Learn how Latina real estate investor, Lindsay Barrientos, a proud Peruvian immigrant flipped the script on what it means build wealth. She didn’t come from money, privilege, or a fancy finance degree. She came with grit, ganas, and a nurse’s heart. She joins other Latino wealth builders, who are creating generational wealth through rental properties in Indiana. Yep, you read that right, a Latina investing out of state and stacking up cash flow como una Jefa!
Growing Up with the “Work Hard, Save Hard” Mentality
Lindsay came to the U.S. at the age of 16 years old, via a “lottery visa.” She arrived without knowing any English, no connections, but had the Latina immigrant “echale ganas,” hustle mindset. Like many of us first-gens, she grew up in a home where the motto was: “Work hard, save harder.” Investing? What is that? But she knew something wasn’t adding up. Working overtime and stashing pennies wasn’t building wealth. Like so many First Gens, it was burning her out.
Her First Money Wake-Up Call: A 401(k) and a Nursing Degree
Like the average Latino wealth builder, she learned finances later on in life. Her financial journey really started when she tapped into her 401(k) at work. She didn’t use it the “right way.” Matter-of-fact, she actually took a penalty hit to fund her nursing degree. But that decision lit a spark. She realized there were tools out there beyond just saving. And by age 29, she was hungry to learn more. So she began reading personal finance books, bingeing financial podcasts, and following accounts like Wealth Para Todos that made money feel relatable and possible.
Using Home Equity to Fund Investment Property
During her learning binge, she discovered many ways to make money, including real estate investing. But how was she to fund an investment property? This is a limiting belief that stops many would-be Latino real estate investors in their tracks. That’s when she discovered that her LA home had appreciated like crazy. Even better, she could use it as leverage! She opened a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), and was able to borrow enough funds to buy her first real estate investment. However, there was a small problem, the LA housing market was way out of her budget.
Learning How to Invest Out of State
Lindsay started researching how she can invest in real estate somewhere else. Through YouTube rabbit holes and investor chisme, she found creators who were making real money in Indiana. The properties were under $150k, which was more in her budget. However, she was still nervous. Her resourcefulness brought her to local investor communities who guided her. She now has a great network of property managers and agents, and other investors that made it possible to invest in real estate from a distance.
Leveling Up with the BRRRR Strategy
After testing the waters, as a new real estate investor, Lindsay went full investor mode and dove into her first BRRRR deal—Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat. She purchased a property cash for $35K. However, she spent $33K on renovations. However, it was not all smooth sailing. The thing most investors fear happened. She had an electrical fire. This caused about $11K in damage. Now, this is where many new investors hit a wall. Many will face a setback like this and decide to quit. But not Lindsay. She decided to continue and did the repairs and it paid off. When the appraisal came in, the property was worth $150,000. This was nearly double what she had expected. Imagine if she had given up?
Lessons for Aspiring Latino Investors
Lindsay’s story is inspiring and shows that Latinos are making big, bold money moves in real estate. Make sure to listen to her whole story on the podcast. Lindsay’s tips for new Latino real estate investors are:
- Start with Education: Read books, listen to podcasts or good ol’ Youtube University. But beware of getting stuck in the research phase!
- Network, Network, Network: Immerse yourself in spaces where real estate investors hang out. Attend workshops, webinars, etc. But don’t be shy! This is how you make connections!
- Leverage Good Debt, Ditch the Fear: Cultural financial anxiety and trauma makes us think all debt is bad. However, using debt wisely to buy assets, like real estate, is a great wealth building tool!
- Keep It Simple: There are a lot of strategies out there. However, find a simple one that is attainable to you. Many new investors start with a BRRRR.
Final Word
Lindsay’s story isn’t just inspiring, it’s a blueprint for first-gen Latinas and anyone ready to build real wealth. She took calculated risks, broke generational money myths, and found freedom through real estate investing out of state. And you can too. Your zip code doesn’t have to limit your wealth. Your cultura can fuel your courage. Let’s get it.
Ready to start your own wealth building story with real estate? Take my Keys to Cashflow Rental Property Bootcamp! Click the banner to learn more!
