From Single Mom to Real Estate Powerhouse: Danni’s Journey to Financial Freedom

When Danni moved from Beijing to Minnesota at 18, she didn’t know a single person. She came for an education—and unknowingly laid the foundation for a life built on courage, creativity, and calculated risk.

Today, Danni is a seasoned real estate investor, interior designer, and business owner with 50 investment units across the Twin Cities, and vacation rentals in Las Vegas, Seattle, and Florida. She’s the founder of DeAries Design and a strategic partner on development projects in high-growth areas like Washington, DC and Titusville, Florida. But her journey into real estate started in 2020, during one of the most uncertain economic climates in recent history—while raising two kids as a single mom.

Starting with a Vision—and a Sixplex in St. Paul

Danni’s first deal was a six-unit building near a private college in St. Paul. She saw potential where others saw problems. With smart renovations, strategic rental increases, and a well-timed refinance, she turned the building into a strong cash-flowing asset. It wasn’t luck—it was grit, data, and determination.

“I didn’t wait for the perfect moment,” she shares. “I learned from experienced investors, tapped into my network, and committed to growing—deal by deal.”

The Columbia Heights Deal That Got Away—Then Came Back

In 2021, Danni found a promising eight-unit auction listing online. The numbers looked solid, the location was great, and her underwriting showed potential for a $300K profit. She bid $1.05M—but the property shot up to $1.2M, and she had to walk away.

Then, one month later, a broker friend reached out with a deal. It was the same property—the original auction winner had backed out, and now the bank needed to sell. After a second look, Danni realized something crucial: the property was actually two fourplexes on separate plots.

That changed everything.

By re-evaluating the deal as two residential buildings instead of one commercial property, Danni saw how she could increase value faster, use favorable financing, and even tap into a 1031 exchange for tax deferral. After a $1.2M purchase, $300K down, and $30K in renovations, she and her investors sold the properties in 2024 for $1.5M. The return wasn’t quite what she projected—but it still outperformed the market, proving again that smart strategy beats emotion.

Why Network > Numbers (Sometimes)

“If you ever wonder how I find great investment deals,” Danni says, “80% come from my network. The other 20%? Research.”

That’s the power of relationships in real estate investing. From private equity projects to off-market opportunities, Danni has built her business through authentic connections, relentless learning, and a willingness to share what she knows.

Today, she not only continues to build her portfolio, but she mentors aspiring investors, helps clients design income-producing properties, and leads educational events—like her investor seminars that bring people together to learn, connect, and grow.

Designing a Life of Wealth—and Meaning

With a background in finance, business development, and interior design, Danni takes a 360-degree approach to every property. She maximizes returns without sacrificing aesthetics. She helps clients build passive income without cutting corners. And she uses her own journey as a blueprint to help others break into the world of real estate investing—especially other single parents who want more for their families.

Danni's story is proof that you don’t need perfect conditions to start. You just need vision, a plan, and a network that believes in you.

Want to learn more from Danni’s journey?
Stay tuned for her next investment workshop, where she’ll share real stories, real strategies, and real snacks (because, priorities).