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From Foster Care to Fortune:
How Kris Fleming Negotiates
Her Way to Real Estate Success

From The Built For This Podcast with Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane

A Journey Built on Grit and Strategy

Kris Fleming’s story is anything but typical. From a childhood spent in homeless shelters and cars to becoming a strategic real estate investor, Kris exemplifies what it means to be built for this. In a recent episode of The Built For This Podcast with Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane, Kris shared how her path in real estate began with curiosity—and a bold question that changed everything.

At just 18, after aging out of foster care, Kris moved from California to Tennessee and bought her first home. With no money, few connections, and no experience, she simply asked, “You mean I get the whole house for that price?” That moment ignited a lifetime of creative deal-making and powerful negotiations.

Negotiation as a Superpower

Kris doesn’t just buy houses—she crafts win-win scenarios. In one story, she negotiated a lower purchase price and even convinced the seller to replace the carpet. That same seller is now a business partner and friend. “If you don’t ask, it’s already a no,” she says, reminding us that confidence is often the first step in any good deal.

From buying distressed properties and transforming them into beautiful homes to using live-in renovations as a wealth-building strategy, Kris proves that real estate success is about mindset, not just money.

Building Wealth Without Being a Landlord

Kris also shares a unique approach to ownership. Recognizing that she doesn’t enjoy being a landlord, she structures joint ventures and equity deals where she owns part of the property—but doesn’t manage it. “I know I’m not good at saying no to late rent,” she laughs, “so I let partners handle that part.”

Whether it’s negotiating DSCR loans, buying into developments, or getting paid in houses instead of cash, Kris has found ways to grow wealth without compromising who she is.

🎧 Catch her full interview on The Built For This Podcast
Episode Title: From Homelessness to Home Ownership: Kris Fleming's Unstoppable Real Estate Negotiation
🔗Listen on Apple Podcasts
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