For most, the American dream is rooted in safety: a steady job, a white picket fence, and a mortgage paid off by retirement. But for Meredith Hawkins, that dream looks vastly different—and arguably, much richer in meaning, experience, and impact.
On Episode 8 of Unconventional, host Bill Tessar sits down with Meredith, the powerhouse behind MH Luxury Rental Homes and founder of the nonprofit Give Girls Who Inspire, Volunteer, and Empower. From her beachfront base in Nicaragua, Meredith shares how she went from grassroots social work to owning high-end rental properties across borders—all while holding tightly to a mission of service.
Trading Convention for Purpose
Meredith’s story doesn’t begin with property flips or profit margins—it begins with compassion. Recalling an early memory of trying to help a hungry man who refused food in favor of money, she reflects, “That was a turning point. I could have stopped giving, but instead, it made me want to give more.” From that moment, she leaned into humanitarian work, particularly with the homeless, learning that what people often want more than food or shelter is simply to be seen.
She went on to found Give Girls Who Inspire, an organization that uplifts and empowers those often overlooked, particularly women and children. Her approach wasn’t just about offering aid—it was about restoring dignity and connection. “It’s not about what you’re giving, it’s about how you make someone feel,” she says.
The Shift to Real Estate
Despite her success in social work, Meredith began to seek a more flexible lifestyle—one where she could earn income remotely and still be deeply engaged as a parent. Real estate became the answer. Her first project, a condo in Utah purchased based on terrible listing photos but incredible location, turned into a $200,000 profit.
“It was kind of like therapy,” she says. “Taking something with good bones and bringing it back to life.” That moment sparked a career in real estate investment, particularly in luxury short-term rentals.
Finding Gold in A+ Locations
One of Meredith’s key philosophies is what she calls “the nucleus rule”: always buy in or near the heart of where people want to be. Whether it’s oceanfront in Nicaragua or a tight-knit neighborhood in Scottsdale, location is everything. She urges investors to prioritize quality locations over large square footage or flashy finishes. “You can fix bad paint. You can’t fix a bad location,” she emphasizes.
Another one of her golden rules? Buy properties with as many bedrooms as you can afford. “It opens you up to more renters and more resale opportunities. It’s the best way to increase value.”
Eyes Wide Open: Learning the Hard Way
Meredith’s path hasn’t been without bumps. She’s experienced fraud firsthand, sometimes from trusted friends or long-time vendors. One contractor, she explains, started out honest but slowly began inflating invoices, marking up materials, and billing for work not done. “I paid well. I gave bonuses. I supported their growth,” she says, still baffled at the betrayal. “But greed crept in.”
Her lesson for fellow investors? Trust, but verify. Even with long-term partners, she now insists on clear documentation, avoids pre-paying, and separates personal relationships from professional ones. “It’s not worth losing both your money and your friends,” she warns.
Building a Business That Lasts
Today, Meredith splits her time between U.S. markets and her latest love—Rancho Santana, a coastal paradise in Nicaragua where she’s invested in beachfront property. There, she works with local lenders and developers, opening doors for expats and other investors looking to diversify.
She’s also cautious. With tightening regulations on short-term rentals in the U.S., she recommends studying local government meeting minutes, avoiding HOAs when possible, and having backup plans like converting to long-term leases if needed. “I’m not a huge risk-taker,” she says, “but I am a big researcher.”
The Advice That Changed Everything
Meredith credits her mentors for one piece of advice that shifted her mindset: don’t fear debt. “I was taught that debt was bad. But I learned that when you use it to buy income-producing assets, it becomes freedom.”
Her strategy? Use smart leverage. Buy the ugly house in the perfect spot. Don’t worry about people’s opinions. And never stop learning. “Surround yourself with people smarter than you,” she advises. “Ask a ton of questions. Be humble.”
The Bigger Picture
Whether she’s restoring homes or restoring hope, Meredith is living proof that financial freedom and social good don’t have to be at odds. She’s flipping properties, yes—but more importantly, she’s flipping the script on what success really looks like.
In her words: “Real estate will always be a buy. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And when you do it with heart and strategy, you’re not just investing in buildings. You’re investing in a life.”
Find Meredith @MHluxuryrentalhomes. Don’t miss future episodes featuring top experts in real estate, lending, and entrepreneurship.
Stay tuned for more incredible stories by following CV3 Financial on social media @CV3financial and subscribing to The Unconventional Podcast on all your listening platforms. And as Bill likes to say: “Dare to be Unconventional”