The Dawn of a Vision: A Decade-Long Odyssey

From Monstera Leaves to Real Estate Ventures – Today Marks the Start of Something New

Ten years ago, my husband Mike and I first entertained the idea of diving into real estate investing. We envisioned a future where we could transform properties while growing financially and personally. Yet, life had other plans. Time was scarce, opportunities fleeting, money insufficient, and the right connections seemingly out of reach. It was as if we were waiting for the stars to align—and align they finally did.

This year, I experienced a life-changing event that reshaped the trajectory of my ambitions. One door closed, but it left behind infinite windows of possibility. Suddenly, the idea of real estate investing felt more tangible, more meaningful. It was my chance to channel energy into a long-awaited dream and turn it into reality. Today, with the closing of our first-ever investment property, I can confidently say: the journey has truly begun.

A Life-Changing Meeting

Our leap into real estate investing was catalyzed by a pivotal gathering that I attended on April 16 of this year: the “Empowering Women in Real Estate” meeting held in St. Peters, MO, I was invited by my good friends Tami and Lonny Kramer with KW Realty West | The Platten Group. It was at this event, hosted by Sandra Fernandez at The Heritage Small Business Club, that I met a host of experienced and inspiring individuals who helped me see the possibilities in real estate.

I heard two keynote speakers whose stories and insights opened my mind to creative strategies. Tatiana Zagorovski of We Buy Houses In St Louis shared her expertise on Seller Financing—a revolutionary approach to real estate deals. Victoria Harrison, NCIDQ, an interior designer with Inspired House Renovations, spoke passionately about flipping historical homes. Her emphasis on preserving historical features while maintaining sustainability resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just an investment—it was an art form, a way of creating beauty while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Connections That Changed Everything

That same meeting introduced me to Kati Underwood of Equity Missouri LLC, a real estate broker whose tagline, “Uniquely Different…Simply Better!” perfectly encapsulated her approach. Kati generously offered to bring me along on property walks. These walks, a seemingly simple exercise, changed my life. I learned the jargon, began to understand the numbers, and internalized the golden rule that “there’s no emotion in real estate investing.” My husband joined me on one of these walks, and together, we felt the spark of possibility.

First Steps: Offers and Lessons

Our journey formally began with an investment property we found on May 2. We submitted an offer, only to lose out to a higher bid. Surprisingly, we weren’t disheartened. The emotionless approach we’d learned kept us grounded; setbacks were part of the process.

Determined to move forward, we put an offer on another property on May 14. This time, we got the contract! The deal had a contingency based on the sewer lateral, which was documented thanks to Drain King LLC—a company that impressed us with its speed and professionalism. It was a small victory that taught us the value of reliable partners in this business.

Learning the Lending Game

The next hurdle was financing the property. Initially, I sought conventional lending, believing it would be the most straightforward path. It wasn’t. Despite the excellent guidance I received from Rich Groszek at Regions, the loan fell through just before our June 4 closing date. It was disappointing, but it opened my eyes to the efficiency of hard money lending—a route I’ll likely take in the future. I also cannot forget all the help and advise given to us by Neighbors CU, Colleen and Todd at our local branch helped us navigate all things HELOC.

Even as we navigated the financial complexities, we decided on our contractor: Ryan Nesler LLC. His detailed quotes and clear communication gave us confidence that our vision for the property could become a reality.

Victory at Last

After regrouping, we started the process anew and secured financing with Corridor Funding as our lender. With True Title Company handling the closing, today—June 17, 2025—we officially closed on our first investment property. It was a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and countless conversations with incredible people. Special thanks go to Rick, McKenna, Dianna, Misti, and everyone else who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

An Ongoing Adventure

As we celebrate today’s milestone, we remain acutely aware that this journey is not for the faint of heart. The ups and downs are inevitable, but they are also what make the victories sweeter. From learning to adapt in the face of setbacks to building connections with individuals who inspire and guide us, every experience is shaping us into resilient investors.

Looking Ahead

Kati Underwood  gave us a thoughtful gift, a Monstera, which is unfurling a brand-new leaf, its a beautiful metaphor for our journey. Just as the plant slowly reveals new growth, rich with potential and life, Mike and I are embarking on a path toward growth, learning, and flourishing in a world we’ve talked about for years but never dared to step into. It feels symbolic not only of today’s success but also of the growth yet to come. Real estate investing is not just about properties and profits; it’s about building a legacy, transforming dreams into tangible outcomes, and embracing a future full of possibilities.

As we step forward into this new chapter, Mike and I are ready to face whatever comes our way—together. We’re grateful for the lessons learned, the people met, and the doors opened. Today marks the beginning of something extraordinary, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

To anyone considering taking a leap into something they’ve dreamed of for years, let today’s story be a testament: with patience, courage, and the right support, the impossible can become possible. Your journey, like ours, can begin with a single step—or a single unfurling leaf.