Evolving Paths: From Speech Therapy to Real Estate with Danni Higgins

Welcome to the latest episode of Balancing Ambitions! Today, I’m joined by Danni Higgins—COO of a Portland-based accounting firm, real estate investor, entrepreneur, and mom. In this episode, we unpack her unconventional path from working as a speech pathologist with adults facing neurodegenerative diseases to managing a real estate portfolio and helping run a business, all while raising a toddler.Danni opens up about her early resistance to real estate, the turning point that changed everything, and how she and her husband transitioned from healthcare and paper mill shifts to house hacking and STR investing in Maine. We talk about the systems she’s put in place, how attending STR WealthCon helped her find clarity and community, and the exciting possibility of investing internationally during a planned six-week stay in New Zealand. We also explore her personal challenge of training for her first marathon post-baby and how intentional goal-setting helps her balance health, family, and business.Tune in now to hear how Danni has leaned into self-awareness, tackled limiting beliefs, and used focused decision-making to grow in both business and life. Her story is a refreshing reminder that your career doesn’t have to follow a linear path to be impactful.TIMESTAMPS00:24 – Guest intro: Danni Higgins03:30 – From speech therapy to real estate investing06:00 – The “book deal” that changed everything08:50 – First STR in Maine and lessons from the early days12:45 – Building a local portfolio & navigating city regulations14:20 – Attending STR WealthCon and refining systems17:20 – Marathon training as a working mom21:10 – Outsourcing mental load with coaching & structure24:00 – Considering out-of-state and international investing27:00 – Real estate as a vehicle for connection28:00 – Final advice on prioritization and balancing it allConnect with the Guest:Bigger Pockets - https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/dannihConnect with the Host:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitionsTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace#CareerPivot #RealEstateInvesting #WomenInRealEstate #MomLife #WorkLifeBalance #STRCommunity