In this deeply inspiring and value-packed episode, I reconnect with my good friend and real estate powerhouse Dwan Bent-Twyford. Known as the Queen of Short Sales, Dwan returns to the show with a remarkable update that goes way beyond deals and numbers. Since her last appearance on Episode 213, she's navigated one of the most challenging seasons of her life—supporting her husband through a rare blood disorder and a two-year recovery inside a highly controlled environment.
But as you'll hear, Dwan didn't let those two years off the real estate grid slow her down. In fact, she came back swinging. She and her husband now own 28 buildings in Clinton, Iowa, where they're leading the charge on revitalizing an entire downtown. We talk about how they're creating generational wealth, the power of creative financing, and how she's turning vision into reality—one block at a time. You'll also hear why market conditions don't have to dictate your success and how to spot hidden opportunities in overlooked areas.
Timeline Summary
[0:00] - Introduction
[1:13] - Dwan's background and her evolution from short sale queen to town rebuilder
[3:43] - A life-altering diagnosis: her husband's rare blood disease and how they coped
[7:36] - The importance of being financially prepared when life throws a curveball
[10:57] - The surprising benefits of living in isolation and how it strengthened their marriage
[12:17] - Hiring a VA team and how Dwan learned to let go of control
[14:24] - Returning to real estate: updates on their bold Iowa town project
[16:02] - Property values up 50% and new businesses fueling downtown resurgence
[18:45] - What inspired the town revitalization plan and how Atlantic Ave in Florida played a role
[21:24] - How they acquired buildings through owner financing, subject-to deals, and even foreclosures
[22:07] - The voting system in downtown partnerships and their strategy to lead change
[25:57] - Drawing 2,000 people weekly downtown: how community events helped drive momentum
[27:03] - How to identify small-town investment opportunities with long-term upside
[30:08] - Still in the game: flipping, rehabbing, wholesaling, and educating the next generation
[31:47] - Door-knocking with her daughter and closing a $39,000 wholesale deal in 8 days
[33:08] - How her kids are now using subject-to strategies to build their own rental portfolios
[34:05] - Why distressed seller opportunities will always exist—regardless of the market
[36:59] - Final thoughts: eliminating excuses, building mindset, and just getting start
Links & Resources
Dwan's Website and Podcast: dwonderful.com
The Master Passive Income Podcast
https://masterpassiveincome.com/podcast
QLS Live
https://qlslive.com
Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime
https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast
FREE Master's Class
http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast
FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre
http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast
QLS 4.0
https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast
Investor Resources
https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources
Apprentice Program
https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast
In the Trenches Bootcamp
https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast
3 Paydays Virtual Event
https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast
REI Blackbook
https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD
7 Figures Funding
https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod
