At the Women of Influence conference now underway in Denver, a breakout panel on real estate investing offered practical advice for women looking to build wealth through property ownership. Beth Azor, President of Azor Advisory Services, took the stage with a clear message: anyone can start investing in real estate—sometimes with little more than courage and a modest nest egg. “It’s just about being brave,” Azor assured the audience, stressing that a small initial investment, even as low as $5,000, can be enough to open the door. Her ambition, she explained, is to empower women to dream bigger and support one another in the pursuit of wealth. “It’s about women helping other women grow their wealth.”
Jenny Zhan, Founder and CEO of Beyond Holding Company LTD, brought her own unique perspective to the conversation. Her journey into real estate didn’t start in property at all. “I used to manage $4 billion in assets in the stock market,” Zhan recounted. “But real estate is much safer in the long run. It’s more predictable because it generates cash flow, which helps stabilize your finances.”
For those just beginning, Zhan highlighted the accessibility of commercial real estate investing. She described several straightforward entry points, from buying a couple of units in an apartment building to joining a syndication, or purchasing a small house to rent out. Yet, in her view, commercial real estate offers the greatest potential. “The returns are higher and it offers greater scalability.”
Azor underscored her advice with vivid stories from her own career. She recalled purchasing a two-story office building that was past its prime, persuading Starbucks to relocate to the parking lot, and securing city approval for a new strip center. Her determination paid off; after providing critical support to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, she earned the opportunity to build a Wawa for $1.9 million and achieved a 4.4% cap rate—an accomplishment that thrilled her team. For Azor, investment timelines are flexible: some holdings, like shopping centers she acquired in 2008, have withstood the test of time, while other properties she flips without hesitation.
The secret, Azor revealed, is to invest in what you know. Whether it’s partnering with women across the country or backing someone local, she invests in people—and in their deep understanding of their chosen markets. “Buy in your asset class and in your market,” she advised, reinforcing the importance of familiarity and expertise. The session closed with a shared commitment to learning, risk-taking, and building wealth—together.
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