#54. Maura McGraw—Overcoming $30K Losses: A Marine's Real Estate Journey

Maura McGraw shares her journey from the military to real estate investing, detailing her experiences with flipping houses, building a rental portfolio, and navigating the challenges of property management. She discusses lessons learned, the importance of market research, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate market. Maura McGraw discusses her real estate investment journey, including advice from her father, the transition to commercial real estate, and the creation of a digital course for aspiring real estate entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of endurance and the long-term mindset required for success in real estate investing.

Maura McGraw, Founder and CEO of Duratus Properties, is a real estate investor and Marine veteran. Prior to starting her business, Maura served ten years as a Marine Logistics Officer. She deployed to Afghanistan, Japan, and Korea where she managed cross-functional teams in dynamic environments.

In 2017, Maura left Active Duty military service so that she could obtain her Masters Degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University and pursue her dream of starting her own real estate investment firm. As the daughter of a successful real estate developer, she was able to hit the ground running in the real estate industry with many strategic connections already intact.

Together with her business partner Aziz Shunnara, Maura has grown Duratus Properties from zero in 2018 to a firm that generates 32M+ in annual revenue with $5M+ assets under management. To date, she has flipped 100+ houses. Additionally, Maura co-founded a property management company called Freedom Ventures Property Management in 2019 and helped grow the company to over 600 assets under management in less than three years. Maura also hosts the Mastering Real Estate podcast, where she reviews real estate books and interviews real estate experts from all over the world. She is a licensed real estate agent in Alabama with Waters Edge Realty, and Maura hosts the monthly Gulf Coast Real Estate Investor Group meetup on the last Friday of every month.

Maura is results-driven and is dedicated to growing Duratus Properties into a multimillion company that helps many people achieve financial freedom. When she’s not working, Maura is usually caring for her two young children, exercising, or enjoying water sports.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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#57. Igor Shaltanov—Building Wealth through Real Estate: The Benefits of Investing in Multifamily Properties

In this conversation, Rob Chevez interviews Igor Shaltanov, a former water polo player and now a real estate investor. Igor shares his journey from growing up in Russia during the transition from the USSR to the new Russia, to becoming a professional water polo player, and eventually moving to Southern California. He discusses how his background in sports taught him resilience and the importance of never giving up. Igor also talks about his transition from being a coach and business owner in the sports industry to becoming a real estate investor, and how he started buying and remodeling properties for rental income. Igor Shaltanov shares his journey from investing in single-family homes to syndicating apartment complexes. He discusses the challenges and benefits of syndication and the importance of finding the right operators. Igor emphasizes the goal of financial independence and the ability to make choices based on passion rather than survival. He also highlights the non-material rewards of helping others and making a positive impact. The Avista Fund, which Igor co-founded, focuses on investing in multifamily properties and diversifying by location, management group, and asset class.

#56. Chris Arnold—Healing Trauma and Finding Brotherhood as a High-Achieving Entrepreneur

In this conversation, Chris Arnold shares his personal journey of unraveling and healing from trauma and addiction as a high-achieving entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of addressing childhood wounds and the belief of not being enough that drives many entrepreneurs. Chris emphasizes the need to move from a performance-based self-esteem to a place of healing and self-acceptance. He also explores the role of plant medicine, such as ayahuasca, in his healing process. The conversation highlights the importance of connection, both with oneself and with others, in overcoming isolation and stress. The conversation explores the importance of community and brotherhood in the lives of high-achieving entrepreneurs. It emphasizes the need for vulnerability, compassion, and support among men who often feel isolated and alone. The discussion touches on the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior and the necessity of healing past traumas. It also delves into the role of simplifying life and finding peace amidst the drive for success. The conversation concludes with an invitation to join the Simplifiers Brotherhood, a community of men dedicated to personal and professional growth.

#54. Maura McGraw—Overcoming $30K Losses: A Marine's Real Estate Journey

#55 Scott Morse—The Value of Working Old Leads and Having Multiple Exit Strategies

#53. Johnny Giangregorio—Transforming Setbacks into Success: Lessons from the Real Estate Trenches