Lori Flannery
Lori Flannery is a seasoned asset and operations executive with over 25 years of experience delivering exceptional results for private and institutional clients across multi-state real estate portfolios. She currently serves as Senior Regional Manager at Aperto Property Management, overseeing assets in Southern California, where she leads operational planning, budgeting, and portfolio optimization. Lori is recognized for her strategic expertise in succession planning, organizational development, and structural change, consistently driving revenue growth and operational excellence.
Throughout her career, Lori has held senior leadership roles with top property management companies including Birtcher Anderson Realty, Fairfield Residential, Greystar, and Friedman Integrated Real Estate Solutions, managing portfolios ranging from conventional and affordable housing to active adult, military, student, and institutional assets. She has successfully overseen multi-state acquisitions, dispositions, and operational transitions, managing teams of more than 90 employees and portfolios exceeding 4,000 units. Her ability to combine financial acumen, high emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving has positioned her as a respected leader and trusted advisor in the real estate industry.
Lori is committed to professional development and community impact, holding certifications from the Institute of Real Estate Management and the National Apartment Association, and maintaining her California Real Estate License and NMLS License. Beyond her professional pursuits, she actively volunteers with Girl Scouts San Diego and various social service organizations, supporting children, homeless communities, and educational initiatives. Lori’s leadership philosophy emphasizes team synergy, clear roles, and continuous growth, ensuring both organizational success and meaningful contributions to the communities she serves.
• California Real Estate Salesperson License
• Mortgage Loan Originator
• DRE
• NMLS
• Golden West College - Political Science and Government
• Orange Coast College - Accounting, Sociology
• National Apartment Association - Professional Leasing Program
• Institute of Real Estate Management - Certificate, Ethics and Human Resources- Professional Leasing Program
• The California Apartment Association
• Institute of Real Estate Management
• Helping clients with multifamily property strategy and affordable housing solutions.
• Local Housing Initiatives and Consulting through LinkedIn
• Homeless Organizations
• Girl Scouts San Diego
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, strong leadership, and a genuine passion for helping people find housing solutions. Over the course of my 37-year career in real estate, I’ve learned that combining technical expertise with empathy and adaptability is key to making a meaningful impact. I’ve embraced risks, pursued learning opportunities, and prioritized mentoring others, all of which have contributed to my professional growth and longevity.
I began my journey in real estate unexpectedly at age 19 in a temporary leasing role, which ultimately evolved into a lifelong career. Since then, I’ve gained extensive experience in property and asset management, affordable housing, and real estate investment, managing large-scale residential projects and portfolios across multiple states. Today, I focus on real estate investment and fix-and-flip projects with a small group of private investors, emphasizing emerging markets and long-term portfolio growth while continuing to advance access to quality housing.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from mentors who encouraged me to embrace challenges and think like an owner. One piece of guidance that has stuck with me is: “Don’t just manage properties—manage people and possibilities.” Adopting this mindset allowed me to move beyond operations and gain a broader perspective on real estate as both an investment and a way to serve communities effectively.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the real estate industry is to learn every aspect of the business—from operations and finance to relationship management—and to stay confident, even when starting at the bottom. I encourage them to stay curious, take initiative, and never underestimate the power of showing up with both knowledge and heart. These principles have guided me throughout my career and are key to building lasting success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in real estate today are the shortage of affordable housing and market volatility. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities in emerging markets, sustainable development, and private investment collaborations. By leveraging small investor networks, I believe it’s possible to make real estate both accessible and community-focused, even amidst changing economic conditions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, compassion, and accountability. I believe in servant leadership, knowing that strong relationships and ethical decision-making are the foundation of success in business and in life. Outside of work, I enjoy walking, hiking, swimming, and gardening—activities that help me maintain balance and stay connected to nature.