Episode 015: Tax Deed Real Estate Investing & Entrepreneur Self-Care with Antoinette Apolon
Listen, when I tell you that some conversations just hit different - this one with my friend Antoinette is exactly that. We've known each other since our restaurant days (you know, that unnamed establishment that we definitely won't be talking about), and watching her evolution from hustling doubles to becoming a real estate powerhouse has been absolutely incredible.
If you've ever wondered how the hell someone transitions from the music industry to tax deed investing, or if you're struggling with that whole "balance" thing as an entrepreneur, you're going to want to pay attention to what Antoinette drops in this episode.
The Real Talk About "Balance" - Spoiler Alert: It's Not What You Think
Can we just start with this bomb that Antoinette dropped? She said balance isn't static - it's a verb. It's constantly happening. When you're a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur with multiple businesses, the thought of being balanced is just... there's no such thing sometimes.
This hit me right in the feels because how many of us are beating ourselves up thinking we should have this perfect equilibrium? Antoinette's approach is all about harmony instead of balance, and honestly, that reframe changes everything. Some things get more attention than other things, and that's okay.
The systems and habits piece? Chef's kiss. Even though her husband had been telling her about habits for years (sorry, sir, but sometimes we need to hear it when we're ready), she's finally at the point where it's non-negotiable. And if you're in my Neuro Spicy Academy, you know I'm all about systemizing everything in your life.
Tax Deed Investing: The Unconventional Real Estate Game
Okay, let's talk about Antoinette's specialty because this stuff is fascinating. Tax deed investing is when you buy properties by paying the back taxes - we're talking pennies on the dollar, people. Florida is a hybrid state, meaning they sell both tax lien certificates and tax deeds.
Here's the wild part: when you buy a tax deed, you own that property free and clear. No mortgages. You're literally buying diamonds in the rough by solving problems that other people couldn't or wouldn't handle.
Antoinette just bought a house in Jacksonville for $3,000. Three thousand dollars, y'all. Now, she's quick to point out that baby is ROUGH - they're basically doing a complete reconstruction. But that's where the money is: in the problem-solving.
This isn't your sexy real estate like Airbnb or fix-and-flips that you see on TV. This is government-backed real estate with laws written right into the state codes. It requires education, understanding the concept, and really just going for it.
The Mindset Shifts That Actually Matter
One thing that really stood out to me was how Antoinette handles rejection. Coming from the music industry where you're constantly getting told "no," she was already prepped for that. But here's the evolution: she's learning not to take things personally.
When coaching clients don't sign up or when she loses out on properties (like last week when she sent her deposit in too late), it's not about her. It's about where that person is in their journey or the timing of everything.
And can we talk about her relationship with risk? Growing up in survival mode normalized risk for her. Everything feels risky when you've lived that way, so the real risk becomes refusing to go back to your place of comfort. The real risk is staying stuck.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish - It's Strategic
If there's one thing I want you to take away from this conversation, it's this: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Antoinette had to hit pause for a week to get her mind in order, and guess what? The world didn't end.
She's done with team no sleep. She needs eight hours, and don't talk to her if she doesn't get them. If she needs a nap in the middle of the day, don't talk to her until she takes it. Because here's the thing - she has to care for Antoinette so Antoinette can care for other people.
When you model self-care, everyone in your life starts to see how important it is. Your kids, your partner, even your five-year-old starts asking, "Mommy, do you need quiet time?" and then gives you space when you say yes.
The Manifestation Game Is Strong
Antoinette's manifestation tips are simple but powerful:
Vision boards everywhere (phone screensaver, desk, walls)
Show up for yourself consistently
Don't worry about the "how" - just take one step in front of the other
Keep your visions right in front of you
She's manifesting at a level that sometimes spooks even her. Wishing for software? Boom, it falls in her lap. Holding a property too long? Buyer shows up the next day with a deposit. This is what happens when you align your actions with your intentions.
The Academy Effect: Growth in Real Time
As one of our founding members at the Neuro Spicy Academy, Antoinette shared how being part of our community catalyzed major changes. The self-care piece became non-negotiable. Boundaries started getting defined (still a work in progress, but that's the journey).
And that conversation with Christina? It planted seeds that are now growing into a complete business restructure. Sometimes you need someone to gut your business model and ask the hard questions. Are you building something to sell or something to run forever? Because if you want scalable, you better build something you can sell.
Your Imposter Syndrome Is Lying to You
Here's what Antoinette's imposter syndrome tells her: "You don't have enough real estate deals. You haven't done enough. Your deals aren't big enough." Sound familiar?
But when people come at her asking for credentials, her response is perfect: "My lifestyle speaks for itself. I retired my mom, retired myself, worked for myself for three years, and crossed the six-figure mark. Those are my credentials."
Don't let people who have never been where you're going try to give you directions. And definitely don't let them question your qualifications when they're not even in the game.
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Ready to Connect with Antoinette?
You can find the Red Lotus Chick sharing tax deed wisdom and real estate insights on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqlPHSRefwMmpSUuPb0pDxA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinette-apolon-aba11a285/
She teaches people how to invest in tax defaulted properties and leverage personal credit to get business funding and scale their real estate empire. If you're ready to learn about unconventional real estate investing, she's your girl.
Remember: bet on yourself 101 million times. You won't let yourself down.
