Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Swihart. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Abigail Swihart is the Owner of E. Laine Properties LLC. Abigail is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in Business Communications and Counter-Terrorism. Born and Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Abigail took her first job out of college to work for Donald R. Kenney. It was there at DRK, she learned strategic business practices, leadership skills, and project management. Under the umbrella of DRK, Abigail was hired by Donald R. Kenney himself to help start the deregulated utility company, Capital.Energy as their second employee. During the 4 years, she worked at Capital.Energy, she directly helped contribute to the company, which grew to make $100+ million dollars and earned the business first Fast50 Award, placing 7th out of 50 of Columbus’ fastest-growing companies. Throughout the life-cycle of the startup, Abigail wore many hats, such as Marketing Director, Customer Support Manager, and Commercial Accounts Manager. As one of their top sales agent, Abigail solidified the largest contract in company history as well as many partnerships with large real estate firms throughout Columbus.
Abigail started her first real estate venture at 21, buying her first home in Worthington, Ohio. It was at that home where she “house-hacked” and had two friends live with her, paying rent. Fixing up the house herself, she had an interest sparked in real estate and decided to become an investor. After passively investing for a year, Abigail started investing in her own rentals.
Currently, Abigail manages her own rental portfolio of 24 units, sold over 130+ houses and investments in 2021. She is a licensed REALTOR with Red 1 Realty, specializing in investment real estate, listing services, and buyer services.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. A lot of the real estate colleagues I have had parents that gave them money or trust funds. I never received a loan or cash assistance from my parents. Everything that I’ve worked for and I have bills came from me. Sometimes it’s a little frustrating but at the end of the day, no one else can get credit for my success but me. I think being a young woman has always given me some advantages but there are clear disadvantages as well.
I think getting banks to take me seriously has always been a challenge but recently it’s become a lot easier and I’m starting to feel the snowball effect of my efforts. I worked so hard, for so, long to get so little, and in real estate investing the first couple houses are the hardest and it’s been really exciting to see all of the work I put in years ago start to pay dividends.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I own and operate East Laine Properties. We are a real estate investment firm focusing on investment real estate multifamily rehabs rentals in short-term rentals. I’m license with Red 1 Realty and help out clients with their investments primary resident purchases and listing services.
I think what sets me apart from others is my consistency. For the most part, I’m very disciplined and consistently show up to networking events meetups, and other groups.
I hope to lead by example and to inspire other women to invest in real estate. The challenge of real estate investing can be daunting and maybe is not for everyone, but Real Estate has brought me so much joy in my life and protection financially.
What makes you happy?
I think being around friends and family make me happiest.
Contact Info:
- Email: swihartrealtor@gmail.com
