"Girl, if one more person tells me investing in real estate is 'easy money,' I'm going to need a moment!" Nene declared to her reflection in her office window, adjusting her perfectly tailored blazer. Her smartphone buzzed with another notification about a "can't-miss investment opportunity," making her roll her eyes dramatically.

At 32, Nene had built herself quite the reputation in the corporate world. Designer wardrobe? Check. Corner office? Check. A thriving side business teaching others about financial freedom? Double-check. But something was still missing, and that empty feeling wasn't going away – no matter how many motivational podcasts she listened to during her morning runs.

Little did she know, this ordinary Tuesday was about to turn her perfectly organized world upside down.

It started with a wrong turn. (Thanks, GPS!) Instead of heading to her usual coffee spot, Nene found herself in front of the most peculiar property she'd ever seen. A Victorian mansion that looked like it couldn't decide whether it wanted to be condemned or converted into luxury condos.

"Now that's what I call a diamond in the rough," she mused, pulling over for a closer look. The "For Sale" sign was barely hanging on, swaying in the breeze like it was doing a lazy dance.

The listing description made her snort-laugh (very un-businesslike):

"Historic Queen Anne seeking modern-day queen to restore her glory. Current features include dramatic staircases (some steps missing, but who needs cardio?), vintage wallpaper (partially attached), and a basement that's definitely NOT haunted. Serious investors only. Previous owner left due to 'creative differences' with the local squirrel population."

Nene was about to drive away when she noticed something that made her designer heel hit the brake pedal: the price. It was so low it had to be a typo. Her real estate investor sense was tingling (yes, that's a thing).

What happened next involved:

• A lockbox that required an engineering degree to open
• A mysterious notebook left behind by the previous owner
• A chance meeting with an elderly neighbor who knew way too much about the property's history
• And a discovery in the attic that would change everything...

But before Nene could process any of this, her phone rang. The caller ID read "Unknown," and the voice on the other end would offer her a deal that seemed too good to be true.

Was this the opportunity she'd been manifesting, or was she about to learn why some deals come with warning labels?

[To be continued next week...]