Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this immersive episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Melissa Darnay, founder of Choose Panama and host of The Panama Podcast. Melissa shares her remarkable story of turning personal tragedy into purpose by relocating to Panama and building a thriving real estate and hospitality business. What started as a leap of faith became a decade-plus journey of entrepreneurship, lifestyle freedom, and helping hundreds of expats find their own piece of paradise.
Melissa reveals the practical and financial benefits of living in Panama—from 50% lower living costs to property tax exemptions and affordable beachfront real estate. She breaks down residency options, cultural differences, and how her vertically integrated business helps newcomers transition smoothly through real estate, rentals, and concierge services. Ruben and Melissa also explore mindset, manifestation, and how building a life abroad is both a financial and personal evolution.
If you’re looking to design a lifestyle of freedom, explore international real estate, or discover what’s possible beyond U.S. borders, this episode is your invitation. Tune in now to learn how Melissa built a 40+ unit short-term rental business, developed a powerful expat network, and created a life by design—one bold decision at a time.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
08:59 Melissa talks about the “richness of life in Panama
48:19 Melissa talks about breaking down hard things to make them easier to deal with
KEEPING IT REAL:
05:00 – How grief and change led to a new life abroad
10:08 – What “richness of life” means in Panama
13:16 – How far your dollar goes: real estate, insurance, and cost of living
20:05 – 50% cost savings and comparison with Dallas & Miami
22:05 – Real estate journey and early education
26:03 – Transitioning into Panama real estate and finding her niche
29:16 – Using vacation rentals to help expats experience Panama
32:02 – How to buy property or establish residency in Panama
36:20 – Building a property management and STR business from scratch
40:43 – Why concierge services matter for expats
43:04 – Learning through mistakes and building a team
47:00 – Navigating culture and building a high-end brand abroad
48:44 – Melissa’s mindset on grit, problem solving, and manifestation
53:11 – Choose Panama’s vertical integration: buy, manage, rent, repeat
54:04 – The Panama Podcast: content formats and funnel strategy
59:06 – Sneak peek at virtual reality tour experience launching soon
1:01:16 – Final thoughts on taking your life and talents overseas
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://www.choosepanama.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadarnay/?originalSubdomain=pa
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/melissadarnayuncorked/
#ChoosePanama #ExpatsInPanama #InternationalRealEstate #LifestyleDesign #ShortTermRentals #RealEstateInvesting #LiveAbroad