Join Jen Josey in this episode of REIGN, the Real Estate Investor Growth Network, as she interviews Simone Lesko, a talented Australian entrepreneur who has made significant strides in real estate. Simone shares her captivating journey from Australia to the US, the intricacies of her real estate projects, and valuable insights into the industry. Discover her latest project, the Boomerang Ranch, where she transformed a mid-century modern property into a highly profitable investment. Learn about effective communication as a landlord, strategic project management, and innovative design choices that make a difference. Stick around for an engaging discussion on what makes Simone a true badass in the real estate world. 00:00 Introduction to REIGN with Jen Josey 01:07 Today's Topic: Mastering Communication as a Landlord 03:10 Guest Introduction: Simone Lesko's Journey 04:48 Simone's Personal Story: From Australia to the US 08:45 Real Estate Ventures: From Healthcare to Rentals 11:19 Boomerang Ranch: A Unique Property 17:20 Renovation Insights and Challenges 25:00 Financing and Project Timeline 28:21 Listing and Final Thoughts 30:30 Choosing the Right Real Estate Agency 32:06 Boomerang Ranch: Listing and Offers 34:43 Breaking Down the Final Numbers 39:31 Design Features and Mood Boards 46:25 Lessons Learned and Future Goals 48:47 Simone Lesko's Badass Journey Born and raised in Australia, Simone Lesko is an entrepreneur with a global perspective and a passion for reimagining homes. She earned her bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Queensland—one of the world’s top-ranked universities—before launching her career in banking and finance at one of Australia’s leading financial institutions. Her life took a surprising turn in 2010 while vacationing in San Diego, where she met her now-husband crossing the street. One year later, they were married. Over the next few years, they lived in San Diego, Cleveland (her husband's hometown), and Atlanta, welcoming their first two children along the way. It was during her first stint in Cleveland that Simone noticed something striking about the U.S. housing market—unlike in Australia, cash-flowing rental properties were a real opportunity here. That insight led to their first real estate purchase in 2012: a duplex where they lived on one side and rented out the other, letting the tenant cover their mortgage and expenses. Simone made herself a promise: if they ever moved back to Cleveland, she’d dive into real estate full time. Fast forward to 2016, when the family relocated to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. There, Simone started a healthcare business that quickly took off, growing to nearly $5 million in annual revenue in just four years. Her husband joined the venture, and in the midst of scaling the company, they welcomed their third child. In 2021, they sold the business and returned to Cleveland. Simone kept her promise. In just over three years, she’s completed seven full renovations and manages a growing portfolio of rental properties under her company, Moza Homes. Her most recent project, Boomerang Ranch, turned a tired mid-century home in Moreland Hills into a high-design showcase that went under contract shortly after listing. Through Moza Homes, Simone wears many hats—owner, general contractor, licensed real estate agent, and designer. Her approach is hands-on and highly intentional. “Moza Homes was born from the idea that real estate investment could be both artistic and profitable,” she says. With a strategy focused on uncovering hidden potential in prime neighborhoods, Simone is building something special—one beautifully reimagined home at a time. “There’s a story in every home,” Simone says. “My job is to reveal it.” Social Media Links: (17) Facebook Instagram (25) SIMONE LESKO | LinkedIn Website: Home | Moza Homes To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby

Join Jen Josey in this episode of REIGN, the Real Estate Investor Growth Network, as she interviews Simone Lesko, a talented Australian entrepreneur who has made significant strides in real estate. Simone shares her captivating journey from Australia to the US, the intricacies of her real estate projects, and valuable insights into the industry. Discover her latest project, the Boomerang Ranch, where she transformed a mid-century modern property into a highly profitable investment. Learn about effective communication as a landlord, strategic project management, and innovative design choices that make a difference. Stick around for an engaging discussion on what makes Simone a true badass in the real estate world.   00:00 Introduction to REIGN with Jen Josey 01:07 Today's Topic: Mastering Communication as a Landlord 03:10 Guest Introduction: Simone Lesko's Journey 04:48 Simone's Personal Story: From Australia to the US 08:45 Real Estate Ventures: From Healthcare to Rentals 11:19 Boomerang Ranch: A Unique Property 17:20 Renovation Insights and Challenges 25:00 Financing and Project Timeline 28:21 Listing and Final Thoughts 30:30 Choosing the Right Real Estate Agency 32:06 Boomerang Ranch: Listing and Offers 34:43 Breaking Down the Final Numbers 39:31 Design Features and Mood Boards 46:25 Lessons Learned and Future Goals 48:47 Simone Lesko's Badass Journey   Born and raised in Australia, Simone Lesko is an entrepreneur with a global perspective and a passion for reimagining homes. She earned her bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Queensland—one of the world’s top-ranked universities—before launching her career in banking and finance at one of Australia’s leading financial institutions. Her life took a surprising turn in 2010 while vacationing in San Diego, where she met her now-husband crossing the street. One year later, they were married. Over the next few years, they lived in San Diego, Cleveland (her husband's hometown), and Atlanta, welcoming their first two children along the way. It was during her first stint in Cleveland that Simone noticed something striking about the U.S. housing market—unlike in Australia, cash-flowing rental properties were a real opportunity here. That insight led to their first real estate purchase in 2012: a duplex where they lived on one side and rented out the other, letting the tenant cover their mortgage and expenses. Simone made herself a promise: if they ever moved back to Cleveland, she’d dive into real estate full time. Fast forward to 2016, when the family relocated to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. There, Simone started a healthcare business that quickly took off, growing to nearly $5 million in annual revenue in just four years. Her husband joined the venture, and in the midst of scaling the company, they welcomed their third child. In 2021, they sold the business and returned to Cleveland. Simone kept her promise. In just over three years, she’s completed seven full renovations and manages a growing portfolio of rental properties under her company, Moza Homes. Her most recent project, Boomerang Ranch, turned a tired mid-century home in Moreland Hills into a high-design showcase that went under contract shortly after listing. Through Moza Homes, Simone wears many hats—owner, general contractor, licensed real estate agent, and designer. Her approach is hands-on and highly intentional. “Moza Homes was born from the idea that real estate investment could be both artistic and profitable,” she says. With a strategy focused on uncovering hidden potential in prime neighborhoods, Simone is building something special—one beautifully reimagined home at a time.   “There’s a story in every home,” Simone says. “My job is to reveal it.”   Social Media Links: (17) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/simone.lesko.7/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/simone.lesko.7/) (25) SIMONE LESKO | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-lesko-9444b64b/)   Website: Home | Moza Homes (https://www.mozahomes.com/)   To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com (http://www.TheRealJenJosey.com) To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com (http://www.REIGNmastermind.com) Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby  

Avoiding Real Estate Scams: Real Talk with Ellen Schmuel - REIGN Podcast Join Jen Josey on the REIGN (Real Estate Investor Growth Network) podcast as she interviews Ellen Schmuel, co-founder of Seneca Property Holdings, about her harrowing experience with tenant scams. Discover Ellen's journey from dealing with a fraudulent tenant to the emotional and financial toll it took, and her advice for other real estate investors. Plus, Ellen shares her future goals, community involvement, and how she's working towards legislative changes to help landlords. Don't miss this insightful and educational episode! 00:00 Introduction to REIGN with Jen Josey 01:01 Today's Topic: Vetting Your Contractors 03:06 Guest Introduction: Ellen Schmuel 04:55 Ellen's Real Estate Journey 06:25 Challenges in Short-Term Rentals 06:40 The Importance of Real Estate Education 08:21 REI Roundtable: A Supportive Community 10:15 The Scammer Tenant: A Cautionary Tale 17:17 The Eviction Process: Lessons Learned 33:09 Tenant's Messy Departure 36:06 Emotional Toll and Financial Loss 37:25 Lessons Learned and Advice 39:06 Legal Actions and Realtor Accountability 44:51 Fighting for Legislative Change 50:32 Positive Takeaways and Moving Forward 01:02:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Founded in 2023 by Ellen and Eytan, Senica Property Holdings is a growing real estate investment company based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. What began as a personal home renovation project quickly evolved into a purposeful business venture after they rented out their first home and saw the potential for creating lasting passive income. Today, Senica Property Holdings manages both a long-term rental and a short-term Airbnb (with plans to convert it to long-term use) and is actively expanding into new markets across Florida. Their core strategy is BRRRR—Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat—focused on revitalizing distressed and foreclosed properties and turning them into safe, high-quality rental homes. Ellen and Eytan trained under the leadership of Tarek El Moussa through the Homeschooled by Tarek program, where they developed a strong foundation in creative deal-making, property evaluation, and value-add strategies. Ellen is also a committed member of the REI Roundtable, where she continues to collaborate with and learn from top real estate investors. In addition to their residential portfolio, they’ve also invested in Bigger Garages Capital, a firm that specializes in acquiring, upgrading, and operating self-storage facilities. With a mission rooted in integrity and community impact, Senica Property Holdings aims to help individuals facing difficult situations by offering fair solutions, restoring properties with care, and creating homes that families can count on. To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby

Avoiding Tenant Scams: Real Talk with Ellen Schmuel - REIGN Podcast   Join Jen Josey on the REIGN (Real Estate Investor Growth Network) podcast as she interviews Ellen Schmuel, co-founder of Seneca Property Holdings, about her harrowing experience with tenant scams. Discover Ellen's journey from dealing with a fraudulent tenant to the emotional and financial toll it took, and her advice for other real estate investors. Plus, Ellen shares her future goals, community involvement, and how she's working towards legislative changes to help landlords. Don't miss this insightful and educational episode!   00:00 Introduction to REIGN with Jen Josey 01:01 Today's Topic: Vetting Your Contractors 03:06 Guest Introduction: Ellen Schmuel 04:55 Ellen's Real Estate Journey 06:25 Challenges in Short-Term Rentals 06:40 The Importance of Real Estate Education 08:21 REI Roundtable: A Supportive Community 10:15 The Scammer Tenant: A Cautionary Tale 17:17 The Eviction Process: Lessons Learned 33:09 Tenant's Messy Departure 36:06 Emotional Toll and Financial Loss 37:25 Lessons Learned and Advice 39:06 Legal Actions and Realtor Accountability 44:51 Fighting for Legislative Change 50:32 Positive Takeaways and Moving Forward 01:02:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Founded in 2023 by Ellen and Eytan, Senica Property Holdings is a growing real estate investment company based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. What began as a personal home renovation project quickly evolved into a purposeful business venture after they rented out their first home and saw the potential for creating lasting passive income. Today, Senica Property Holdings manages both a long-term rental and a short-term Airbnb (with plans to convert it to long-term use) and is actively expanding into new markets across Florida. Their core strategy is BRRRR—Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat—focused on revitalizing distressed and foreclosed properties and turning them into safe, high-quality rental homes. Ellen and Eytan trained under the leadership of Tarek El Moussa through the Homeschooled by Tarek program, where they developed a strong foundation in creative deal-making, property evaluation, and value-add strategies. Ellen is also a committed member of the REI Roundtable, where she continues to collaborate with and learn from top real estate investors. In addition to their residential portfolio, they’ve also invested in Bigger Garages Capital, a firm that specializes in acquiring, upgrading, and operating self-storage facilities. With a mission rooted in integrity and community impact, Senica Property Holdings aims to help individuals facing difficult situations by offering fair solutions, restoring properties with care, and creating homes that families can count on.   To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com (http://www.TheRealJenJosey.com) To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com (http://www.REIGNmastermind.com) Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby

Unlocking New Opportunities for Real Estate Investors with George Otel Join Jen Josey, the founder of REIGN, as she interviews George Otel, an expert in real estate and business financing. George shares the nuances of securing funding for various real estate deals and small businesses, offers strategies for optimizing your business for sale, and discusses the booming service industry. Discover how to navigate funding challenges, find the best deals, and make the most of the current wealth transfer opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to accelerate your growth and success. 00:00 Introduction to REIGN and Host Jen Josey 01:05 Today's Topic: The Importance of Exit Strategies 03:14 Guest Introduction: George Hotel 05:12 George's Journey into Real Estate and Finance 09:16 Understanding SBA Loans and Business Funding 19:24 Challenges and Success Stories in Business Financing 26:18 Funding Opportunities in Tough Times 27:02 Turnaround Time for Funding 28:40 Rewarding Aspects of Helping Business Owners 30:08 Buying Out Business Partners 32:41 Selling and Buying Businesses 36:52 Hot Business Opportunities 38:51 Advice and Insights from George 40:21 Conclusion and Contact Information GeorgeOtel is aentrepreneuroverthelast10years activateinrealestateandfinance, participated in multiple transactions such as business acquisitions, partner buyouts, Commercial Real Estate, finance, structuring different finance options for business funding. George has helped 400+ businesses secure the best funding and has also participated in more than 15 business sale transactions, assisting owners in ensuring a smooth process. Overthe years, he hasbuilt strong relationshipswith hundreds offunding sources, enabling himtosupportawiderangeoffinancingneeds for smallbusinesses—upto$50,000,000. To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby

Unlocking New Financial Opportunities for Real Estate Investors with George Otel   Join Jen Josey, the founder of REIGN, as she interviews George Otel, an expert in real estate and business financing. George shares the nuances of securing funding for various real estate deals and small businesses, offers strategies for optimizing your business for sale, and discusses the booming service industry. Discover how to navigate funding challenges, find the best deals, and make the most of the current wealth transfer opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to accelerate your growth and success.   00:00 Introduction to REIGN and Host Jen Josey 01:05 Today's Topic: The Importance of Exit Strategies 03:14 Guest Introduction: George Hotel 05:12 George's Journey into Real Estate and Finance 09:16 Understanding SBA Loans and Business Funding 19:24 Challenges and Success Stories in Business Financing 26:18 Funding Opportunities in Tough Times 27:02 Turnaround Time for Funding 28:40 Rewarding Aspects of Helping Business Owners 30:08 Buying Out Business Partners 32:41 Selling and Buying Businesses 36:52 Hot Business Opportunities 38:51 Advice and Insights from George 40:21 Conclusion and Contact Information   To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com (http://www.TheRealJenJosey.com) To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com (http://www.REIGNmastermind.com) Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby  

Join Jen Josey on the Real Estate Investor Growth Network Channel as she highlights five critical red flags to watch for when purchasing a property. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, learn to identify foundation issues, water damage, poor renovation work, neighborhood decline, and overpriced properties. Save money, avoid headaches, and make smarter investment decisions with these essential tips. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and connect with the REIGN community at REIGNmastermind.com to elevate your real estate journey! 00:00 Welcome to REIGN Nation 00:14 Introduction to Red Flags in Property Buying 00:34 Foundation Issues 00:52 Water Damage 01:12 Poor Renovation Work 01:34 Neighborhood Decline 01:50 Overpriced Properties 02:08 Recap and Final Tips 02:30 Join the REIGN Community 02:54 Closing Remarks

Join host Jen Josey on the Real Estate Investor Growth Network podcast as she dives deep into the crucial role of geotechnical and forensic engineering with expert Mike Simpson. Learn about why every badass investor should introduce themselves to neighbors, strategies for reducing renovation complaints, and the importance of building goodwill in the community. Mike shares insights from his extensive career, including his work in disaster relief for FEMA, the types of settlements, and real-world examples of working with homeowners and investors. Equip yourself with essential knowledge on identifying structural issues, the impact of water on properties, and when to call an engineer. Don't miss out on this invaluable advice for safeguarding your real estate investments! 00:00 Introduction to REIGN 01:01 Today's Badass Topic: Meeting the Neighbors 03:15 Interview with Mike Simpson: Engineering Insights 04:34 Mike Simpson's Career Journey 05:00 Understanding Geotechnical Engineering 15:14 Real-World Engineering Challenges 22:40 Bad News Doesn't Get Better with Time 22:56 Identifying Structural Issues in Real Estate 24:21 When to Call a Geotechnical Engineer 24:47 Understanding Cracks and Settlement 26:00 Advice for New Real Estate Investors 27:07 Garage Slab Cracks and Repairs 28:49 Fixing Major Cracks in Concrete 30:28 Engineering Advice and Mentorship 31:52 Personal and Professional Aspirations 32:02 The BADASS Acronym Explained 38:59 Daily Habits for Success 39:53 Defining Success and Final Thoughts Michael R. Simpson, MBA, PE, is a distinguished Civil/Geotechnical Engineer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in forensic and geotechnical engineering, with a focus on residential home foundations. As a founder of Desert Foundation Forensic Engineering, he applies his extensive expertise to deliver expert witness testimony and forensic evaluations, helping homeowners address foundation failures and home movement with cost-effective, tailored solutions. A registered Professional Engineer since 1997, Michael has spearheaded multimillion-dollar projects, including leadership roles in designing geotechnical remedies for complex foundation and retaining wall challenges. His federal tenure includes serving as FEMA’s Infrastructure Branch Directorate Chief in Puerto Rico (2018-2021), where he provided geotechnical guidance for billion-dollar disaster recovery efforts, and earlier contributions to post-Hurricane Katrina infrastructure rebuilding in New Orleans. Renowned for his proficiency in soil engineering, deep foundation design, and expansive soil remediation, Michael drives resilient, data-informed solutions for clients. Social Media Links: LinkedIn: Michael Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-simpson-734298251/ Desert Foundation Forensic Engineering: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desert-foundation-forensic-engineering/ Website: https://www.desert-foundation.com/ To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby

Join host Jen Josey on the Real Estate Investor Growth Network podcast as she dives deep into the crucial role of geotechnical and forensic engineering with expert Mike Simpson. Learn about why every badass investor should introduce themselves to neighbors, strategies for reducing renovation complaints, and the importance of building goodwill in the community. Mike shares insights from his extensive career, including his work in disaster relief for FEMA, the types of settlements, and real-world examples of working with homeowners and investors. Equip yourself with essential knowledge on identifying structural issues, the impact of water on properties, and when to call an engineer. Don't miss out on this invaluable advice for safeguarding your real estate investments!   00:00 Introduction to REIGN 01:01 Today's Badass Topic: Meeting the Neighbors 03:15 Interview with Mike Simpson: Engineering Insights 04:34 Mike Simpson's Career Journey 05:00 Understanding Geotechnical Engineering 15:14 Real-World Engineering Challenges 22:40 Bad News Doesn't Get Better with Time 22:56 Identifying Structural Issues in Real Estate 24:21 When to Call a Geotechnical Engineer 24:47 Understanding Cracks and Settlement 26:00 Advice for New Real Estate Investors 27:07 Garage Slab Cracks and Repairs 28:49 Fixing Major Cracks in Concrete 30:28 Engineering Advice and Mentorship 31:52 Personal and Professional Aspirations 32:02 The BADASS Acronym Explained 38:59 Daily Habits for Success 39:53 Defining Success and Final Thoughts   Michael R. Simpson, MBA, PE, is a distinguished Civil/Geotechnical Engineer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in forensic and geotechnical engineering, with a focus on residential home foundations. As a founder of Desert Foundation Forensic Engineering, he applies his extensive expertise to deliver expert witness testimony and forensic evaluations, helping homeowners address foundation failures and home movement with cost-effective, tailored solutions. A registered Professional Engineer since 1997, Michael has spearheaded multimillion-dollar projects, including leadership roles in designing geotechnical remedies for complex foundation and retaining wall challenges. His federal tenure includes serving as FEMA’s Infrastructure Branch Directorate Chief in Puerto Rico (2018-2021), where he provided geotechnical guidance for billion-dollar disaster recovery efforts, and earlier contributions to post-Hurricane Katrina infrastructure rebuilding in New Orleans. Renowned for his proficiency in soil engineering, deep foundation design, and expansive soil remediation, Michael drives resilient, data-informed solutions for clients.  Social Media Links: LinkedIn:  Michael Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-simpson-734298251/    Desert Foundation Forensic Engineering: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desert-foundation-forensic-engineering/   Website: https://www.desert-foundation.com/   To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com (http://www.TheRealJenJosey.com) To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com (http://www.REIGNmastermind.com) Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby