Planning for Retirement: Turning Real Estate Into Income w/Renee Dials

In this special episode of Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, Dani and Chelsey sit down with someone who shaped Dani’s understanding of work, discipline, and long-term thinking… her mom, Renee Dials.

After a 40-year career as a trusted voice at FOX10 News, Renee didn’t simply step into retirement… she stepped into a plan she had been building for years. While working full-time in television, she was quietly investing in real estate, creating an additional stream of income that now supports her in retirement.

From her first property to managing Section 8 rentals, Renee shares what it really looks like to build something outside of your 9 to 5… and why starting early matters more than most people realize. The conversation also dives into the “gray areas” of real estate: unexpected costs, property taxes, tenant challenges, and the lessons that only come from experience.

Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray, hosted by FOX10’s Chelsey Sayasane and Dani Dials, is where real conversations meet real stories of resilience, innovation, and growth. Each week, we uncover the journeys of entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating the gray areas of success. From local start-ups to larger powerhouses, our conversations aim to uncover the unfiltered realities behind building and leading a business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, you’ll find inspiration, challenge, and connection in every episode.