Real Estate Mogul, M.D.

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What happens when an ophthalmologist gives herself permission to pivot—and starts asking what else is possible?

Dr. Charity Hix joins Real Estate Mogul M.D. to share her journey from medicine to career coaching for introverts, and why curiosity, boundaries, and energy matter just as much as cash flow. A lifelong learner with a real estate course under her belt and a love for creative living, Dr. Hix speaks directly to physicians ready to explore new paths without burning out. 

In this episode, we cover:

• The real signs of burnout (and why ambition hides them)
• Why real estate sparked her curiosity
• How introversion and medicine often collide
• The identity trap of being “just a doctor”
• What it actually means to protect your energy
• Why pursuing creative interests can make you better in medicine

Connect with Charity Hix:

Instagram: She does not have an Instagram account.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charityhix/
Website: https://www.charityhix.com/

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What if you could trade burnout for freedom—without quitting medicine?

In this episode of Real Estate Mogul M.D., Dr. Gelerie Stenbakken shares how she and her husband went from “Is this it?” to financially independent through a portfolio of long and short-term rentals. From early investments and breast cancer to builder fraud and pivoting into STRs, Gelerie’s story is packed with mindset shifts, mistakes, and massive takeaways for physicians who want to take back control. 

Inside this episode:

• How one game (yes, a board game) changed their money mindset
• The real numbers behind their early investments
• Their strategy for LTR vs STR — and why they doubled income overnight
• How they lost $500K and still came out ahead

Important Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winningwithrei/
Linkdein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geleriestenbakken/
Website: https://eriks-academy.teachable.com

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What happens when a pediatrician starts thinking like an investor?

In this episode, Dr. Michael Perisa joins Brett for a candid conversation about balancing family life, student loans, and direct pediatric care—while planting the seeds of real estate investing. As a practice owner and father of three, Michael shares how he's navigating the early stages of wealth building and what he's learning about buying intentionally.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why direct pediatric care restored his love for medicine
• His journey buying and selling 4 homes in 5 years
• Real estate lessons he’s learning from his physician partners
• Why he’s thinking about a condo rental to start
• How owning his practice set the foundation for future ownership

Important Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-perisa-md-faap-72308b86/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.perisa/
Website: zestpeds.com

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In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Shideh Shafie goes deeper on what freedom really looks like—and how to design your life around it.

From real estate investing to neuroscience-backed performance habits, Dr. Shafie breaks down her 20/20/20 morning routine, her “thought audits,” and why most doctors are chasing success in reverse.

In this episode, we unpack:

• How to stop trading time for status
• The “freedom trap” many high-income professionals fall into
• Why identity shifts are key to living life by design
• How to take action—even without a certification or title

This episode is the permission slip every doctor needs to stop waiting and start doing.

Important Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshidehshafieperformancecoach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shideh.shafie/
Website: https://www.shidehshafie.com/

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What happens when a high-performing physician decides that more hustle isn’t the answer—but freedom is?

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Dr. Shideh Shafie shares her evolution from traditional medicine to intentional living. As a Yale- and Columbia-trained ER physician turned real estate investor and high-performance coach, she opens up about how doctors can rewrite their definition of success—and why waiting for the “right time” is the biggest trap. 

You’ll hear:

• How Dr. Shafie bought her first multifamily deal
• Why medical training creates a tunnel vision around money
• The mindset shift that unlocked financial freedom
• Real-world advice for doctors looking to pivot without burning out

This one is about doing the thing—even when it’s messy, uncertain, or wildly ambitious.

Important Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshidehshafieperformancecoach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shideh.shafie/
Website: https://www.shidehshafie.com/

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Is your money working as hard as you do?

Mortgage strategist and real estate investor Angelo Christian joins Real Estate Mogul M.D. to reveal how high-income earners like physicians can unlock their full wealth potential through leverage and smart financing.

In this high-energy episode, Brett and Angelo break down:

• The power of DSCR loans and why they work even if you’re self-employed
• The biggest money mistake physicians make
• How to think like an investor and build a $100M portfolio
• Why you don’t need tax returns to scale — you just need cash flow and courage
  
  

Whether you’re on your first deal or ready to take your portfolio national, this episode delivers mindset, tactics, and real talk.

Important Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelochristian/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialangelochristian/
Website: https://www.officialangelochristian.com/

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In this conversation, Dr. Ziad Hage shares his journey as a neurosurgeon, discussing the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. He explores his interest in innovation within the medtech field and reflects on his experiences with real estate investing. Dr. Hage emphasizes the importance of education and understanding in making investment decisions, particularly for physicians. He concludes with insights on achieving a balanced life by design and the value of trusting relationships in both personal and professional ventures. 

Takeaways  

• Dr. Hage is the head of cranial neurosurgery at Novant Health. 
• He has a strong family background in medicine. 
• Balancing work and family is a constant challenge for physicians. 
• Innovation in medtech is a key interest for Dr. Hage. 
• Real estate can be a valuable investment for physicians. 
• Starting small in real estate is a wise approach. 
• Trust and relationships are crucial in investments. 
• Education is essential for making informed investment decisions. 
• Life by design involves a balance of structure and freedom. 
• Physicians can benefit from understanding the investment landscape. 

Important Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziad-a-hage-md-fcns-faans-facs-93a406b3/
Website: https://ziadhagemd.com/

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In this conversation, Dr. Anna Chacon shares her journey as a board-certified dermatologist who has expanded her practice nationwide. She discusses the importance of independence in her medical career, the role of real estate in her business strategy, and the significance of diversification in investments. Dr. Chacon emphasizes the need for control over her schedule and the challenges of managing real estate while balancing her medical practice. She also explores investment opportunities and her future plans for expansion in dermatology, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's passions while maintaining financial freedom.

Takeaways  

• Dr. Chacon values freedom and control over her schedule. 
• Independence in practice allows for flexibility in work hours. 
• Owning real estate can provide stability for medical practices. 
• Diversification in investments is crucial for financial security. 
• Real estate management can be challenging but rewarding. 
• Exposure to different practices can enhance business strategies. 
• Investment in syndications can offer lucrative opportunities. 
• Balancing work and relaxation is essential for well-being. 
• Future expansion plans include obtaining a license in Puerto Rico. 
• It's important to do what you love while diversifying income sources.

Important Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamiderm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiderm/
Website: https://drannachacon.com/

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In this conversation, Nerissa Kreher, MD, MBA, shares her journey from a medical career to the biotech industry and her role as a coach for physicians transitioning into new careers. She discusses her experiences in real estate investing, the challenges of managing properties, and navigating personal changes such as divorce. Throughout the conversation, Nerissa emphasizes the importance of mindset, organization, and trusting oneself while also highlighting the joy of helping others in their career transitions. 

Takeaways  

• Nerissa transitioned from medicine to biotech after budget cuts. 
• Imposter syndrome is a common fear among physicians. 
• She started investing in real estate in the Outer Banks. 
• Organization is a key challenge in managing multiple properties. 
• A mixed portfolio of investments can balance risk and reward. 
• Nerissa is considering a 1031 exchange for her property. 
• She enjoys hiking and plans trips to explore nature. 
• Helping physicians find new career paths is fulfilling for her. 
• Trusting oneself is crucial in overcoming career challenges. 
• Building a supportive network can lead to personal growth.

Important Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerissa-kreher-md-mba-1387465/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerissakreher/
Website: https://industrymdcoach.com/

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In this conversation, Vishal Desai shares his journey as a physician and real estate investor. He discusses his focus on weight loss management in his medical career and the transition to real estate investment, highlighting the importance of passive income for financial freedom. Vishal reflects on his first real estate deal, the lessons learned, and his interest in multifamily properties. He outlines his investment strategy, future goals, and the significance of building relationships in the real estate market. 

Takeaways  

• Vishal is a gastroenterologist with a focus on weight loss management. 
• He believes in the importance of addressing obesity in America. 
• Transitioning to real estate is a way to achieve financial freedom. 
• His first real estate deal was a property with a medical practice. 
• Vishal is exploring multifamily properties for investment. 
• He emphasizes the need for long-term tenant relationships. 
• Investment strategy includes reinvesting profits for growth. 
• Vishal aims to become an entrepreneur through real estate. 
• He has invested as a limited partner in a car wash business. 
• Building relationships with lenders and brokers is crucial for success.

Important Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasukakarlapudimd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aptainvestmentgroup/
Website: http://www.aptainvest.com/