Real Estate Investing Myths w/Linda Holtz
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Episode Description
Welcome to the Freedom Point Real Estate podcast! In today’s episode, Linda Holtz shares how she went from a summer intern in the U.S. to building a thriving real estate career based on the American dream proving that you don’t need to start rich to be successful.
Linda is a multifamily investor, property management expert, and co-founder of M2RE, a real estate investment company focused on helping busy professionals build generational wealth through smart, passive investments. Originally from France, she moved to the U.S. with two suitcases and a dream back in 2012, transforming her background in sales and property management into a thriving real estate career. Now based in Houston, TX, she leverages over a decade of industry experience to educate and inspire others to start securing their financial future, through her popular networking calls, her social media content, and her appearances on several podcasts in 2024.
CONNECT WITH LINDA HOLTZ!
Website: https://married2realestate.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-holtz-1493495a/?locale=en_US
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m2retx/
CONNECT WITH JEREMY DYER!
Website: https://startingpointcapital.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingpointcapital/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingpointcapital
Book a Call! https://calendly.com/startingpointcapital/discuss-investing-with-jeremy-dyer?month=2023-12
Summary
Tip #1: Embrace the Entrepreneurial Mindset and Don’t Fear Failure
"I’m not scared to fail here... you can do it again and again."
Linda credits her move to the U.S. with awakening her entrepreneurial spirit and teaching her that failure is just part of the journey—not a stopping point. This mindset helped her persist through challenges and remain open to new opportunities, a vital lesson for any aspiring investor or entrepreneur.
Tip #2: Build Resilience Through Early Career Challenges
"Door-to-door sales was the best education ever... it taught me to keep going and stay positive."
Starting in door-to-door sales after her master’s, Linda learned to handle rejection and maintain a positive attitude. These emotional skills translated well into property management and eventually real estate investing, proving the value of transferable soft skills.
Tip #3: Align Your Investments with Your Personal Goals and Lifestyle
"I wanted more time freedom and geographic freedom... I didn’t want to ask for vacation time."
Linda’s desire for personal freedom drove her from managing properties to investing in multifamily real estate, where she could scale without being tied down. Investors should clarify their own goals first, then tailor their strategy accordingly, balancing time, money, and impact.
Tip #4: Be Prepared for Real Challenges Like Vacancy and Problem Tenants
"We got catfished by our renters... it was a real wake-up call."
Her first property faced COVID shutdowns and bad tenants, reminding investors that real estate isn’t always glamorous. Handling such unexpected issues builds grit and deepens understanding of what it takes to succeed long term.
Tip #5: Understand the Difference Between Property Management and Asset Management
"Asset management is not property management... it’s a whole different ballgame."
Transitioning from property management to multifamily asset management required Linda and her husband to re-learn and network intensively. Knowing the nuances of each role helps investors set realistic expectations and find the right partners.
Tip #6: Bust the Myth That You Need to Be Rich to Start Investing
"The biggest myth holding people back is thinking you already have to be rich."
Linda emphasizes mindset shifts as the key barrier, not actual access to capital. By educating herself on syndications and raising capital, she found ways to participate at her level, encouraging others to challenge their limiting beliefs.
Tip #7: Focus on Projects That Excite You and Have Meaningful Impact
"Are you working on projects that excite you and make a change in the world?"
Beyond numbers, Linda stresses the importance of emotional connection to your investments—whether it’s the community you serve or the legacy you build. This passion helps sustain motivation through the grind.
Tip #8: Invest in Growing Your Skills and Network Before Deploying More Capital
"Sometimes you need to deploy capital into yourself first."
Surrounding yourself with experienced mentors and continuously learning helps avoid costly mistakes. Education is foundational, and clarity about your path reduces risk and increases confidence.
Tip #9: Key Skills for Raising Capital: Grit and Storytelling
"You have to not give up ever... and be able to tell a story that connects emotionally."
Linda highlights persistence as essential in capital raising, along with the ability to translate deals into compelling narratives that resonate with investors’ dreams, not just their wallets. Storytelling builds trust and alignment.
Tip #10: Start Early but Trust Your Journey
"If I had to do it again, I would start earlier... but everything happens when you’re ready."
While Linda encourages starting sooner, she also recognizes the value of lessons learned over time. Growth often requires readiness, and setbacks are opportunities to build wisdom.
