Hi! I’m Jill, and I live in York, South Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, NC and Rock Hill, SC. I’m a single mom to a 10-year-old son and have a education in finance, along with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. I currently work in a field sales and underwriting role specializing in management liability insurance.

I’ve always been interested in real estate investing, and I’m finally getting serious about educating myself and taking the next steps toward building a rental property portfolio.

I currently rent out the lower level of my home as a furnished mid-term rental and am exploring the possibility of offering short-term rentals between longer bookings. I also own a travel trailer that I rent through RVshare, so I’ve gotten some hands-on experience managing rentals, working with guests, and learning the ins and outs of generating rental income.

My next big goal is to purchase my first standalone investment property and eventually build a portfolio that provides additional income, long-term financial freedom, and more flexibility with my time. I’m taking a practical approach, focusing on learning, saving, and making smart financial decisions along the way.

One thing I’m trying to figure out is what direction to take with my first investment property. I love traveling, especially to the beach, and I’m intrigued by the idea of purchasing vacation rentals in destinations my son and I enjoy visiting. I love the thought of generating income through Airbnb or VRBO while also having a place we can enjoy ourselves.

On the other hand, I wonder if it would be smarter to purchase my first investment property closer to home, where I can be more hands-on and gain experience before investing farther away. I’d love to hear from experienced investors about which direction they’d recommend and why.

I’m also curious how others balance real estate investing with a full-time career and family responsibilities, especially fellow single parents! Between working full-time, raising my son, and managing the rentals I already have, I’m interested in learning how others find the time to research properties, network, and grow their investments without spreading themselves too thin.

I’ve recently started listening to BiggerPockets podcasts and audiobooks, and I’m excited to learn from people who have already been down this road.

I’d also love to connect with other investors in the Charlotte, Rock Hill, and York County areas! I’m hoping to build relationships with like-minded people, learn more about the local market, and expand my network as I work toward my goals.

Looking forward to learning from this community, sharing experiences, and hopefully making some great connections along the way!