If the idea of managing your own rental properties makes you want to run for the hills—you are not alone. In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the world of property management with Derek from NetGain PM, who brings a refreshing, heart-centered approach to an often-overlooked part of real estate investing.

Derek shares how he built a thriving company managing over 650 units in Utah by focusing on what most people avoid: the human side of housing. We talk about everything from protecting landlords legally and financially to supporting tenants through mental health challenges and transitional housing.

Whether you’re an investor who loves real estate but hates the idea of clogged toilets and rent collection, or someone exploring impact-driven rentals like sober living or co-living homes—this episode is packed with wisdom, systems, and compassion.

We even get into the nitty gritty of security deposit alternatives, red flags to look for in owners and tenants, and the real cost (and payoff) of staying in the game. Here are the top takeaways from today's show:

1. Know Your Strengths—Outsource the Rest

Property management isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. The empowered investor understands that hiring a great team, including a property manager, is a smart way to stay in their zone of genius.

That’s how empowered investors scale with sanity.

2. Property Managers Save More Than Time

A property manager is not just an expense—they’re a risk mitigator, legal translator, and peace-of-mind provider. A good one can protect your peace, preserve your cash flow, and keep your rentals running like clockwork. The ROI comes not only in money saved, but in emotional bandwidth protected.

3. Property Management with Compassion

Conscious landlords are rethinking the tenant experience. This level of compassion is what sets modern property management apart—investors can make a difference AND profit when they prioritize dignity and support in housing.

4. Find a Property Manager Who Matches Your Mission

Don’t just hire any property manager—hire one aligned with your mission. Whether you're building wealth, legacy, or community housing, values alignment with your PM partner is everything.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Follow me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

Looking for additional support, community, and accountability to help you build your real estate portfolio? 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.

Be sure to check out the links below for more information from out guest, Derek Morton:

tiktok.com/@netgainpm

https://www.instagram.com/netgainpm/

https://netgainpm.com/

Obligo: https://www.obligo.com/

BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/

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.

What does death have to do with real estate investing?

More than you think.

In this deeply meaningful episode, I sit down with Christy Braun—death doula, guide, and soul-centered trailblazer—to explore what it means to truly live. We talk about preparing for the inevitable in a way that brings peace, presence, and purpose into your life now.

From navigating my own father’s sudden passing to the financial freedom my rental properties gave me during that sacred time, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why we build wealth in the first place.

Whether you’re an investor, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally, this episode will challenge you to ask:

How do I want to live—and what legacy am I really creating?

If you’re ready for a raw, inspiring, and surprisingly uplifting conversation about life, loss, and the true meaning of freedom, press play.

1. Preparing for the Future Shouldn’t Cost You the Present

Just like real estate investing can provide freedom and options, death planning brings peace of mind and presence. Both are about intentionality now for ease later—whether it’s financial or emotional.

2. Life Has Meaning Because It Ends

For the investor who wants to live a life of impact and not just accumulate doors, this is a reminder: urgency brings clarity. When we acknowledge life’s impermanence, we get clearer on what really matters.

3. Your Investments Buy You Time for What Truly Matters

This is the soulful why behind investing—freedom, family, presence. It’s not about hustle. It’s about buying back your life.

4. What You Don’t Resolve Now Doesn’t Just Disappear

Just like we can’t ignore deferred maintenance in a property, we can’t ignore the emotional and spiritual work in our lives. Facing the hard stuff now creates a softer landing later.

5. Planning for Death Helps You Live More Fully

Values-based end-of-life planning—like values-based investing—isn’t morbid. It’s liberating. It gives structure to your goals and fuels your ability to live a bolder, more aligned life.

Want to learn more about real estate investing? Follow me on IG @annreedandco where I share daily musings on real estate, mindfulness, being an almost empty nester, and more.

Looking for additional support, community, and accountability to help you build your real estate portfolio? 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.

Be sure to check out the link below for information and a generous coupon code for Christy's upcoming class on becoming a death doula.

This immersive 10-week training program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide meaningful end-of-life support for loved ones or to pursue a career as a death doula. Launches June 4.

Coupon Code for 20% off
Doors20

https://www.askchristyb.com/death-doula-training-online

You can learn more from Christy and stay connected here:

Christy Braun: https://www.askchristyb.com/