In this episode, I sit down with Martine Richardson—real estate investor, educator, and freedom advocate—to break down the real numbers behind getting out of the rat race. Martine’s story isn’t just inspiring, it’s filled with tactical advice for anyone who’s trying to create true financial freedom through real estate. From getting her car repossessed to building a portfolio that bought back her time, Martine shares how she leveraged creative financing, community, and consistency to scale her business.

We talk about the real math behind financial freedom, how different rental strategies stack up (short, mid, and long-term), and why she’d go straight to buy-and-hold if she were starting over today. If you’ve ever asked yourself “how many doors is enough?”, Martine gives you a simple framework to find your freedom number.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Martine shares how getting fired and losing her car kickstarted her real estate journey

[5:40] - Her first creative deal: a lease option that changed her mindset

[8:09] - How that $35K house turned into a $240K asset—and how she structured the deal

[9:17] - Why meetups and podcasts were essential to her early success

[11:12] - The shift from wholesaling to buy-and-hold—and using other people’s money

[14:18] - What is a “freedom number” and how to calculate yours

[18:24] - Comparing cash flow between long-term vs. mid-term rentals

[22:25] - How fewer mid-term properties can replace your job income

[25:48] - Would she still wholesale if starting over today? Her answer might surprise you

[29:00] - Action over analysis: her advice for anyone stuck in “learning mode”

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Creative financing is key – Martine’s first deal came from asking sellers if they’d take payments. One finally said yes, and it changed everything.
2. Community is a shortcut – Meetups, podcasts, and mentors gave her the knowledge and confidence to keep going, even when deals were slow.
3. Buy-and-hold builds real wealth – Her accidental landlord story turned into a multi-property portfolio that now funds her life.
4. Know your “freedom number” – She walks you through how to calculate exactly how many properties you need to quit your job, depending on cash flow type.
5. Short, mid, or long-term? – Each rental strategy has trade-offs in risk and reward. Martine shares how she balances all three.

Links & Resources:

• Text Martine for coaching or questions: 804-495-1333
• Learn more about Profit First for REI: https://www.simplecfo.com

If this episode gave you clarity, confidence, or a new way to think about financial freedom, please rate, follow, and review the show. And share it with another investor who needs to hear Martine’s story.