She’s Got Assets | Real Estate Investing

In this episode of the She’s Got Assets Podcast, host Shona Lepis sits down with James Hwang, co-founder of Stellar Housing Solutions, mid-term rental operator, and full-time oncology pharmacist to talk about why the best operators in the MTR space don’t try to do everything alone.
They dive into:
building relationships instead of competing with other hosts
how community creates more referrals and better opportunities
using WhatsApp groups and “MTR Office Hours” to troubleshoot operations and share leads
how to market to insurance and corporate housing clients
using AI and outreach systems to find new opportunities
why hospitality standards matter more than fancy design
and how to launch listings before a property is even fully furnished
James also shares how he evaluates properties conservatively, structures safer operations, and thinks long-term when scaling a rental portfolio.
If you’ve been trying to figure out how to grow your MTR business without burning out, this episode is packed with practical strategy and operator-level insights.
Connect with James Hwang
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_hwang/
MTR Office Hours: https://www.skool.com/mtr-office-hours
 
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
Join our Skool group: The Asset Society - Learn how to 2x your rental income with mid-term rentals and get Access to the MTR Essentials course.
https://www.skool.com/the-asset-society/about
 
Join our FREE Facebook group: She’s Got Assets | Maximize Cash Flow for Real Estate Investors
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/

What does it actually take to run mid-term rentals at scale?
Not the highlight reel… the backend.
In this episode, I sit down with Allen Duan, founder of Hospy Homes, who manages 35+ furnished units in Los Angeles. We break down what it really looks like to operate a mid-term rental business—from co-hosting and property management to systems, team, and day-to-day operations.
If you’ve ever thought about scaling your MTRs or stepping into co-hosting, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how it actually works.
Inside the episode, we cover:
Co-hosting vs arbitrage (and how operators are structuring deals today)
What property management really looks like in the MTR space (including fees and responsibilities)
Why most hosts struggle with mid-term bookings—and how to market beyond Airbnb and Furnished Finder
Real underwriting numbers (including occupancy assumptions and risk)
What actually matters when furnishing for mid-term stays
The systems, tech stack, and team structure behind a 35+ unit operation
How AI is being used in real operations (Notion, SOPs, and workflow support)
This is for hosts who want to move beyond “winging it” and start running their rentals like a real business.
 
Connect with: Allen Duan
https://www.skool.com/mtr-office-hours/about
 
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
 
Join our Skool group: The Asset Society - Learn how to 2x your rental income with mid-term rentals and get Access to the MTR Essentials course.
https://www.skool.com/the-asset-society/about
 
Join our FREE Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/
 

Shona Lepis hosts Dre Galaviz on the She’s Got Assets podcast to discuss MTRO Pro, a new midterm rental–specific operations system created after Dre was laid off and struggled managing his growing MTR portfolio with a “hodgepodge” of tools. Andre explains Metro Pro’s goal of consolidating centralized guest communications (email, SMS, WhatsApp and more), CRM-style lead pipelines, leases with merge fields and e-sign, background checks, payments, bookkeeping-friendly reporting, and MTR-specific metrics like average monthly rate (AMR) to help operators price more effectively. He outlines plans for lawyer-reviewed MTR leases for all 50 states, AI-assisted guest messaging and reporting, OTA lead ingestion from platforms like Airbnb and Furnish Finder, guest dashboards, community features (Community Corner and Vendor Village), and a mobile app. Metro Pro plans to launch around early June and is recruiting a “Founding 50” via metropro.com.
 
Connect with: Dre Galaviz
https://mtropro.com/
 
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
 
Join our Skool group: The Asset Society - Learn how to 2x your rental income with mid-term rentals and get Access to the MTR Essentials course.
https://www.skool.com/the-asset-society/about
 
Join our FREE Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/

In this episode of the She's Got Assets real estate investment podcast, host Shona Lepis is joined by Trevor Mauch, CEO of Carrot.com, to discuss the benefits of inbound marketing over traditional outbound methods for real estate investors.Trevor explains how inbound marketing generates the best, most motivated leads, resulting in higher lead-to-deal ratios and increased profits per deal. He also describes the Carrot platform, which helps real estate investors build effective websites optimized for search engine ranking and lead conversion. Throughout the episode, Trevor and Shona delve into the elements that make a strong, trust-building website and share insights on leveraging AI and optimizing Google Business Profiles. This episode is packed with actionable advice for real estate investors looking to scale their businesses efficiently while providing value and building trust with their clients.
Connect with: Trevor Mauchhttps://carrot.com/
SEO AI Challenge: https://carrot.com/challenge/?fpr=3699
https://carrot.com/podcast/
https://www.trevormauch.com/freedom/
 
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
 
Join our Skool group: The Asset Society - Learn how to 2x your rental income with mid-term rentals and get Access to the MTR Essentials course.
https://www.skool.com/the-asset-society/about
 
Join our FREE Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/

In this episode of the 'She's Got Assets' podcast, host Shona Lepis delves into the innovative world of cottage clusters with special guest Kelsey LPJ. They discuss the benefits of this niche, including the expedited permitting process and potential for numerous units. Kelsey shares her journey from acquiring a distressed property to transforming it into a 15-unit cottage cluster. The conversation also covers the importance of understanding local regulations, the value of good mentorship, and creative financing strategies. Shona and Kelsey touch on the gender dynamics in real estate development and the importance of community in overcoming challenges. Through Kelsey's personal story and practical advice, listeners gain insights into strategic real estate investment and development.
 
Connect with: Kelsey LPJ 
https://www.instagram.com/rei.odyssey
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
Join our Skool group: The Asset Society - Learn how to 2x your rental income with mid-term rentals and get Access to the MTR Essentials course.
https://www.skool.com/the-asset-society/about
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
https://shesgotassets.com/
Join our Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/
 
Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/
 

In this episode of the She's Got Assets podcast, host Shona Lepis interviews  President of the SMI family of companies. Gabe shares his journey from the car business to real estate, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' needs and motivations. They discuss strategies for creative financing, including leveraging seller carry loans and involving sellers in deals. Gabe provides insights into commercial real estate, the benefits of leverage, and the power of depreciation for tax advantages. He underscores the significance of building strong partnerships and approaching real estate with a mindset of service and care. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of real estate investment and achieve financial freedom.
 
Connect with: Gabe Johansen
https://smifundmanagement.com/management-team/
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
Join our  Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/
Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/
 

In this powerful episode of the She’s Got Assets podcast, Mel Dorman gets real about the mindset shifts that transformed her life—from social worker with anti-wealth sentiments to successful real estate investor and conscious wealth advocate.
Mel opens up about her internal battles around money and worthiness, how generational narratives kept her stuck, and what finally helped her rewire her relationship with wealth. She introduces the idea of conscious investing—a way to build financial freedom and make a positive impact in your community. If you’ve ever felt like building wealth means selling out, Melissa will challenge that belief in the most empowering way.
We also dive into:
How Mel used seller financing to scale without traditional bank loans
Why building wealth doesn’t have to be extractive—and how to make it regenerative
The role of community and mentorship in overcoming financial fear
Tools for reframing limiting beliefs about money, capitalism, and success
How conscious investors can drive real social change
🔥 PLUS: Mel’s TEDx Talk just dropped!This isn’t just another video on the internet—TED selected Mel's talk as an Editor’s Pick. That’s a big deal. It means her message has the power to shift how people think about wealth, community, and real estate… and TED believes the world needs to hear it. “How I turned $500 into 6-figure freedom ” 🎥 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/ptadc1hNEi8?si=XoEaiWtNBnEQLV8C
Whether you're a new investor, deep into your real estate journey, or just questioning the stories you’ve been told about money—this episode is a must-listen. Melissa’s story is a reminder that wealth isn’t just about what you have, it’s about what you do with it—and who you become in the process.
Connect with: Mel Dorman
https://www.meldorman.com/
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
Join our  Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/
 
Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/

In this episode of the She's Got Assets real estate investment podcast, host Shona Lepis is joined by Emmanuel Pani, a real estate investor, short-term rental expert, and co-host of the STR Secrets podcast. Emmanuel shares his incredible journey from immigrating to the U.S. at 15 to building a thriving real estate portfolio. He delves into the importance of mindset in achieving success, emphasizing that the right mental attitude and self-concept are crucial. Emmanuel also discusses his passion for hospitality and the keys to excelling in the short-term rental market. The episode touches on paradigms, decision-making, and why understanding and protecting your goals are vital for real estate success. Lastly, Emmanuel offers practical advice on investing in personal growth through coaching and finding the right investment strategy that aligns with your personal goals and values.
 
Connect with: Emanuele Pani
linktr.ee/epani
 
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
Join our  Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/
 
Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/

Flipping the Script: How Wyatt Johnson Went from Electrician to 7-Figure Real Estate Investor
In this episode of the 'She's Got Assets' podcast, host Shona Lepis interviews Wyatt Johnson, a successful real estate real estate investor and flipper. Wyatt shares his journey from being an electrician to a full-time real estate investor, detailing his first steps in real estate, including buying a Craigslist property and moving a mobile home. He discusses his strategies for finding deals through direct mail and TV commercials, his experiences in the trades proving invaluable, and the challenges of wearing multiple hats in his business. Wyatt also delves into the importance of authenticity, trust-building, and ongoing mentorship in his success. With transparency and detailed anecdotes, Wyatt offers practical insights into flipping houses and building a sustainable business.
 
Connect with: Wyatt Johnson
https://www.billingshomebuyers.com/
 
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
Join our  Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/
 
Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/

In this episode of the She's Got Assets podcast, host Shona Lepis chats with real estate investor Michelle Bryan. Michelle shares her journey of transitioning from different entrepreneurial ventures to real estate investing, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, leveraging private money lending, and creating a supportive community. Key topics discussed include the role of mindset in overcoming challenges, the benefits of networking and mentorship, and the strategies for effective capital raising and asset management. Michelle also discusses her approach to midterm rentals and the importance of being an ethical borrower and lender. Listeners are encouraged to invest in education and mentorship to accelerate their success in real estate investment.
 
Connect with: Michelle Bryanhttps://mystorymichelle.com/
 
Show Sponsor: She’s Got Assets™
We offer two courses. The MTR Playbook course teaches real estate investors how to set up and fully book their first mid-term rental with great guests so they can 2x your cash flow. We cover the basics from planning and how to set up and furnish your mid-term rental, how to self-manage and get direct bookings to keep more profit, to how to launch your first mid-term rental.The REI Playbook teaches you how to scale your rental portfolio or buy your first investment property, without door knocking or calling, from how to market to find off-market deals to creative REI strategies like owner financing.
Join our  Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesgotassetsnetwork
 
Tag us on Instagram with a takeaway from this episode.
Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/shesgotassets  #shesgotassets
Subscribe to our YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@shesgotassets
Connect with host Shona Lepis.
Shona Buys Houseshttps://www.shonabuyshouses.com/Cedar & Porch Properties | Mid-Term Rentals Portland ORhttp://cedarandporchproperties.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonalepis/