Meet Shereen and Hayden: A Blended Family with Big Dreams

When Shereen and Hayden joined the Ultimate Real Estate Success Coaching and Mentoring Program and the I Love Real Estate community in 2016, they had one big goal: to replace their income and create a life of freedom.

Shereen, a psychologist, and Hayden, a window tinter, seemed like your average hard-working couple. But as they stood in front of the community to share their story, their unique determination and resilience shone through.

“We’re a blended family,” Hayden explained with a smile. “I have a son who’s just turned 18 and Shereen has a daughter who’s 21. Plus, we have two Border Collies who keep us busier than the kids!”

Their family dynamic was filled with love and laughter, but they were united by a shared desire to create something more.

Their reasons for joining the community were simple but powerful. Like many others, they wanted to secure their financial future.

“We wanted more time with our kids,” Shereen said. “And we wanted the freedom to live life on our terms.” But what set them apart was their willingness to dive into the unknown, leaving behind traditional mindsets and embracing new opportunities.

Shereen and Hayden weren’t strangers to hard work. “Hayden’s the ‘brawn’ in our duo, but don’t let him fool you,” Shereen joked.

“He listens to quantum physics podcasts for fun!” The audience chuckled, but it was clear this couple brought both brains and muscle to the table. Little did they know, their journey would test every ounce of that resourcefulness.

Their story began like many others: with dreams, some savings, and a lot of determination. But their road to success was paved with challenges that would teach them invaluable lessons about resilience, innovation, and the power of a supportive community.

“We wanted the freedom to live life on our terms.”

From Fearful Beginnings to Bold Dreams

Shereen and Hayden didn’t grow up surrounded by wealth or risky ventures. Both came from families that held tight to the “safe” approach to property: avoid debt, save every penny, and never borrow more than you can comfortably repay.

While this mindset provided a sense of security, it also held them back.

“We had to change our mindset,” Shereen admitted. “Our families were very conservative with money. My parents always said, ‘Don’t get into debt. Pay off your mortgage and hold onto your money.’” Hayden nodded in agreement. “My parents were the same. They renovated properties, but they were completely against borrowing from second- or third-tier lenders.”

This deep-seated fear of financial risk made their early steps in real estate feel daunting.

“We were holding ourselves back,” Hayden said. “It was like we had this invisible barrier in our minds. We needed to break through that fear.”

The turning point came when they attended a free seminar in Townsville. Inspired by the stories they heard and armed with newfound confidence, they decided to join the Ultimate Real Estate Success Coaching and Mentoring Program and the I Love Real Estate community.

“We wanted to replace our income, and this felt like the path to do it.”

But their journey wasn’t without bumps. Their first investment property turned out to be a disaster, with its value plummeting shortly after purchase.

“We fell into a marketeer’s trap,” Shereen said. “The house was valued at $260,000, but we had a loan for $340,000. It was a huge lesson.”

Despite the setback, they didn’t give up. Instead, they shifted their mindset, learned from their mistakes, and began taking calculated risks.

The couple decided to pursue real estate with a bold new outlook: one that embraced challenges and focused on long-term growth.

The First Big Leap: A Renovator’s Delight

Their first real venture after joining the community was a six-bedroom, two-bathroom property in desperate need of love.

“It was a deceased estate,” Hayden said. “When they say ‘renovator’s delight,’ they mean it. The place had green turf carpet and a Greek water feature inside.”

Despite the state of the house, Shereen saw its potential. “It was close to job hubs, schools, and TAFE,” she explained.

“We knew it could work as a rooming house.” They scraped together a 5% deposit and offered more than the asking price, knowing they needed to secure the deal.

Renovating the property turned into a massive undertaking. “We thought it’d take six months,” Hayden said, laughing. “Four years later, we were still working on it.” During this time, the family lived in the house, using camp stoves to cook and sleeping in unfinished rooms.

Despite the hardships, the experience became a crash course in property renovations. “We put our heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears into that house,” Shereen said. Their hard work paid off. The property, initially purchased for $265,000, was revalued at $730,000 after renovations.

This first big project gave them the confidence and skills they needed to tackle more ambitious ventures. It also taught them an important lesson: success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through persistence, learning, and sheer determination.

Health Scares and Hard Lessons

As if renovating a home while raising a family wasn’t challenging enough, Shereen faced unexpected health issues during their journey. “I had a seizure one day at work,” she shared. “It was scary. I thought, ‘Do I have a brain tumor?’ Thankfully, it turned out to be epilepsy, which could be managed.”

For six months, Shereen wasn’t allowed to drive. But instead of letting the diagnosis slow her down, she turned it into an opportunity. “I walked to work every day, listening to I Love Real Estate podcasts,” she said. “I got so much inspiration from the stories I heard. It kept me going.”

Hayden also faced health challenges of his own. While working on a renovation, he experienced a seizure, which Shereen described as a wake-up call. “We call it the universal slap in the face,” she joked. “It reminded us of our goals and helped us refocus.”

These health struggles underscored the importance of balancing their ambitions with self-care. The couple realized that pushing through challenges required not just physical effort, but mental and emotional resilience as well. They supported each other through the toughest moments, drawing strength from their shared vision of a better future.

Over time, they adapted their approach to balance their workload with their well-being. Shereen continued to focus on personal development by attending seminars and connecting with other members of the I Love Real Estate community. Hayden took on tasks that allowed Shereen to rest when needed, demonstrating the power of teamwork in overcoming adversity.

In the end, these trials became stepping stones. Shereen and Hayden’s determination to push forward—despite health scares and setbacks—proved that persistence, adaptability, and mutual support could turn even the toughest challenges into victories.

Taking It to the Next Level

By 2020, Shereen and Hayden decided to level up their skills and resources by joining the Platinum Accelerator program. “We knew we needed more tools in our toolkit,” Hayden said.

“The program gave us access to experts and strategies we’d never considered before.”

Their first step after joining was to clear out underperforming properties. “We had a marketeer property that was $80,000 negative,” Shereen shared. “It was hard to let go, but we knew it was the right decision.”

The Platinum program introduced them to advanced strategies that opened up new possibilities. They learned how to identify properties with high potential, leverage their resources, and navigate complex deals. The support of the Platinum community also gave them the confidence to take on projects they might have previously avoided.

One major benefit was access to experienced mentors and coaches. “Having someone to guide us through tough decisions made all the difference,” Shereen explained. Whether it was advice on negotiations or insights into market trends, the mentorship they received was invaluable.

With each new project, their confidence grew. The program encouraged them to think creatively, such as exploring subdivision opportunities and diversifying their property portfolio. “The support and resources we gained through Platinum were game-changing,” Hayden said.

By the end of their first year in Platinum, Shereen and Hayden had not only cleared their underperforming investments but also laid the foundation for future growth. Their decision to invest in their education and network had transformed their approach to real estate, setting them on a path to long-term success.

Clearing the Duds

One of the hardest lessons Shereen and Hayden learned was the importance of letting go of bad investments. Their marketeer property, purchased early in their journey, had been a financial drain for years. “It was poorly managed and hard to sell,” Shereen said. “But once we made the decision to cut our losses, we felt a huge sense of relief.”

Selling the underperforming property wasn’t easy. It required a mindset shift, as they had to confront their fears of failure and focus on the bigger picture. “It’s tempting to hold onto something because you’ve already invested so much in it,” Hayden noted. “But sometimes, letting go is the best move you can make.”

Once the property was sold, they redirected their energy toward more promising ventures. This strategic decision not only improved their cash flow but also freed them from the emotional weight of a bad investment. “It was like a fresh start,” Shereen said.

Clearing the duds became a turning point in their journey. It taught them to evaluate properties more critically and to prioritize long-term value over short-term gains. They also learned to trust their instincts and not fall prey to external pressures, such as flashy marketing campaigns.

By shedding these financial burdens, Shereen and Hayden were able to focus on projects that aligned with their goals. The experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking, key skills that would continue to serve them well in their real estate journey.

Small Wins and Big Gains

One of their most exciting ventures was a subdivision project during the height of COVID. “We bought a dual-lot property and had plans to build duplexes,” Hayden explained. When construction costs soared, they pivoted, deciding to sell the blocks instead.

The process was far from straightforward. “We had to get creative,” Shereen said. “We marketed the blocks, cleared the land, and even buried crystals for good luck!” Their lighthearted approach added some fun to the stressful process, and to their surprise, it worked. “We got cash offers above asking price,” Shereen shared with a laugh.

The success of this project gave them a taste of the potential in subdivisions. They realized that even small wins could have a big impact on their financial goals. “It wasn’t just about making money,” Hayden said. “It was about proving to ourselves that we could adapt and succeed, even in uncertain times.”

This venture also highlighted the value of having a strong network. Through connections in the I Love Real Estate community, they were able to navigate the complexities of subdivision approvals and find buyers quickly. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you have the right people on your side,” Shereen said.

By turning challenges into opportunities, Shereen and Hayden continued to build their confidence and expand their skillset. The subdivision project became a stepping stone, inspiring them to take on more ambitious deals in the future.

Diversifying the Portfolio

From quick flips to converting properties into Airbnbs, Shereen and Hayden found creative ways to maximize their investments. “We’ve turned a two-bedroom property into an Airbnb near a new hospital,” Shereen said. “It’s now generating fantastic cash flow.”

The decision to explore Airbnb rentals came from their desire to diversify their income streams. They researched the local market, identified high-demand areas, and transformed properties to appeal to short-term renters. “It’s about understanding what people need and delivering that,” Hayden explained.

Their Airbnb venture not only provided steady income but also taught them valuable lessons about customer service and property management. Shereen enjoyed the creative aspects, such as designing interiors to create a welcoming atmosphere. Hayden, on the other hand, focused on maintaining the properties and ensuring they met safety standards.

Their success with Airbnbs encouraged them to think outside the box in other areas of their portfolio. For example, they took on quick renovation projects to flip properties for a profit.

“Sometimes, it’s about spotting an opportunity and acting fast.”

By diversifying their portfolio, Shereen and Hayden reduced their reliance on any single income source. This approach provided stability and allowed them to weather market fluctuations more effectively. It also reinforced their belief in the power of adaptability and innovation in achieving long-term success.

Helping Family and Building a Future

Shereen and Hayden’s journey isn’t just about personal success. They’ve also used their skills to help family members, like Shereen’s sister, who was able to secure a new home after a divorce thanks to their advice.

“My sister was in a tough spot,” Shereen shared. “The first agent she contacted undervalued her property, and it would’ve been a huge loss. We stepped in, helped her clean and paint the house, and ultimately got her an extra $50,000. That made all the difference.”

Helping others has been a consistent theme in their journey. Whether it’s advising friends and family or mentoring new investors in the I Love Real Estate community, Shereen and Hayden are committed to paying it forward. “We’ve learned so much, and it’s rewarding to share that knowledge with others,” Hayden said.

Their vision extends beyond financial goals. They want to create a legacy of generosity and empowerment, teaching their children the value of hard work and smart decision-making. “It’s not just about what we’ve achieved,” Shereen said. “It’s about building something that lasts.”

By focusing on the bigger picture, Shereen and Hayden have found purpose and fulfillment in their journey. Their story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the impact of helping others succeed.

A Journey of Transformation

When they started, Shereen and Hayden had just $80,000 in equity. Today, they’re nearing $1 million, with $22,000 in positive cash flow. Their journey is proof that with determination, resilience, and the right support, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took years of hard work, learning from mistakes, and staying committed to their goals. “We didn’t always know what we were doing,” Hayden admitted. “But we were willing to learn and adapt.”

Their success is a result of combining practical strategies with a strong mindset. They embraced opportunities, even when they seemed risky, and leaned on their community for guidance. “The support from I Love Real Estate has been incredible,” Shereen said. “It’s not just about the resources — it’s about being part of a network that believes in you.”

Looking back, Shereen and Hayden are proud of how far they’ve come. They’ve not only achieved financial independence but also gained the confidence to pursue even bigger dreams. Their story is an inspiration to anyone looking to create a better future through real estate investing.

“The support from I Love Real Estate has been incredible. It’s not just about the resources — it’s about being part of a network that believes in you.”

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These stories and the results in them were captured at a specific point in time. The real estate market and the investing strategies used to succeed are constantly changing. The achievements and results of these investors may have changed since these stories were recorded. Each of these investors engaged in in-depth training, coaching and mentoring to be able to achieve these results. Their results are not typical and should not be taken as a guarantee of the results you may achieve. Your personal results will be in-line with the training, education and hard work that you personally conduct.

“It’s not just about what we’ve achieved. It’s about building something that lasts.”