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

What really happens behind the scenes of a real estate closing?

In this episode of Branching Out: Where Real Estate Meets Real Life, we sit down with Michelle Wine, a real estate attorney with nearly a decade of experience untangling some of the toughest deals in North Carolina.

From messy title issues and complicated estate sales to wholesaling and investor contracts, Michelle has seen it all — and she’s here to share the lessons every buyer, seller, and investor should know before they get to the closing table.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why title searches and title insurance matter more than most people realize

The legal pitfalls in wholesaling and “subject to” deals (and how to avoid them)

When to use an LLC — and when it might actually hurt you

How to make your attorney’s life easier (and your deal smoother)

The craziest closing stories from Michelle’s career so far

Whether you’re a first-time investor or you’ve closed dozens of deals, this episode is packed with real-world advice, legal insights, and stories that’ll change the way you think about closing day.

📌 Subscribe for more episodes where real estate meets real life.
📘 Grab your free investing guide: https://edu.branchwealthpartners.com/opt-in