In this episode of Branching Out: Where Real Estate Meets Real Life, Christina sits down with Carolena and Brad Barringer — a husband-and-wife investing team who’ve built a real estate business together through long-term rentals, short-term rentals, flips, land, and new construction.

Their journey didn’t start with confidence or a perfect plan.

It started with budgeting, faith, and a willingness to take action before everything felt “ready.”

In this conversation, they share:
• How Financial Peace University reshaped their mindset around money
• Their very first rental — and why they “got lucky”
• The rehab that went 100% over budget and changed how they invest forever
• Why investing is not passive — and how systems make it manageable
• How they decide when to flip, hold, or build
• What it’s really like to invest together as a married couple
• Why mentorship and community accelerated their growth
• How real estate gave them time freedom — and purpose

This episode is for anyone who:
• Feels stuck on the sidelines
• Wants clarity before their first (or next) deal
• Is navigating real estate alongside family and faith
• Wants to build something steady, not flashy

If you’ve been waiting to feel “ready,” this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear.

👉 Learn more about our mentorship and investor community at BranchWealthPartners.com
👉 Subscribe for more real conversations about real-life investing

Ever stayed in an Airbnb and thought: “How much does this place actually earn… and could I do this?”

In this episode, Christina sits down with Dawon Millwood (Concord local + STR owner/operator) for an honest conversation on short-term rentals: what the numbers look like, what the work really is, and how to know if STRs fit your 2026 investing goals.

You’ll hear about:
✅ How Dawon went from W-2 to real estate (and what she learned the hard way)
✅ How she built a team (cleaners + maintenance) that keeps properties running
✅ Pricing strategy, occupancy expectations, and guest communication
✅ When STR management makes sense — and when it doesn’t
✅ Why she charges 15% (and what most managers charge instead)

Bonus: Dawon also shares what it’s been like buying and renovating a downtown Concord commercial building—and why Local Bottle Shop is becoming part of our 2026 Branch community gatherings.

If STRs are on your radar for 2026, this is a must-listen. 🌿
Contact: https://www.localbottleshop.com/

In this episode of Branching Out: Where Real Estate Meets Real Life, we sit down with Jamie Richardson — Director of Marketing, Events, and Communications at Cooperative Christian Ministry and candidate for Kannapolis City Council — to talk about growth, community, and what it takes to shape a thriving city.

From her years serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and countless community boards, Jamie has seen firsthand what responsible development looks like — and where Kannapolis is headed next.

💡 In this conversation, you’ll learn:
✅ How Kannapolis has transformed from a mill town to a booming hub for families and small businesses
✅ What’s next for downtown development and key corridors like Highway 29
✅ Why balanced growth and community engagement are vital for the city’s future
✅ How affordable housing, transportation, and tourism all fit into the next chapter of growth

Jamie shares her insights on leadership that listens, community partnerships, and the importance of keeping Kannapolis united as it continues to expand.

📌 Subscribe for more episodes where real estate meets real life — and where community and investing come together.
📘 Learn more at https://edu.branchwealthpartners.com/opt-in