short-term projections. Tools like BiggerPockets and Rentometer can simplify this, even without going deep into the weeds.

3. Local Rules Make or Break Your Strategy
Your best strategy only works if it’s legal and aligned with local regulations. Knowing your city’s zoning and short-term rental rules can open doors—or shut them. For example, commercial zoning may allow full STR use, while residential zoning may require an on-site long-term tenant. Creative thinking + compliance = empowered investing.

4. Assemble Your Power Team (Even If You’re a Realtor)
Whether you're brand-new or a licensed agent, lean on those who’ve walked the path. Work with a realtor or mentor who has invested the way you want to. They’ll have vetted lenders, PMs, contractors, and more—saving you time, stress, and money. Think of it as paying for experience that fast-tracks your results.

5. Train Like an Investor Athlete

Just like marathon training, building your investor muscle takes consistent reps. Analyze one property a day (15 min) or batch 5 in an hour weekly. Over time, you’ll develop sharper instincts, see creative angles others miss, and be ready to take action when the right deal appears. It’s all about showing up with purpose.

Want to learn more? Hop on the waitlist for the Soulful Investor Society and you'll be the first to know when the doors open AND you'll get lots of amazing freebies, including a FREE 1:1 coaching session where we'll map out your plan from start to finish, so you can finally buy that investment property. 

You can also find me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

You don’t have to choose between a spiritually, soul-aligned life and making money. In fact, it is my guest, Lia Dunlap's belief, one that I happen to share, that we are meant to be prosperous and living on purpose. 

Lia is the Intuitive Business Architect behind Oracle On Purpose, LLC, and has been transforming the lives of women business leaders, entrepreneurs, and owners for over 28 years. In this episode, Lia shares how this applies to real estate investors as well. Here are the top takeaways from today's show:

1.Purpose and Prosperity Go Hand in Hand – Many investors think they have to choose between making money and doing meaningful work, but Leah challenges that belief. She teaches that aligning with your purpose fuels financial success rather than limiting it. In real estate, this means investing in ways that align with your values while still building wealth.

2.The Power of ‘Toward’ Motivation – Many investors and agents operate in constant fear—fear of losing a deal, not making enough, or failing altogether. Leah explains the difference between being motivated by fear of loss versus being pulled forward by an inspiring vision. Shifting this perspective allows for sustainable success without burnout.

3. Misalignment Shows Up in Your Life and Business – If you’re constantly exhausted, struggling with money, or feeling unfulfilled—even when you’re hitting financial goals—it could be a sign you’re out of alignment. Leah shared how ignoring your true path can create stress and even physical symptoms, reinforcing the importance of checking in with yourself and your business regularly.

4. Money Mindset Shapes Wealth More Than Strategy – Many high earners (including real estate professionals) unconsciously sabotage their wealth due to deep-rooted beliefs about money. Leah helps her clients identify and shift these patterns so they can not only make money but actually keep and grow it. Recognizing your own limiting beliefs is a key step toward financial freedom.

5. Clarity is the Shortcut to Success – Whether in business, investing, or personal growth, clarity is what accelerates results. Leah’s approach blends intuition with strategy, helping people make aligned decisions faster and with more confidence. Instead of chasing endless opportunities, the key is to focus on the right ones—those that move you toward your bigger vision.

For daily tips on real estate investing, follow me on IG @annreedandco. I'm also launching a membership for those who'd like more focused and intentional help learning how to become a real estate investor. You can hop on the waitlist here, for special pricing and incredible bonuses. 

More on our guest:

With a unique blend of practical business strategies and profound spiritual guidance, Lia helps her clients achieve clarity, confidence, and a divine path to prosperity. Known for her compassionate and empowering approach, Lia is dedicated to helping her clients unlock their unique purpose and create a life full of passion, purpose, and prosperity. Under her guidance, clients overcome obstacles, gain renewed energy, and manifest their deepest desires with ease. 

You can continue to grow and learn with Lia by joining her Limitless Life Club Membership program or by tuning into her podcast, Oracle on Purpose, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can also reach out to her directly at:

[email protected] or follow her on IG @coachliadunlap