255 - Boomerang Ranch and Beyond with Simone Lesko

Join Jen Josey in this episode of REIGN, the Real Estate Investor Growth Network, as she interviews Simone Lesko, a talented Australian entrepreneur who has made significant strides in real estate. Simone shares her captivating journey from Australia to the US, the intricacies of her real estate projects, and valuable insights into the industry. Discover her latest project, the Boomerang Ranch, where she transformed a mid-century modern property into a highly profitable investment. Learn about effective communication as a landlord, strategic project management, and innovative design choices that make a difference. Stick around for an engaging discussion on what makes Simone a true badass in the real estate world.   00:00 Introduction to REIGN with Jen Josey 01:07 Today's Topic: Mastering Communication as a Landlord 03:10 Guest Introduction: Simone Lesko's Journey 04:48 Simone's Personal Story: From Australia to the US 08:45 Real Estate Ventures: From Healthcare to Rentals 11:19 Boomerang Ranch: A Unique Property 17:20 Renovation Insights and Challenges 25:00 Financing and Project Timeline 28:21 Listing and Final Thoughts 30:30 Choosing the Right Real Estate Agency 32:06 Boomerang Ranch: Listing and Offers 34:43 Breaking Down the Final Numbers 39:31 Design Features and Mood Boards 46:25 Lessons Learned and Future Goals 48:47 Simone Lesko's Badass Journey   Born and raised in Australia, Simone Lesko is an entrepreneur with a global perspective and a passion for reimagining homes. She earned her bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Queensland—one of the world’s top-ranked universities—before launching her career in banking and finance at one of Australia’s leading financial institutions. Her life took a surprising turn in 2010 while vacationing in San Diego, where she met her now-husband crossing the street. One year later, they were married. Over the next few years, they lived in San Diego, Cleveland (her husband's hometown), and Atlanta, welcoming their first two children along the way. It was during her first stint in Cleveland that Simone noticed something striking about the U.S. housing market—unlike in Australia, cash-flowing rental properties were a real opportunity here. That insight led to their first real estate purchase in 2012: a duplex where they lived on one side and rented out the other, letting the tenant cover their mortgage and expenses. Simone made herself a promise: if they ever moved back to Cleveland, she’d dive into real estate full time. Fast forward to 2016, when the family relocated to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. There, Simone started a healthcare business that quickly took off, growing to nearly $5 million in annual revenue in just four years. Her husband joined the venture, and in the midst of scaling the company, they welcomed their third child. In 2021, they sold the business and returned to Cleveland. Simone kept her promise. In just over three years, she’s completed seven full renovations and manages a growing portfolio of rental properties under her company, Moza Homes. Her most recent project, Boomerang Ranch, turned a tired mid-century home in Moreland Hills into a high-design showcase that went under contract shortly after listing. Through Moza Homes, Simone wears many hats—owner, general contractor, licensed real estate agent, and designer. Her approach is hands-on and highly intentional. “Moza Homes was born from the idea that real estate investment could be both artistic and profitable,” she says. With a strategy focused on uncovering hidden potential in prime neighborhoods, Simone is building something special—one beautifully reimagined home at a time.   “There’s a story in every home,” Simone says. “My job is to reveal it.”   Social Media Links: (17) Facebook Instagram (25) SIMONE LESKO | LinkedIn   Website: Home | Moza Homes   To learn more about Jen Josey, visit www.TheRealJenJosey.com To join REIGN, visit www.REIGNmastermind.com Stuff Jen Josey Loves: https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From Beginner to Badass: https://a.co/d/bstKlby