Learn Real Estate Investing | Lifestyles Unlimited

Al Gordon urges listeners to attend the upcoming Wealth and Passive Income Expo at the Irving Convention Center, emphasizing its unmatched educational value. He highlights a variety of breakout sessions tailored to all levels of real estate investors—from absolute beginners to experienced multifamily owners. Key sessions cover topics such as avoiding first-time investor mistakes, leveraging tax strategies, utilizing DSCR loans without a job, and analyzing deals using Lifestyles Unlimited's proprietary Quest tool. This is a can't-miss, high-impact educational opportunity for anyone serious about building wealth through real estate. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley returns from a brief vacation in Miami with a powerful reflection on the difference between living a “good life” and a “great life.” As the Lifestyles Unlimited Wealth and Passive Income Expo (May 7–10 in Irving, TX) approaches, he urges listeners to attend, stressing the value of surrounding oneself with successful, like-minded individuals. His trip reignited the realization that even after reaching early retirement and financial freedom, greater levels of wealth, purpose, and freedom remain attainable. Del highlights how passive income enables people to escape survival mode, redefine their work on their own terms, and embrace a lifestyle built on choice, flexibility, and fulfillment. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon fills in for Del Walmsley and introduces Don, an experienced investor who started at age 23 and has bought and sold over 235 single-family homes, currently holding 170. Unlike most Lifestyles Unlimited members who begin with little or no experience, Don's journey proves that even seasoned investors can benefit from the education and community offered at Lifestyles Unlimited. Click to Listen Now

Mike Harrison shares the simple yet powerful financial principle that transformed his life: Return on Net Worth (Passive Income ÷ Net Worth). He challenges the traditional model of retirement based on depleting savings and instead advocates for financial independence through passive income that fully covers living expenses. Harrison emphasizes that only through creating reliable streams of passive income—especially from real estate—can individuals achieve lasting financial freedom, regardless of age. Click to Listen Now

Andy Webb emphasizes the importance of understanding your property taxes, especially as rising valuations and tax rates in Texas can significantly impact investors' cash flow. He notes that many property owners may be surprised by the recent “Notice of Appraised Value” showing steep increases. Fortunately, Andy explains that owners have the right to protest these valuations — a process he has personally and successfully used for over a decade. He encourages investors not only to file protests by the May 15th deadline but also to consider markets with lower taxes and insurance costs if the burden in Texas becomes too great. Understanding and managing property taxes is essential to maintaining profitability and long-term investment success. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon highlights the importance of understanding wealth-building principles through fairy tales that offer life lessons. Drawing from the tales of the shoemaker, Puss in Boots, and the three little pigs, he illustrates key themes such as collaboration, ethical wealth-building, and prudent planning in real estate. These stories emphasize how working together, staying ethical, and making thoughtful decisions can lead to success. Al concludes by encouraging listeners to adopt a customized investment plan for their retirement, stressing that real estate is the pathway to achieving financial freedom in five years or less. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley introduces Nate Roberts, CPA and director at Lifetime Tax Advisors, a long-time vendor partner with Lifestyles Unlimited. Nate explains that when choosing a CPA firm, investors should seek advisors who truly understand and are passionate about real estate. He warns against working with firms that view real estate as just another transaction. Nate emphasizes that a knowledgeable, invested CPA can make a major difference in an investor's financial success. Del agrees, highlighting the importance of building a team that supports your investment goals. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship in real estate investing, offering listeners insights into how they can achieve financial freedom through smart property investments. He compares the stock market's returns to those of real estate, demonstrating how real estate can offer better returns through equity capture, cash flow, and tax advantages. Al shares real-life examples of successful investments, such as a Houston property that generated a 233% return, highlighting how strategic investments outperform traditional stock market options. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley hosts Shawn from Colliers to discuss how their team supports real estate investors with strategic financing solutions. Shan explains how Colliers underwrites deals for Lifestyles Unlimited members and emphasizes the importance of involving lenders early to effectively structure deals and build investor credibility. Their mission is to help investors secure smarter, more resilient financing. At the upcoming Expo, they'll present a session titled “How to Buy in 25,” which will cover practical strategies for evaluating and financing deals in today's market. The session is designed to equip attendees with actionable tools to succeed in real estate investing. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon is joined by Jillian, who shares her impressive journey of acquiring five investment properties since joining Lifestyles Unlimited. After being laid off four times from her construction job and struggling through the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, Jill realized she had a retirement problem and needed a more stable, cash-flowing future. Despite having no prior real estate education, she immediately immersed herself in the program, completing the training, building her team, and closed on her first Single Family investment property just one month after joining. Now earning more than double what she made in her former full-time role through passice income, Jillian enjoys the freedom and flexibility she once only hoped for. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley hosts Jillian for Tell Del Tuesday, spotlighting her incredible journey of resilience. After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2007 that left her with a traumatic brain injury, Jillian defied medical expectations and emerged from years of recovery with a renewed purpose. She shares how she turned her disability into an ability, redefining her identity and future.  Click to Listen Now

Mike Harrison emphasizes lessons that resonate deeply with real estate investors. He highlights that the wealthy do not fear debt; they fear missed opportunities. He explains that wealth is created through value-add strategies, not taken from others, and that money is not scarce but abundant when used wisely. Harrison underscores that daily habits and smart decisions shape future wealth, while poor choices in finances or life can have long-term costs. Lastly, he argues that working overtime will not make you wealthy and urges listeners to invest instead in high-return vehicles like real estate to reclaim their time and build lasting wealth. Click to Listen Now

Andy Webb details the powerful tax advantages of investing in residential real estate. He emphasizes that while real estate offers passive income and equity capture, the true value lies in what investors keep after taxes. Andy explains how depreciation, passive losses, and 1031 exchanges can significantly reduce or defer taxes. These strategies help investors protect both their cash flow and long-term gains. Ultimately, smart tax planning is key to maximizing real estate wealth.

Al Gordon continues his market analysis by spotlighting Charlotte, NC, and Charleston, SC, as promising real estate investment markets. Charlotte experienced strong rent growth from 2010 to 2022, peaking in 2022 before leveling off, with current vacancy rates of 7–8% projected to decline. Charleston followed a similar trend until rent growth stalled in 2023–2024, but a modest recovery is expected. Al emphasizes the importance of studying market trends to make informed, strategic investment decisions. He reassures listeners that while the data may seem complex, it is essential for investing with confidence. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley is joined by Richard Robinette of Dodson Legal Group, a law firm specializing in estate planning, commercial real estate transactions, multifamily properties, and securities offerings. Richard highlights the firm's vital role in helping clients legally raise capital through SEC-compliant offerings. At the Lifestyles Unlimited Expo, Dodson Legal Group will host a booth, lead breakout sessions on real estate law, and sponsor a fireside chat featuring in-depth discussions on the legal side of real estate transactions. To register, visit LifestylesUnlimited.com. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon continues his deep dive into real estate market evaluations by touching in to Kansas City, Missouri—a market he has previously invested in. While many cities face stagnating or declining rent growth, Kansas City stands out as an outlier, with historical rent growth spiking from 4.5% (2010–2019) to 6.5% in recent years, making it a strong market to seize investment opportunities, especially for investors seeking consistent returns driven by steady demand and positive net migration. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley gears up for the upcoming Lifestyles Unlimited Wealth and Passive Income Expo with guest Chris Barsnis from Patel Law Group, who will be presenting on asset protection and private placement memorandums (PPMs). Chris shares insights into legal strategies that help real estate investors protect their assets and properly structure investments. Del follows up by cautioning against common pitfalls such as using S corporations, investing in Class A apartment complexes, and pursuing problematic deals that often underperform or attract the wrong demographic.

Al Gordon welcomes Chuck and Laura to share their inspiring real estate journey. After joining Lifestyles Unlimited as Preferred Members, they fully embraced both the mentoring and vendor programs to guide their first deal. They purchased a property for $99K and invested $83K in renovations. The property later appraised at $275K, resulting in an impressive $93K equity capture. With just $15K out of pocket, their return on investment soared to 500%. Despite higher interest rates, the property still generates $105 in monthly cash flow, proving that equity capture and positive cash flow are achievable—even in today's market. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley interviews Chuck and Laura, a San Antonio couple leveraging real estate to build financial freedom. Despite successful careers spanning over 20 years, they desired more control over their time and future. Seeking legacy and lifestyle, they turned to Lifestyles Unlimited, which made success feel attainable following the Lifestyles investing road map. Since closing their first deal on October 1st, they've achieved remarkable progress in just seven months. Now fully committed, they are actively growing their portfolio with a focus on freedom, family, and lasting impact. Click to Listen Now

Mike Harrison contrasts the mindset of a saver versus an investor, emphasizing the limitations of traditional retirement plans like IRAs and 401ks. He explains that these plans focus on long term saving for retirement, which may not provide immediate financial freedom. In contrast, real estate investing is about creating cash flow today, allowing for greater control over one's financial destiny.  Click to Listen Now

Andy Webb discusses the current volatility of the stock market, emphasizing how unpredictable swings, fueled by misinformation and artificial intelligence, have made investing a chaotic experience. He points out that the rise of disinformation and automated headline bots could intensify these market fluctuations in the future, creating even more unpredictable "rollercoaster" rides for investors. Andy advises listeners to reconsider their participation in these volatile markets and presents real estate investing as a more stable and reliable alternative for building wealth. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon emphasizes the importance of thorough market research before making real estate investment decisions. He advocates for understanding the specific market conditions of an area to gain a clearer picture of an investment's potential, rather than relying solely on personal familiarity with a location. Al also highlights the educational resources available through Lifestyles Unlimited, which help investors gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of real estate investing. Click to Listen Now

Continuing the conversation, Del Walmsley dives deeper into the economic impact of tariffs. He explains that tariffs raise costs along the supply chain, ultimately burdening businesses and consumers. Del cautions against depending on government decisions for financial security. Instead, he encourages building wealth through controllable assets like real estate.

Del Walmsley draws on personal experience, recounting two major financial crises he lived through: the 1987 Black Friday and the 2008 banking collapse. He explains that while many people are fearful during downturns, professional investors like those at Lifestyles Unlimited are seizing the opportunity. As prices and interest rates drop, seasoned real estate investors are actively acquiring properties at steep discounts, much like Del did in 2008 when he purchased an apartment complex for $8,000 per door. He encourages those unsure about real estate to meet active investors, join bus tours, and attend free workshops to understand how to capitalize on today's market. Del emphasizes that these moments of uncertainty are when the bold can build true wealth. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon is joined by Russ and Mari, a couple from Hawaii whose journey into real estate investing began with a heartfelt conversation with their 12-year-old grandson. He shared his fear that he'd have to leave Hawaii at 18 because owning a home there seemed impossible. That moment sparked a mission for Russ and Mari: to help their grandchildren stay rooted in Hawaii and build generational wealth. They joined Lifestyles Unlimited and began investing in real estate with a purposeful plan—to provide each grandchild with equity as a launchpad toward homeownership in Hawaii. Their focus remains on creating a lasting legacy of financial growth and opportunity for their family. Click to Listen Now

Del is joined by Russ and Mari, Lifestyles Unlimited members and Ambassadors based out of Hawaii. They highlight the benefits of being part of Lifestyles' ambassador program, which allows them to connect with other investors across Hawaii through monthly meetups and Zoom calls. Mari reflects on their decision to focus on passive investing, emphasizing the importance of choosing strong operators—the “jockeys”—and solid deals—the “horses.” This strategy has allowed them to grow their portfolio while maintaining flexibility and freedom in their lifestyle. Click to Listen Now

Mike Harrison shares time-tested financial principles recently sent to him by a friend, principles that align with his experience in real estate investing. He dives deep into wealth-building strategies he wishes he had known in his 20s, which could have accelerated his financial freedom. These insights emphasize that real estate offers a faster, smarter path to wealth, especially when combined with education, networking, and a shift in mindset. Click to Listen Now

Andy Webb welcomes Vince, a realtor with Lifestyles Realty based in Tennessee. Vince shares how the vibrant real estate market in the Southeast, especially in Tennessee, is providing strong opportunities for cash flow and equity growth. He explains how he helps investors find properties that align with the Lifestyles Unlimited model, focusing on proven strategies for wealth building,  emphasizing how the right guidance and market can fast track your journey to financial freedom. Click to Listen Here

Continuing his analysis on Texas, Al Gordon offers an in-depth look into the Dallas-Fort Worth market, which is projected to see rent growth of 4–5% annually through 2026. Al cites a real example submitted by a Lifestyles Unlimited member involving a distressed property transformed into a profitable three-bedroom rental. The investor captured over $66K in equity with only $20,500 out-of-pocket. This case illustrates the power of smart investing and the value of following a proven strategy. Click to Listen Now

Del addresses listener investment questions, including cash-out refinancing, becoming an Independent Rental Owner (IRO), and being a lead investor in syndication. He highlights the market shift favoring buyers, with more deals available, and urges investors to act quickly, emphasizing the national reach of Lifestyles Unlimited events including the upcoming Expo and the invaluable networking opportunities they provide.

Al Gordon zones in on the Houston real estate market, highlighting its strong population growth and anticipated rent increases. He cites a population growth forecast of 1–2% annually through 2025 and projected rent growth of 3–4% through 2026. Walking through an investment opportunity in Houston showcasing a 207% return on capital gains and strong cash flow potential, he demonstrates the wealth-building potential of real estate. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon welcomes Morgan, known as "Mo," as she shares her journey of overcoming emotional attachments to luxury assets—including a high-end truck, a horse trailer, and even a horse—to fund her real estate investments. She realized she had been financing a lifestyle rather than building real wealth. By shifting her mindset, she embraced real estate as a path to financial freedom, understanding she could later repurchase luxuries using passive income instead of relying on a paycheck. With three Single Family properties and a triplex purchase on the horizon, Mo is focused on intentional investing, steadily building passive income, and gaining control over her time and future. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley hosts Morgan, also known as "Mo," as she shares her investing journey since joining Lifestyles Unlimited in 2022. She recalls a pivotal moment in corporate America when she was unable to take time off to support her mother during her grandmother's final days, highlighting the rigid demands of her high stress job. Despite earning a high salary, she felt trapped and, in 2023, resolved to take control of her finances and future. Now, just days away from giving birth, she is experiencing financial freedom while on maternity leave, thanks to her real estate investments. Click to Listen Now

Mike Harrison emphasizes that the education and mentorship from Lifestyles Unlimited are invaluable, as they enabled him to quickly transform his income and wealth. He explains that learning can happen in two ways—through slow, costly trial and error or through a structured, efficient educational process. By following proven strategies, investors can accelerate their success and avoid common mistakes. He highlights how mentorship provides the guidance needed to navigate real estate investing with confidence. Through the right education and support, financial freedom becomes an attainable reality. Click to Listen Now

Andy Webb explores various investment scenarios, sparked by a member's question about earning $2,000 in monthly passive income and whether to pursue Single Family or multifamily. Shifting gears, he highlights a recent Fort Worth deal with a 150% return, turning $25,000 into $65,000 in equity within months. While both are different scenarios, the message is clear—investing now and leveraging equity effectively can create a powerful financial snowball effect. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon analyzes the San Antonio single-family rental market, providing historical data that highlights steady growth. He discusses projected population increases and rent growth, reinforcing the city's strong rental demand. While he acknowledges the uncertainty of future predictions, he emphasizes that historical trends and current market indicators suggest continued stability, making it a strong investment market. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley dives deep into the concept of time as the most valuable currency, emphasizing that while money, credit, and knowledge can be acquired, time is finite. Applying this perspective to real estate investing, Del highlights that many people mistakenly work in their business rather than on it. He stresses that Lifestyles Unlimited teaches members how to leverage real estate to free up time, turning investments into a potential passive income stream. By adopting this approach, investors gain the ability to take control of their time and build a life of financial freedom. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon highlights key real estate market trends, emphasizing the need to understand local economic conditions before investing. He advises investors to research specific markets instead of relying on assumptions from highly regulated states. By adapting to shifting market dynamics, investors can position themselves for long term success in real estate. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley shares his personal journey of achieving financial freedom at 34, which allowed him to prioritize family, personal growth, and fitness. Recalling his own personal fitness journey as a bodybuilder, he draws a parallel pointing out how people often underestimate their weight gain just as they fail to recognize their growing financial burdens. Stressing the importance of intentional effort, he urges you to take control of both your health and wealth rather than letting time slip away. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon hosts Lifestyles Unlimited ambassador Paul as he shares his unconventional journey to financial freedom. Paul initially followed a traditional path, attending college and pursuing basketball, but quickly realized it wasn't for him. He left school, explored different opportunities, and eventually found success in appliance repair, running his own business for 35 years. While he had some prior success in real estate investing, the knowledge and support he gained from Lifestyles Unlimited propelled his portfolio to 18 multifamily properties. His investments now generate significant cash flow, allowing him and his wife to replace their working income. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon fills in for Del Walmsley and interviews Paul, a Lifestyles Unlimited member who has successfully replaced his retirement income through real estate investing. While Paul has achieved financial freedom, he acknowledges the rising costs associated with aging and emphasizes the importance of "finishing strong." He discusses his proactive approach to long term financial security, ensuring that his investments continue to support him in the years ahead. Click to Listen Now

Mike Harrison continues last week's discussion by addressing listener emails, outlining 28 ways to increase net operating income (NOI) on multifamily properties. He emphasizes that income isn't just about rent—it's also about offering desirable services that tenants are willing to pay for. By enhancing the tenant experience through value-added services, investors can boost profitability and maximize the potential of their multifamily investments. Click to Listen Now

In this segment, Andy Webb reflects on how real estate investing can serve as a second job. He shares his and his wife's transition from corporate careers into real estate, highlighting the challenges of learning new skills like property evaluation, financing, and rehabbing. Despite initial struggles, they educated themselves, and over time, the venture became both fulfilling and profitable. Andy notes that while it may demand a lot of time and effort initially, real estate investing offers the opportunity for investors to control their own schedules and money.  Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon and Expo Coordinator Lauriana take an in-depth look at the upcoming Lifestyles Unlimited Wealth & Passive Income Expo, set for May 7-10 at the Irving Convention Center. Lauriana highlights the transparency within the group, where members openly share their financial journeys and strategies, creating a unique environment for learning and collaboration. The event caters to all levels of investors, from beginners exploring passive income opportunities to seasoned investors managing multiple assets. She encourages listeners to attend, emphasizing that this expo is a game changer for those serious about transforming their financial future. Click to Listen Now

Del Wamsley critiques the notion that saving in a 401(k) guarantees a secure retirement, calling it one of the biggest lies people are being sold today. He points out that many retirees, despite following traditional financial advice, find themselves struggling financially in retirement. Del highlights the hidden costs and limitations of the 401(k) system, which often fails to deliver the promised security. In contrast, he emphasizes that real estate investing offers consistent cash flow during the investment period, alongside potential appreciation and tax advantages. For Del, real estate represents a far more reliable and rewarding path to financial freedom. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon emphasizes the critical role of building a strong team in real estate investing, particularly when hiring contractors. He focuses on the importance of selecting the right general contractor for your projects, as they can significantly impact timelines, budgets, and overall success. Al outlines key questions investors should ask to vet potential contractors, ensuring they have the necessary experience, reliability, and financial stability to complete the job efficiently. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley is joined by Lauriana, a coordinator for the Lifestyles Unlimited Wealth and Passive Income Expo, to discuss the scope and significance of the upcoming event. Spanning over four days, the Expo offers a unique opportunity for like minded investors to connect and learn. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, the event is designed to provide an enriching experience with a focus on education, networking, and personal growth. For more information and to sign up, visit lifestylesunlimited.com. Click to Listen Now

Al Gordon welcomes Suzanne, who shares her inspiring journey from struggling with consumer debt and living paycheck to paycheck to achieving full financial freedom through real estate investing. Initially uncertain about her future, she committed to continuous learning, refining her investment strategies, and taking decisive action to build a portfolio that would eventually replace her income. Now fully retired, Suzanne enjoys complete control of her time, waking up when she pleases and managing her properties as a fulfilling passion rather than a job. Click to Listen Now

Del Walmsley is joined by Suzanne from San Antonio to discuss the valuable networking opportunities at the upcoming Expo in May. Suzanne recalls her first Lifestyles Unlimited Expo, where she was inspired by the supportive community of like-minded investors. She shares how attending the event gave her the confidence to pursue real estate, leading to her first successful investment. Encouraged by her initial success, she quickly moved on to her second property, using a hard money loan to finance the purchase and renovation, demonstrating the power of education and networking at the Expo. Click to Listen Now

Mike Harrison addresses emails from listeners sent to AskMike@luinc.com, covering a range of topics including tenant evictions, dealing with bad tenants, and effective tenant screening. He highlights the necessity of thorough tenant screening and strict lease enforcement to minimize potential issues and protect profitability in your investments. By investing in landlord-friendly states and applying best practices, investors can safeguard their rental properties from costly tenant-related problems. Click to Listen Now

Andy delves into how Single Family investing can be the right path for you, breaking down its advantages and highlighting the five different ways investors can generate income through rentals. Explaining why he advises against investing in condos, he shares key financial strategies that make Single Family rentals a powerful tool for building lasting wealth. Click to Listen Now