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:

lia.dunlap@oracleonpurpose.com or follow her on IG @coachliadunlap

In this minisode, you'll gain valuable insights into my personal investment strategy and what I teach those who are wanting to start investing in real estate. You'll also get a taste of what working with me looks like and hear from past students whose feedback is the inspiration for creating the Soulful Investor Society.

1. The Power of Leveraging Home Equity for Long-Term Wealth

• Real estate investing isn’t just about cash flow today; it’s about leveraging equity over time.
• Historically, home values have doubled every 10-12 years, making real estate a powerful vehicle for wealth accumulation.
• By holding onto properties and allowing them to appreciate, investors can eventually access significant amounts of equity through cash-out refinances.

2. Strategic Entry: House Hacking & Low Down Payment Strategies

• You don’t need a large amount of cash to start investing—owner-occupant loans allow purchases with 0-5% down.
• A proven strategy is to buy a new primary residence and turn the home you’re vacating into a rental, allowing for gradual portfolio growth.
• This method allows even those with limited capital to enter the market and scale their investments over time.

3. The Long-Term Game: Generational Wealth & Retirement Planning

• Real estate is a long-term play, offering financial security for retirement and legacy wealth for future generations.
• Holding onto properties allows for strategic cash-out refinances, creating a recurring cycle of wealth extraction while maintaining appreciating assets.
• Unlike traditional retirement savings, real estate offers a hedge against inflation and the ability to generate ongoing income.

4. Market Fundamentals: Supply & Demand Favor Continued Appreciation

• The housing market is undersupplied due to low construction levels post-2008, a growing millennial buyer base, and longer life expectancy among baby boomers.
• In many markets, including Portland, rents are increasing faster than home prices, further supporting real estate as an investment.
• Investors should understand their specific market dynamics before deciding between appreciation-focused or cash flow-focused markets.

5. Community, Support, & The Importance of Mentorship

• The biggest hurdle for new investors is often confidence, not just capital—having a mentor or a community for deal analysis and support can be invaluable.
• There is an opportunity for structured guidance through courses, memberships, or coaching to help investors make confident, strategic decisions.
• Realtors can also benefit by learning how to guide clients through wealth-building strategies, transforming one-time buyers into repeat investors.

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.