What happens when a teacher maxes out credit cards and takes loans against retirement to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle—and it actually works?

In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Bethany Finch of American Made Home Solutions to explore the raw reality of transitioning from teaching to real estate investing. Bethany opens up about the financial struggles that pushed her to take massive action, the coaching that kept her accountable, and the contractor nightmares that nearly broke her spirit. She shares why teachers have unique advantages in real estate, the importance of choosing multifamily over single-family properties, and how building the right team transforms everything. This conversation reveals not just the strategies for success, but the emotional resilience required to push through when everything seems to be falling apart.

 

[00:01 - 03:00] The Financial Reality Check

• Why being paycheck-to-paycheck as an educator created urgency for change
• How teachers' natural problem-solving skills translate to real estate success
• The mindset shift from scarcity to abundance thinking

[03:01 - 06:30] Paying for Education with Everything You Have

• Why Bethany chose to pay for coaching despite having no money
• How maxing out credit cards and borrowing from retirement accelerated her timeline
• The importance of momentum over perfect financial circumstances

[06:31 - 09:58] The Contractor Nightmare

• Bethany's experience firing eight contractors on a single project
• How a 2 AM breakdown led to a crucial coaching breakthrough
• Why accepting that 10% of deals will lose money changes everything

[09:59 - 13:00] From Single-Family to Multifamily Mindset

• Why most teachers get stuck in the single-family trap
• How multifamily investing provides better returns and passive income
• The education process needed to shift from personal liability to business thinking

[13:01 - 16:15] Building and Trusting Your Team

• Why teachers struggle to rely on others after years of self-reliance
• How GP team dynamics work when everyone goes on vacation at once
• The importance of setting boundaries and communication protocols

[16:15 - 18:05] The Power of Permission and Support

• Why team members need explicit permission to reach out during emergencies
• How to transition smoothly through challenges without stressing your team
• Learning to ask for help before you're overwhelmed

 

Connect with Bethany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-finch-amhs/

 

Key Quotes:

"You're gonna pay for your education one way or the other. Either with time or with money." - Bethany Finch

"I don't need a cheerleader. I need a coach." - Bethany Finch

"10% of all the deals you'll do in a year, you're gonna bring money to that table. The home run King doesn't always hit a home run." - Bethany Finch

"Teachers come with a unique skillset already because we're figuring things out on the fly." - Angel Williams

 

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