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From Broke Landlord to 100+ Properties tells the story of how Andrew Lucas went from struggling with negative cash flow rentals to building a thriving real estate business with over 100 units, multiple income streams, and a powerful investor network. In this episode, he shares the hard lessons from his early mistakes, how wholesaling helped him quit his job, the importance of community and mentorship, and the real strategies behind scaling without burning out. This conversation breaks down what it actually takes to succeed in real estate today—from risk management and marketing to building systems that support long-term freedom. _______________________________ If you want to learn how to run your business in 5 hours or less.... Go to https://www.5HourBusiness.com Subscribe to my YouTube channel: / @tonyjavierbiz And if you're into flying and want to follow my Aviation journey, check out my other YouTube channel at / @tonyjaviertv _______________________________ Follow me on Social Media: Tiktok - / tonyjavier.tv Instagram - / tonyjavier.tv Facebook Personal - / tonyejavier Facebook Business - / realtonyjavier ________________________________________ If you want to dominate your Real Estate Market with TV commercials, go here: https://www.ClaimMyMarket.com If you want to connect with me and my network, go to https://tonyjavier.com/connect If you want to check out Tony's Real Estate Resources and Vendors go to https://www.TonyJavier.com/resources ________________________________________ Tony is the owner of an INC 5000-rated Real Estate Investment Company. He has been featured in Bigger Pockets, Wholesaling INC, Steve Trang's Real Estate Disruptors, Joe Fairless' Best Ever Podcast, and many other top podcasts and platforms. When Tony is not working on his business, he enjoys flying his plane. You can see videos on that and how he uses airplanes to save money on taxes. Don't forget to like the video, comment, subscribe to my channel, and share this with a friend if I'm doing my job and providing value to you and your network. If I'm not doing my job please let me know in the comments how I can be better, your feedback is greatly appreciated. See you in the next video!
The Biggest Threat to Real Estate | Rick Delgiorno uncovers the growing challenges facing today's real estate investors and why the industry's future depends on credibility, advocacy, and stronger representation. In this episode of the Real Estate Masters Podcast, Rick Delgiorno explains how changing regulations, negative public perception, and the lack of a unified voice are impacting investors across the country. He also shares valuable insights on persistence, strategic planning, industry standards, and the steps every real estate professional should take to protect and grow their business. _______________________________ If you want to learn how to run your business in 5 hours or less.... Go to https://www.5HourBusiness.com Subscribe to my YouTube channel: / @tonyjavierbiz And if you're into flying and want to follow my Aviation journey, check out my other YouTube channel at / @tonyjaviertv _______________________________ Follow me on Social Media: Tiktok - / tonyjavier.tv Instagram - / tonyjavier.tv Facebook Personal - / tonyejavier Facebook Business - / realtonyjavier ________________________________________ If you want to dominate your Real Estate Market with TV commercials, go here: https://www.ClaimMyMarket.com If you want to connect with me and my network, go to https://tonyjavier.com/connect If you want to check out Tony's Real Estate Resources and Vendors go to https://www.TonyJavier.com/resources ________________________________________ Tony is the owner of an INC 5000-rated Real Estate Investment Company. He has been featured in Bigger Pockets, Wholesaling INC, Steve Trang's Real Estate Disruptors, Joe Fairless' Best Ever Podcast, and many other top podcasts and platforms. When Tony is not working on his business, he enjoys flying his plane. You can see videos on that and how he uses airplanes to save money on taxes. Don't forget to like the video, comment, subscribe to my channel, and share this with a friend if I'm doing my job and providing value to you and your network. If I'm not doing my job please let me know in the comments how I can be better, your feedback is greatly appreciated. See you in the next video!
Why Your Website Isn't Making Money | Trevor Mauch reveals the biggest mistakes real estate investors make when trying to generate leads online. In this episode of the Real Estate Masters Podcast, Trevor Mauch explains why most websites focus on appearance instead of performance, how SEO and conversion optimization drive more qualified leads, and why a strong unique selling proposition is essential for standing out in today's competitive market. He also shares practical marketing strategies, AI insights, and long-term business lessons that can help investors build a website that actually grows revenue. _______________________________ If you want to learn how to run your business in 5 hours or less.... Go to https://www.5HourBusiness.com Subscribe to my YouTube channel: / @tonyjavierbiz And if you're into flying and want to follow my Aviation journey, check out my other YouTube channel at / @tonyjaviertv _______________________________ Follow me on Social Media: Tiktok - / tonyjavier.tv Instagram - / tonyjavier.tv Facebook Personal - / tonyejavier Facebook Business - / realtonyjavier ________________________________________ If you want to dominate your Real Estate Market with TV commercials, go here: https://www.ClaimMyMarket.com If you want to connect with me and my network, go to https://tonyjavier.com/connect If you want to check out Tony's Real Estate Resources and Vendors go to https://www.TonyJavier.com/resources ________________________________________ Tony is the owner of an INC 5000-rated Real Estate Investment Company. He has been featured in Bigger Pockets, Wholesaling INC, Steve Trang's Real Estate Disruptors, Joe Fairless' Best Ever Podcast, and many other top podcasts and platforms. When Tony is not working on his business, he enjoys flying his plane. You can see videos on that and how he uses airplanes to save money on taxes. Don't forget to like the video, comment, subscribe to my channel, and share this with a friend if I'm doing my job and providing value to you and your network. If I'm not doing my job please let me know in the comments how I can be better, your feedback is greatly appreciated. See you in the next video!
This is how to analyze a rental property step-by-step in 2026. You don't need to do any complicated math, you don't need to sign up for a course, and you don't need to have previous rental property experience. I've tweaked this process over the past fifteen years of investing to ensure it gets me the best returns possible while being so conservative that it's hard to get it wrong. Today, I'm showing you exactly how to do rental property analysis like a pro, even if this is your first investment property. I took a real property from Zillow to analyze in this episode, using real rent and expense estimates, not made-up numbers to make the cash flow look good. I'll walk through which numbers are crucial to get right, which you can adjust to see if the deal would work in different scenarios, and how to get the seller (instead of you) to pay for some of your costs or lower the price. Every tool I use in this episode is listed below, so use them! In This Episode We Cover How to analyze a rental property, step-by-step in 2026 (with an actual property example) Why you must read the full listing description to find what most investors miss Calculating after-repair value (ARV) to see how much your property could be worth The three different ways to estimate rent price (and which is most accurate?) The returns I need to see to move forward on a real estate deal (which metrics matter most) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1311. 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
Struggling to find your first (or next) real estate deal? What if we told you there are simple, rookie-friendly strategies that even seasoned investors overlook? Today, we'll share some of them with you so you can take down a great deal in 2026! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's questions come straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and they're all about getting out of the research phase without rushing into a bad first deal. Is it worth paying for a course, or is self-study enough? Where do you find rental properties for sale when Zillow feels picked over? And how do you choose one investing strategy when there are SO many options? We're sharing how we learn best, Ashley's exact Zillow strategy for finding motivated sellers, and how to identify the best starting point for your rental portfolio. If you're stuck at square one or trying to make the numbers work in 2026, we've got answers! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Four ways to find great real estate deals in 2026 (even as a complete beginner) What most rookies miss when looking for on-market real estate deals Whether it's worth paying for real estate coaching, courses, or masterminds Ashley's favorite Zillow strategy for finding motivated sellers How to choose the right investing strategy for your lifestyle and long-term goals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-751. 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
Nearly 50% of mortgages in the U.S. flow through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac—but a push from the Trump Administration could sell shares of these government enterprises and put them in the hands of the public. The side effects could be significant to those getting or refinancing a mortgage—from interest rates to regulations. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac alone take up about half of the mortgage market. The reason you can get a 30-year loan, a lower interest rate, and do it all with standardized regulations is largely thanks to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. So, if these enterprises are sold on the private market with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae IPO-ing, would it put so much privatized pressure on the mortgage market that it could begin to break? Today, we're getting into the major consequences from a sale of Fannie and Freddie—currently owned almost entirely by the government. With a $250B payday sitting in limbo, the government could be pushed to sell off the enterprises that enabled average Americans to buy houses. The question is, should it even happen? In This Episode We Cover The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac IPO possibilities and the side effects it would have on mortgage rates and regulations Why the government took over Fannie and Freddie and whether re-privatizing them will encourage these enterprises to do anything to profit The massive payday that could come out of a selective sale of Fannie and Freddie Pros and cons of a sale going through and whether Dave thinks it's a smart idea And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders How Privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Could Have Seismic Impacts On Real Estate Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Grab Dave's Book, Real Estate by the Numbers Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-447. 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
Real estate investors often talk about cash flow, or the profits from flipping a house, but rarely the total impact that buying a rental property and holding it for multiple years can have on your net worth. If you've never done the math, it's significant. In many cases, a single property can create several hundred thousand dollars in wealth. And to prove it, Dave and Henry have each handpicked a real estate deal from their own portfolios. They'll walk you through how they found these properties, how they funded them, and some of the biggest challenges they ran into along the way. But then, they'll reveal exactly what happened once the dust settled and compounding started to do its thing. These weren't home-run deals or rare investing opportunities. They were very “normal” rental properties in the hands of patient investors. If you do exactly what they did—buy a quality asset in a good neighborhood and play the long game—you, too, could create life-changing wealth through real estate investing. In This Episode We Cover The true, net worth-building power of buy-and-hold investing How much Henry has made on his eight-unit property in the last six years How much Dave's Denver property has made him over the last decade The total impact of cash flow, appreciation, tax benefits, and loan paydown on your net worth The complete life cycle of an investment property (acquisition to exit) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1310. 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 trading your time for a paycheck and depending on someone else for financial "security," real estate investing could be your way out, and the path to true financial freedom might be closer than you think. In this episode, we're showing you exactly how to replace your W-2 salary with rental cash flow in a decade or less! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're giving you a proven formula for replacing your salary with rental properties. We'll break down actual examples you could use to achieve this goal, whether you're going the house hacking route or buying traditional investment properties. Along the way, we'll show you how to pick the right market, choose the right investing strategy for your long-term goals, and maximize your per-property cash flow. By the end of this conversation, you'll know how to run your own numbers, finance your first deal, and use tax strategies that stretch your cash flow even further. But most importantly, you'll have a clear roadmap to walk away from your nine-to-five job! In This Episode We Cover How Ashley and Tony used real estate to step away from their own W-2 jobs How many rental properties it takes to replace the average salary How to pick a market for cash flow, appreciation, or a mix of both Choosing an investing strategy that aligns with your long-term goals The numbers on a house hack versus a traditional investment property Creative ways to maximize your cash flow per rental property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-750. 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
On this solo episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene explores what it truly means to think like a long-term investor in a world dominated by constant headlines, social media, and financial noise. As the podcast continues its evolution toward financial mindfulness, Jonathan explains why successful wealth building depends less on reacting to the latest trends and more on developing the patience, discipline, and confidence to stay focused on your own long-term goals. While real estate remains the foundation of the conversation, the broader message is about creating a thoughtful approach to building and preserving wealth over a lifetime. Jonathan breaks down the critical difference between information and noise, arguing that today's investing culture encourages short attention spans and emotional decision-making. He explains why quick takes, viral videos, and market panic often distract investors from what actually matters: data, education, and careful analysis. Instead of chasing headlines or trying to keep up with social media success stories, he encourages listeners to consume deeper sources of information, verify what they learn, and build confidence through experience rather than hype. Throughout the episode, Jonathan shares how long-term investors behave differently during uncertain markets. Rather than panicking when prices fall or rushing into deals because of fear of missing out, they patiently evaluate opportunities, stick to their investment principles, and understand that wealth is created through consistency over decades, not dramatic short-term wins. He reflects on his own investing journey, including lessons from 2008, his approach to passive investing through syndications, and why walking away from deals has often been one of his greatest strengths. Ultimately, this episode is about learning to filter out distractions and develop the mindset necessary for sustainable wealth creation. Jonathan argues that financial mindfulness means making intentional decisions, trusting your research, and accepting that you don't need every opportunity to succeed. By slowing down, staying curious, and focusing on long-term thinking, investors can build not only stronger portfolios but also greater confidence and peace of mind. In this episode, you will hear: Why distinguishing between information and noise is essential for long-term investing How social media, headlines, and market panic encourage short-term thinking Why patient investors often outperform those constantly chasing the next opportunity How Jonathan evaluates deals by focusing on data, education, and long-term strategy What financial mindfulness looks like when everyone else is reacting to the latest market trends Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover the show and supports its continued growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Jonathan: Podcast - www.zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/JonathanGreenere Instagram - www.instagram.com/zenrealestateinvesting Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting Jonathan's Hub Site - www.trustgreene.com Brokerage - https://www.streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.
This isn't a “good” housing market for anyone. Affordability remains a major barrier to homeownership. Sellers aren't getting what they want for their homes. Now, builders are signaling that the current housing shortage could get even worse. It's bad news for aspiring homeowners, but could it finally put a floor on this housing market correction? This week's headlines highlight how affordability challenges are reaching every corner of the housing market—not just for buyers. A perfect storm of high interest rates, stagnant home prices, and rising material and labor costs is putting builders under pressure, too. As a result, housing starts and single-family home completions have reached their lowest levels since 2020. But could this slowdown ultimately limit how far home prices can fall? At the same time, there are other factors keeping homes off the market—like a potential capital gains tax problem discouraging many baby boomers from listing their homes for sale. Meanwhile, house flippers are worried about another tax coming down the pipeline that could eat into even more of their profits. Everyone's feeling the squeeze, but could these pressures causing the market to bend be the same forces that prevent it from breaking? In This Episode We Cover Why the single-family market correction may have just found its floor Why many homebuilders are building less amid a national housing shortage Whether we should raise the capital gains tax exclusion for homeowners A new tax that could cost house flippers even more of their margins Three issues that are potentially contributing to a stagnant housing market And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Flippers Supplied 2x More Starter Homes Than Builders in 2025 Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Henry's BiggerPockets Profile James' BiggerPockets Profile Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile CRE Daily: US Housing Starts Slow, Giving Apartments Room to Recover AEI Housing Center: Capital Gains Rules on Home Sales and Senior Homeowner Lock In The Real Deal: “The math has stopped working”: NYC home flipping drops as state legislators propose new tax Grab The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-446. 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 come up short in retirement? When Brian Waters ran the numbers, he realized he was still decades away from being able to leave his nine-to-five. He needed a lifeline, and he found one in real estate investing. In just five years, he has scaled to 20 rental properties, and against all odds, he's already on track to retire early! When we last checked in with Brian, he was buying simple, affordable, turnkey properties 2,000 miles away. But recently, he's pivoted to a “hybrid” investing strategy you've probably never heard of, one that's helping him scale his real estate portfolio even faster. In the past six months alone, he's added six rentals—all while working full-time, coaching football on the weekends, and staying fully present with his family. Today, Brian shares the highly “repeatable” formula he's using to tie everything together, makes a convincing case for keeping your W-2 job while you grow your real estate business, and shows you how to use other people's money (and knowledge) to stack properties much faster than you ever could alone. In This Episode We Cover The “hybrid” investing strategy Brian used to buy six rentals in just six months The underrated benefits of keeping your W-2 job while investing in real estate Leveraging other people's money (and knowledge) to buy rental properties faster How to find agents, contractors, and property managers for your out-of-state investing team The pros and cons of turnkey rental properties (and who should buy them) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1309. 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
Picture this: working two jobs, sleeping during your breaks, and still showing up every single day because you've already decided what your life looks like on the other side! That's exactly how today's guest turned a two-year grind into his very first real estate deal—and if he could unlock his dream life with just one property, you can too! Welcome back to Real Estate Rookie! Today we're joined by Elijah Ray, who spent two years working 100 hours per week between two jobs, with one goal in mind: to live his dream life. Elijah sat down every week to look at his goals and work backward from them, until he had enough saved to buy his first property at just 26 years old! In this episode, Elijah shares how house hacking one property gave him the freedom to finally quit his job, how he funded his first rental unit, and how his first (and only) property unlocked the life he's always dreamed of! If you're grinding through a job you're trying to escape and telling yourself it's not possible yet, this episode is proof it just takes one clear goal and one deal to change everything. Hit play to hear exactly how he did it! In This Episode We Cover How Elijah set his goals and bought his first home (even after a two-year struggle!) Managing evictions as a rookie landlord and the lessons that came with it Screening red flags Elijah wishes he'd caught on his first rental property Why less rentals meant more freedom (you don't need a dozen units!) How to fund a renovation with credit cards, and whether it's worth it The 1% down payment loan that speeds up your buying timeline And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-749. 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 reached the midway point of 2026, and with six months of housing market data to pull from, one thing is clear: the headlines don't match reality. The media is full of economic uncertainty, global conflict, and even housing crash predictions. But the actual data points to something else entirely. The 2026 housing market? It's surprisingly stable. No, there isn't a ton of activity. Interest rates remain elevated. We're still in the “Great Stall.” But things are more predictable. And that's all investors need to make informed decisions. Not to mention, there's a third factor—a silver lining—that not nearly enough real estate investors are paying attention to. You won't see it reflected in the data, but investors are scooping up real estate deals at massive discounts. To be clear, this isn't happening in every market. But if it's happening in yours—or a market you're targeting—the next six months could be your window to buy rental properties at prices we might not see again. In This Episode We Cover Why homes are selling for much less than the average sale price suggests The single biggest opportunity for real estate investors in 2026 The markets with the highest percentage of seller concessions right now Updated risk report: what's the likelihood of a housing crash? The often-overlooked benefits of buying in a “boring” housing market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1308. 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
You've read the books. You've listened to the podcasts. But you still don't feel “ready” to invest in real estate. You're not alone! This is one of the most common rookie struggles, and today, we're showing you how to break free from analysis paralysis and finally get in the game! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We're back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums that, together, map the whole path from inaction to actually closing on your first deal. An experienced property manager wants to buy their own rental property but doesn't know where to start, while another investor needs help analyzing a real estate market for their first house hack. Plus, we're settling one of the oldest debates in real estate: appreciation or cash flow? If you've been circling your first deal for months (or years) or looking to train up on analyzing rental properties, this episode is the push you've been waiting for. Hit play and let's get you off the sidelines! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The two biggest hurdles you need to clear before buying a rental property How to know if you're actually ready to invest in real estate Whether you should prioritize cash flow or appreciation on your first deal Why real estate investing “edge” that property management experience gives you How to pick the right real estate market for you to invest in And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-748. 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 average American will not be able to retire. 50% are going into their golden years with less than $500,000—significantly short of what would even be considered a livable retirement amount. Social Security only has so long before payments begin to get cut, and retiring during a stock market crash, or even a correction, can put you at sizable risk of returning to work. But one asset can help you retire with less, reach retirement (or even early retirement) faster, and do so without putting your future freedom at risk—real estate. Today, Dave is going to prove why so many of his retirement plans sit on rental properties as a stable base, and how Americans can retire with up to 50% less using real estate, as opposed to stocks and bonds. This flips the entire retirement equation on its head. Now you don't need to bet on the market, you don't need to hope and pray Social Security will exist when it's your turn to collect, and you don't need to hit some sky-high ($4,000,000+) retirement number just to live a comfortable life. This is the faster, and arguably safer, formula for retirement in 2026 and beyond. In This Episode We Cover How to retire with far less using real estate cash flow (instead of selling stocks) How much you actually need to retire in the United States (inflation-adjusted) The real estate retirement framework that gives you better returns, more cash flow, and a simpler path Why 81% of Americans are at risk of never being able to comfortably, confidently retire The problem with building a cash flow-focused real estate portfolio too early (it will cost you) And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area How Much Passive Income is Enough to Retire With? Schroders US Retirement Survey Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Grab Dave's Book, Real Estate by the Numbers Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-445. 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
You don't have to buy your first rental property—you can build one instead. Newer systems, fewer repairs, and that “brand new” feeling that tenants may pay more rent for. But…is it worth it? Building a small multifamily in a single-family area could let you house hack and own a rare property in your market, but is the headache worth the effort? With more and more investors choosing to build rather than buy, we thought we'd weigh in. Dave and Henry are back answering your questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. Today, we're talking about building vs. buying rentals, when an investment property is too old to be worth buying, the lender-friendly rehab budget Henry uses to get loans for his BRRRRs (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) and house flips, and whether wholesalers (middlemen) are worth buying properties from. Plus, if you're house hacking, should you tell the tenant you're the owner? Dave tried to hide it before, and shares whether it was worth it. In This Episode We Cover Building vs. buying rental properties: is the time (and effort) worth the upside? Renovating an older rental property? This build decade could be best Henry's exact renovation budget he shares with lenders to get fast financing Are wholesalers worth their assignment fee? When we will and won't buy from them Should you tell your tenants that you're the owner (what happens if they find out?) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1307. 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
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is analyzing rental properties for the best-case scenario. Today's guest does the opposite. He plans for the worst, and it's the reason his deals consistently outperform others. In this episode, he's sharing his secret for getting maximum cash flow with the least work possible! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Luke Frizzell went from owning a primary residence that was draining his bank account, to converting his garage into an ADU and getting a 25% cash-on-cash return. But then, he did an “about face” and pivoted into residential assisted living, where he generates $3,000 in monthly cash flow, per property, without ever dealing with operations! Tune in to learn how Luke uses the military “SMEAC” framework to turn every deal into a planned mission, why the best next investment might be the property you already own, and how the lease-to-operator model makes assisted living one of the most “hands-free” cash flow strategies available today. If you've been chasing unit count and wondering why the effort never matches the returns, Luke's story is your permission to think differently. In This Episode We Cover How to make more cash flow with the residential assisted living strategy How to create extra income streams on the property you already own How Luke generated a 25% cash-on-cash return with his first ADU The SMEAC framework—what it is and how to apply it to real estate How to make your investment more “hands-free” with the lease-to-operator model Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-747. 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
On this solo episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene explores the difference between chasing deals and actually building long-term wealth. Drawing from his own investing career, he reflects on the moments that changed his mindset, from flipping houses and accumulating properties to focusing on thoughtful investing, patience, and financial mindfulness. Rather than celebrating volume or social media metrics, Jonathan argues that the goal of real estate investing should always be creating lasting wealth that supports the life you want to live. Throughout the episode, Jonathan shares candid stories about deals that went wrong, expensive lessons that shaped his investing philosophy, and why slowing down ultimately made him a better investor. He explains how chasing the next opportunity often creates unnecessary stress, while carefully evaluating opportunities leads to stronger decisions and more sustainable growth. By comparing active investing with reactive investing, he highlights the importance of controlling emotions, checking your ego, and making decisions based on long-term strategy instead of adrenaline or fear of missing out. Jonathan also discusses how his portfolio has evolved over time, including his transition from active investing to more passive real estate investments through syndications. He explains why appreciation has always mattered more to him than simply accumulating more properties, and why patience has become one of the most valuable investment tools in his arsenal. Along the way, he challenges listeners to rethink common investing metrics like door count and instead focus on building assets that truly improve their financial future. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that wealth is not measured by how many deals you complete or how busy you appear. It's built through thoughtful decisions, disciplined investing, and a willingness to play the long game. Jonathan encourages investors to stop chasing opportunities simply for the sake of activity and instead create a portfolio that provides freedom, stability, and generational wealth. In this episode, you will hear: Why collecting deals is not the same as building wealth The dangers of chasing more doors instead of stronger investments How active investors differ from reactive investors and why mindset matters Why patience, appreciation, and financial mindfulness create better long-term results How Jonathan's investing philosophy shifted from constant deal-making to intentional wealth-building Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover the show and supports its continued growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Jonathan: Podcast - www.zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/JonathanGreenere Instagram - www.instagram.com/zenrealestateinvesting Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting Jonathan's Hub Site - www.trustgreene.com Brokerage - https://www.streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.
Zillow is seeing “signs of life” emerging in the housing market. Strong demand, days pending hitting pre-pandemic levels, and serious cash flow in specific markets. How long will this last, and what happens when new construction completions fall off a cliff in the near future? Will rents and home prices reverse, going from stable (and even falling) to rising as demand outpaces supply even more? Orphe Divounguy, Zillow Senior Economist, is back to share the most up-to-date housing market data. Orphe brings good news—sales are increasing, demand is surprisingly strong, and a recovery (albeit fragile) for the housing market is underway. Some markets are seeing a drastic increase in sales; others are seeing almost unbelievably strong cash flow (Orphe is talking $1,000/month), so which markets are which? Finally, how long will this last? We keep talking about buyers getting discounts off of list price or serious seller concessions, but are we months or years away from this ending? With multifamily supply about to see a serious dropoff, the demand for housing (and rentals) could get even higher. Orphe breaks it all down! In This Episode We Cover The housing markets currently seeing strong cash flow even at list price (up to $1,000/month cash flow!) Markets with the most home sales and why they're beating many other major metros Why rent and home prices could “firm” up once this happens in the housing market No escaping this housing supply shortage? The reason why flat/declining population won't crash housing Sellers: How to price your home to get the highest (and quickest) sale (do not overprice) And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area On The Market 433 - New Data: U.S. Home Prices Are Hitting Their Floor Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Learn More from Orphe's Team Grab Dave's Book, Real Estate by the Numbers Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-444. 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
When Niyi Adewole got his first “real” job out of college, he had one goal: financial freedom. But when he asked his coworkers about the company 401(k), he left more confused than convinced. In searching for answers, he discovered a much better path: real estate investing. Then, with just $5,000 in savings, he bought his first rental property—a triplex he house hacked to cover his mortgage. That first property snowballed into the next one, and in just six years, Niyi quit his W-2 job. Today, he owns 14 properties, including small multifamily rentals, Airbnbs, and even a self-storage facility. His portfolio generates more than enough cash flow to live on, but instead, he continues to funnel everything toward the next property. Niyi's story is remarkable, but he didn't go from earning a $55,000 salary to financial freedom overnight. In this episode, he shares how he sacrificed, hustled, and stacked promotions at his W-2 job to get to where he is today. The question isn't if you can do the same. It's will you? In This Episode We Cover How Niyi scaled from $5,000 in savings to 14 rental properties (and counting) The playbook that allowed Niyi to quit his job and go all-in on real estate The immeasurable value of working with an investor-friendly agent A profitable investing strategy that doesn't involve tenants or toilets Buying a house with low money down and having tenants pay your mortgage And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1306. 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
I reached financial independence before 40. I set out to do the impossible, and achieved it. I bought rental properties, worked hard at my job, saved and invested most of my money, and got to my goal. Then I realized something I wish someone had told me—everything I thought I knew about financial independence was wrong. If you are on this journey to free yourself from your job, retire early, or reach the magic “FI number” that will give you lasting security, I urge you—listen to this episode. While most financially independent influencers constantly stress saving all your money, effort-maxing to extremes, delaying vacations, trips, luxury purchases, or even your wedding, I did the opposite. I spent a lot on my wedding. I spent a lot on nice vacations. I eat out regularly. And sometimes…I just didn't want to buy another rental. But at 39, financially free, I enjoyed my journey to the “goal.” Because the truth is, there isn't a financial freedom number; there's a financial freedom process, and if you don't get it right, it won't be worth any of the effort. In This Episode We Cover Why (almost) everything you've been told about “financial independence” isn't true The “FI number” trap that so many real estate investors are falling into Are you wasting your life saving all of your money (why Dave says you shouldn't) How to get more financially independent every day, even during bumpy times The “arrival” fallacy that makes so many retirees actually go back to work And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1305. 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 housing market looks very different than it did just a year or two ago. Home prices are softening, rates have eased slightly from the highs of 2023 and 2024, and sellers are more willing to negotiate than they've been in years. But rookie investors still want to know: Is 2026 actually the right time to buy? Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today we're answering three pressing questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. You just got your first rental property under contract–what's the next step? Is out-of-state investing the answer to areas that don't cash flow, and if so, how do you manage a property from afar? But perhaps most importantly, does it even make sense to invest in real estate in 2026? Ashley and Tony break down the 2026 market, the contract-to-closing checklist every rookie investor needs, and the exact steps Tony took to build an investing team over 1,000 miles away! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Whether it still makes sense invest in real estate in 2026 The one data point that tells you whether a real estate deal is worth it The full contract-to-closing checklist you need to get your keys on time What to do when you can't find cash flow in your own market How to build your team (from scratch) when investing out-of-state And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-745. 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
You won't believe why mortgage rates are going back up. It's not because of the war, it's not because of gas prices, and it's not because of the Federal Reserve. Something nobody is talking about is playing a much bigger role in mortgage rates than most Americans think. It's making big corporations richer while the average American continues to struggle to buy a home. What is the hidden factor nobody's talking about? Today, Dave is getting into it, unpacking not only the real reason why mortgage rates are heading back toward 7%, but the loaded week of housing market news. First, we'll touch on mortgage rates and the two reasons why they're shooting back up even after a surprisingly positive inflation report. Then, the historic housing bill that successfully became law and what it really says in the fine print (is Wall Street actually banned?). Finally, why rising student loan delinquencies could mean more renter demand and fewer home sales for millions of Americans. In This Episode We Cover The real reason why mortgage rates are going up even if inflation readings are falling What's actually in the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act? Wall Street's “ban” on buying houses and what the fine print says Cracks forming in student loan repayments and how it could trickle down to housing (more renter demand?) And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Hear Our Full Episode on the Historic Housing Bill Grab Dave's Book, Start with Strategy Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-443. 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 people assume house flipping doesn't work anymore. They're wrong. House flipping isn't dead. The “easy” money is. While it's true that flipping houses isn't as forgiving as it was just a few years ago—and yes, the “bad” flippers are being exposed—the fear surrounding this investing strategy is actually creating massive opportunities for those who do their homework. Just ask Henry and today's guest, Dominique Gunderson. They've been flipping houses for many years and are still finding plenty of real estate deals, even in this tough housing market. They're just doing it a little differently than in years past. In today's episode, we're getting into what's changed and what investors need to do to find, buy, renovate, and flip houses for a profit. We break down our own processes for analyzing properties, estimating rehab costs, pricing them on the back end, and so much more. Whether you're a complete newcomer or a frustrated investor eager for the numbers to work again, follow our blueprint to make your next flip a successful one! In This Episode We Cover How Henry and Dominique are adjusting their approach to house flipping The “risk-reward ratio” Henry uses for every real estate deal he buys Market-specific advantages and challenges to be aware of How to prevent closing costs from eating away at your profit margins The number one way house flippers get burned when analyzing properties The “types” of projects we're avoiding at all costs in 2026 Creative strategies you can use to mitigate risk when flipping a house And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1304. 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
When buying your first rental property, everyone gives you the same advice: play it safe, get a long-term tenant, and collect the rent. But that same house, run as an Airbnb, can often make two or three times the cash flow. So which investing strategy should you actually use for your first deal? Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're settling this debate once and for all: short-term rentals or long-term rentals? We both grabbed a real, middle-of-the-road property from our own portfolios, put them head to head, and broke down the three things that actually matter for rookie investors: the money, the workload, and the risk. Ashley's long-term rental might have the edge when it comes to ease of management, but Tony's short-term rental tax loophole gives certain investors a way to (legally) slash their tax bills by thousands. There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. But by the end of this episode, you'll know exactly which strategy fits your investing goals! In This Episode We Cover Real properties with real numbers from Tony and Ashley's portfolios Why measuring your cash-on-cash return is crucial when comparing these strategies How much time it actually takes to manage a long-term or short-term rental The biggest risks to consider before committing to either strategy How to potentially slash your tax bill by thousands with the short-term rental loophole And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-744. 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 first half of the 2026 housing market is over, and now it's time to answer the question everyone wants to know: What's next? Will the market slow down even more and bring lower prices for patient buyers, or will a (surprisingly) resilient US economy finally give buyers what they're looking for? We're split. We're disagreeing. And today, we're giving our updated 2026 housing market predictions. A long, slow, painful housing market could be in store for some, while a “booming” environment could be coming for others—which one will it be for you? We're breaking it down, based on your exact market, property type, and whether you're buying, selling, or holding and waiting. One type of property James is warning you to actively avoid; Kathy is saying certain markets will bring huge benefits to those who buy in them early; and Dave sees bad signs for the American consumer, which could spill even more into the housing market. Get ahead of the housing market—these are our H2 2026 housing market predictions. In This Episode We Cover Why an even slower, more painful market could be in store for 2026 sellers The passive income play that Dave is doubling down on as rentals suffer Flipping a house? What James warns you to do so you don't lose money on your sale The rental markets Kathy is currently eyeing to get deals before prices pop Sobering signs that American consumers are still far from ready to buy And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area On The Market 431 - The “Engine” of the U.S. Economy is Starting to Crack Dave's BiggerPockets Profile James' BiggerPockets Profile Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile Grab the Book, Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-442. 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
When the Great Recession hit, Andy Gil lost his business. Suddenly, he was forced to start over. But the fear of losing everything again was the driving force behind what would come next. Andy got serious, raising his young kids in an 800-square-foot house, driving 10-year-old cars, and funneling every spare dollar into savings so he could start buying rental properties. These were the types of sacrifices the average investor probably wouldn't make, but they became the catalyst for scaling to 58 rental units in just four years! What's more, Andy has never had the benefit of 3% mortgage rates. He got into real estate investing at the tail end of 2022, meaning he's been able to grow his large, cash-flowing real estate portfolio in a tough housing market with high interest rates—all while using very little of his own money. Today, he manages his own rentals and other people's properties, deploying a unique investing strategy that has even helped him acquire a 30-unit property. In this episode, he's sharing exactly what that strategy is (and how YOU can implement it), what he's learned in over 20 years of contracting experience, and how to use AI to gain an edge in today's market. In This Episode We Cover Andy's journey from losing his business to buying 58 rental units in four years The massive sacrifices Andy and his family have had to make to invest in real estate How to accelerate your investing journey by living within your means The secrets to managing a large rental portfolio (on your own!) How Andy uses artificial intelligence (AI) throughout his real estate business Why persistence is the key to finding great real estate deals in 2026 And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1303. 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 rental property rarely comes from sitting back and waiting. It usually comes when you put yourself out there, talk to others about what you're building, and stay in the game long enough for the right moment to show up. That's exactly what today's guest did, and it led to a wild deal that kickstarted her real estate portfolio! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Stephanie Wagner spent nearly 20 years in a full-time job, putting her real estate dreams on hold through a marriage that wasn't working. Then, she used her divorce as the starting line. Six months later, she closed on her first real estate deal, a duplex she was able to house hack. Today, she owns five rental units and even has her real estate licence! Stephanie shares about the everyday moment that led to buying an off-market deal, the second deal that involved a tricky tenant situation, and the mindset shift that separates the investors who start from the ones who never do. If you've been holding out for the “perfect” moment to invest in real estate, Stephanie's story is proof that you just need to take action! In This Episode We Cover How Stephanie bought three rental properties while working nine-to-five The pivotal moment that led to Stephanie's first property (an off-market duplex!) The benefits of using a real estate agent on an off-market deal Why the quality of your rentals matters more than your number of doors Raising rent on long-term tenants with fixed incomes And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-743. 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
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene shares a solo episode announcing an important evolution for the podcast while reaffirming the principles that have guided it from the beginning. After more than 360 episodes focused on real estate investing, Jonathan explains why the show is expanding its conversations beyond traditional investing topics to explore broader themes of financial mindfulness, intentional living, and long-term wealth building. While real estate will remain the foundation of the podcast, future episodes will also examine how it fits into a diversified financial life alongside other investments, personal growth, and thoughtful decision-making. Jonathan also shares an important update for listeners: beginning next week, the podcast will move from publishing two episodes each week to a single Wednesday release. He explains that the new schedule will create space for deeper conversations, more intentional guest selection, and an increased number of solo episodes. Rather than producing more content for the sake of consistency, Jonathan wants every episode to deliver greater value while giving listeners time to absorb the lessons and revisit past conversations. The episode explores the idea of financial mindfulness, a philosophy Jonathan believes is missing from many investing conversations today. Instead of chasing shortcuts, viral trends, or "get rich quick" strategies, he encourages listeners to focus on building lasting wealth through patience, diversification, and intentional choices. He discusses why financial education should extend beyond real estate alone and how understanding money, risk, and long-term planning can help investors create stronger foundations for themselves and future generations. Jonathan also shares his vision for the future of the show, including conversations with guests from across the financial world who can offer fresh perspectives on how real estate fits into a complete investment strategy. He explains that the podcast will continue to prioritize thoughtful discussion over sensational headlines, while expanding into topics such as artificial intelligence, financial education, asset allocation, and teaching the next generation about money. Throughout the episode, Jonathan reinforces that the mission has not changed. The goal has always been to help listeners think more deeply, make better decisions, and build wealth with intention. In this episode, you will hear: • Why the podcast is expanding its focus to include financial mindfulness alongside real estate investing • Why Jonathan is moving from two episodes per week to one Wednesday release each week • How long-term thinking, diversification, and intentional decision-making create lasting wealth • Why future guests will bring broader financial perspectives while keeping real estate at the center of the conversation • How slowing down and thinking more critically can help investors build stronger financial foundations for themselves and future generations Supporting Resources Connect with Jonathan: Podcast - www.zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/JonathanGreenere Instagram - www.instagram.com/zenrealestateinvesting Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting Jonathan's Hub Site - www.trustgreene.com Brokerage - https://www.streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.
If you're in your 40s, or even 50s, and think it's too late to build a comfortable retirement, think again. We've done the math, we've crunched the numbers, and we've run the playbook ourselves—using rental properties, you can replace a significant portion of your income in just around a decade. Today, we're sharing the exact strategy to get you there. Most retirees have a small sum in savings and a Social Security check to count on in retirement. But what if you want more income to travel, experience, or donate as you see fit? Even if you feel like the retirement timeline is closing in on you, you have options, but you'll need to follow a plan. In this episode, I'm walking through exactly how to go from no rentals to comfortable retirement in around a decade, and how someone in their 40s or 50s can do it easier than someone in their 20s or 30s! I'll share the multiple strategies you can take, the exact math that proves the system works, overlooked ways to fund your investments, and how to use your small, powerful real estate portfolio to retire, or even retire early! In This Episode We Cover The six steps to take you from no retirement to plentiful passive income The massive advantages 40+ year-olds have over younger investors Which real estate strategy works best for you and your stage of life How to fund your down payment with savings, home equity, 401(k)s, and more A step-by-step walkthrough of analyzing your first rental property (the right way) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1302. 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
You've got very little savings, almost no credit history, and you want to buy a rental property. Most people would tell you to wait, but today, we're giving you clear, actionable steps you can take toward getting that first property under contract! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we're answering three questions that cover the anatomy of a first deal: where the money comes from, where the deal comes from, and what it will really cost you. First, suppose you have no money or credit. Can you still invest in real estate? Another investor wants to know if wholesalers are worth using, and finally, we'll hear from an actual wholesaler who's looking for the best ways to estimate rehab costs so he can deliver deals investors actually want to buy! Tony explains why finding great real estate deals is the number one tool every rookie needs in their toolbelt, and Ashley shares a wholesale real estate strategy that nobody in the industry is using yet!! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to invest in real estate when you have low money and no credit How to save for your first down payment (fast!) The best investing strategy for buying rentals with low money down The wholesaling strategy explained (and how to buy a wholesale deal) How to estimate rehab costs as a complete beginner And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-742. 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
Workers Are Feeling the AI Squeeze: How It Could Define the Next Housing CyclePodcast Description If you ask the average American, AI is taking over, as are the headlines warning that it's coming for our jobs. Open LinkedIn, and you'll see stories about chatbots replacing employees, hiring freezes, and departments being downsized. But when you dig into the actual data, it's murky at best. So, what's really happening, and how should real estate investors prepare? On one hand, unemployment remains relatively low, and layoffs aren't surging across the U.S.—not yet at least. In fact, many economists are still projecting positive job growth in the short term. On the other hand, you have growing concerns among what seems like most American workers. Fear about job displacement. Career uncertainty. The pressure to stay employable. Then there's the trickle-down impact on the housing market. Rising unemployment affects the biggest renter demographic in the nation. Do real estate investors need to temper expectations for rental demand and rent growth for the foreseeable future? Does “conservative” investment analysis need to go to another level? We're breaking it all down, plus much more, on today's show. In This Episode We Cover What to make of “murky” data surrounding AI's impact on the U.S. job market Why Americans are becoming increasingly worried about AI-caused layoffs (despite “positive” forecasting) Two ways that widespread adoption of AI could affect the housing market Why real estate investors should prepare for lower rental demand and rent growth Which real estate markets are the best long-term bets as AI reshapes the economy And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Worried About AI? Here's How Real Estate Is Changing Faster Than Ever Dave's BiggerPockets Profile World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Reports 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Employment Situation Summary Mercer: Global Talent Trends 2026. Solving the Human-Machine Equation Resume Now: AI Disruption: 9 in 10 Workers Fear Job Loss to Automation Challenger, Gray, & Christmas: Challenger Report December 2025 CNBC: Satya Nadella Says as Much as 30% of Microsoft Code Is Written by AI McKinsey Global Institute: Agents, Robots, and Us: Skill Partnerships in the Age of AI National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER): Firm Data on AI Buy the Book, Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-441. 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
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Stewart Heath, founder and CEO of Harvard Grace Capital, to discuss why patience remains one of the greatest competitive advantages in real estate investing. A CPA by background, Stewart shares how years of working with successful real estate investors eventually convinced him that owning real estate offered far greater wealth-building opportunities than simply advising those who did. He also reflects on the lessons he learned from both successful investments and costly mistakes, including the importance of maintaining cash reserves and avoiding excessive leverage. Stewart explains why his firm focuses on acquiring stabilized commercial properties throughout the I-65 corridor between Nashville and Birmingham rather than chasing opportunities across the country. Instead of concentrating on a single asset class, Harvard Grace evaluates office, retail, medical office, industrial, and self-storage opportunities within markets the team knows exceptionally well. Stewart argues that understanding a local market often provides a greater advantage than specializing in one specific property type, especially when evaluating tenant quality, neighborhood trends, and long-term demand. Jonathan and Stewart also explore the realities of passive investing through commercial real estate syndications. Stewart shares why he prioritizes steady cash flow over flashy returns, why he prefers stabilized assets instead of value-add projects, and how thoughtful underwriting helps reduce risk for investors. They discuss the importance of asking questions before investing, understanding the sponsor's experience, and recognizing that successful syndications require patience rather than expecting immediate liquidity. The conversation also examines how different commercial asset classes are evolving in today's market. Stewart explains why he remains optimistic about suburban office and medical office properties despite negative headlines surrounding office space, and why local market conditions matter far more than national narratives. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that successful investing comes from buying well, managing risk carefully, and allowing time to do the heavy lifting. Whether you're actively investing in commercial real estate or considering your first passive investment, Stewart offers a practical framework built on discipline, patience, and long-term thinking. In this episode, you will hear: • Why buying well, maintaining reserves, and exercising patience create long-term real estate success • How focusing on one geographic market can provide a competitive advantage across multiple asset classes • Why stabilized commercial properties fit Stewart's strategy better than value-add investments • What passive investors should look for when evaluating a syndication sponsor and investment opportunity • Why local market fundamentals matter far more than national real estate headlines Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover the show and supports its continued growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Stewart: Website - www.harvardgrace.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ChooseHarvardGrace Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/harvardgrace Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chooseharvardgrace/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartoheath/ Connect with Jonathan: Podcast - www.zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/JonathanGreenere Instagram - www.instagram.com/zenrealestateinvesting Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting Jonathan's Hub Site - www.trustgreene.com Brokerage - https://www.streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.
When the dot-com bubble burst, Matt (the “Lumberjack Landlord”) watched his 100% stock portfolio go to dust. Having lost everything he had saved throughout his early twenties, his only option was to rebuild. But with what? He needed something that could help him offset his living expenses today and propel him toward retirement. That “something” was rentals. But Matt didn't just buy a couple of rental properties and sit back. He did what many investors won't: he house hacked. And again. And again. Nine times in 13 years. This, combined with the income from his nine-to-five job, allowed him to stack small multifamily properties quickly, and today, he owns a rental portfolio of over 150 units! Real estate investing has completely changed Matt's life—not just the cash flow or the appreciation, but the freedom he's already enjoying in early retirement. Despite self-managing all of their rentals, he and his wife spend just eight hours per week on their portfolio. In this episode, he's giving you the simple framework you need to scale sustainably, whether you dream of owning a handful of rental units or a few hundred. In This Episode We Cover How Matt self-manages his 150-unit rental portfolio in just eight hours per week Matt's journey from losing everything in the dot-com crash to retiring with millions The simple, scalable systems and processes every investor needs The biggest red (and green) flags to watch out for when screening tenants Why scaling with small multifamily properties is better than commercial real estate What most investors get wrong about house hacking (that can make you very wealthy) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1301. 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
Don't want to wait until 65 to retire? With a combination of rental properties and some of the other investments we're covering on today's show, you may not have to. Whether you're starting from zero or diligently building your nest egg, use these eight steps to build a diversified portfolio and reach financial freedom much faster! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today Ashley and Tony are pulling back the curtain on their actual retirement plans—what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what they wish they'd known sooner. They share how they first got into real estate investing and how they've adjusted their portfolios over time. They also break down the investment “order of operations,” a sequence of financial moves that will help you build long-term wealth! Along the way, we'll get into things like the 401(k) employer match, the triple-tax-advantaged HSA account, and the often-misunderstood 529 college savings plan. Whether you want to gradually step away from your W-2 job or simply have “enough” when you reach traditional retirement age, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for achieving your long-term financial goals! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-741. 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
Disclaimer: Today's episode is sponsored by Gelt. Content is for educational purposes only. Not advice. Results discussed have not been vetted. Claims made by the guest have not been verified. The views expressed by the guest do not reflect those of the host or this show.—
This Episode Pat Zingarella joins Chris Lopez to share the story behind Invest Clearly, a platform built to bring more transparency to the private real estate investing world. Pat's journey started like many BiggerPockets listeners: learning through podcasts, buying his first small multifamily property, making painful mistakes, and slowly realizing how hard it can be for LPs to know who they can trust. Pat walks through the lessons from his first fourplex, including inherited tenants, COVID-era nonpayment, poor screening decisions, and the difference between blaming real estate versus recognizing where his own due diligence fell short. He also shares how a later experience working under a high-profile real estate figure exposed him to the darker side of the industry and helped shape his view that LPs need better tools, better transparency, and better ways to validate sponsors before wiring capital. Chris and Pat dig into how Invest Clearly works today: a directory of GPs, verified LP reviews, proof-of-investment requirements, and a growing database designed to help investors compare sponsor experiences in one place. They also discuss why reviews matter, what happens when operators try to suppress negative feedback, and why community-driven transparency can help separate strong sponsors from bad actors. Key takeaways: How Pat went from BiggerPockets listener to active investor to building Invest Clearly What his first fourplex taught him about screening, reserves, trust, and due diligence Why private real estate needs more transparency around GP track records and LP experiences How Invest Clearly verifies reviews and helps LPs research sponsors Why negative reviews, legal threats, and transparency are becoming bigger issues in the industry How communities like PassivePockets and tools like Invest Clearly can help LPs make better-informed decisions Join a community of passive investors. Start your FREE 7-day trial: https://passivepockets.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Listen to the PassivePockets Podcast Anywhere: https://lnk.to/passivepockets Subscribe to the Passive Investing Newsletter: https://www.biggerpockets.com/email-subscribe?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Join BiggerPockets for free: https://www.biggerpockets.com/signup?utm_source=owned_media Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.
We've officially reached the halfway point of 2026, and the housing market still feels…stuck. The economy is in limbo. Home prices haven't tanked. And we aren't seeing significant large multifamily distress...not yet at least. Is it just a matter of time before the other shoe finally drops, or is this market more resilient than we expected? Brian Burke is back to give his pulse check on the 2026 housing market. What has changed? Has anything changed? We're breaking down some of the predictions we made earlier in the year, the biggest surprises from the last six months, and how we're adjusting our expectations for 2027 and beyond. The truth is, this “boring” market is exactly the kind of environment that has made disciplined real estate investors very wealthy. Residential real estate values are holding steady, and commercial real estate could be set up for a 10-year bull run. So, is it a better time to buy than the headlines suggest—or will those holding out for a 2008-style housing crash be proven right? In This Episode We Cover Brian Burke's mid-year pulse check on the 2026 housing market The 10-year commercial real estate bull run that could kick off in 2028 How to create long-term wealth with “smart” portfolio construction Why we haven't seen significant large multifamily distress (yet) The three “types” of real estate syndication failure (and why they matter) And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Real Estate 1293 – The Strongest Sign for the Housing Market in Years | June 2026 Update Brian's BiggerPockets Profile Dave's BiggerPockets Profile The Hands-Off Investor PassivePockets Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-440. 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
One day, Remington Lyman was brought into his boss's office, told that he did above-and-beyond at his job, and was handed a 2% raise with a smile. All the extra hours, all that hard work, equaled the equivalent of an inflation-matching salary bump. That was it—it was time to put his financial freedom in his own hands. Remington began building an income-replacing rental property portfolio, so when the day came that he was laid off, he'd be more than prepared. Remington was ready to go, and that's when the real scaling started. Just ten years after buying his first rental, Remington has over 100 rental units, including sizable commercial buildings with strong cash flow, properties that are capital gains tax-free when he sells them, and units that generate 100% more cash flow than traditional rental properties. He scaled faster through smart partnerships, created significant equity with value-add BRRRRs (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), and even turned four units into 24 on a single deal. It's not special, it's not luck. Remington is sharing the repeatable strategies he used to build massive wealth and escape corporate before it trapped him until retirement. In This Episode We Cover The hands-down, best beginner rental that every new investor should buy How (not) to form a partnership when splitting a deal with someone else The perfect BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) strategy that builds huge equity The exact market Remington is investing in that has seen massive growth How to pay 0% capital gains tax (seriously) when selling a profitable investment property Triple net leases and commercial deals bringing in huge cash flow for Remington And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1300. 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 the one thing stopping you from buying your first rental property isn't money, or connections, but the belief that it's just not possible for someone like you? Today's guest is proof that with the right game plan, real estate investing offers a path that can set anyone free, including YOU, from the nine-to-five grind! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Crystal Lloyd didn't have connections, a trust fund, or a head start. What she had was a two-hour daily commute and a willingness to do what most people won't. She volunteered at BPCON to get in, and walked out with the relationships that led to her first deal! And in this episode, she breaks down exactly how she bought it, including the grant “stack” that helped her pay zero out of pocket and the “layered” house hacking strategy most rookies don't want to try. But that's not all. Crystal also shares lessons from a bad contractor experience, and the tenant screening process every rookie needs. If you've ever felt like real estate was out of reach, Crystal's about to show you that anyone can start today! In This Episode We Cover The exact moment that sparked Crystal's real estate investing journey The grant “stack” Crystal used to buy her first deal with $0 out of pocket How Crystal pays just $50 a month to live in the house she owns The tenant pre-screening questionnaire every new investor needs Lessons learned from a bad contractor experience (that you can avoid!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-740. 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
How many rental properties do you need to retire? A lot fewer than you think. When people start investing in real estate, they think they need 20, 50, or even 100 rental units to build wealth, retire early, and secure financial freedom for themselves and their families. This is not the case…and it's not even close. The average American only needs eight—yes, eight—paid-off rental properties to retire with six figures in annual cash flow. But that would take decades to pay off, right? Not quite. Within just around a decade, you could go from zero rentals to a paid-off portfolio, giving you financial independence via passive income from a small, powerful rental property portfolio. Henry is walking through the math, how to get to financial freedom faster, and the strategy he uses to recycle the same down payment so he doesn't need to wait years to buy the next rental. Your financial freedom is just eight rental properties away. What are you waiting for? In This Episode We Cover How many rentals you actually need to replace your income and retire (early) Recycling your down payment to scale your rental portfolio even faster How to (comfortably) get to $10,000 per month in rental property cash flow The timeline to go from zero rental properties to complete freedom with rentals How much money you need to start your real estate portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1299. 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 you could take the rental property you already own and make 2-3 times more? Whether you're in the red, barely breaking even, or wanting more from your rentals, we're showing you multiple ways to boost your cash flow! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we're answering three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums that cover some of the most searched and most overlooked strategies in real estate investing right now. Is co-living actually realistic, and how do you pivot to the model without losing your mind? Don't think you have enough for a down payment? The good news is that there are several loans and strategies that require much less than you think. Stick around until the end because we've got a couple of strategies most rookies never consider that could make you $10,000 from just one house! Whether you're trying to squeeze more cash flow from a property you already own, get into your first deal with limited savings, or find an investing strategy that most beginners overlook, this episode has something for every stage of the journey! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Four ways to double your rental income (or more) on the property you already own How to pivot from a single-tenant property to a room-by-the-room model How to buy your first rental property without a big bank account The loan that could help you get into real estate with as little as $0 down How the co-living strategy works and why demand is growing Why assisted living and sober living are some of the most overlooked, win-win strategies And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-739. 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're all here for passive income, and when you say “passive income,” many people immediately think of rental properties. But, is real estate investing really the best path to get the income streams you're dreaming of, and is there a certain threshold where it's not worth the effort? You're listening to this show because you're either interested in or investing in real estate, but we've been invited to debate someone with a different perspective. Ryan Sterling, CEO of NerdWallet Wealth Partners, has owned real estate investments but has since sold them and opted for something simpler, easier, and, in his opinion, more worth the money. Ryan likes real estate investing and sees it as the quickest way for the everyday American to build wealth. But…he thinks many investors are operating under a dangerous premise, one that could delay their financial freedom. In this episode, we're going well beyond the average “stocks vs. real estate” debate you've heard a dozen times. We're debating whether “passive income” is a lie, when real estate is worth it, who should invest in rental properties, why a 20-year-old and 40-year-old must invest differently, and the boring, simple way to invest that has made many Americans millionaires. NerdWallet Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. NerdWallet Wealth Partners does not guarantee investment results and does not provide tax or legal advice. In This Episode We Cover Have Americans been lied to about the “passive income” real estate provides? Your real estate is not as safe as you think it is (but are stocks better?) Why Ryan sold his real estate investment in exchange for something much more passive Who should go all-in on real estate and scale to a sizable rental portfolio How to find a real estate-friendly financial advisor (who isn't a salesperson) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1298. 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's stopping you from buying your very first rental property? For most rookies, it's rarely ever the market, the interest rates, or even the competition–it's a number in their head. Today, we're breaking down that barrier with real rookie use cases that will inspire you to take that next step in your real estate investing journey! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we're sharing three ways to fund real estate deals that have actually worked for past Rookie guests. None of these creative financing options require 20% down, none of them require a traditional bank, and one of them doesn't involve a lender at all! We dive into how hard money loans work and when they make sense, how to find a seller who'll say yes to seller financing, and the levers you can pull to structure your deal. Ashley also shares her hard money horror story so you don't have to learn those lessons the expensive way! If you've been sitting on the sidelines because you don't think you have enough money to invest, this conversation will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started today! In This Episode We Cover Hard money—what it is, how lenders make money, and when it actually makes sense for a rookie Ashley's hard money horror story and the exact questions you need to ask How to structure a seller financing deal as a complete beginner Real seller financing case studies (from past Rookie guests!) The right (and wrong) reasons to bring in an equity partner on your real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-738. 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
In just six years, this single mom of three became a self-made multimillionaire with rental properties. She didn't start with a ton of cash; she worked full-time, and she often put very little down. Using an owner-occupied strategy that 99% of investors won't dare to try, she's reached financial freedom while raising three kids. So how'd she do it? Today, we're talking to Rachel Duck from central Texas. She took a popular strategy—the live-in flip—and made it even better: buying houses with 5% down, living in them for a year, fixing them up, moving out, and repeating. She did it with three kids and spent her 5-9 after her 9-5 renovating homes so she could rent them and repeat. The result? Millions of dollars in equity that has made her financially free. Today, she's giving you the blueprint so you can do it too. Rachel shares the tips for your first live-in renovation rental, the expensive mistake she made that you can avoid, how to do it while raising kids and working 9-5, and the low-money-down loans she used to scale without putting up tons of cash. In This Episode We Cover One of the smartest strategies for growing your real estate portfolio fast The “uncomfortable” rentals that make you rich and give you a place to live Low-money-down loans you can use to buy your first property for 5% down Rachel's exact buy box for rental properties and live-in flip-style rentals Tips before you buy a property that you'll live in and renovate And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1297. 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 everyone gets into real estate investing when conditions are perfect. Some, like our next guest, get in because they have no other choice. The path Brent Beard was on just wasn't cutting it anymore–especially when people were depending on him. If your back's against the wall and you want to build a better life for your family, rental properties could be the answer! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Brent is a real estate agent in training and investor in the Kansas City area who bought his first duplex in 2025. He did it while working a full-time W-2 job, serving in the National Guard, studying for his real estate licence, and raising his granddaughter. Owning rental properties wasn't always on Brent's radar, but last July, he picked up a book that changed his whole philosophy. Despite starting in his 40s, Brent has closed on his first deal and is aiming to retire in 10 years! Brent isn't here with a polished success story, but a real one. He dives into the property tax mistake nobody warned him about that nearly doubled his bill overnight, the buy box he had to abandon to find a deal that actually cash flowed, and the one thing he wishes someone had told him before he closed! If you have a full schedule, real responsibilities, and every reason to keep putting real estate on the back burner, Brent's story is proof that the biggest mistake is simply not starting! In This Episode We Cover What finally pushed Brent to take action on his first real estate deal Juggling a W-2 job, military service, and real estate without dropping the ball The rookie-friendly tools and processes Brent used to analyze his first duplex The property tax mistake that nearly doubled Brent's bill (and what to check before you close!) The huge investing advantages you get by becoming a real estate agent And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-737. 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
New to investing in real estate? In an area that has high housing prices, tough landlord laws, or little-to-no cash flow potential? We've got you covered. We're sharing 12 markets that are making money for real estate investors right now. Regardless of your strategy, we have markets for you. From long-term rentals to short-term rentals and Airbnbs, house hacking cities that will help cover your mortgage, and house flipping markets with high returns and low rehab costs. We didn't want to give you just one option to choose from, so Dave, Henry, and Ashley Kehr from the Real Estate Rookie podcast brought along three separate markets for each real estate investing strategy. From overlooked affordable suburbs with solid population growth to tourist towns that are making killer nightly rates during busy season, and even some sneaky top-tier markets that many would assume house hacking wouldn't work (but it does!). We'll walk through why we like each market, their population and job growth, average home prices and rent prices, and the strategy that would make the most sense there. You can invest in real estate in 2026; you've just got to pick the right place! See Dave, Henry, AND Ashley at BPCON2026! In This Episode We Cover 12 top real estate investing markets in 2026 (most of which you may have never heard of) The cash flow and appreciation “hybrid” market with huge population growth A beach town with over 18 million yearly visitors and killer short-term rental rates One underrated city where you can be all-in on a house flip for $200K (and make serious profit) The one city where Dave would move if he were starting his real estate investing all over again We'd invest in this state…even if everyone else tells you not to And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1296. 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 buying rental properties still worth it in 2026? There's no denying that rising interest rates, sluggish rent growth, and other factors have taken the shine off many properties that would have been home-run deals only a few years ago. But this is real estate we're talking about. Buy-and-hold investing tends to reward people in the long run. It's just that, to buy in this market, you've got to adapt. Chad “Coach” Carson believes these market conditions heavily favor the “small and mighty” investor—the person who isn't looking to buy at a massive scale but actually handpick one or two great assets every year. But there's one caveat: you must have the time, grit, and hunger to go out and find real estate deals that the more experienced, “lazy” investors can't be bothered with. And Chad's about to show you how to do just that. He shares how his own buy box has evolved in the last 12 months, his favorite strategies for buying off-market properties today, and what every investor can do to slowly and steadily build a rental portfolio that provides the lifestyle they want—no matter the market. In This Episode We Cover The two biggest ways to win as a “small” real estate investor in 2026 Why getting a strong cash-on-cash return today isn't as important as you think The new investor's superpower when looking for off-market properties Chad's 3-2-1 strategy for building a portfolio with new construction homes The number one mistake most investors make shortly after buying a rental property The exact blueprint Chad would follow if you dropped him in a new market today How to arrive at “enough” when everyone tells you to keep scaling And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1295. 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
Britton Eads was making $15 per hour putting up fences all day. He had no college degree; he dropped out of the electrician trade and didn't have many other options. One day, he read Rich Dad Poor Dad, and realized his life didn't need to stay on the same track it was going. Now, just four years later, he's got over 15 rental units, his rental income replaced his fence job, he's sitting on $200,000 in equity across his portfolio, and he couldn't be happier. It only happened because he took action instead of second-guessing himself. Britton's story is one of the wildest we've heard. Everything from burst pipes to ceiling holes, very low appraisals, and funding mishaps. But it didn't stop Britton from pushing forward and creating the wealth he knew was possible. He just had to learn from his mistakes. If you feel like you're stuck, wanting to get into real estate investing, but thinking you don't have the cash, the income, or the experience, there is no better guest than Britton to prove you can start—you just need to start. In This Episode We Cover How Britton funded his first real estate deal when he had (almost) no money The big mistakes Britton made on his first real estate deal (that you should not repeat) Using equity from one rental property to fund the purchase of another Buying a fourplex with just 3.5% down using a loan most investors overlook When paying for a mentor (or community) is actually worth the investment The best beginner advice from Britton to get you in the game and stay out of trouble And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1294. 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 housing market is doing what nobody expected—and none of the mainstream media is covering it. Trends are forming that most Americans thought were impossible in this type of economy, greatly impacting home prices, days on market, and buyers' negotiating power. If you know the truth, you can take advantage. If you don't, you'll miss what's actually happening behind the scenes. This is our June 2026 housing market update! It could be the most encouraging sign for the housing market in years—prices haven't crashed, Americans are actually buying more homes, and many traditionally hot markets are seeing complete buyer control. It's a real estate investor's dream come true, but the media won't tell you that. These numbers matter more than you think as investors. You can find better deals, negotiate tens of thousands off the list price, and get cash flow that many thought was dead in 2026. Today, I'm sharing the exact process you can go through to see how aggressive you can be in your investing market so that you can pick up a deal for a steal most people will wish they would have gotten in a few years. Don't miss it. This is not going to last forever. In This Episode We Cover The surprising state of the housing market that news outlets aren't covering Best (and worst) markets in June 2026 and which are seeing serious discounts A new reality for the housing market? Why buyers are coming back to bid Updated housing market risk report and whether foreclosures are rising or falling Investors: this is exactly what to do to get a better real estate deal in 2026! And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1293. 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