All Forum Posts by: Leior Christina

Hi everyone 🌴
I’m Christina, originally from Ukraine, now living in California where I run two interior design studios and manage a few rental properties. Over the last few years, I’ve invested in San Diego, Irvine, and Lake Martin, AL — mostly long-term rentals and vacation homes. My focus has always been design-forward spaces that tell a story and offer emotional and financial return.

Now, I’m seriously considering expanding into Florida, but I’m coming in fresh — no boots on the ground, no personal contacts there yet. I'm especially curious about:

• Which Florida markets are currently investor-friendly for mid-level buy & hold or vacation rentals?

• Are there cities/regions where local design taste and short-term rental demand overlap well?

• Any red flags or things to avoid as an out-of-state investor?

If you’re investing in Florida or know the market well, I’d be so grateful for any insight, advice, or connections. I’m here to learn and would love to contribute wherever I can too — especially on anything design/value-add related.

Looking forward to connecting with this amazing community 💛
– Christina

somewhere like Alabama, where $10K can go further as a down payment. I'd partner with someone trustworthy—perhaps a contractor needing design help—and bring my skills to the table: vision, value-adding renovations, and a designer’s eye for detail

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $560,000
Cash invested: $180,000
Sale price: $952,000

This beachside property was acquired during a market dip and held for long-term appreciation. After strategic minor renovations and optimal market timing, the property sold for a 70% increase. This was my first U.S. investment, and it confirmed the value of intuition, patience, and timing in real estate.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I was drawn to this opportunity during a moment of quiet clarity. The San Diego coastline, with its timeless beauty and steady growth, whispered potential. I saw not just a property, but a promise — of appreciation, of transformation, of story. As a designer, I could already envision how the space could bloom with the right touch. This was not just an investment; it was a canvas waiting to reveal its true worth

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

A close contact in real estate knew my style — intuitive, detail-driven, and emotionally intelligent — and brought this property to my attention before it hit the open market. I toured it the next day and immediately felt a connection. The negotiation was grounded in sincerity: I offered a fair price backed by strong financials and a clear renovation vision. The seller, sensing my commitment and clarity, accepted without much resistance.

How did you finance this deal?

This deal was financed through a combination of personal savings and private family investment. My stepfather believed in my vision and supported the project as a silent partner. Together, we created a structure that gave me full creative control while sharing in the long-term gains. It was a partnership built on trust, legacy, and a shared belief in the power of beautiful spaces to create value.