#49. Deborah Razo—Flipping Challenges into Opportunities: A Journey in Real Estate Investment
Deborah Razo founded the Women in Real Estate Network (WREN) to support and empower women in the real estate industry. With 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Deborah transitioned to real estate 13 years ago, inspired by Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and the desire for passive income. Starting with house flipping in LA, she faced numerous challenges, including a life-changing car accident that led her to reassess her career goals. Frustrated by the male-dominated industry, she began hosting brunches with female real estate investors, which evolved into WREN. This network quickly expanded, offering resources, support, and opportunities to women across the country. Deborah's journey includes investing in properties outside LA, including Memphis and Puerto Rico, where she co-owns a bed and breakfast. Her mission is to foster a community where women can thrive in real estate, sharing knowledge and encouragement. WREN now operates online, continuing to provide valuable connections and support to women in the industry.
Always an independent spirit, Deborah Razo started her first business in 1990. After owning and partnering in several successful small businesses, she realized that her path to financial freedom was through real estate investing.
In addition to her business degree and graduate work at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Deborah expanded her investing education in 2011 with a series of intensive workshops with Robert Kiyosaki, The Rich Dad Advisors, and The Real Estate Radio Guys.
It was a natural transition for Deborah to shift gears from her 20-year design firm to her booming rehabbing business in Southern California. With her first house flip netting nearly $100,000 in profits, her business took off. Her strategy of flipping houses in California for capital and buying and holding for cash flow in other markets for long-term wealth has proven to be a success. Just two years ago, Deborah moved from rehabbing to development.
