Ready to build your real estate empire… but not sure where to begin? Think of us as your personal trainer. From detailed breakdowns of real-world deals… to one-on-one coaching sessions and a warm, welcoming community… hosts Ashley Kehr and Felipe Mejia bring on a wide range of guests to tackle the “newbie” questions you've wondered about but might be afraid to ask. Looking to 10X your real estate investing business this year? This show isn’t for you. Looking for your first, second, or third deal -- or envisioning a more modest portfolio? Step right up. Every Wednesday, we’ll arm you with the tips, tools, and roadmaps you'll need as you embark on your journey toward financial freedom.
Listeners of Real Estate Rookie that love the show mention: felipe, biggerpockets, bp, new real estate, new investors, bigger pockets, rookie, first deal, real estate investing, closed, rei, newbies, real estate investors, ashley, real estate podcast, already know, utah, beginners, tony, great hosts.
The Real Estate Rookie podcast is an incredibly informative and inspiring show for those interested in entering the real estate investing space. Hosted by Tony and Ashley, this podcast provides valuable knowledge and insights that can boost one's confidence and ability to make deals. The hosts complement each other well, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
One of the best aspects of The Real Estate Rookie podcast is the wide range of topics it covers. Tony and Ashley do a fantastic job of delving into various aspects of real estate investing, ensuring that listeners receive a comprehensive education in the field. Additionally, their guests offer excellent advice and share their own experiences, providing valuable insights for newcomers to REI. This show is particularly beneficial for beginners looking to gain knowledge and understanding before diving into their own ventures.
While The Real Estate Rookie podcast offers an abundance of valuable content, there have been occasional issues with audio playback. Some listeners have reported difficulties with certain episodes not playing properly, which can be frustrating when trying to access the valuable information shared on the show. It is unclear whether this issue stems from the show itself or the podcast app, but it is something that could be improved upon to enhance the overall listening experience.
In conclusion, The Real Estate Rookie podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone considering or just starting out in real estate investing. It provides a wealth of knowledge, advice, and inspiration from experienced professionals in the field. Despite occasional audio playback issues, this podcast remains highly recommended for its informative content and engaging hosts. Whether you are new to REI or looking to expand your knowledge base, this show will undoubtedly help you on your journey towards success in real estate investing.
Do you dream of reaching financial independence (or retiring!) in the next 20 years? Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, it's never too early or too late to buy rental properties. Today, we're sharing a clear, 20-year roadmap that could give you a sizable real estate portfolio and more than enough cash flow to live on! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today's first question comes from the BiggerPockets Forums, and it's from an investor who's been priced out of their own market. Where should they start their search for more affordable home prices? We point them in the right direction while also warning them of “cheap” properties that aren't worth the risk. Next, we hear from a young couple looking to achieve financial independence in 20 years. Should they buy a home or a rental property first? What investing strategy will get them closest to their goal? Another investor is worried about short-term rental laws derailing their deal. We show you where to find your city's latest regulations so you can make the right decision! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Our 20-year roadmap to achieving financial independence with rentals Whether you should buy a house or a rental property first (or both!) Where to invest when your own real estate market is too expensive The types of rental properties that give you the least appreciation (must avoid!) How to do your due diligence on a short-term rental market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-694 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you want the benefits of investing in real estate without the hassle of being a landlord? There's an investing strategy that could give you more passive income, access to much bigger deals, and diversification across multiple properties and markets: real estate syndications. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're talking all about syndications—how they work, how they make you money, and what goes on behind the scenes. You'll learn about the two main roles in a syndication deal—general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs)—and their responsibilities. We'll also show you exactly what you need to get started, whether you're the one finding and managing the property or simply coming on board as a passive investor! How does investing in a syndication deal compare to owning rental properties? We cover the pros and cons of this strategy, the biggest red flags to watch for when vetting operators (or “sponsors”), and the investing risks you must weigh before committing to any syndication deal. In This Episode We Cover How to earn more passive income through a real estate syndication Two ways to become an “accredited investor” (and get access to more deals!) The three biggest red flags to watch out for when vetting a syndication deal The main responsibilities of a general partner (or “sponsor”) The biggest advantage rental properties have over most syndication deals Serious risks to be aware of before investing your money in a syndication And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-693 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fear you'll never invest in real estate because you've been dealt a bad hand? Today's guest had a struggling business, a $70,000 tax lien, a pending divorce, and was on the brink of bankruptcy, but through hard work and persistence, she was able to completely flip her circumstances. Now, she owns a real estate portfolio of cash-flowing rentals, despite starting in her 50s! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Beth Smart is the ultimate real estate success story. Despite juggling a recent divorce and a mountain of debt, all while taking care of two toddlers, she found a way to climb out of the financial hole she was in. And she didn't slow down once she was back on her feet. From there, Beth figured out how to build real wealth with rental properties—dabbling in everything from short- and medium-term rentals to long-term rentals and even a few messy house flips! In this episode, Beth talks about the bulletproof mindset that helped her rebuild her life, the exact moment she realized she was an actual real estate investor, and the strategies she used to snowball from one property into the next! In This Episode We Cover How Beth overcame divorce, debt, and doubt to invest in real estate The crucial mindset shift that helped Beth rebuild her life (and finances) Turning $65,000 flipping profits into TWO cash-flowing rentals Growing your rental portfolio with funds from a business or side hustle What to do when your contractor quits on you (mid-project!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-692 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you have ANY skills that could help fast-track your real estate investing journey? Many rookies do! Whether you're good at finding deals, remodeling kitchens, or managing rental properties, there are several ways to use these in-demand skills to your advantage. In this episode, we'll show you how! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, we hear from someone who wants to use their remodeling skills to grow their real estate portfolio. What's the best investing strategy for them? Could they bring “sweat equity” to a real estate partnership? Next, a self-managing landlord is struggling to keep up with emails, notices, and important dates. We share some of the tools and systems WE use to organize our projects and stay on top of key deadlines—without adding more to our plates! Finally, we hear from a rookie who's having some serious buyer's remorse due to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC issues they discovered after closing. Who's at fault in this situation? The inspector? The seller? Stay tuned as we crack the case! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Building your rental portfolio (faster!) with real estate-related skills How to use “sweat equity” to land your next real estate deal The best tools, systems, and strategies for self-managing your rentals What to do when you're having buyer's remorse about a rental property When to get a real estate attorney involved in buyer-seller disputes And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-691 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if your next tenant wasn't a short-term guest or a Section 8 renter but the U.S. government? You're about to hear about a real estate business that makes not hundreds or thousands, but millions in predictable rental income, and the best part is that it doesn't require huge startup costs or a large portfolio! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Noble Crawford took time off work for a family medical emergency, he never expected to return and become the scapegoat for the company's bad sales numbers. In that moment, he realized he would never have control over his time, peace, or finances while working for someone else. So, he swiftly quit his W-2 job and pivoted to something that could give him what he was looking for: real estate investing. Fast forward to today, and Noble's making millions with an investing strategy that most rookies have never even heard of. His very first contract was worth $65,000 a month—life-changing money for any rookie. His latest deal? A five-year contract worth $44 million, with roughly $17 million in pure cash flow. Where does he find these deals, and how can you copy his model? Stick around and he'll show you! In This Episode We Cover How to secure “predictable” rental income through government contracting Making $44 million in five years from a single government contract How to find, negotiate, and land government contracts (start to finish) Why Noble pivoted from short-term rentals to government housing How to fully furnish your “arbitrage” units without incurring extra expenses And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-690 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feel like you're still years away from investing in real estate? Maybe you've got shaky finances, or you think you need more education. Today's guest was practically broke and sleeping in his truck while buying a seven-bedroom rental property with minimal money down! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Isaac Mann was done paying rent. He wanted to start building equity in a home, but with little money to his name, inconsistent income, and no real place to live, he knew he would need to get creative. And that's exactly what he did, forming an investing partnership with two friends in order to qualify for a loan. Along the way, the deal was nearly derailed by lenders falling through and rigorous FHA inspections, but the trio pivoted and finally moved into the property, renting out rooms to friends to help minimize their share of the mortgage payment. How did they get the deal done? How much money is Isaac saving per month? And can you repeat the same strategy if you're starting from zero? In This Episode We Cover How Isaac bought a seven-bedroom rental property (while sleeping in his truck) Lowering your cost of living with the rent-by-the-room strategy What to do when your lender falls through (and you're under contract to buy!) The benefits and drawbacks of getting an FHA loan for your property The ins and outs of forming real estate investing partnerships And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-689 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is 2026 quietly shaping up to be a great time to buy a rental property? Following a sluggish year for home sales, the housing market could become “unstuck” in 2026, giving you a clear window to buy—IF you adjust your investing strategy accordingly! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today's first question comes straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and it's all about closing day. What do you need to know once you get a property under contract? Ashley and Tony give their best property-saving tips, like why you should never skip an inspection, always have reserves, and more. 2025 was a down year for the housing market, but with mortgage rates easing slightly and prices dropping in many markets, now might be a better time to buy. We break down what's happening in different areas of the country and how to fine-tune your strategy! Whether you're flipping houses or renovating rentals, wholesalers and real estate agents don't always give you the most accurate after-repair value (ARV) estimate, which can quickly throw your numbers off when analyzing rental properties. We'll show you how to find good comps, calculate ARV, and be more confident in your numbers! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How most rookies should be adjusting their investing strategy in 2026 How to find better real estate deals in your local market What to do before, during, and after closing on a rental property After-repair value (ARV) explained, and how to estimate it How to find (accurate) real estate comps for your investment property And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies are freaked out by the thought of tackling rental renovations and things going south. But what if there were ways to lower your risk, save money, and almost guarantee success? Today's guest graduated from “chaotic” rehabs to better, cheaper, faster house flips—all because she implemented the tools and tips you're about to learn! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Serena Norris is a master house flipper, having completed over 130 projects and $55 million in volume. But she didn't get there overnight. In this episode, she winds the clock back to the beginning of her real estate investing journey, when every project came with headaches, delays, and surprise costs. When she'd finally had enough, Serena adopted tools and templates that now keep her projects organized, on track, and within budget. What are the first systems every real estate business needs? What's the best project management software? Should you hire a general contractor for your renovations? How do you create an accurate scope of work? Stay tuned as Serena answers all of these questions and more! In This Episode We Cover Crucial tools and templates Serena uses in her own real estate business Traveling the world while flipping houses by having the right systems in place Hiring a general contractor versus self-managing your home renovations How to (accurately) estimate rehab costs and create your project budget Two “non-negotiables” for all rookies before taking on rehab projects And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-687 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think building a portfolio or “retiring” with real estate is too far out of reach? Just eight years ago, today's guest was graduating from college and starting a full-time job. Now, he makes six-figure cash flow and has ditched his W-2 job before the age of 30—all thanks to an investing strategy that allows you to build wealth without tenants or toilets: self-storage. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! At just 23 years old, Steven May did what so many rookies are afraid to do: He bought a house, rented out the rooms, and used his cash flow to help buy the next one. But then, he discovered self-storage investing and everything changed. His first facility was the kind of deal most investors only dream of—one he purchased for roughly the same price as a single-family home that cash flows over $3,500 a month! But pivoting from residential to commercial real estate wasn't easy. Steven had to learn a new asset class, where to find deals, and how to get enough capital to scale his real estate portfolio. But in this episode, he'll show you each step he took to go from buying simple, single-family house hacks to multimillion-dollar self-storage facilities! In This Episode We Cover Buying seven self-storage facilities in just five years (before turning 30!) Why Steven pivoted from residential real estate to self-storage investing Steven's “playbook” for buying your first self-storage facility in 2026 The best ways to fund self-storage deals (and “recycle” your money) How to increase self-storage revenue with simple, operational improvements Scaling your self-storage portfolio fast through investing partnerships And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-686 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to finally buy a rental property in 2026? You've listened to the podcast. You've read the books. But what's the best way to actually start? Today, we're pulling back the curtain and sharing a beginner-friendly strategy that gives you a bit of everything—cash flow, appreciation, loan paydown, AND tax benefits! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We're back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, we'll hear from someone who knows plenty about real estate investing but needs a clearer roadmap for getting started and scaling their real estate portfolio. Ashley and Tony share a rookie-friendly investing strategy that will help them not only buy their first deal but also get a head start on building serious wealth! Another rookie has saved a large amount of money and is considering buying their first property in cash. But should they? We weigh the pros and cons of paying cash versus getting a mortgage. Then, we discuss the opportunities and risks of investing in D-class neighborhoods, as well as a few things all rookies should know before evicting tenants. Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The beginner-friendly strategy that gives you cash flow, appreciation, and more Paying in cash for an investment property versus getting a mortgage Finding affordable areas to invest when you're priced out of your own market The biggest opportunities and risks of investing in “rough” neighborhoods What every rookie should know before evicting troublesome tenants And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-685 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Still stuck on step one in your investing journey? There are countless success stories from investors who started five, 10, or 20 years ago. But getting started in 2026 is a different ballgame. Not to worry—we're sharing exactly how we'd approach real estate investing if we were starting over today! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley and Tony own dozens of rentals, but not long ago, they were rookies, too. If they had to go back and build their real estate portfolios from scratch, knowing what they know now, what would they do differently? We're breaking it all down on today's episode! Whether you dream of retiring early with real estate or simply owning a rental property or two, this episode is full of helpful tips, tricks, and traps WE wish we knew when starting out. You'll learn all about setting real estate investing goals, building your buy box, and lining up your financing. We also share why waiting for the home-run deal is actually a trap, while buying the “boring” deals will eventually make you rich! In This Episode We Cover Five things we'd do differently if we were starting over in real estate today Picking the “boring” deal versus waiting for the “home-run” rental The crucial questions YOU must answer before investing in real estate Financial “levers” you can pull to help fund your first real estate deal How to create your buy box and niche down to specific neighborhoods And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-684 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need a trust fund, seed money, or a rich uncle to invest in real estate? You don't! With just 10 years of simple, “boring” investing, rental properties could completely alter your life's trajectory. Today's guest started from zero but now owns a small real estate portfolio that brings in over $2,500 in monthly cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Kadeem Kamal didn't come from money—quite the opposite. But after discovering he could buy a house that doubled as a rental property, after years of paying rent, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Since buying that first property back in 2018, Kadeem has bought two more rental properties, built his own home, and never paid his mortgage out of pocket! Like many rookies, Kadeem knew very little about real estate investing when he got started. But by taking action and learning on the fly, he's been able to secure his family's financial future. In less than a decade, Kadeem has built up over $800,000 in equity. Stay tuned to learn how YOU can copy his success! In This Episode We Cover How Kadeem makes $2,500 in monthly cash flow with three rental properties A 10-year game plan for achieving financial freedom with “boring” investing Having tenants pay your mortgage with the house hacking strategy The creative strategy Kadeem used to fund the down payment for his first property Section 8 rental income isn't guaranteed? (How to protect yourself!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-683 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should you use your home equity to buy a rental property? Whether it's your primary residence or another investment property, this strategy could help you scale faster. But between a cash-out refinance, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or a different method entirely, what's the best way to tap into your funds? Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and Tony are answering more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from someone who's looking to redeploy the home equity they've built up in one of their properties. Tune in as we share several creative ways to take down your next deal and grow your real estate portfolio! Another investor is struggling to estimate rents when analyzing rental properties. We share several tools every rookie can use, as well as the method Ashley uses to calculate rents by hand. Finally, if you own short-term rentals, a cleaner might be the most important hire you ever make. Stick around as Tony shares the process he uses to find, vet, and onboard one! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to buy a rental property (faster) by “recycling” your money The best ways to tap into your home equity and reinvest in real estate How to (accurately) estimate rents for any investment property Why you always need a “pivot” for any real estate investment Finding, vetting, and hiring cleaners for your short-term rentals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-682 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to buy your first rental property in 2026? You've come to the right place! Whether you dream of becoming a “small and mighty” investor or building a large real estate portfolio, buying that first property is often the biggest hurdle. But today, we're going to show you how to do just that, step by step! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Real estate investing might seem daunting, but in this episode, Ashley and Tony break the entire process down into manageable, rookie-friendly steps. We cover everything from setting goals and laying the right financial foundation to making offers and getting properties under contract. Along the way, you'll learn how to choose your investing strategy, pick your market, analyze deals, and build out your very own investing team. Even if you're starting with zero knowledge or experience, it doesn't need to take six months, a year, or longer to buy an investment property. With our rookie-friendly roadmap, you have all of the tips and tools you need to take down that first property in 90 days or less! In This Episode We Cover How to buy your first (or next) rental property in 2026 (step by step) Why you need to lay the proper foundation before investing in real estate Picking the right real estate market and building out your investing team How to analyze rental properties like a pro with Tony's seven-day challenge How to make an offer, negotiate, and get your next deal under contract What to do once you've officially closed on your first investment property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-681 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The what-ifs of real estate investing keep many rookies on the sidelines indefinitely. But when today's guest determined his “safe” nine-to-five was just as uncertain as buying a rental property, he took the plunge. Now, having bought four small multifamily properties in just two years while keeping his W2 job, he's fast-tracking financial freedom! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Like many rookies, Derek Brickley dreamed of owning a sizable rental portfolio, but taking that first step was his biggest hurdle. He could have allowed his blind spots to keep him trapped in analysis paralysis, but instead, he leaned into his investing network and drummed up the courage to buy his first house hack. It wasn't a home-run deal, but it changed everything, teaching him how to make offers on properties, plan renovations, and manage tenants. Now, Derek has the tools to scale his real estate portfolio and an investing strategy that has set him on a clear path to financial freedom. Rather than using real estate to supplement his day job, his W2 income now supplements his investments. Stay tuned as he shares his highly “repeatable” process! In This Episode We Cover How Derek bought four small multifamily properties in just two years Building your rental portfolio faster by keeping (not quitting!) your W2 job Leveraging your investing network to bridge the knowledge “gap” Having tenants pay for your living expenses with the house hacking strategy How to do your due diligence before inheriting tenants with a rental property Critical mistakes to avoid when tackling do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-680 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stuck at one rental property? Maybe you spent years saving for that first down payment, and now, your funds are depleted. Where do you go from here? Not to worry—we'll show you how to get past this common rookie roadblock and buy your second, third, and fourth deals! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which is about scaling when you're out of cash. Some rookie investors throw their entire savings at that first investment property, so do you really have to start over to buy the next one? Maybe you don't! We share a few strategies that will help you grow your real estate portfolio faster. Insurance premiums have risen in many markets, but what do you do when they actually kill your deal, wiping out any potential cash flow? Abandon the deal entirely? Go back and negotiate with the seller? We also hear from an investor who wants to build an Airbnb business and take advantage of the short-term rental tax loophole, but is struggling to pick a market. We'll help them narrow down their options! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to scale your real estate portfolio when working with limited funds Using creative financing to buy rental properties with less money down How to reduce your taxable income with the short-term rental loophole What to do when insurance costs blow up your real estate deal How to find and choose the best short-term rental markets for 2026 And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-679 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're like most rookies, you probably won't buy a rental property in 2026. After all, there are too many things working against you: high mortgage rates, fewer deals, and concerns about the housing market. Plus, you're just not “ready” yet, right? Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're breaking down the three biggest reasons why most rookies won't invest in real estate this year. These hurdles have one thing in common: fear. It might be that you lack the confidence to make an offer, or perhaps you're waiting for the “perfect” deal to fall into your lap. Maybe you're convinced you need more education, when really, you've got a bad case of analysis paralysis. Whatever the reason, it's time to stop merely dreaming about building wealth with real estate and start executing. In this episode, we'll show you the huge opportunity cost of sitting on the sidelines, how getting creative can make the numbers work, and why it's okay to submit a “lowball” offer. Stick around for a simple rookie challenge that will help you make serious progress in your investing journey this year! In This Episode We Cover The three reasons why most rookies won't buy a rental property in 2026 Common fears that could stop you from taking down your first real estate deal Why your nine-to-five job isn't actually any “safer” than real estate investing Why waiting for the “perfect” deal could cause you to miss out on great deals The 2026 challenge that will help you break free from analysis paralysis And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-678 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you're too busy to own rental properties? Real estate investing doesn't have to dominate your time or energy. Today's guest is living proof, having built a three-property rental portfolio in just two years—all while juggling a 50-hour workweek! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Rashad George sold his primary residence for a $100,000 payday, he realized that real estate was the missing piece in his quest for financial freedom. Despite being swamped at his eight-to-six job, he found ways to start small, buying a new build investment property that required very little upkeep. Then, he graduated to more difficult projects needing cosmetic rehabs and eventually, full-gut renovations. Now, Rashad has settled into Section 8 investing, which delivers consistent monthly cash flow while he continues to advance in his career. In this episode, he busts some of the myths surrounding this investing strategy, shares how he structured his first real estate partnership, and shines a light on the tax loophole he uses to offset his active income! In This Episode We Cover How Rashad built a 3-property portfolio in two years (while working eight-to-six) How to get consistent monthly cash flow with Section 8 investing What you need to know before forming your first real estate partnership The short-term rental tax loophole you can use to offset your active income How to find and buy discounted real estate deals at an auction And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-677 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money. It's the first BIG hurdle every rookie faces when buying a rental property. Can't put 20% down? Maybe you don't need to! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We're back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first, we hear from someone who's looking to scrounge up the funds for their first real estate investment. If you have the right deal, you could bring very little, and in some cases, no money, to the table. But it'll probably require some legwork! Next, if you're looking for off-market properties, you'll want a reliable wholesaler who can deliver a steady stream of quality deals. Stay tuned as we show you how to not only find them but also become part of their inner circle. We also tackle a question many rookies have: Should you line up your financing before or after you've found a deal? One approach gives you a clear edge when it comes to narrowing your buy box, making offers, and negotiating with sellers! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Ways to buy an investment property with little or no money down Creative financing strategies YOU could be using to fund deals in 2026 How to find reliable wholesalers who can provide consistent deal flow Why lining up financing early gives you a serious edge when making offers How to build trust with potential partners, lenders, and wholesalers And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-676 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ashley just did her worst real estate deal. Ever. We always talk about the good real estate deals, but what about the bad deals? The rental properties with the nightmare rehabs or the messy evictions? The truth is that the lessons learned from these blunders often propel us toward bigger and better deals. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're going over one of Ashley's recent deals, where she lost over $25,000. But it could have been even worse. As you're about to hear, she bit off a little more than she could chew, tackling a new investing strategy with a much more difficult renovation than she signed up for. Ashley shares what went wrong while analyzing the property, the huge mistake she made during the due diligence phase, and how a little indecision snowballed into thousands in holding costs. But most importantly, you'll learn what Ashley's taking away from this painful experience so that her next deal is much better for it! In This Episode We Cover Breaking down Ashley's worst real estate deal ever (and a $25,000 loss!) The critical mistake Ashley made during the due diligence phase Why time is of the essence when taking on a large rehab project Why you should always “test” new strategies, markets, and partnerships The real estate tax benefits that can help offset a “bad” deal on paper And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-675 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of working a nine-to-five job that dominates your time and energy? You could be closer to financial freedom than you think, even if you're like today's guest—living alone, working multiple jobs, and hustling to make ends meet. In just four years, she built a rental portfolio that now cash flows $4,000 a month! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Recently separated, virtually broke, and living in a tiny apartment, Allana Lippman had a “crazy” thought while writing the monthly rent check to her landlord: Maybe—just maybe—she could build wealth with real estate, too. But rather than spending months (or years) educating herself about real estate investing, she dove right in. And good thing she did, because the first deal that fell in her lap was a “secret” duplex, listed as a single-family home, that quite literally changed her life. It not only gave her a place to live but also another unit and a tenant paying down her mortgage! Allana has already scaled her real estate portfolio to 10 properties, but now, she's reevaluating her investing strategy. Stick around to hear why she's shifting her focus toward a smaller portfolio that will allow her to truly “own her time,” work less, and travel more! In This Episode We Cover How Allana scaled her rental portfolio to 10 properties in just four years Making $4,000 in monthly cash flow with 15 rental units How Allana found a “secret” duplex disguised as a single-family home The mixed-use building that has become Allana's “cash cow” Juggling real estate investing and TWO jobs (without burning out) Diversifying your real estate portfolio with multiple investing strategies How to achieve financial freedom with a “small and mighty” portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-674 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mortgage rates have dropped recently, which is great news for rookies looking to buy a rental property. But is NOW the right time for a cash-out refinance? On one hand, tapping into the equity you've built up in your property could help you take down bigger and better investing opportunities, but on the other hand, a completely paid-off property might help you sleep better at night. We're weighing all of your options in today's episode! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are diving back into the BiggerPockets Forums, and today's first question comes from an investor who's working through a significant rental property repair. The tenant is making special requests, but should the landlord accommodate them? Next, we hear from someone who's considering a cash-out refinance for one of their properties. Is it worth deploying their money elsewhere, or is paid-off real estate the faster path to financial freedom? Finally, does commercial real estate offer better cash flow than single-family homes? The answer is a little more nuanced than you might think! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover When to do a cash-out refinance with your investment property Paying off properties versus “recycling” home equity to scale faster How to accommodate tenants while making rental property repairs The pros and cons of commercial and residential real estate investing The best ways to find cash-flowing commercial real estate deals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-673 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you want to own not one rental property, or two, but an entire real estate portfolio that gives you financial freedom? Then, you're going to need help as you grow. Thankfully, there are many tools and systems that can make running your rentals much easier. With the right resources, today's guest built a very profitable real estate business in just TWO years! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jamie Banks has already quit her job and replaced her entire salary with the cash flow from her rental properties. But she's not done yet. Now, one of Jamie's goals is to work as little as possible, and she's chipping away at it by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), automating mundane processes, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) her team can follow. Whether you're stabilizing a single property or looking to scale your portfolio, this episode is jam-packed with systems, tools, and tips you need to reach your real estate investing goals much faster. Jamie shares the biggest pain points for new investors, the quickest way to create procedures from scratch, and the software she can't live without! In This Episode We Cover The systems Jamie used to build her real estate business in two years The best tools and software for scaling your real estate portfolio faster How to craft standard operating procedures (SOPs) from scratch Leveraging automation and artificial intelligence (AI) within your business The biggest pain points new investors have early on in their investing journey And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-672 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fear you'll never be able to invest in real estate because of money, credit, or bad timing? This single mom lost her house and had a 200 credit score, yet she was still able to rebuild her life and buy rental properties. If she can find a way to build wealth, so can YOU! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Just months before the 2008 housing market crash, Sarah Weatherbee found herself unable to make her mortgage payments. So, she rented out her home, moved to Nicaragua, and lived off the rental income until the dust settled. Unfortunately, shortly after returning to the U.S., she lost her home. The silver lining? Although things hadn't panned out, Sarah had been given a small taste of what it's like to own a rental property—with someone paying down your mortgage for you—and was determined to own real estate again one day. And that's exactly what she did by buckling down, rebuilding her credit, and stashing away money for her next property. Fast forward to today, and Sarah has bought multiple properties with low money down. Stay tuned as she shares the investing strategy she uses to do it! In This Episode We Cover How Sarah rebuilt her credit and bought real estate again after losing her home Making over $130,000 in pure profit from ONE real estate deal The investing strategy that allows you to buy multiple properties with low money down When to move to another area of the country to invest in real estate The one reason why Sarah didn't quit real estate investing after failure And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-671 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buying a rental property in another city, county, or state? Then, you're going to need boots on the ground in that market to help find, fix, and manage your investment property. How do you make sure you've got the right people in place from many miles away? We've got the tips you need in today's episode! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Tony and Ashley are back with three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from an investor who's struggling to find meaningful cash flow in their market. Should they hold out for that “home-run deal” or settle for something less if it means getting that first property under their belt? Next, we'll hear from someone who has enough money to buy a primary home or an investment property. We'll weigh both options and even share an investing strategy that allows you to have both! Finally, if you're investing out of state, you'll need a team of trusted experts in that market. But finding these people is easier said than done. Stick around as we share where to look, questions to ask, and some red flags to avoid at all costs! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to build your own out-of-state investing team in any market (step by step) Red flags to avoid when vetting agents, lenders, contractors, and more Whether you should buy an investment property before your primary residence How to buy a rental property with low money down using the house hacking strategy The “minimum” cash flow you should accept when analyzing rental properties And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-669 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can't break into real estate investing? Maybe you don't have enough money to buy a rental property or the track record of a confident investor. Thankfully, there's a way to make money in real estate without owning rentals, and it could even help fund your first property. Today's expert makes $20,000 in monthly cash flow with this strategy—Airbnb co-hosting! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're joined by one of BiggerPockets' resident short-term rental experts, Garrett Brown. Garrett has owned everything from normal long-term rentals to unique stays in hot vacation markets, but one of his favorite “investing” strategies doesn't even require you to own rental properties. The best part? With some research, people skills, and passion for hospitality, any rookie can build a profitable co-hosting business from scratch in just a few months! Garrett shows you exactly how to do just that in today's episode, step by step. You'll learn where to find clients, what to charge for your services, and how to make your fledgling business stand out in 2026. Garrett even shares his go-to tools and software that make co-hosting a breeze! In This Episode We Cover How to build a profitable Airbnb co-hosting business (step by step!) How Garrett scaled to $20,000 in monthly cash flow with this strategy Two proven strategies to find (and land) your very first co-hosting client The number one way to make your co-hosting business stand out in 2026 Must-have AI tools and software that make it easier to run your Airbnb business And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-669 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feel trapped at a nine-to-five job that promises “success” but robs you of all joy, peace, and freedom? Today's guest was in the same boat, but when everything came to a head, she traded it all for a new life that would allow her to pursue actual financial freedom—with rental properties! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Casey Nguyen had (almost) everything. She and her husband were making seven figures and owned a beautiful home in the Bay Area, but they were working around the clock—and they were miserable. So, when they had reached their breaking point, they did what most wouldn't: they moved to a lower cost-of-living area and started investing in real estate. Casey has since built and scaled her real estate portfolio to seven properties across Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, and their new home state of Kentucky, where they have recently launched an Airbnb that will bring in over $50,000 this year. With each day, Casey is one step closer to her ultimate goal: more time with her family, the flexibility to travel the world, and more than enough money to fuel it. In This Episode We Cover How Casey scaled to seven rental properties in just three years The cross-country move that helped this couple fast-track their investments Trading extreme job burnout for more time, flexibility, and financial freedom A lucrative side hustle that could help fund your rental portfolio How Casey netted $460,000 (tax-free) by selling her primary home The Red River Gorge condo that will bring in over $50,000 this year And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-668 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've got THE “secret” to getting more cash flow from your rental property. Ready? Put more money down! It's an obvious solution, but is putting 30%, 40%, or more really the best use of your cash? In this episode, we'll get into all of the different things you should consider before putting more money down on your next investment property! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, we'll tackle a question many rookies have, especially when looking for off-market deals: Do you need a Realtor? Another investor claims the only way to find cash flow in their current market is by making a bigger down payment and self-managing the property. The problem? This gives them a much lower cash-on-cash return. Stay tuned as we share some other options they're probably not thinking about! Next, what do you do when a borrower ghosts you? Whether you're lending private money or seller financing, it's crucial to handle this type of situation properly (and legally). We'll show you how! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Cash flow versus cash-on-cash return (and which one is more important) How to increase your cash flow without putting more money down Whether you need a real estate agent when buying an investment property When to self-manage your rental property (or hire a property manager!) What to do when a borrower stops paying you back (private money or seller financing) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-667 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are we headed for another housing market crash, or is this a slightly longer correction in the current real estate cycle? With home prices flattening in certain markets, many investors fear buying rentals before a crash. But fear creates opportunity, and today's guests will show you why today—not next year, or five years from now—is the best time to start! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're joined by Thach Nguyen and James Dainard, who not only survived the 2008 market crash but also built most of their wealth in the years that followed. Does 2026 mirror 2008 in any way? Should rookies be bracing for another housing crash? No one can say for certain, but our experts believe now is the time for investors to double down and take advantage of better deal flow and negotiating power in a buyer's market. In this episode, you'll hear how Thach and James have weathered downturns and adjusted the way they analyze rental properties in uncertain times. They also share the keys to scaling your real estate portfolio (no matter the market), and the time-tested investing strategy that rookies should focus on! In This Episode We Cover Whether we're headed for another housing market crash in 2026 How Thach and James built most of their wealth following the 2008 crash The huge opportunities rookies can take advantage of in a buyer's market Adjusting the way you analyze real estate deals during uncertain times The biggest mistakes rookies make when getting into real estate investing And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-666 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Getting laid off from your W2 job can be a crushing blow, but for today's guest, it was the push she needed to finally bet on herself. Her first “real” rental property wasn't the perfect deal, but it didn't need to be. Today, it cash flows over $25,000 a year and has become her favorite creative outlet! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Where you invest is often just as important as the property itself, so when Alex Reeves had the opportunity to buy a run-down rental in a great area of town, she jumped—getting it under contract with only a day's notice, sight unseen, over FaceTime. Despite going over budget by roughly $100,000, she finished the renovation, furnished the property, and had her listing up in only a few months! Once a “house of horrors,” this same property now cash flows over $2,000 a month and has 100% five-star reviews on Airbnb. How? Stay tuned as Alex walks you through the entire journey of buying, rehabbing, and renting out this property—the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly! In This Episode We Cover: How Alex makes over $25,000 in yearly cash flow from ONE rental property How to get more funds for your renovation project when it goes over budget The mindset shift that turned this “accidental landlord” into an Airbnb Superhost Tips that will save you a fortune on your property's design and furnishings The keys to crafting a five-star experience with your short-term rental How Alex spent an extra $100,000 on renovations (and still made money!) And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is real estate investing still worth it? High mortgage rates and home prices can make buying a rental property seem challenging, if not impossible at times, particularly for a rookie investor with zero experience. But not to worry—in this episode, we're sharing beginner-friendly tips that will help you find and fund cash-flowing deals in 2026! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We're back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from someone who's looking to break into real estate but is unsure of how to make the numbers work in today's high-interest-rate environment. Is now a bad time to invest, or conversely, the best possible time to get started? Another investor is looking to leave their W2 for a job in real estate, but should they? Ashley and Tony debate whether this move actually gives you an edge. Finally, behind every good real estate investor is an investor-friendly tax professional. But how do you find one? We share some of the most crucial questions to ask when hiring a CPA! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to find cash-flowing real estate deals (despite high mortgage rates) Whether rookies should start investing in real estate in 2026 (or wait) Choosing the right investing strategy for your long-term goals The BEST real estate jobs to help fast-track your investing journey When to leave your current W2 job for a job in real estate Crucial questions to ask a tax professional before hiring them And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-664 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Landlord insurance premiums are rising fast in many markets across the U.S., and if you're not careful, this expense could be a dealbreaker on your next rental property. Fortunately, we know an expert on this topic, and in this episode, he'll help you navigate these challenges so you buy the right policy without sacrificing your cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're joined by Darren Nix, CEO of Steadily, to discuss all things rental property insurance. Why are premiums skyrocketing in the first place, and more importantly, is there anything you can do about it? As you're about to find out, yes! Darren shares all kinds of tips and strategies you can use to keep costs under control, all while getting the coverage you need. Stay tuned as he shows you how to estimate insurance costs when analyzing deals, which types of coverages you need for your property (and which are optional), and how to choose a real estate market that has reasonable premiums. Whether you're insuring your first or fifth property, these tips could help you save thousands on landlord insurance, and better yet, give you peace of mind that you're covered in a worst-case scenario! In This Episode We Cover Tips, tricks, and strategies that will help minimize your insurance costs The number one issue currently driving up landlord insurance premiums How to accurately estimate insurance when analyzing rental properties The types of rental properties that (usually) have the lowest insurance costs How to pick a real estate market with more affordable insurance When to pair your landlord policy with an umbrella policy for additional coverage Which real estate markets are most likely to become “uninsurable” And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-663 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Cancer.” One word would change this mom's life forever, requiring her to drop her career and become a full-time caregiver. But little did she know that real estate investing would bring her more time, flexibility, and freedom than she had at any W2 job. Today, she owns several rentals, including one that brings in over $6,000 in monthly cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jane Ng and her husband had been climbing the corporate ladder when a family medical crisis turned their lives upside down. Following her daughter's leukemia diagnosis, battle, and long recovery, Jane knew her next job would need to accommodate their new normal. Real estate has provided that and more, allowing her to spend more time with her children, work without being chained to a desk, and bring in more than enough money to help support her family. After dabbling in wholesaling, long-term rentals, and other investing strategies, Jane has since pivoted to short-term rentals, leveraging her hospitality background to craft memorable getaway experiences. Stick around and she'll show YOU how to copy her success, whether you're a stay-at-home mom or a nine-to-fiver! In This Episode We Cover How Jane turned a medical crisis into a launchpad for financial freedom The luxury rental property that nets Jane over $6,000 a month How to find more affordable real estate deals (beyond your backyard) How to (legally) avoid paying capital gains tax when selling an investment property Maximizing your monthly cash flow with short-term rental investing Planning and completing a successful renovation project (step by step) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-662 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money is often the biggest barrier standing between a rookie investor and their first deal, but there's a creative way to buy a rental property that doesn't require draining your savings or putting much down at all. We're talking about seller financing. In today's market, you may have even more leverage to negotiate these kinds of deals. Tune in as we break one of them down! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We're back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, including one from an investor who's struggling to find great real estate deals due to higher mortgage rates. While it's true that today's rates could eat away at some of your cash flow, you can still find properties that meet your long-term goals. Waiting for rates to drop could cost you! Don't have the cash for your next investment property? There's a creative financing strategy that could allow you to put very little (or no) money down. We share how to negotiate and structure one of these deals so that it's a win-win for both sides. Finally, should you move to invest in real estate? How do you pick the right market? It's not as tricky as you probably think! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The keys to negotiating and structuring a seller financing deal How to find and analyze cash-flowing real estate deals in 2026 The huge opportunity cost of waiting for mortgage rates to drop How to pick a real estate market that aligns with your investing goals Whether you should move to invest in real estate (or stay put!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-661 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of spending your money on rent or stashing it in a traditional savings account? You could make your money work harder for you and get on the path to financial freedom with real estate investing. Today, we're going to show you exactly how to buy your first rental property in 2026, step by step! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are going to show you seven steps that will get you off the sidelines and into the game! First, we'll help you lay a foundation for investing. You'll not only need to get your financial house in order but also set clear investing goals, determine your purchasing power, and choose your investing strategy. You'll also learn how to do things like find a lender, choose your market, and assemble your investing team. Then, we'll start looking at deals! We'll share how to build your buy box, analyze properties, and negotiate with sellers. Most importantly, we'll teach you the right way to build your business so that you succeed today AND as you scale your real estate portfolio! In This Episode We Cover How to buy your first rental property in 2026 (step by step) Why NOW is the perfect time for new investors to get into real estate The three things you must do before buying an investment property How to create your “buy box” and start analyzing rental properties The value of building relationships with small, local banks and credit unions Must-have systems and processes for your real estate business And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-660 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
By the time you finish this episode, you'll have your exact plan for financial freedom through real estate, starting in 2026. See if you can answer these questions right now: How much money do you want to make every month? When do you (realistically) want to retire? How much real estate will it take to get there? And which strategy will actually get you to the finish line? If you can't answer all four of those questions, you're like 99% of real estate investors—buying properties just to “build wealth.” While “building wealth” is worth striving for, it's not actually a true goal. It's what keeps investors working longer, unsure of when or if they've “made it” or how much farther they have to go. If you do one thing before 2026, do this: define your financial goals. Today, Dave shows you exactly how to do that. You'll learn the formula to calculate your financial freedom number, how much real estate you'll need, how long it will take, the one- and three-year goals you should set now, and the best real estate strategies for your situation. You could be retired in under 10 years if you start in 2026. What are you waiting for? In This Episode We Cover How to actually retire with rental properties in 10 years (or less) with a personalized strategy The best real estate investments for those with low money or little time How long it will take you to replace your income with real estate 2026 goal-planning that is achievable and gets you closer to early retirement How it's possible to double your money in a matter of years by reverse engineering your investments And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-659 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So, you want to invest in real estate…but where should you start? What's the best type of rental property for a beginner? It's easy to become overwhelmed by all the options, but in this episode, we'll provide the four-step framework you need to make the right choice! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! First, we'll share four steps that will help you pin down the right investing strategy for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Then, we'll introduce you to a few of the most beginner-friendly types of rental properties. Are you light on cash? House hacking could help you take down your first investment property with relatively little money out of pocket. Are you looking to scale your real estate portfolio as quickly as possible? The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is one of the fastest ways to build wealth in real estate. Would you prefer your real estate investments to be mostly hands-off? Perhaps a long-term rental is more your speed. Stick around till the end to learn about the three most common mistakes we see new investors make and what YOU must do to avoid them! In This Episode We Cover The four BEST types of rental properties for new investors The four-step formula for choosing the right investing strategy Creative ways to get into real estate investing when you're light on cash The secret to scaling your real estate portfolio quickly (without a ton of money) Three common rookie investing mistakes (and how to avoid them!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-658 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Redfin just called it. The housing market will “reset” in 2026…or at least it'll be the start of it. Chen Zhao, Redfin's head of economics research, has 11 predictions she and her team have formulated for the 2026 housing market. A long, slow period of progress could be upon us, as buyers get what they've been asking for: better affordability, a more normal market, and the chance to own where there's work. But what does this really mean? Will mortgage rates fall? Will home prices drop? We're going through each of the 11 predictions with Chen, discussing prices, rates, rents, refinances, transaction volume, and even how AI could become the “matchmaker” for Americans looking for their first or next property. Make no mistake, this is good news for many, and could be just the start of a cycle that finally puts average Americans in the position to purchase a home. But, for real estate investors and landlords, there could be another big benefit coming in 2026, one that has a direct impact on your cash flow. In This Episode We Cover Redfin's 2026 housing market predictions (prices, mortgage rates, and more!) The great “reset” that is coming for the housing market (it's already begun) Rent growth returns? Struggling landlords could get some relief next year The best and worst real estate markets that Redfin is forecasting for 2026 The AI effect on real estate and why more buyers are using bots to find homes And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-657 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you can't create cash flow in this housing market? Think again! Today's guest will introduce you to a strategy that can take a regular rental property and maximize its profits. It's allowed him to net $5,000 each month and quit his W2 job in just 18 months! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Just two years ago, Andres Martinez was waiting tables and saving every penny possible for a house. But when he was told he still couldn't qualify for a mortgage, he turned his attention to wholesaling in order to learn more about real estate investing and make some extra money. Little did he know that he would soon stumble upon a strategy that would change his life and give him financial freedom—co-living! After buying a couple of properties, Andres quit his job to go all-in on this strategy. This move paid off, as he's been able to scale his real estate portfolio to five properties (soon to be six!) and over $5,000 in monthly cash flow. The best part? He's been able to buy all of his properties using other people's money (OPM), seller financing, and subject to deals. Stick around as Andres tells you all about his buy box, how he analyzes rental properties, and why co-living might just be the next big thing! In This Episode We Cover Making $5,000 in monthly cash flow from five rental properties How Andres was able to quit his W2 job in 18 months with real estate The investing strategy that maximizes your rental property's profits Why co-living presents a huge opportunity for investors in 2025 and beyond The best real estate side hustles to fast-track your investing journey And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-656 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've all come across that property—the one with the irresistibly low price in the bad area of town. The numbers make it look like a home-run real estate deal, but are there too many red flags to ignore? We'll show you exactly what to do when analyzing this type of rental property! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We've pulled three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first up, an investor wants to know whether or not they need an umbrella policy for their property. Tune in as Ashley and Tony share their thoughts on insurance, LLCs, and a range of asset protection strategies you can use to safeguard what's yours. Then, we weigh the pros and cons of FHA and conventional loans. One of these options gives you a clear advantage when it comes to seller negotiations! Our final question comes from an investor who's considering a “great” deal in a less desirable part of town. It looks good on paper, but are other investors steering clear for good reason? We break down when it makes sense to buy this type of deal, and conversely, when it's more trouble than it's worth! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover What to know before buying a good real estate deal in a bad neighborhood How to protect your assets with umbrella policies, LLCs, and other strategies Whether you should get an FHA loan or conventional loan for your rental property How to create “stable” rental income through Section 8 investing Why you always need to have cash reserves for your investment property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-655 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies would invest in real estate if only they had the money. Well, we're about to share a simple, scalable side hustle that could help you save money and buy your first rental property much faster. Today's guest has built up this type of small business multiple times over the last six years, and in this episode, he'll show YOU how to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Cody Berman had dabbled in countless side hustles and small businesses—some profitable, others not so much—but when he discovered that digital products could generate real passive income, he pivoted to this lucrative strategy instead. Starting with no capital, audience, or experience, Cody has scaled to the point where his business now brings in north of $15,000 a month! The best part? This type of business has an incredibly low barrier to entry. You could launch yours with as little as $40, and Cody will show you how, step by step. With digital products, making an extra $6,000-$12,000 per year is a reasonable first milestone for any rookie. Just imagine what that could do for you and your real estate portfolio! In This Episode We Cover The perfect side hustle to fast-track your real estate investing journey How Cody scaled his digital products side hustle from zero to $15,000 a month Cody's three-month roadmap to making an extra $12,000 per year How to start a profitable online business with as little as $40 Using the “stacking” method to niche down (and get more customers!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-654 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need a big bank account to invest in real estate? You don't! There are several ways to either buy a rental property with low money down or turn an existing property into a rental with even less money out of pocket. Just ask today's guest, whose first property now gives him an extra $1,200 in monthly cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! For years, Alex Bozzy had wanted to get into real estate investing. So, when the time came to upgrade from his starter home, he jumped at the opportunity to convert it into a rental. After some light repairs, this first-time landlord was able to find and place a tenant who gives him a $3,000 check each month! The best part about Alex's investing strategy? It's rookie-friendly and highly repeatable! The next time Alex moves, he'll do it all over again: buy a new primary residence with low money down and turn his current home into another rental property. This is something YOU can do, too. Stay tuned and he'll show you how to follow his blueprint, step by step! In This Episode We Cover How Alex turned his primary residence into a cash-flowing rental property Making an extra $1,200 a month without buying an investment property The pros and cons of selling your house versus renting it out Landlord tools and software that make property management a cinch How to schedule showings and screen tenants (fairly) on a tight timeline And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-653 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Not knowing the difference between a “good” real estate deal and a “bad” one keeps many rookies on the sidelines. If this is the one hurdle preventing you from buying your first rental property, don't worry—today's episode will give you the confidence to find, analyze, and buy a great deal in 2026! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We've got three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from someone who's struggling to find the right investment property. As you're about to hear, a good deal for one person might be a bad deal for another, so the key is pinning down your real estate investing goals. We'll show you how to do just that and provide you with a few key metrics and rules of thumb to make your decision a little easier! Next, do you need to hire a general contractor when renovating a house, or can you oversee the work yourself? The answer is more nuanced than you probably think. Finally, we'll tackle every rookie's million-dollar question: Is now the best time to invest in real estate, or is it safer to wait out 2026? We set the record straight! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to identify “good” real estate deals (and dodge the “bad” ones!) The number one thing to determine before buying an investment property Key metrics and rules of thumb to use when analyzing rental properties Whether you need to hire a general contractor for your renovation project Whether you should buy a rental property in 2026 (or wait a little longer!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-652 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies assume it's easier to buy a rental property in their own market, but today's guest proved you don't need to by taking down his first deal in another area of the country, sight unseen. And good thing he did, because it not only pocketed him $250,000 but also gave him the confidence to leave his W2 job, move to another country, and go all in on real estate investing! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Stephen Keighery was living in one of the most unaffordable cities in Australia when he decided to try his hand in another market. Then, after a few home-run deals, Stephen packed up and moved across the world to New Orleans, where he's since built his own real estate business. By pairing wholesaling and the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), he earns active income while rapidly scaling his portfolio! Stephen's secret? He knows his strengths and uses them to his advantage—leveraging his marketing and sales background to grow his network and build rapport with potential sellers. In this episode, he'll show you how to dig into the data and identify up-and-coming markets, hunt down off-market properties, and close! In This Episode We Cover How Stephen made $250,000 in profit from his very first real estate deal Building a real estate business that can replace your W2 income How to scale your real estate portfolio from anywhere in the world Using public data to identify up-and-coming real estate markets How to land your first wholesale real estate deal (in six months or less) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-651 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most rookies buy rental properties for monthly cash flow or long-term appreciation, but for today's guest, the enormous tax benefits were the biggest driver. Whether you're looking to achieve true financial freedom, leave your W-2 job, or keep more of your hard-earned money from the tax man, this episode is for you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ross Alcorn was very good at his medical sales job, but he was slowly burning out. His breaking point? Paying over $175,000 in taxes (in one year!) and still getting hit with a surprise $33,000 tax bill. He knew there had to be a better way to not only make a living but also build long-term wealth, and after a few conversations, he plunged headfirst into real estate investing—taking down five deals in just six years! In this episode, you'll learn how real estate tax benefits often outweigh cash flow, appreciation, and loan paydown in many cases—especially if you're a high-income earner or full-time investor. But that's not all. Stick around, and Ross will also share the real estate side hustle he uses to furnish and renovate his rentals and travel for free! How Ross went from job burnout to building a five-property portfolio How to potentially save thousands on taxes with rental properties The real estate side hustle that could help pay for your next vacation The biggest keys to a successful real estate investing partnership How to drastically reduce your living expenses with the house hacking strategy And So Much More! In This Episode We Cover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Forming a real estate investing partnership could help you scale your real estate portfolio faster, but if you're not careful, you could just as easily find yourself in hot water. Want to make sure you structure your partnership in a way that protects you and your assets? Then you won't want to miss this episode! Today's Rookie Reply features more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and answers from your trusted hosts, Ashley and Tony. First, we hear from a rookie who may be on the verge of making a major blunder with their first partnership, but not to worry—we'll steer them in the right direction. Our next question comes from someone who's about to close on their first rental property but is wary of inheriting tenants. What should they do? Offer cash for keys? Delay possession of the property? We'll break down all of their options! Finally, how difficult is it to start and scale an Airbnb business today? Our resident short-term rental expert shares some of the tools, systems, and expectations you'll need to grow a profitable portfolio—no matter the market! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover What you must know before structuring a real estate investing partnership Debt and equity partnerships explained (and which one you should use) What to do (and not do) when inheriting tenants on a rental property Whether you can still start an Airbnb business (and be profitable) in this market Tips, tools, and tricks for scaling your short-term rental portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-649 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are we seeing a short-term rental resurgence? Since Airbnb's big boom in 2021, many investors have shied away from the “oversaturated” short-term rental industry. But is now actually the ideal time for you to buy vacation rentals? Today's guests believe there's more opportunity than you might think! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're joined by Jamie Lane of AirDNA and John Bianchi of STR Search, who are harnessing the power of real estate data to find cash-flow-rich properties and areas across the U.S. The best part? All of these figures, tools, and strategies are available to rookies, who have an edge in smaller markets where the big players don't want to go. Whether you're buying your first rental property or pivoting to short-term rentals, this episode is chock-full of insights for building a profitable Airbnb business. Jamie and John get into the “20-percent rule” for picking profitable short-term rental markets, the biggest investing mistakes to avoid at all costs, and the huge advantage rookies have in the hospitality space! In This Episode We Cover Why short-term rentals are still a profitable investing strategy in 2025 How to identify high-cash-flow markets using the “20-percent rule” The Airbnb amenities that deliver the greatest return on investment (ROI) The biggest mistakes rookie investors make when analyzing short-term rentals Small versus large markets (and the dangers of going too small) Why “conservative” analysis is needed to find a profitable property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-648 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Worried you'll never be able to buy rental properties because you're “bad” with money? Today's guest was in the same boat until a much-needed mindset shift set her on the path towards financial freedom. Since then, she has built a debt-free, 45-property portfolio that gives her more than enough cash flow to live on! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Liz Carroll didn't always have a healthy relationship with money. In college, she would ask her parents to bail her out of credit card debt and have her fiancé cover her car repairs. But one day, something clicked, and Liz realized she needed to take back control of her money. Her ultimate goal? Financial independence—and real estate investing would be how she achieved it. But rather than overleveraging herself, Liz worked hard, saved, and bought properties with minimal debt—paying them off as soon as possible! In this episode, Liz breaks down her very first deal, a $13,000 property (really!) that gave her the confidence to scale her real estate portfolio. She also talks about niching down and the exit strategy that's allowing her to offload her properties, one by one, while helping her tenants achieve the dream of homeownership! In This Episode We Cover How Liz and her husband built a portfolio of paid-off rental properties Building and scaling a rental portfolio while working nine to five How to reframe the way you think about money so you can start investing Paying off your mortgage (early) to fast-track your investing goals Why living below your means is a non-negotiable for financial freedom Streamlining your business by refining your buy box and niching down And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-647 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Before you buy a rental property, you'll need to decide where to invest. Some rookies feel more comfortable investing in their own backyards, while others prefer to handpick a market that will give them enough cash flow or appreciation to reach their long-term goals. But which one will give YOU an advantage? Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and Tony are tackling more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, they weigh the pros and cons of investing out of state before debating whether you should get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) on your primary residence to help fund an investment property. Planning to do a BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat)? Then you'll need to have your financing lined up ahead of time. Should you use a single loan to cover the purchase and rehab, or is it better to fund them separately? We'll break down all your options. Do you need a property manager? Stick around for some crucial tips and interview questions that will help you make the right choice! In This Episode We Cover Whether you should invest locally or out of state for your first real estate deal The best ways to fund a BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) Using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for a down payment How to find a reliable property manager for your rental property “Overlooked” property management fees that could kill your cash flow And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-646 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura Sides had zero real estate investing experience not too long ago. But, within just six weeks, she made $100,000 on her first real estate deal. How is that even possible, let alone in 2025? That type of profit is usually reserved for expert real estate investors, not middle-school science teachers! Today, Laura is uncovering the fast-flipping formula that helps her do quick, profitable real estate deals even in her competitive market. During a beach vacation to Florida, Laura read the personal finance and investing classic Rich Dad Poor Dad, and, seemingly overnight, her brain rewired as she became dead set on multiplying her money instead of working for every dollar. So, she took out a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy her first real estate deal, but where would it come from? A chance encounter with a neighbor would set her on a path that would change her life forever. Now, she's cracked the house flipping formula, has two killer rental properties she uses as her own vacation homes, and makes significantly more than her teacher's salary working on her schedule, building wealth her way. Want to be like Laura? We ALL do, and today, she's sharing how you can do it, too! In This Episode We Cover How Laura made a six-figure profit in just six weeks on her FIRST real estate deal The house flipping formula Laura uses to buy low-stress, quick flips that make great profits Why you should ALWAYS be friendly with your neighbors (they might sell you their house) Using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy your first investment property What Laura looks for on property listings as telltale signs they'll be good deals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-645 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your first real estate deal doesn't need to be a home run. If it gives you a little cash flow and the confidence to keep going, it's worth it. Ashley and Tony had very little real estate investing experience and almost no money saved when they found their first rentals, but they took action, and the rest is history. YOU can do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are breaking down their very first real estate deals, step by step. They talk about everything from building their buy boxes and analyzing rental properties to funding their deals with help from real estate partners and local banks. Of course, you'll learn what went right, but you'll also hear about some of the rookie challenges they had to overcome. Their first deals weren't perfect, but they didn't need to be. These properties gave them the knowledge, skills, and experience to scale their real estate portfolios. Copy their rookie blueprint and you'll be buying your first, second, and third rental properties in no time! In This Episode We Cover How Ashley and Tony found and funded their first real estate deals How to buy a rental property (step by step) without a big bank account Low-money-down financing options you probably haven't heard of Matching your buy box with your investing strategy and long-term goals How to manage and complete a home renovation project in a different market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-644 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
