Episodios

  • Owner vs Operator: Know Your Real Role

    Owner vs Operator: Know Your Real Role
    Jan 13 2026
    In this episode of Keys to Success, host Litra Simms explores the essential dichotomy in real estate — the difference between being an owner and an operator. Discussing the hands-on experience gained in the operator role, the episode highlights the importance of understanding daily operations, from managing repairs and processing payments to dealing with tenants. However, for long-term growth, operators must transition their role to become owners. Implementing reliable systems and delegating tasks is critical to this transition, freeing up time to focus on strategic decisions. The responsibilities of an owner include reviewing financials, risk management, and long-term planning. Striking a balance between operations and strategic planning is key to succeeding in real estate, but Litra warns against trying to handle both without a proper structure, as it can lead to burnout. Instead, she recommends knowing when to transition from an operator to an owner to ensure success and avoid stagnation in the dynamic real estate industry.
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    8 m
  • Ask Litra: How Do I Audit My Portfolio at the Start of the Year?

    Ask Litra: How Do I Audit My Portfolio at the Start of the Year?
    Jan 8 2026
    In this episode of Keys to Success, hosted by Litra Simms, the focus is on how to conduct an audit of your real estate portfolio at the start of the year. The comprehensive guide includes performance reviews, risk assessments, operational checks, and setting actionable steps. The episode emphasizes the importance of analyzing cash flow, checking vacancy rates, scrutinizing expenses, and a thorough performance review. The risk assessment segment highlights understanding debt terms, having adequate insurance, setting reserves, and preparing for market changes. Also discussed are practical operational checks like monitoring maintenance response time, tenant turnover rates, and vendor costs. Finally, Litra suggests clear actionable steps like deciding which properties to hold, improve, refinance, or sell. Overall, the episode provides a detailed roadmap for maintaining a successful and profitable real estate investment portfolio.
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    10 m
  • Running Real Estate Like a Business, Not a Side Hustle

    Running Real Estate Like a Business, Not a Side Hustle
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode of Keys to Success, host Litra Simms discusses the importance of treating real estate investing as a business. Simms emphasizes the role of systems like tracking finances, setting rules, and scheduling maintenance to minimize stress and optimize results. She advocates for treating each property as a unit of production with a strong focus on cash flow and monthly performance reviews. Building a diverse team of accountants, contractors, and property managers to handle diverse tasks and foster growth is strongly recommended. Lastly, Simms presses on the need to operate with intention for enhanced predictability, stability, and growth. Throughout the discussion, tips for staying organized, setting clear goals, communication, and continuous learning are highlighted.
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    11 m
  • Closing the Year Strong: Lessons from 2025’s Real Estate Shifts

    Closing the Year Strong: Lessons from 2025’s Real Estate Shifts
    Dec 31 2025
    In this episode of Keys to Success, host Litra Simms reflects on the major real estate lessons of 2025. The year saw higher interest rates reshaping deals, necessitating stronger cash flows and more disciplined financial strategies. Rental demand also remained vital, particularly in regions with robust job growth, migration, and affordability. A surge in creative investment approaches emerged as well, with partnerships for pooling resources, seller term tactics for flexible payments, and upgrades in operational systems leading the way. The core lesson underscored, however, was the crucial need to control risk — to protect cash flow, remain patient, and adhere to solid, adaptable strategies regardless of market fluctuations. This remains the timeless principle to ensure success in real estate investment.
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    8 m
  • How to Diversify Your Portfolio Beyond Traditional Rentals

    How to Diversify Your Portfolio Beyond Traditional Rentals
    Dec 23 2025
    In the Keys to Success podcast episode, host Litra Simms discusses the importance of diversifying real estate investments beyond traditional single-family rentals to safeguard against market fluctuations and enable maximum income potential. Emphasizing the need for asset diversity, Simms examines options such as short-term rentals, small multifamily units, and build-to-rent projects, pointing out their unique advantages and challenges. She further enlightens listeners about passive investment strategies, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), private syndications, and real estate funds, which allow for real estate market participation without demanding day-to-day management. Conclusively, Simms underscores the critical role diversification plays in building a resilient and growth-centered real estate portfolio.
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    8 m
  • AI, Automation, and the Future of Real Estate Investing

    AI, Automation, and the Future of Real Estate Investing
    Dec 16 2025
    In the episode of "Keys to Success", Litra Simms explores how artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the future of real estate investing. The discussion covers how AI helps in faster and accurate analysis of rent trends, market data, and expenses, enabling investors to make data-backed decisions. The adoption of automation in daily operations, such as rent collection and maintenance requests, reduces time on administrative tasks and errors, creating room for strategic growth opportunities. Also, the use of these technological tools offers a more efficient way to scale operations by replacing time-consuming manual tasks with systems providing clear, consistent data. Overall, Litra underscores the importance of leveraging technology to work smarter, not longer, and stresses that while technology enhances strategy, it is the well-thought-out strategic vision that guides success in the ever-evolving real estate market.
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    8 m
  • Ask Litra: What Year-End Tax Moves Should Every Investor Consider?

    Ask Litra: What Year-End Tax Moves Should Every Investor Consider?
    Dec 12 2025
    The podcast episode "Keys to Success" with host Litra Simms highlights essential year-end tax strategies for real estate investors. Litra breaks down these moves into four conceptual steps: maintaining accurate financial records, exploring potential deductions such as interest payments and insurance costs, optimizing timing of essential repairs or major expenses, and consulting tax professionals for expert advice. The idea is to lower taxable income, reduce financial stress, and maximize tax savings over time. The episode underscores the importance of strategic timing and seeking professional guidance in making significant financial decisions such as property sales, refinancing, or large write-offs, and ends with a call to action for listeners to step up their financial planning as the year comes to a close.
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    7 m
  • Rising Trends in Multifamily and Build-to-Rent Investments

    Rising Trends in Multifamily and Build-to-Rent Investments
    Dec 9 2025
    In this episode of Keys to Success, host Litra Simms provides insights into two rapidly growing sectors in the real estate market: multifamily units and build-to-rent communities. Addressing strong demand in the multifamily sector due to increasing mortgage rates, she reveals how well-managed, well-located properties bring steady revenue streams for investors. Next, she discusses the rising demand in the build-to-rent sector, noting the predictable income it offers due to low turnover rates and manageable maintenance planning. In addition to introducing operational best practices, Simms also delves into the growth potential of both sectors, highlighting their stable performance metrics and steady demand, and emphasizes the importance of measured growth for investors.
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    8 m
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