T
abitha Jones is a whirlwind of activity - compliance director by day, volleyball coach, wellness retreat leader, pop-up picnic host, and part-time real estate agent on weekends. After buying her first home in Westchester County a decade ago, friends and family encouraged her to become an agent, which she did in 2016 with Keller Williams. She's since worked mostly with first-time buyers and acquaintances, enjoying the role of teacher as much as investor.

    Jones' goal is to own five properties, but she knows it requires sacrifice. To achieve this, she's frugal - her phone is a hand-me-down, and she won't replace her car until it falls apart. Last year, she sought a third property in the Bronx or nearby for her brother, who'd been living in a rental after their father's death.

    Among her options was a 3,000-square-foot mixed-use building in Dobbs Ferry with a storefront and two vacant units above. The asking price of $749,000 was higher than other options, but Jones loved the town's vibe and saw potential for a community bookstore-cafe in the storefront. Annual property taxes were around $17,000.

    Jones recently started a real estate investing club with like-minded friends from the Bronx, all Afro-Latina women looking to invest in their home borough, which she believes is "the next big thing." She wants to be one of the investors taking over neighborhoods, rather than just following others.