From Rock Bottom to Real Estate: How Anissa Cavallo Turned Adversity into Empowerment

When life crumbles, most people take time to pick up the pieces. For Melbourne mum of two, Anissa Cavallo, there was no such luxury. After the breakdown of her marriage, she lost her home, her property portfolio, and almost her sense of self. Bankruptcy and the threat of homelessness loomed, and she was forced to move back in with her parents — two kids in tow, the weight of failure pressing down on her shoulders.

“I honestly just hit rock bottom,” Anissa recalls. “There was nowhere to go but up. What gave me courage was the love for my kids; I couldn’t let them see me give up. I had to rebuild, not just for myself but for them.”

Seven years later, Anissa has rebuilt more than a life. She’s rebuilt a property portfolio of 17 homes, founded Eda Property, and is empowering other everyday Australians — especially single parents — to do the same.

The “aha” moment that changed everything

Before founding Eda Property, Anissa was working as a financial services executive. Despite earning well, she realised her superannuation and retirement savings didn’t reflect the lifestyle she wanted for her family. The turning point came when she recognised that her best financial moves had been through property.

“People started asking me for advice, and I realised — this isn’t just about me. Property was the one vehicle that could give families time, wealth, and freedom,” she says. That vision gave birth to Eda Property — named after the Norse goddess of time and wealth.

Busting the biggest property myth

Ask most parents about investing in property and you’ll hear the same refrain: it’s out of reach. For Anissa, that’s a myth worth busting.

“You don’t need to be rich to get started,” she insists. “You need a plan, a bit of education, and the right support. Property is about long-term strategy, not luck. I’ve helped families on modest incomes, single mums, even people who thought they’d ‘missed the boat’ get into the market and secure their future.”

Parenting, purpose, and the power of inclusion

As a proud mum of two neurodivergent children, Anissa’s parenting journey has shaped her approach to both business and advocacy.

“It’s taught me patience, adaptability, and how to see potential where others see problems,” she shares. “I understand firsthand how isolating it can feel when your children don’t ‘fit the mould,’ so everything I do is about creating spaces where families feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

This passion also drives her role as head of the Unmasked Gala committee, an annual event raising funds for Friend in Me, a charity promoting inclusion for kids of all abilities.

“My son Massimo is neurodivergent, and until recently, he was excluded from playdates and birthday parties because he was seen as ‘badly behaved.’ But he was just different,” Anissa explains. “Unmasked is about raising awareness and funds so kids like him can belong. I want it to be a celebration of difference, but also a call to action — that we can and must do better for our children.”

For the parent feeling stuck

So, what’s her advice for parents overwhelmed by bills, debt, or the idea of investing?

“Start small, but start,” she says firmly. “Don’t wait for the perfect time — it doesn’t exist. Begin by understanding your finances: what’s coming in, what’s going out, what your goals are. From there, you can build. Property is a long game, but with the right plan, it’s one of the most powerful ways to create security for your family.”

Looking ahead

Anissa’s vision for Eda Property is bold but grounded in the same resilience that rebuilt her life.

“I want to change the face of property ownership in Australia. More women, more single parents, more everyday families should feel confident building wealth through property. This shouldn’t just be for the privileged few. I want thousands of families to be living with freedom, security, and choice because they took that first step.”

Her story is proof that from the lowest point can come the strongest foundation. And for parents feeling like their dreams of stability are slipping away, Anissa Cavallo is living proof that it’s never too late to start again.

The Unmasked Gala Ball may be sold out, but you can still make a difference!  Friend in Me’s silent auction is live now until Saturday night — your bids help create more inclusive communities for kids. Don’t miss the chance to be part of it: Click here