Julie’s TEXT-LETTER

Something I’m reading

If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee.

This one hits home—especially since I used to work at Disney. The way they obsess over customer experience and systems? It’s next level. What’s wild is how easily these principles apply far beyond healthcare—into leadership, business, and yep, even real estate. Glad I stumbled across this gem.


Something I photographed

I walked a super cute Airbnb last week. This was a response to my direct mail campaign.


Something I’m excited about

We were back in Austin, TX—where I did my very first travel nurse assignment. And let me tell you, I still kick myself for not buying property back in 2011 when prices were laughably low and opportunity was everywhere. It’s been seven years since we’ve been there, and the energy was just as electric. Pumped to be back and even more excited we were able to soak up the REI Summit. We talked deals, mindset, retirement prep and making sure we never miss another chance like that again.


Something I recommend

Here are my top 5 key takeaways from the REI Summit notes, based on strategic impact, actionability, and insight:

1. ADUs = High ROI Potential (Thatch Nguyen)

  • "ADUs are the next bitcoin."

  • Target double or large lots and work around single-family zoning using condo splits.

  • ADUs are thriving in high-cost markets like Seattle, and this could be a lucrative strategy in all other areas.

2. Creative Financing is a Major Opportunity (Pace Morby)

  • Use tools like Propstream, Landwatch.com, Crexi.com, and Creativelisting.com to find no-equity, low-interest mortgage deals.

  • Subject-to deals (taking over existing low-interest mortgages from 2021-22 sellers) are ripe for acquisition in today’s buyer’s market.

3. Austin is Now a Buyer’s Market (State of the Union)

  • Home prices have dropped $100k from two years ago.

  • Despite high property taxes, this presents an entry point into high-demand zip codes like 78704 (Zilker to S. Congress area).

  • Use this window to strategically acquire undervalued or longer-DOM properties.

4. Buy Back Your Time – Focus on $1,000+ Tasks (Jay & Wendy Papasan)

  • Outsource low-dollar work, and focus only on tasks that yield high ROI (e.g., strategic direction, lead gen, creative deals).

  • Apply the 80/20 rule ruthlessly.

  • Use batching for 1:1 meetings by scheduling them all on the same day.

5. Relationship-Based Deal Sourcing (How to Source Like a Pro)

  • Skip the sales pitch—write personal letters to long-term owners and build rapport over coffee.

  • Target: Retiring landlords (small multifamily, owner/trust-held, 90–100% equity, age 50+).

  • Leverage Simple AI tools to handle mundane tasks and boost efficiency.

Julie