From Software Development to Real Estate Success: Tatiana Zagorovski’s Journey with Trio Realty Partners
In a recent episode of Unscripted Small Business, host Zaneta Chuniq Inpower sat down with Tatiana Zagorovski (also known as "Miss Z") to discuss her remarkable journey in real estate and the work she does at Trio Realty Partners in St. Louis, Missouri. The conversation offered valuable insights into the real estate industry, career transitions, and the cash home buying process.
"I am humbled and honored to be here and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have about business or real estate or anything else you want to," Tatiana shared at the beginning of the interview, setting the tone for an insightful conversation.
Finding Her Path in Real Estate
Tatiana Zagorovski’s journey into real estate began with a simple, long-held dream: to make money using her own brain and run her own business. She just didn’t know what kind—until 25 years later.
"My daughter actually wants to get into real estate. And so I have been a partner in helping her learn more about that journey. So for you, how did you get started in this industry?" Zaneta asked, opening the conversation about Tatiana's real estate journey.
“It’s been a dream of mine to build something of my own,” Tatiana shared. “And while I joke about having a ‘Midwest accent,’ my real one probably gives me away—I wasn’t born in St. Louis. It just took time to find a business that really fit.”
That clarity came from an unexpected place: a $27 ad for a five-day real estate training she spotted online.
“It just kept popping up,” Tatiana recalled. “And I thought, why not? It was a no-brainer—low risk, and maybe something new.”
What started as a simple online course quickly shifted her entire career. “The moment I started listening, I knew I’d found it. Commercial Real estate and residential real estate has so many strategies and possibilities that anyone can find something."
"Wow!" Zaneta responded, acknowledging Tatiana's enthusiasm.
Her passion for the industry is evident as she enthusiastically notes she could talk about real estate "for hours, days, probably weeks, if not months."
Navigating Challenges in a New Industry
The transition from software development to real estate didn’t come without hurdles. Tatiana candidly shared her early struggles with finding quality mentorship and training—an experience that taught her the value of due diligence.
“Tell me a little bit more about some of the challenges that you faced in learning this new industry. You said you made a pivot from software development into something that a lot of people may be interested in at this time of their lives. It's just making a career pivot, and you have done that successfully,” Zaneta inquired.
“Full disclosure—it didn’t start off easy,” Tatiana admitted. “I hit a few bumps along the way, and I’m more than happy to share them so others can hopefully have a smoother journey.”
One of the biggest lessons? Choosing the right mentorship.
“My advice: be very careful when picking a mentorship or program,” she warned. “The right training and support is essential—but not all programs deliver. I spent tens of thousands of dollars before I found groups that actually taught high-quality, actionable content.”
Tatiana suggests starting with local networking as a more grounded entry point: “My recommendation is to start with real estate networking events. Every metro area has a bunch of them—for example, in St. Louis, there are a few every single week. Start showing up, find your crowd, connect with people you vibe with, and ask questions.”
She also cautioned against the common trap of trying to do too much at once.
“We chase every gold nugget we see—every shiny object sounds exciting,” she said. “But that’s how you end up doing everything… and accomplishing nothing.”
Trio Realty Partners: Buying Houses for Cash
At Trio Realty Partners, Tatiana focuses on three core real estate strategies: buying houses, keeping some for fix-and-flip projects, and selling others with seller financing. The company specializes in buying houses for cash throughout the St. Louis metro area, offering homeowners a hassle-free selling experience—no repairs, no realtor commissions, and no fees.
“You mentioned being focused and narrowing down your scope. So something that you do at Trio Realty Partners is buy houses. Tell us a little bit more about you being inside the industry that purchases homes for cash,” Zaneta prompted.
Tatiana explained her approach: “Yes, so right now I focus on three main things in real estate. I buy houses, I keep some to fix and flip, and others I sell on seller finance. That last one is actually the most rewarding, because I get to help people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to own a home.”
She noted how smart interior design can often raise a home’s value, making renovations a worthwhile investment when flipping properties.
“My goal is always to help the seller first,” Tatiana explained. “When someone reaches out, I take time to understand their situation—what they need, what they’re hoping to achieve. Then, I usually offer a few different options, because there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution.”
Importantly, she doesn’t pressure sellers into deals that aren’t right for them: “In some cases, I’ll say, ‘I can’t help you right now,’ or I’ll recommend they work with an experienced retail agent instead. I’m also a licensed agent, but I specialize in investing—so my goal is always to find the best path for the seller, even if that’s not working with me.”
A Day in the Life at Trio Realty Partners
When asked by Zaneta what a typical day looks like at Trio Realty Partners, Tatiana was quick to emphasize that in real estate, flexibility is everything.
“There’s really no such thing as a typical day,” she explained. “In this business, you’ve got to stay flexible. You have to be ready to literally jump in your car and go check out a property if the right deal comes along. Sometimes, I even sign a contract without seeing the house first—because when speed matters, you have to make fast decisions. I’ve bought several houses that way.”
Tatiana works closely with a small but efficient team. She does joint ventures (JVs) with various partners, and also has a dedicated business partner and a virtual assistant. Each person plays a specific role in keeping operations running smoothly.
“Every day, we go through new leads—people reaching out who might be interested in selling,” she said. “I specialize in analyzing the deals and crafting creative offers. I’m also usually the one meeting sellers in person and walking the properties. My business partner handles the initial phone conversations, and my VA supports us with backend tasks.”
“Mm-hmm. Yes, so you must be someone that's moving around and knows the city very well because you have to jolt between neighborhoods and things like that,” Zaneta observed.
To maintain some structure and balance, Tatiana tries to plan her week intentionally.
“Great question—and not an easy one,” she laughed. “Ideally, I spend about two days a week out in the field, driving to appointments and checking properties. The rest of the time, I work from my home office. It doesn’t always go as planned, but that’s the goal.”
The Cash Sale Process and Misconceptions
Tatiana shared valuable insights into the cash home buying process, along with some of the most common misconceptions she encounters. Buying a house with cash, she explained, can often streamline the transaction by eliminating loan-related delays and complications.
“I would love to know a little bit more about your typical clients and how you meet them where they are—and what are some misconceptions around the cash sale buying process?” Zaneta asked.
Tatiana explained that her clients typically fall into two categories: “One group is everyday homeowners who need to sell quickly—maybe due to life changes, financial pressure, or simply wanting a faster, easier option without showings or agent commissions. The second group is investors who are restructuring their portfolios—like tired landlords shifting from single-family to multifamily properties, or retiring altogether.”
She meets clients both locally and remotely: “If the owner is in town, I’ll schedule an in-person meeting at the property. I walk through the house, take photos and videos, and have a real conversation to understand their situation and how we can help.”
One of the biggest misconceptions she works to clear up? That all cash buyers make lowball offers.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people assume cash buyers will always lowball them,” Tatiana said. “But honest buyers don’t do that. We provide full transparency. We break down how we arrive at our offer—factoring in repair costs, holding costs, market value, and yes, our profit. We’re running a business, not a charity, but we’re always fair.”
She also pointed out that in many cases, sellers may actually walk away with more money than they would through a traditional sale.
“Often, the net proceeds from an honest cash sale can be higher than a traditional sale—mainly because during a traditional real estate transaction, the seller is paying a lot of extra expenses like commissions, holding costs, and repairs.”
When asked by Zaneta how sellers can better vet offers, Tatiana offered this practical advice: “Ask how the buyer came up with the price. If they can’t explain it clearly, that’s a red flag. And always get a second opinion—reputable cash buyers won’t be afraid of a little competition.”
Finding Properties: Process and Skills
When asked whether finding the right properties is a natural talent or something that can be learned, Tatiana made it clear—it’s all about having a process.
“Would you say your ability to find the right properties is innate? Is it a gift, or is there a process? How does that work—and how can others learn to identify better properties for their business?” Zaneta asked.
“Finding properties is definitely a process,” Tatiana responded. “Anyone can do it. There are strategies that work for people with more time and less money—and for those with more money and less time. Pretty much any marketing method works if you’re consistent.”
That said, she admits her background gives her a strong edge when it comes to analyzing deals.
“I’m a very creative thinker. I have a master’s degree in mathematics, and I used to be a competitive chess player—so numbers, structure, and deal-making come naturally to me.”
Her experience in crisis management from her software development career also serves her well in real estate: “In almost every real estate transaction, there’s some kind of unexpected surprise,” she explained. “But my experience working in software production support taught me how to stay calm under pressure and make fast decisions. I actually thrive in those moments—I love challenges, and I’m not afraid of them.”
Tatiana emphasized that while finding leads is relatively straightforward, the real skill is in what comes next.
“Finding deals is the easy part,” she said. “What really matters is knowing how to analyze the numbers, how to talk to sellers, and having at least a basic understanding of construction. It all works together.”
Building a Team and Making Connections
Tatiana emphasized that success in real estate is deeply rooted in teamwork and strong relationships:
“There’s a lot of sales, a lot of communication—and as you mentioned—relationship building when it comes to real estate,” Zaneta noted. “So whether you’re a real estate agent in Naples or in St. Louis, it’s really about your team.”
Tatiana agreed: “It’s important to know a bit about construction—especially if you’re doing fix and flips like I do. I understand a lot about houses, but for every important deal, I still bring in a professional to give a detailed estimate. It’s a mix. You definitely need to keep learning, but you also need to build a reliable team.”
She summed it up simply: “Real estate is a people business. It’s about relationships, connections, and knowing you can count on the people around you.”
Going Above and Beyond for Clients
Tatiana shared how giving back has become a natural extension of her work—whether it’s supporting new investors or going the extra mile for a seller in need.
“You mentioned having mentors and individuals in the industry that you can either work with or learn from. What are some ways in which you’ve been able to give back to others with your expertise?” Zaneta asked.
“Well, it’s interesting,” Tatiana replied. “People started reaching out to me on their own—so I always try to help those just getting started. I answer questions, point them in the right direction, and I’ve done joint ventures with a few newer investors who might not have the experience or access to funding. Because in real estate, it’s not just about making a good offer—you also have to be able to close and pay the seller.”
She then shared a particularly meaningful story about a seller she helped recently—one that blended both business and humanity.
“Not long ago, my JV partner and I closed on a deal that turned out to be one of the most rewarding. We helped the seller buy a plane ticket to Thailand and put a deposit down for a wellness facility there. After the sale, she went for three months to Thailand to work on her mental health.”
The lady had been in pre-foreclosure—not because of a large mortgage, but due to health issues that caused her to fall behind on payments.
“She was in bad shape, and this sale gave her the fresh start she needed,” Tatiana said. “We didn’t just close the deal—we helped her every step of the way. We drove her to the title company, to the bank, to the notary. It wasn’t just a transaction; it was a real effort to help someone rebuild their life.”
“Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm,” Zaneta acknowledged, clearly moved by Tatiana’s hands-on approach and compassion.
Future Goals and Legacy Building
Looking ahead, Tatiana’s vision is both ambitious and purpose-driven.
“As you think about the future goals for your business, what’s on the horizon?” Zaneta asked.
“On the horizon, I’m building my empire—because I want to leave a legacy for my kids,” Tatiana shared. “At the same time, I want to help as many people as possible become homeowners. Yes, I buy and sell houses and do fix-and-flips, but the strategy I’m most passionate about is offering homes through seller financing.”
This approach allows her to serve individuals who may be left out of traditional lending systems.
“Many people can’t qualify for traditional mortgages—and sometimes they’re not even qualified for rental places because of past credit issues,” she explained. “But nothing is guaranteed in life. I’ve faced my own hardships too. So helping people create stability and own homes through real estate—that’s my goal within the next few years.”
“Yes. I love that,” Zaneta responded, appreciating Tatiana’s mission-driven approach.
The St. Louis Real Estate Market
The conversation also touched on Tatiana’s deep appreciation for St. Louis—a city she believes offers both quality of life and opportunity.
“Before we go, tell me—what’s your favorite thing about St. Louis?” Zaneta asked.
Tatiana shared her appreciation for the city: “I love the suburbs, I love the space, the backyards, and my bonfire nights. Out of the three countries I’ve lived in, the U.S. is by far my favorite—and I landed in St. Louis right away. I’ve traveled a lot, but there’s something special about the lifestyle here.”
She highlighted the area’s unique balance: “There’s a nice mix—affordable real estate, a high quality of life, and great opportunities for families. You can always travel elsewhere, but St. Louis is perfect to come home to. I have two teenage boys, and for us, this city is a great fit.”
As an investor, she also sees the city through a strategic lens. “St. Louis is one of the best markets for real estate investors and a great place for families to build their future.”
Zaneta chimed in with her own connection to the city: “My family are big Cardinals fans. I’m based in Atlanta now, but between the Braves and the Tigers, I’m split—still, the Cardinals will always have a special place in my heart.”
Tatiana smiled. “And we have the best chess club in the country!”
Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Investors
Tatiana closed the interview with heartfelt advice for anyone considering a career in real estate—or pursuing any big goal.
“Wonderful. Before we go, is there anything else you want to leave us with today? Any last words of advice about what you do and what you aspire to do in the future?” Zaneta asked.
“I’d say this—especially here in the United States, I truly believe anyone can achieve any material dream they set their mind to,” Tatiana shared. “Don’t be afraid. Just keep learning, take action, and everything is possible. And the earlier you start, the better. I’m really excited for your daughter—I love hearing that she’s interested in real estate.”
“Thank you! I’m excited for you, I’m excited for her, and I’m excited for us,” Zaneta replied. “As you said, when you put your mind to something—whether it’s in real estate or anything else—you can truly make your dreams a reality.”
Tatiana’s mindset of persistence, resourcefulness, and lifelong learning has clearly fueled her journey—from software developer to successful real estate entrepreneur and mentor.
Connect with Tatiana Zagorovski
For those interested in selling their homes quickly for cash in the St. Louis area, Trio Realty Partners specializes in making the process easier by purchasing properties as-is, with no repairs, inspections, fees, or commissions required.
For more information:
- Phone: (314) 804-0777
- Website: webuyhomesinstlouis.com
- Tatiana and Trio Realty Partners serve the entire St. Louis metro area, including both Missouri and Illinois. On the Missouri side, they work with homeowners across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and surrounding communities. In Illinois, they buy homes in St. Clair County, Madison County, and nearby areas.