Featured Apartment Leasing Experts

Melody “Mel” Stevens is the high-energy CEO and lead designer behind Design On A Dime Interiors—the Greater Houston studio celebrated for magazine-worthy rooms that respect the checkbook. Since opening in 2017 she’s transformed scores of kitchens, baths, and family hubs, pairing Southern warmth with fearless color to deliver “million-buck” looks on sensible budgets. Named City’s Best Interior Designer two years running (2023-24), Mel’s approach has been spotlighted in Best of Home & Garden, where she unpacked her patience-first strategy during a five-phase Lake Conroe remodel. Houston native who first honed her craft at a large remodeling firm, she now leads an all-female Dream Team that blends space-planning savvy, budget-smart sourcing, color psychology, and tight project coordination. Her horticulture training lets her extend the design story outdoors with native, drought-wise plant palettes. Off the jobsite, Mel mentors women in business, cheers at her grandkids’ games, and pens practical design tips for the DOAD blog (start with “The Power of Color in Interior Design”). Ready to swap builder beige for brilliant living? Connect with Mel at designonadimeinteriors.com or on Instagram @doad_interiors.

My name is Chad Phillis. I'm a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned real estate investor, and I'm the founder and CEO of Checkmate Rentals—a premier short-term rental management company focused on maximizing revenue, optimizing operations, and delivering unmatched experiences for both guests and property owners. I built Checkmate Rentals to stand apart in an industry often marked by one-size-fits-all solutions and a lack of transparency. With deep expertise in Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Google Vacation Rentals, I recognized that most property management companies treat owners like just another number. That's why I prioritize profitability, transparency, and genuine partnerships, treating each owner like family with tailored strategies and clear financial insights. My hands-on experience in dynamic pricing, listing optimization, and operational automation has helped countless property owners turn their rentals into high-performing, passive income streams while providing exceptional guest experiences. As a trusted thought leader in the short-term rental space, I also advise investors on scaling portfolios, navigating industry regulations, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. By blending market analysis, cutting-edge technology, and a people-first approach, I've redefined what short-term rental management can be—because at Checkmate Rentals, the difference isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the relationships.

Brooke is the Marketing Manager at Spacebase, the lease management platform originally built in collaboration with Airbnb to streamline commercial real estate operations and ensure ASC 842 compliance. With a background in SaaS marketing, commercial real estate residential real estate and business development, Brooke leads strategic initiatives that position Spacebase as a category-defining solution for finance and real estate teams. At Spacebase, Brooke drives campaigns that connect with CFOs, controllers, and asset managers at some of the world’s most recognizable companies. She focuses on developing high-impact messaging, content, and digital strategies that showcase Spacebase’s strengths, powerful software, exceptional support, and intuitive design. Known for a creative yet analytical approach, Brooke helps shape the brand voice and go-to-market strategies that have contributed to Spacebase’s growth and reputation as a trusted solution for complex lease portfolios.

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

I am a life long lover of all things real estate and construction since I was a young man building all kinds of forts. At 53yo, today we specialize in many exit strategies in both residential and commercial real estate investing. I love what I do and sharing the knowledge is my way of paying it forward!

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

My name is Rachael O’Bella. I am a top-producing real estate investor and the founder of BlueBerrie Properties, a Houston-based brokerage specializing in high-investment return, off-market real estate. Since 2017, I have been helping investors build wealth by sourcing exclusive, below-market deals designed for maximum ROI. Recognizing that a property's value extends beyond purchase price to presentation, I also launched Refined by Rachael, a boutique design firm dedicated to residential and Airbnb interior design. My expertise combines strategy, design, and investment insights to transform acquisitions into high-performing assets.

I’m the founder of a boutique real estate marketing agency based in Toronto, dedicated to helping builders and property developers elevate their properties and stand out in a competitive market. With years of experience in marketing, I specialize in crafting tailored marketing strategies that drive visibility, engagement, and sales. Whether you’re launching a new condo development, selling a luxury home, or leasing commercial space, I bring the tools, tactics, and expertise to help you make a powerful impression.

With over two decades of experience as an International Protective and Intelligence Specialist, Denida Grow has cultivated a wealth of expertise across various countries and cultures. In 2002, she founded Athena Worldwide & Athena Academy in Greece, a pioneering training and placement company exclusively dedicated to female security professionals. Her vision was to establish a nurturing and empowering environment where women could receive comprehensive guidance in essential areas such as soft skills, protective intelligence, covert protective details, and conflict management. Inspired by the ancient Greek goddess Athena, Denida’s focus was to teach her students to “protect through wisdom and intelligence.” Expanding her portfolio in 2008, she introduced Nannyguards, a groundbreaking hybrid service merging childcare with protective services. Throughout her career, Denida has assumed numerous leadership roles including Executive Protection Operative (both Covert and Overt), Security Consultant, Intelligence Analyst, Instructor, Investigator, and Project Manager. Her clientele has spanned the globe, with work experience in countries such as India, Greece, France, Italy, Albania, and the USA. Holding a BSc in Counseling and Psychology from Teesside University, Denida has received training in various Executive Protection methodologies from esteemed British, American, and Israeli organizations. Over the past decade, she has honed her focus on Protective Intelligence, Intelligence Analysis, and Open-Source Intelligence. Currently serving as the managing partner for LeMareschal LLC, an International Risk Management, Protective Intelligence, and Logistics company headquartered in Seattle, WA, Denida continues to drive innovation and excellence in the field. Fluent in Albanian, Greek, and English, she remains deeply committed to delivering bespoke security solutions and training programs to individuals and organizations worldwide.

I'm a seasoned real estate investor, stager, and designer, with extensive experience in conducting deals across North America. Over the years, I’ve built and run four successful house-buying companies, and I’m passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of real estate. My expertise has earned me mentions in hundreds of publications such as Men's Journal, Zapier, and Bustle, covering a range of topics including finance, sales, real estate, and home décor. Whether it's buying and selling homes or discussing market trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to every conversation.

Real Estate Investor | Cash Homebuyer Specialist | Nevada Market Expert Owner of 702 Cash Buyers, I help homeowners sell their houses as-is quickly and stress-free. With over 7 Years of home buying experience, I specialize in foreclosures, probate sales, and inherited properties, offering actionable advice and fast solutions for sellers. Known for my transparency and market expertise, I’m passionate about helping families navigate challenging situations with confidence. I’m always ready to provide insights on real estate trends, the Nevada market, and strategies for hassle-free home sales. 🌟 Outdoor enthusiast | Family man | Advocate for integrity-driven outcomes

My name is Humberto Marquez. I am a seasoned real estate investment strategist with a keen eye for spotting high-potential properties and optimizing them for exceptional returns. As the Founder of gethomecash.com, I have redefined property acquisition and management by leveraging innovative Airbnb strategies and a commitment to quality over quantity. My approach ensures that each investment is carefully selected and managed to maximize its full potential. Holding a Texas Real Estate Broker License and backed by five years of hands-on experience in short-term rental management, I have successfully helped over 100 investors secure profitable vacation rental opportunities nationwide. Recognized in numerous publications and trusted by industry leaders, I continue to set new standards in property management and investment excellence.

Paul Herskovitz is the founder and CEO of Discount Lots, a pioneering real estate company dedicated to making land ownership easy and affordable for everyone. Leveraging his extensive background in e-commerce and marketing, Paul established Discount Lots in 2019 with the vision of simplifying the often complex and expensive process of purchasing land. Under his leadership, the company has experienced rapid growth, facilitating thousands of transactions and helping a broad spectrum of buyers—from first-time landowners to seasoned investors—acquire valuable land nationwide. Beyond its commitment to affordable land solutions, Discount Lots plays a key role in tackling the nation’s housing shortage by preparing land for development. By coordinating with local governments and navigating entitlement procedures, the company ensures its properties are well-positioned for new homes and community expansion. Guided by Paul’s expertise in scaling businesses and cultivating strong customer relationships, Discount Lots has become a go-to resource for individuals and developers alike, providing comprehensive support that goes beyond merely selling land. As a result, Paul continues to shape the real estate landscape by championing innovative, customer-centric approaches to property ownership.