In this back-to-basics episode, I highlight some hard-earned insights, go-to strategies, and no-fluff advice on the real estate moves that matter. From “Where should I get started?” to “What’s the smartest way to scale?”— each tip is direct, actionable, and rooted in real experience, making Wealth Within Reach. I get into the truth about taxes, my favorite and best method to start investing, what LLCs are even for, and where it’s best for you to invest in real estate. Whether you’re just thinking about it or ready to level up, this is your fast track to smarter, wealth-building decisions. KEY POINTS:  48: The Real Reason Why The Rich Don’t Pay Taxes 49: The Easiest and Simplest Way To Invest In Real Estate 56: How I Use LLCs in My Real Estate Business (and When I Don’t) 57: How to Know Which Cities Fit Your Investment Style RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

At the core of every success story is a breakthrough moment. This episode features the powerful stories of bold leaps, career pivots, and mindset shifts that pushed our beloved friends to go all in—the realizations that shaped them into the multifaceted trailblazers they are today. From the high-stakes decisions to the quiet aha-moments, each story reveals the why behind the what, offering valuable lessons and fresh perspectives for anyone considering the same path. This is Wealth Within Reach—real talk, real stories, and real grit. KEY POINTS:  55: How Power Couples Build Wealth—Troy & Shantel Brooks 54: How One Latina Woman Used Real Estate to Build the Life She Imagined 50: This CPA Left Corporate to Be a Real Estate Mogul: Katherine Langevin’s Wealth Playbook 47: They Didn't Tell Me This... The Harsh Reality of Being Your Own Boss with Jessica Hurley 44: Wealth-Building Secrets No One Talks About with Romal Tune RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! Join the Waitlist now and secure your spot at this exclusive event! In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful “story renovation” framework, helping us uncover and rewrite the subconscious narratives that quietly limit our choices in life.  Spoiler alert! I went from handcuffs to high-level deals. Talk about transformation! This episode isn’t about hacks or hype. I just cracked the code that can guide us through the inner work to overcome limiting beliefs, break toxic patterns, and rewrite the story we tell ourselves.  KEY POINTS  - Limiting beliefs operate subconsciously - Ways to renovate your story How to lean into your story  Looking backwards to move forward Renovate your life by reframing your story  - How I rewrote my own story  - Look! Don’t stare - Success follows naturally from empowering internal narratives QUOTES  “The difference between renovation and just casual positive thinking is that: renovation is systematic, it's thorough, and it's addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms.” “Stories are just frameworks—meaning we can dismantle them and rebuild them in ways that better serve us and better reflect what's actually true.” “We often think success brings confidence… But actually, confidence, built through renovating your stories, is what creates sustainable success.” [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success!  [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

I’m breaking down why I’m taking a more cautious approach to real estate investing this year—especially when it comes to big projects. With uncertainty around tariffs, shifting immigration policy, and the rising cost of materials, I’m holding off on large-scale developments and choosing to keep my investments closer to home. Real estate is always about timing, and right now, the name of the game is strategy, clarity, and cash flow. If you’re just getting started and unsure of what direction to go, the best place to begin is by getting clear on your goals. I will walk you through why identifying your season of life and your long-term vision is the key to choosing the right strategy. Whether you're listening in January or October, my Dream Planning Workshop can help you map out your financial goals and reverse engineer a plan that actually works. Let’s stop guessing and start building wealth with intention. [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance.⁠ Get started now⁠!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the ⁠Pathway Program⁠ with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! ⁠Join the Waitlist now⁠ and secure your spot at this exclusive event! Have you ever gotten that look when you tell someone you homeschool your kids? That "Oh... are they gonna be okay?" face? Yeah. I get it all the time. But in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what homeschooling actually looks like in our home—and trust me, it's not what you think. I didn’t plan to homeschool. In fact, I was the mom who swore I never could. But when the school system failed my sons, I had to figure out a new way. We tried everything and landed in homeschool—and everything changed. Now, nearly six years later, we’ve found our groove—and I’m breaking it all down. I’m talking about how I homeschool three boys while running businesses, investing in real estate, and living life. I share how we unschool, how my kids learn without traditional curriculum, and how we make learning real by living it—from library trips to Costa Rica adventures. We cover co-ops, transcripts, socialization (no, my kids are not weird), and the freedom to build a life that actually works for your family. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering it, this episode will help you rethink everything you’ve been told about what education has to be.  KEY POINTS:  - The rapid growth of African Americans in homeschooling  - Difference between homeschooling and remote learning - Some advantages of homeschooling  - What type of curriculum do you use? - If kids are always at home, how do they get around other kids? - How do you teach them? - Find a homeschool group in your area through Facebook!  QUOTES:  “If you take out the pressure of curriculum, school, at home – Math, Science, English — and you just focus on, what do I want my kid to learn? Let's help them explore what some of their strengths are.” – Erika Brown  “My kids have been to co-ops. So co-ops are essentially like schools, but not really. It's all through homeschool, so it's a lot more relaxed environment.” – Erika Brown  “A lot of times in home school, if kids are still having behavior problems, and that means that they're not doing something that they're interested in.” – Erika Brown  [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our⁠ Investor Roadmap Quiz⁠. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the ⁠homeschool activities⁠ for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the ⁠Owning It and Living It Facebook group⁠! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  ⁠Erika Brown⁠ IG: ⁠@erikabrowninvestor⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠@erika brown ⁠ Wealth Within Reach is produced by ⁠EPYC Media Network

I’m talking about something that might ruffle a few feathers—but needs to be said: if you’re cheap, you will pay twice. I’ve seen it too many times—investors who cut corners with renovations, hire the lowest bidder, skip the professional guidance, and then wonder why they’re constantly spending money on repairs or fixing costly mistakes. I’ve made those mistakes myself, and I want to help you avoid them. I’ll walk you through why investing in quality is the wealth-building thing to do. From using architectural shingles to vetting vendors based on value instead of price, I share what’s worked for me and how that mindset shift saved me thousands in the long run. If you’re ready to run your real estate portfolio like a real business and stop playing small, this one’s for you. [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! Join the Waitlist now and secure your spot at this exclusive event! Welcome back to Wealth Within Reach.  Today, I’m walking you through how I’m investing in 2025 and how you can shape your real estate strategy to reflect your real life. My approach has shifted over the years—from the grind of the growth phase to a season where my priority is passive income, time freedom, and smart money moves. With changes in tax policy, rising tariffs, and shifting population trends, it’s more important than ever to reevaluate your goals and make sure your real estate strategy still serves you. I’ll break down why I’m not jumping into big real estate developments right now, how I’m using equity to boost cash flow, and why I’m leaning into short-term rentals and strategic flips to fund the life I want. Whether you’re in a growth phase, trying to replace your 9–5, or in a reallocation season like me, I’ll help you clarify your financial goals and reverse engineer the right plan. This isn’t about keeping up with the market noise—it’s about creating wealth that actually works for your life in 2025. KEY POINTS:  - Investment strategies must align with life stage and goals - The importance of regularly reviewing your portfolio - Consider a passive investment approach for cash flow  - Be cautious about investing in large real estate projects  - Determine your goals and re-evaluate investment strategies - Attend a "dream planning workshop" for investment plans QUOTES:  “I'm in the season of reaping the rewards for it to work for me.” – Erika Brown  “My investment strategy should work for you and what you have going on in your life currently.” – Erika Brown  “Every single investor should do on an annual basis is review your portfolio and see what's working and what's not working.” – Erika Brown  [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

What are you chasing? The real estate market you choose depends on your investment strategy, and making the wrong choice could cost you. Today, I break down the key differences between cash flow and appreciation markets, helping you align your investments with your financial goals. I explain why high-growth cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and New York are ideal for appreciation investors—while cash flow investors should look at Midwest markets like Cleveland and St. Louis, where lower property costs mean higher monthly returns. If you're unsure where to invest or how your budget shapes your market choices, you need to listen to this one. [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today! [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! Join the Waitlist now and secure your spot at this exclusive event! I’m sharing the hard lessons I had to learn the expensive way, so that you don’t have to. Whether you're already a landlord or thinking about becoming one, I want to help you avoid the mistakes that cost time, money, and peace of mind. I walk you through what I wish someone had told me before I got started—from not giving tenants your personal number, to never accepting rent through Cash App, to why having a clear system from day one changes everything. If you’re going to run a rental property, you need to run it like a real business. I get real about how I learned to prioritize value over price, why documentation is everything, and how building good systems and investing in quality upfront has helped me protect my time, my money, and my peace. If you’re ready to manage your properties like a pro and build wealth with intention, this one is for you. KEY POINTS:  - The importance of running a rental property like a business - Professionalism: Strategies to maintain landlord-tenant relations - The value and benefits of using rental property software  - The pivotal role of having an onboarding process for new tenants - Understanding real estate as a long-term investment - Focusing on value rather than price in making investments  - Common pitfalls in choosing the cheapest contractor - Share your experiences and advice for new landlords QUOTES:  “Real estate investing is a long game. You make your money when you buy and you make your money over time.” – Erika Brown  “The goal is not to allow your real estate investments to create another job. Your goal is to help your real estate investments, to free you up, to save you time.” – Erika Brown  [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

Insurance rates are rising, and many homeowners and investors are left wondering why—especially if they’ve never even filed a claim. Today, Datha Santomieri, co-founder and COO of Steadily Insurance, breaks down the hidden factors behind premium hikes and discusses what you can do to keep costs in check. She explains how insurance companies assess risk, why credit and property maintenance matter, and the role of catastrophic events in driving up costs nationwide. We discuss the dangers of using insurance as a home warranty, how social inflation affects your rates, and the industry-wide changes that every real estate investor needs to be aware of. If you own property or plan to invest, you can’t afford to miss this. Tune in now to protect your assets and avoid unnecessary expenses. [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   [STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! Join the Waitlist now and secure your spot at this exclusive event! Today, we’re breaking down one of the biggest pain points for aspiring real estate investors: how to choose the right market. Whether you’re overwhelmed with options or unsure of how to align your investment location with your financial goals, I walk you through exactly what to consider—starting with the difference between being a cash flow investor and an appreciation investor. With clarity as the ultimate key to action, I share how your strategy, down payment, market conditions, and even your ability to build a solid local team all play a role in determining where you should invest. We also dive into how job growth, economic diversity, and housing inventory affect long-term rental success—and why some cities look great on paper but don’t match your goals. Using real-life examples, I show how community and mentorship can save you from costly mistakes, help you pivot when your plan isn’t working, and build wealth on your own terms.  KEY POINTS:  - The importance of clarity in real estate investing - On choosing the right market as an investor  - Definition of an appreciation investor  - Definition of a cash flow investor - Impact of investment goal and market selection misalignment  - The vital role of available down payment in market selection  - Examples of higher-priced markets and lower-priced markets - Understanding the market's price range and rental income potential - Research and its importance in local job market and industry trends - The pivotal role of having a solid team in investment success - The value of being part of a community and having a mentor QUOTES:  “Clarity creates action.” – Erika Brown   “If you're looking for cash flow, look at the markets that have endless inventory.” – Erika Brown   “The support of a community and mentor can help in navigating the investment process and achieving investment goals.” – Erika Brown   [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

What if walking away from a stable paycheck was the smartest move you could ever make? In this segment, we dive deep into the reality of leaving corporate life as a woman and stepping into the unknown. Katherine Langevin shares her own transition from a corporate career to real estate investing, opening up about the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that came with leaving behind promotions, raises, and external validation. She breaks down the mental and financial preparation it took to make the leap, the struggles of adjusting to an entrepreneur’s lifestyle, and why having a plan (and a support system) is everything. If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your job but felt paralyzed by fear, this one is for you. [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   GUEST RESOURCES:  Katherine Langevin IG | @kat.invests  Website | beyondjustnumbers.com RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! Join the Waitlist now and secure your spot at this exclusive event! In this power-packed episode of Wealth Within Reach, I tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in real estate investing: "Do I need an LLC to invest in real estate?" The short answer? No—but the full picture is more nuanced and essential for any aspiring or current investor to understand. We dive into the myths, benefits, and timing of forming an LLC as part of your investment journey. We get into the difference between needing an LLC versus when it’s smart to have one. I walk you through key considerations for when to start using an LLC, how to receive rent and manage expenses through it, and when (or if) you should create separate LLCs for each property. We unpack getting professional legal and financial advice tailored to your personal situation, especially once your portfolio grows. Plus, I share my own legal strategy and the tips I got from my real estate attorney. Whether you're just starting out or growing your rental empire, this episode is a must-listen. KEY POINTS:  - Analog: Wearing a bike helmet and the concept of LLC - The help of LLC in personal & business finances - Some benefits of having an LLC - Should I get individual LLCs for each property?  - The potential to use commercial lenders and DSCR lenders  - Should I get individual LLCs for each property?  - Consider a team of experts QUOTES:  “Most of the investors I know that have 20,30, 40,50 properties do not have LLCs for each property. [Do] you know why? Because it is a financial nightmare to keep up with all of those different bank accounts.” – Erika Brown  “If I have a partnership with this person, then we're gonna have our own LLC. If I have for my business, I've been advised that I keep up to a million dollars in each LLC. So, if I have a property in the net worth of that property is a million dollars, then that LLC is capped out, and I'm setting up a new LLC.” – Erika Brown   [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

What if you could keep your home, build wealth, and buy your next property all at the same time? In this segment, we break down the Step-Up Strategy—a game-changing approach that allows homeowners to turn their current home into a cash-flowing rental, leverage built-up equity to fund their next purchase, and bypass the hefty 20% down payment required for investment properties. If you're ready to stop selling and start scaling, this one is for you. Tune in now to learn how every move can become your next big wealth-building opportunity! [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! Join the Waitlist now and secure your spot at this exclusive event! Running a business with your spouse? It’s not always easy—but Troy & Shantel Brooks have cracked the code. In this episode, we dive into the reality of balancing marriage, entrepreneurship, and faith while building wealth together. Troy & Shantel open up about their journey from corporate jobs and side hustles to full-time entrepreneurship, all while prioritizing communication, shared goals, and freedom. As co-founders of The TB Effect and pastors at Hope Experience Church, they’ve made it their mission to empower other couples and entrepreneurs with God’s word. Through their ministry, they coach couples and brands to grow authentically while achieving success rooted in faith. Troy & Shantel break down the biggest mistakes couples make in business, the mindset required to thrive together, and why faith is at the center of everything they do. If you’ve ever wondered whether you and your partner could build something powerful together—or if mixing love and business is a blessing or a burden—this episode is for you. Press play now to learn how to create a marriage and business that thrive—without sacrificing one for the other. KEY POINTS  - Introduction to Troy and Shantel  - Love story: Reconnecting with each other  - The importance of faith for guidance in job opportunities  - On transitioning to entrepreneurship  - The vital role of having a strong relationship as business partners - On prioritizing financial freedom together  - Brooks’ business model: purpose-driven, then profit  - The importance of prayer and surrendering to God’s call  - The pivotal role of community and relationship-building QUOTES  "You must always focus on your marriage before business." - Shantel Brooks “Community is the most important currency. Community relationships will open doors for you.”  Troy Brooks  “At the end of the road, you'll see how God will just strengthen your relationship to walk better and more efficient and stronger together. Your marriage will be fruitful.”  - Shantel Brooks "Simplicity scales. Complexity fails." - Troy Brooks  [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success!  [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   GUEST RESOURCES  Troy & Shantel Brooks | https://www.troyandshantel.com/   IG | https://www.instagram.com/wearespartners/  Book | https://spartnersbook.my.canva.site/buy  RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

Ever wonder why corporations pay next to nothing in taxes, while employees watch a huge chunk of their paychecks disappear? It’s not by accident—it’s how the tax system is built. In this segment, we break down Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant and why your income type determines how much you pay in taxes. W-2 employees take no financial risk—they clock in, do the work, and get paid no matter what. Meanwhile, business owners, corporations, and real estate investors take risks, create jobs, and fuel the economy—so the government rewards them. If you’re tired of working harder just to hand over more of your paycheck, it’s time to learn how the wealthy play the game differently. Tune in now! [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. Get started now!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  In this episode of Wealth Within Reach, I sit down with my incredible friend Ingrid Duque—a powerhouse in the real estate world with a story that embodies resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Ingrid is a former nuclear engineer who immigrated from Colombia as a teenager and worked her way into a successful corporate career. But she didn’t stop there. After achieving financial independence in her twenties through real estate investing, she made the bold decision to walk away from her high-level engineering role and pursue real estate full time. Ingrid shares the pivotal moment that changed everything for her—a four-day hike through the Colombian jungle that made her realize she was ready to disconnect from the pressure of corporate life and reconnect with the kind of freedom real estate had already begun to offer her.  We dive into what that transition looked like and how she prepared for it, step by step. Ingrid opens up about how she and her husband started investing while still working W2 jobs, how her upbringing shaped her relationship with work and security, and what it felt like to experience mass layoffs that shook her sense of stability. Now, she specializes in repositioning underperforming single-family and multifamily properties, and she’s building multiple businesses while raising a family. This conversation is a reminder that building wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about designing a life that feels right. If you’re someone dreaming of becoming work optional, this one’s for you. KEY POINTS:  - Ingrid’s transition from engineering to real estate - The first real estate investment and its valuable lessons  - Understand different budget levels: survive, sustain, and thrive - Ways to overcome debt and the benefits of leveraging in real estate  - The importance of aligning with your spouse on financial goals  - How joining a mastermind group shifted Ingrid’s mindset  - On balancing active and passive income streams  - The lack of representation of Latinos in the real estate industry - Setting work-life balance and having a "vivid vision" - The value of a coach in real estate investing  - Ingrid’s advice on how to get started in real estate investing QUOTES:  “It's okay to say no. When you say yes to something, you say no to everything else.” – Ingrid Duque  “Every dollar has a job. If you don't know what happened to this dollar, you're losing money.” – Ingrid Duque  “Comparison is a thief of joy. If you go through a profile and it makes you feel angry or jealous, it's not bringing joy to your life.” – Ingrid Duque  [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success!  [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   GUEST RESOURCES  Ingrid Duque  IG | https://www.instagram.com/engineer.on.fire Access Ingrid's FREE workshops and resources here!  RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

Today, I sit down with Jessica Hurley, founder of EPYC Media and host of the Rich In Real Life podcast, for a true and unfiltered conversation about the unspoken rules that keep many of us stuck in a corporate mindset. We break down the false limitations society places on us, the habits you need to unlearn, and why the most successful entrepreneurs make their own rules instead of following someone else’s playbook. We dig into the unexpected advantages of corporate experience, the power of flexibility in business, and why setting boundaries is non-negotiable—because yes, it’s okay to stop answering calls after 6 PM! This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about success—and show you what it really takes to break free. [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   GUEST RESOURCES  Jessica Hurley  IG | @jessicahurley__ RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

[STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. ⁠Get started now⁠!  [LIMITED TIME PROMO] Unlock your potential and save $500 off the Pathway Program with code P2P500! Gain expert insights and actionable strategies to fast-track your growth. Don’t miss this offer – accelerate your journey today!  [OILI Conference] Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community of investors! Join the Waitlist now and secure your spot at this exclusive event! Today, I’m joined by someone very special—my son, Jaxon Brown is back! We’re talking about life transitions, leadership, and entrepreneurship from the unique lens of a high schooler navigating big changes. Jaxon opens up about cutting his locs, adapting to a new school district, and how sports and the hybrid homeschool model have helped him grow into his own routine and rhythm. And, we have a big announcement! We launched a new podcast together called “Permission to Talk Back”—a show designed to bridge the gap between parents and teens through real, unfiltered conversations. From football practice to filming podcast episodes, Jaxon gives his honest perspective on balancing it all and building a connection with family that actually works. Parenting, teen entrepreneurship, and what it looks like to raise leaders in real time. This is a powerful look at how generational wealth and connection start at home. If you're a parent, teen, or just someone who wants to hear what intentional family building looks like, press play now. KEY POINTS:  - 7: Homeschool Student to Entrepreneur: My Son Jaxon Brown's Homeschooling Journey  - Jaxon’s life update and changes  - What’s hybrid homeschooling?  - Mother & son: The importance of open communication - Jaxon's entrepreneurial spirit and his efforts to start a meal prep business - Family decision and its impact on Jaxon's social life and relationships - Jaxon's leadership qualities and his ability to adapt and persevere - A sneak peek at the Permission To Talk Back podcast  QUOTES:  “I started a meal prep business. It was mainly for most of the athletes and the coaches.” – Jaxon Brown “I listen to you because you're a very knowledgeable, wise person. You have the work ethic, and what it takes to be successful, and you're an inspiration to me.” – Jaxon Brown [STEADILY] Secure your rental property with hassle-free landlord insurance. ⁠Get started now⁠!  [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network

So, you’re ready to leave your 9-5? Leaping into entrepreneurship is exciting—but if I could go back, there are a few things I would have done differently to make the transition smoother, smarter, and more strategic. In this episode, we break down leveraging your income to secure real estate deals, lining up your financial team, preparing your family for the transition, and finding a community. We’re talking about the real things no one tells you before making the leap. [INVESTOR ROADMAP] Ready to take control of your future? Discover your personalized real estate strategy with our Investor Roadmap Quiz. Start Your Quiz Now and map out your path to success! [RESOURCE] Ready to enhance your child’s learning at home? Here are the homeschool activities for your kids!    [FB GROUP] Loving the podcast and want to engage more with me and our incredible guests? Join the Owning It and Living It Facebook group! It’s where you’ll find real estate tips, expert guidance, and a community of investors to support you. Join today and let’s level up your real estate journey!   RESOURCES:  Erika Brown IG: @erikabrowninvestor LinkedIn: @erika brown Wealth Within Reach is produced by EPYC Media Network