From Corporate to Cash Flow

Ep. 46: How this Physical Therapist Built Wealth Beyond her W2 Job with Courtney Johnson

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Courtney Johnson, a physical therapist who realized the “safe” career path wasn’t the only way to build wealth.
After checking all the boxes — school, good grades, and a stable healthcare career — Courtney began exploring alternative income streams. What started as travel physical therapy quickly evolved into building an online business focused on pelvic floor therapy, giving her more flexibility, freedom, and control over her time.
But she didn’t stop there.
From completing her first fix-and-flip to renting out her home while traveling for work, Courtney discovered the power of real estate investing. That journey led her into private money lending, multifamily real estate, and creating passive income outside of her W2 job.
In this episode, we talk about:
Transitioning from a W2 job to entrepreneurship
Building an online healthcare business
Travel physical therapy as a wealth-building strategy
Getting started in real estate investing (fix and flips + rentals)
Private money lending for beginners
Multifamily investing and scaling income
Creating passive income streams while working full-time
Courtney’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between your health, your career, and your financial future, you can build all three.
Connect with Courtney:
Instagram.com/@cljohnsonnn
 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon

Ep. 45: How to Use AI to Build Wealth While You Sleep with Owen Mecham

What if the biggest threat to your career isn’t AI itself, but not knowing how to use it?
In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Owen Mecham, the engineer behind enterprise web applications at Carvana, where much of his work has focused on AI and machine learning.
Owen shares why this moment is less about fear and more about opportunity. He compares AI to a massive wave. The people who learn how to ride it will accelerate ahead, while others risk getting left behind.
We break down how AI is already changing the way we work by eliminating repetitive, low-value tasks. The real advantage belongs to those who learn how to direct and leverage AI outputs. From underwriting deals to matching investment opportunities to your buy box while you sleep, Owen explains how AI can help you build wealth without adding more hours to your day.
If you feel unsure where to start, this episode makes AI practical. Owen shares simple, real-life use cases like automating your taxes and planning meals for your family, saving both time and money.
But this conversation goes far beyond AI.
After a major health scare and multiple brain surgeries, Owen was forced to reevaluate everything. That second chance at life pushed him to prioritize time freedom, leading him to invest in real estate alongside his W2 career and launch his brand, My Warrior Thoughts.
This episode will challenge how you think about AI, time, and what really matters.
If you want to get your own AI agent set up by Owen’s wife, Mary Mecham, make sure to jump on this here: https://mybusinessgenie.ai?ref=T3JLENDP
Connect with Owen:
https://www.facebook.com/owen.mecham
https://www.facebook.com/mywarriorthoughts
https://www.instagram.com/theowenmecham
https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorthoughts
 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon

Ep. 44: Working with Family Offices: Corporate Climber to Capital Matchmaker with Kat Aguilar Smith

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Kat Aguilar Smith, a capital matchmaker who works closely with family offices representing ultra–high net worth families with $100M–$200M+ in assets. Kat grew up in an immigrant entrepreneurial family and started working at just 15 years old. Determined to build her own path, she initially set her sights on climbing the corporate ladder before ultimately transitioning into the entrepreneurial world. Today, Kat operates in rooms where deals average around $25 million, helping connect investors, operators, and opportunities. She shares how capital actually moves at the highest levels, what family offices look for when deploying money, and why relationships matter more than almost anything else in large-scale deals. Outside of the investing world, Kat is also a professional Latin dancer and conference host. She blends her passions for business and movement through events like her dance conference and the Find Your Rhythm investing conference (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-find-your-rhythm-investor-summit-tickets-1975726476075) helping entrepreneurs align their financial goals with a life they truly enjoy. If you’ve ever wondered how big money thinks, moves, and invests, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look. 
Connect with Kat:  ⁨@KatAguilarSmith⁩  https://www.instagram.com/kataguilarsmith 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon 
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon

Ep. 43: Building Wealth with Mid-Term Rentals (Corporate Housing Explained) with Regan Sonnabend

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Regan Sonnabend, a former corporate employee who walked away from her W2 to build a full-time real estate business focused on mid-term rentals.
Regan’s journey started when she used a corporate bonus to purchase a vacation home for her family. When it came time to sell, she was facing a significant tax bill, which led her to explore 1031 exchanges and expand into additional rental properties. That decision ultimately introduced her to mid-term rentals (also known as corporate or workforce housing), where she found her niche and built a scalable, relationship-driven business.
Mid-term rentals typically serve households in transition, with stays longer than 30 days and an average length of 3–4 months. In fact, 75% of tenants extend their contracts. These properties often cater to families navigating insurance claims, homeowners undergoing renovations, traveling healthcare professionals, relocating executives, consultants, digital nomads, and even construction crews. While many mid-term rentals are furnished, the property specifications often determine the ideal tenant profile.
Unlike traditional long-term rentals, mid-term rentals are a high-touch, relationship-based business. Regan markets her properties on platforms like Airbnb, Zillow, and Furnished Finder, while also cultivating referral relationships with insurance companies, agencies, and government contracts. She emphasizes that if you struggle with long-term rental management, mid-term rentals may not be the easier alternative, they require strong systems and consistent communication.
After transitioning to part-time corporate work, Regan made the leap two years ago to run her real estate portfolio full time. Today, she’s considered a leader in the mid-term rental space.
If you own property and are interested in listing with Regan, visit turnkeycorporatehousing.com.
Connect with Regan:
https://www.youtube.com/@regansonnabend
https://www.instagram.com/regansonnabend/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/regansonnabend/
 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon
 

Ep. 42: He Quit His University Job to Go All In on Real Estate with Eric Fuller

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Eric — a former university biochemical engineer working with nanoparticles to improve chemotherapy targeting — who made the leap from academia to real estate investing and private money lending. Eric and his wife originally purchased a condo to live in, but after starting a family, they pivoted, renting the condo on Airbnb and upgrading their primary residence. That first move opened their eyes to the opportunity in real estate. They continued acquiring properties, building momentum, and eventually transitioned their focus toward private money lending. When his wife (who is originally from Brazil) wanted to be closer to family, they made a bold move by relocating to Brazil while continuing to grow their real estate strategy remotely and leaning heavily into private money lending. Eric ultimately stepped away from his university job with a 6-month savings cushion and a clear investment strategy. We also break down a real private lending deal that Andrea and Liz personally did with Eric in North Carolina  Deal Breakdown: • 1st position lien funded from Andrea & Liz’s retirement accounts: $125,000 • Rehab budget: $85,000 (only $34,000 was ultimately requested) • Total into deal: $210,000 • Sold for: $335,000 (Side note: the math in the recording was slightly off — these are the corrected numbers.) We also discuss why North Carolina is an attractive state for lenders due to its relatively fast foreclosure process, and how Eric believes he actually underwrites deals more conservatively now as a lender than he did when he was actively fix & flipping mainly because he can remove emotion from the equation. Eric estimates he funds 1 out of every 30 deals that cross his desk which serves as a powerful reminder that discipline and selectivity matter more than volume. If you’re a high-income W2 professional wondering how to build cashflow without quitting your job tomorrow, this episode is for you. 
 Eric’s advice: “Hitch your wagon to A-players.” Learn from operators already doing what you want to do, whether that’s private lending or another real estate strategy.
 Want a full breakdown of this specific North Carolina deal?
Watch here: https://youtu.be/bY4aCDunuN4?si=ggFC9hXHQgIWqh18 
 Book recommendation: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy https://amzn.to/3OH6xBF 
 
Connect with Eric: Facebook: @eric.fuller.754 Instagram: @eric.fuller99 Youtube: @ericfuller9602 
 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon 
 
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon 

Ep. 41 He Left Google to Build a Real Estate & Business Empire with Chris Geddes

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Chris Geddes to talk about his journey from working at Google to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and real estate investor.
Chris started out the way many high-income W-2 professionals do—buying about one rental property per year. But he quickly realized that pace wasn’t going to create the freedom he was looking for. That search for faster growth led him into the world of creative finance, where he and a partner began wholesaling and acquiring real estate in 2023.
After quietly preparing for nearly five years, Chris made the leap in 2024 and left his corporate job—driven by burnout, but supported by a clear plan and multiple income streams already in motion.
Today, he owns a commercial flooring business, a car wash, and continues to grow his real estate portfolio, all while using his tech background to improve the operations and scalability of the businesses he acquires.
In this conversation, Chris shares:• How he knew it was time to leave his W-2• Lessons learned from partnerships and building with the right people• Why thinking bigger can accelerate your results• The surprising similarities between buying a single-family home and a 10-unit property• Why he wishes he had discovered private money lending much earlier in his journey
If you’re a high-income professional thinking about real estate, entrepreneurship, or eventually stepping away from corporate life, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest perspective.
Connect with Chris:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christopher_geddes/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon

Ep. 40: The Truth About Short-Term Rental Success with Aaron Kirkham

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Aaron Kirkham to talk about his journey from working several regular jobs to finding his niche in real estate through short-term rentals. Aaron shares how he first got started by renting out a portion of his own home on Airbnb, an experiment that quickly opened his eyes to the scalability of the short-term rental model and the possibility of replacing his W-2 income. What began as a simple side hustle evolved into a clear path toward financial freedom. We also dive into one of Aaron’s biggest mindset lessons: tenacity. He explains why success often comes down to your ability to ride the roller coaster longer than anybody else - with the roller coaster representing your chosen area of expertise - and how staying committed through the ups and downs can ultimately change your life. If you’re a high-income W-2 professional curious about real estate, side income, or building a business that creates freedom, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement to help you take the first step. 
 
Connect with Aaron: IG: @aaronbnb.kirkham, @stayconmigo 
 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon 
 
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon

Ep 39. This Investor is taking on Birmingham’s Housing Crisis—and Winning with Matt Burnett

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Matt Burnett, a former IT professional who walked away from the W2 world to build a real estate portfolio with a much bigger mission: providing affordable housing for 50,000 people in Birmingham, Alabama.
In just one year, Matt went from zero properties to 32, proving that impact and scale don’t have to be mutually exclusive. He works closely with Section 8 and HUD housing authorities to create high-quality, well-maintained homes for individuals and families who might not otherwise have access to them.
As his portfolio has grown rapidly, Matt shares how he’s shifting from hustle to systems, scalability, and mission-driven partnerships—so the business can grow without sacrificing purpose.
If you’re a high-income W2 professional curious about using real estate to build cash flow and make a real difference, this episode is a must-watch.
 
Connect with Matt:
IG: @mattbuysbham
 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon
 
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon

Ep. 38: Real Estate Investing Without Managing Property? Lease Options Explained with Conrado Mendez

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, we sit down with Conrado Mendez to break down how lease options can be used to invest in real estate without managing properties, while still creating real impact. As an immigrant investor, Conrado discovered that the lease option strategy allowed him to buy his first house. Then he went on to help people get into homes who wouldn’t qualify through traditional financing, all while building wealth at the same time through the lease option strategy. It’s a powerful example of how real estate can be both profitable and purpose-driven. Most of Conrado’s portfolio is based in Charleston, South Carolina, where he’s used creative financing to scale without relying on banks. He’s recently relocated to Miami, and we talk about how his strategy is evolving as he expands into new markets. If you’re interested in: - Creative real estate investing - Lease options explained simply - Helping buyers while still making money - Investing without being a landlord this episode is for you.
Connect with Conrado: IG: conradomendez_
FB: Conrado Mendez
LinkedIn: Conrado Mendez
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon 
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon

Ep. 37: Ep. 37 Why This Lawyer Quit His Job to Become a Full-Time Real Estate Investor with Soddee Knight

In this episode of From Corporate to Cashflow, hosts Andrea Cannon and Liz Schwab sit down with Soddee Knight to talk about he went from friends with Liz in 4th grade to law school to full time in real estate. Soddee took the leap from prosecutor to full time entrepreneur several years ago. In this episode he talks about how he went from saving up for a faucet for his properties to making the transition. 
Connect with Soddee: https://www.facebook.com/soddee/ www.knightlandcompany.com/borrow www.knightlandcompany.com/join-the-team/ 
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theandreacannon 
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAndreaCannon