Solving Problems by Sticking to Your Strengths with Maria Friström and April Crossley

Focusing on your strengths will get you further in real estate than trying to improve your weaknesses. On today’s episode, we talk with Maria Friström and April Crossley, investors, businesswomen, and contributing authors of The Only Woman in the Room, where we talk about treating real estate as a business and releasing the tasks we’re not good at.   April and Maria have problem solved their way to success. We discuss how you need to stop comparing yourself to others, the benefits of outsourcing low level tasks, and the mindset shift needed to start being the CEO of your business and not an employee. The ladies also share the lessons they learned while growing their portfolios and how they learned that the secret to success, is by solving problems. In 2016, in search of balance, and financial freedom, Maria Friström left a life of eating out, catwalks and a killer job in Silicon Valley for a life of Dickies and tool belts; DIY-rehabbing and renting apartments in Helsinki, Finland. And she loves it. She started building her real estate portfolio from scratch as an income-less stay-at-home mom, and in a couple of years built a million-dollar portfolio. In 2018 Maria founded a real estate investment company in Finland where she now works full-time as the CEO focusing on buy-and-hold rental apartments using the BRRRR strategy. She believes tenants have the right to live in a wonderful home they love, which is why she designs the apartments individually and creatively adding some pizazz. Maria is a public speaker, podcast host, and writer for BiggerPockets. When she’s not busy keeping her two toddlers from piercing each other with power tools, she loves meeting new people, teaching real estate and encouraging others to dare more.  April Crossley is a no-nonsense educator and investor who helps people grow wealth with real estate. She began investing in 2004 when she started flipping houses as a side gig. Her first deal was completed on a joint venture with other people’s money. Since 2004 April has only purchased deals off market and has never used any of her own money to buy her flip projects or rental properties. She has raised millions in private funds and has trusted relationships with dozens of private lenders that she works with regularly. She flips and wholesales between 20- 30 houses a year, owns a portfolio of small multifamily rental properties in Berks County, PA and she is also a private lender. April retired at the age of 35 from a 13-year long career in healthcare by investing in real estate. She currently lives in Berks County, PA and lives part time during the winter in Arizona. Since the start of her career she has helped a multitude of people retire from their careers early by teaching them how to flip houses or become private lenders via her consulting company Lazy Girl REI. April also organizes a real estate investment group in Berks County, PA and her YouTube Channel that she utilizes to help spread her message about growing wealth with real estate. On today’s episode, we discuss a ton with Maria and April including: The power of staying in your lane by knowing your strengths Why outsourcing low-enjoyment tasks can lead to greater success How having a strong support group is crucial for growth Steps to take to treat your business like a business Books/Resources The Only Woman in the Room Compiled by Ashley Wilson  Contact Information Maria Friström Instagram – marialovesrealestate BiggerPockets Blog – Nitty Gritty   April Crossley YouTube – April Crossley Instagram – april_crossley Email – april@lazygirlrei.com   In The Only Woman in the Room, 20 incredible women share how they were able to achieve financial freedom in a world historically dominated by men. From residential to commercial, this book is packed full of knowledge and inspiration on all facets regardless of where one is in their real estate investing journey. Our passion behind this book is to help women secure a financially strong future especially during these unprecedented and uncertain times.    The early reviews for The Only Woman in the Room - Knowledge and Inspiration from 20 Successful Real Estate Women Investors have been amazing!    “Throughout my career there were multiple occasions where I have stood as the only woman in the room.  This powerful book is a must read and I only wish it had been available early on in my career!”  -Barbara Corcoran  Founder of The Corcoran Group  You will learn TONS of tips, strategies and “hacks” to implement immediately in the following areas:  Creatively finding and financing deals Getting started  Scaling a multifamily portfolio Raising private capital Marketing Construction Management  And Much More!!   BUY THE BOOK NOW! https://therealestateinvesther.mykajabi.com/book   InvestHER Community Our mission is to support and inspire women real estate investors around the globe to live a financially free and balanced life. We are dedicated to creating empowering online and in person communities where women have a non-intimidating environment to ask questions and receive the support they need. Our vision is to see all woman investors achieve her financial freedom goals on her own terms. How To Join the InvestHER Movement   1)  The Real Estate InvestHER Podcast - The weekly show details the journey of some of the most amazing women real estate investors around the world, who open up their lives and share practical and strategic tools for growing a rental portfolio, flipping houses and the mindset that allows them to run a successful investing business while taking care of their families and most importantly taking care of themselves.    Subscribe via Itunes  Subscribe via Android  Subscribe via Stitcher 2)  InvestHER Community on Facebook  We have 2k+ members in our Facebook InvestHER Community (and growing!) This is a safe place for women to ask real estate investing questions and gain the support they need to achieve their goals!   3) InvestHER Meetups Around the Globe We have over 4k+ meetup members attending close to 25 InvestHER Meetups across the country and Canada.  Meetups are being held monthly by experienced InvestHER Leaders! Learn more about our InvestHER leaders, meetup locations, and how to become an InvestHER Leader HERE!