Most people think you need the perfect exit strategy before leaving corporate America — but Shaletha Litt Colbert shows how setbacks can spark success. After being laid off just five months postpartum, she and her husband transformed adversity into a thriving international real-estate business built on determination, faith, and strategy. Starting with only two properties and a dream to live life on their own terms, they created a system that now generates income across borders. 🌎🏡

💼 How to Invest While Keeping Your W-2 (or After Losing It)

Shaletha began her journey as a sales professional and former mortgage loan officer who used her W-2 income to buy her first home and a second rental in 2020. When her job ended unexpectedly, she leaned into her real-estate license to build something no employer could take away. By combining short-term and mid-term rental models — what she calls Flexi-Rentals — she learned to turn risk into reliability. Her story is proof that job loss doesn’t have to mean financial loss — it can be a launchpad to freedom. ⚡

🌴 A Real-Life International Deal: Investing in Costa Rica

While watching Beachfront Bargain Hunt during the pandemic, Shaletha and her husband became intrigued by overseas real estate. They visited Costa Rica “just to look” — and within two weeks, they were under contract for two beach-town properties on the Pacific Coast. Despite not speaking Spanish, they built local partnerships, paid cash, and created consistent income through a mix of Airbnb and mid-term rentals. Shaletha even earned her Certified International Property Specialist designation to help others invest abroad. ✈️💰

🏘️ What Is the Flexi-Rental Strategy?

A Flexi-Rental is a single property designed to operate under multiple rental models — short-term and mid-term — maximizing occupancy and minimizing stress. The concept was born when Shaletha rented one of her units to international students needing temporary housing. That experience showed her how longer stays reduce wear-and-tear while still generating high income. Today, she lists on Airbnb, VRBO, Zillow, and Apartments.com, but often converts guests to direct bookings — saving them fees and keeping more profit in-house. 💡📅

💡 Key Takeaways for High-Income Earners and Business Owners

• Use your W-2 stability to qualify for as many loans as possible before going full-time.
• Diversify not just by asset type — but by geography to hedge against U.S. market risks.
• Buy for cash flow, not speculation. Each purchase should “buy income.”
• Stay flexible — the ability to pivot between mid-term, short-term, or long-term keeps you profitable.
• Remember: a setback can be the spark for your greatest breakthrough. 🚀

🎯 Coaching Round: Shaletha’s Advice for Active & Passive Investors

For New Investors: Know your why. It’s the anchor that keeps you steady during uncertainty.
Balancing Career, Family, and Real Estate: Treat investing as a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace seasons of growth and rest.
If You’re Starting with Little Money or Time: Try co-hosting Airbnbs or wholesaling deals to earn while you learn.
Knowing Your Numbers: “Pay now or pay later.” Track your income, expenses, and reserves from day one.
Book Recommendations:
• Think and Grow Rich — Napoleon Hill
• Three Hours a Day — Knolly Williams

📚 Final Thoughts

Shaletha Litt Colbert’s journey proves that resilience and creativity can turn disruption into destiny. By blending smart systems, global vision, and fearless action, she built freedom for her family and future. Her story is a powerful reminder: you don’t have to quit to win — but if you do, build something no one can take away. 💪🏠✨

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