EP 14 - Carina Guzmán - She Quit Her Job And Built Multiple Businesses - Still Scaling Despite Fear

Master the world of land development and learn how to scale your real estate portfolio by "flipping the paper" and building high-value projects. In this episode of Scared Shitless, host Sarah sits down with Carina Guzman, founder of the Land Development Academy, to uncover the raw truth about transition from a corporate 9-to-5 to becoming a powerhouse developer.Building a life you love means doing it afraid, and Carina shares her journey as an immigrant escaping war in El Salvador to navigating the complex regulations of the Canadian real estate market. We dive deep into modular construction challenges, the importance of deal structuring, and why your "exit strategy" is the most critical part of any land development project. Carina explains her "flipping the paper" strategy, securing permits and entitlements to add massive value to raw land before selling to builders and why this niche is the ultimate wealth-builder for those willing to learn the foundations.Whether you are a seasoned investor or a curious beginner, this conversation covers the importance of networking with high-caliber individuals, managing the stress of multiple mortgages, and leading a team with a sense of urgency. Carina doesn’t sugarcoat the failures; she treats every "landmine" as a lesson. Tune in to learn how to move beyond your "like-minded" circle and elevate your floor to become a leader in the real estate industry.Timestamps0:00 – Welcome...1:10 – How to Manage Motherhood, Marriage, and Multiple Projects4:06 – Developing a Sense of Urgency as a Leader6:07 – From Boutique Real Estate to Landlording7:09 – The Reality of Modular Construction & Why It Failed in 201611:08 – From Immigrant Household to Entrepreneurial Spirit13:07 – That Moment You Realize You’re Not a Good Employee17:12 – Navigating Family Expectations & Risk-Averse Parents21:35 – What is "Flipping the Paper"?23:36 – The Single Hardest Part of Land Development24:35 – Underwriting for Your Exit: 3 Exit Strategies You Need27:40 – Biggest Mistakes: Timing, Market Analysis & Regulations28:41 – Inside the Land Development Academy (LDA)33:12 – Overcoming Daily Fears & Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone35:14 – Why "Like-Minded" Groups Might Be Limiting Your GrowthConnect with Carina GuzmanIG -   / iamcarinaguzman  Linkedin -   / carina-guzm  Website - https://www.landdevacademy.com/💬 Drop your questions in the comments📩 DM Sarah for help with your project👍 Like the video to support the channel🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-estate development breakdowns#landdevelopment #entrepreneurship #propertydevelopment