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This is how to buy a small multifamily rental property the right way. It's not hard, it's not complicated, and it's (arguably) one of the best residential real estate investments to make right now. Why? Safer financing, faster scale, and bigger cash flow. Unlike single-family rentals, small multifamily real estate was designed to make you money, and the returns clearly show that. So how do you get your first duplex, triplex, or quadplex this year? Today, Dave is walking through each step you need to take. From finding small multifamily real estate deals to financing them with as little as 3.5% down, running the numbers using a rental property calculator, offering, negotiating, and getting your first rent check, this is how to buy a small multifamily the right way. Dave also shares some clear red flags to avoid and when to walk away from a property even if it fits your buy box. Ready to build wealth with small multifamily? This is how you do it. In This Episode We Cover Why small multifamily rentals (2-4 units) easily beat single-family rentals The low money down financing you can get on your next multifamily (3.5% down) Choosing a market with affordable home prices, cash flow, and appreciation How to negotiate with sellers on more than just price (and get your offer accepted) Small multifamily red flags to avoid (they could cost you thousands) Dave's due diligence checklist to cover before you buy the property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1332. 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
Investing in your first house hack but not sure whether the deal makes sense in the long run? House hacking is the way most rookies get started in real estate, and we're breaking down how to analyze those deals to make sure you're starting off strong! Welcome back to Rookie Reply! We're back, answering three of your burning questions straight from the BiggerPockets Forums. In this episode, a rookie wants to try his first house hack but needs to know exactly what to analyze in a duplex vs. a single-family home. We're breaking down the three factors that decide if it makes sense in their market, including a "supermax" strategy most rookies haven't even considered! We're also weighing in on whether an investor should buy local or out of state for their first long-term rental, and the one trend rookies need to check before choosing a market! Finally, a rookie who is torn between a duplex or a vacation home gets an answer with a twist: the tax loophole that could make one option the smarter buy. Three very different scenarios, but all packed with strategies that will help you on your buying journey, and a clear path to building your long-term wealth! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The three numbers that make or break a house hack deal (always run these) The "supermax" strategy for maxing out your house hack returns Why negative cash flow isn't always a bad sign Backyard vs. out-of-state investing: which wins for your first rental The tax loophole most rookies have no idea about (very useful if you have a BIG tax bill) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-772. 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
Gary opens Gary's Gulch this week not with a market update, but with an invitation: he runs through where he'll be over the next several months, from a training event near Houston to the BiggerPockets Convention in Orlando, the FamilyOffices.com Summit in Fort Lauderdale, his 35th Naval Academy reunion in Annapolis, and a string of stops that carry him through the holidays and into mid-January. His point throughout is simple: he wants to share a meal, a drink, or a conversation with the clients, investors, and listeners who make up the Gary's Gulch community, because that kind of in-person connection is where trust, and good business, actually gets built. From there, the episode turns personal and reflective. Gary walks through what he describes as a rollercoaster week, anchored by the one-year memorial of Charlie Kirk's assassination and the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, both landing within a day of each other, on the heels of Labor Day and the first Republican midterm national convention. He shares his own read on what each moment means, reacts to recent public comments from New York's mayor about 9/11, and uses all of it to build toward a direct appeal to listeners heading into the 2026 midterm elections: that this cycle, in his view, calls for setting aside party lines in favor of a more fundamental choice about the country's direction. Links & Resources Gary Pinkerton: garypinkerton.com Email Gary: gpinkerton@paradigmlife.net Keywords Gary's Gulch, Gary Pinkerton, real estate investing, syndications, private lending, family office, generational wealth, BiggerPockets, Paradigm Life, accredited investor, 2026 midterms, Charlie Kirk memorial, 9/11 25th anniversary, in-person networking, investor relationships, real estate conferences, Naval Academy, financial freedom, wealth building community, alternative investing Episode Highlights [00:00:00 - 00:01:00] Gary opens with a recap of a heavy, high-and-low week for the country. [00:01:00 - 00:02:30] He lays out his travel schedule starting with a training event near Houston with his son Ryan. [00:02:30 - 00:03:30] Gary will have a Paradigm Life booth at the BiggerPockets Convention in Orlando. [00:03:30 - 00:04:30] He's headed to the FamilyOffices.com Summit in Fort Lauderdale for family-office focused investors. [00:04:30 - 00:05:15] Gary shares he's attending his 35th Naval Academy reunion in Annapolis. [00:05:15 - 00:07:20] He reflects on the one-year memorial of Charlie Kirk's assassination. [00:07:20 - 00:08:30] Gary marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. [00:08:30 - 00:10:30] He responds to comments attributed to New York City's mayor about 9/11. [00:10:30 - 00:13:00] Gary explains why he sees the 2026 midterms as an unusually high-stakes election. [00:13:00 - 00:16:15] He makes a direct appeal for listeners across party lines to prioritize voting this cycle. [00:16:15 - 00:17:30] Gary closes with a call to action and thanks listeners for tuning in.
Most investors follow the same path—buy a single-family rental, learn the ropes, and upgrade to small multifamily, slowly snowballing the portfolio. But what if you could take the leap from your first deal, skipping single-family entirely and buying a sizable rental property portfolio on investment #1? If you had no experience, it could change your life overnight—so is it worth it? We're back answering real questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and we've got a special guest—Chauncey Pham, the making-six-figures-per-deal investor! First, an investor has enough cash to buy a decent-sized multifamily property. Should they skip single-family rentals and go straight into the big leagues on their first real estate investment? A young investor has $20K saved up but wants to know the best bet so he doesn't get wiped out on his first rental property play. Ever told your contractor your renovation budget is $70,000, and they conveniently tell you the work will cost $69,800? After hundreds of renovations, Henry and Chauncey know exactly what to say. Is getting your real estate license worth it, and if you do become an agent, how do you get your first leads and learn the ropes? As a broker, Chauncey knows why agents get caught up from the start. Ask Your Question on the BiggerPockets Forums! In This Episode We Cover The best first rental property? Single-family vs. multifamily rentals How to start investing with just $20K (and how to get even more money to invest) Whether or not you should tell a contractor your renovation budget from the start The single most crucial person to know (and have on your team) when investing in real estate Why agents fail and the very false expectations people have when getting their license And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1331. 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
Finding real estate deals is a challenge for many rookies. Trying to tell the difference between a great deal and a property that is merely disguised as one is something usually only experienced investors see through. But in this episode, we're sharing some of the best strategies we use to find real estate deals—including a few options you've probably never heard of! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're breaking down eight different ways to find your first (or next) rental property! First, you'll need to build your buy box so that you know exactly which types of properties to look for and where to find them. But then, we'll show you how to work through the MLS the smart way, find real estate deals via word-of-mouth, and use seller concessions, wholesalers, and pocket listings to buy undervalued properties. We'll even share an often-overlooked opportunity that could help you buy an entire real estate portfolio in one transaction! For each strategy, we'll get into the real advantages and drawbacks, so you know exactly which of these channels fits where you are right now. Finally, we'll show you exactly what to track so your hard work actually translates into your next deal! In This Episode We Cover The best ways to find great real estate deals in 2027 Why you must build your buy box before searching for deals How to use the MLS (multiple listing service) like an experienced investor The secret to finding “hidden” rental portfolios (and how to negotiate them!) The pros and cons of using word-of-mouth to land deals What a pocket listing really is, and how to get on an agent's shortlist How to effectively manage your direct-to-seller outreach campaigns And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-771. 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 breaks down the truth behind passive income in real estate and why the word "passive" is often used far too loosely. He explains why passive income is better understood as a spectrum, with different investments requiring different levels of involvement, oversight, and management. Jonathan walks through where different real estate strategies fall on that spectrum, from syndications and REITs to long-term rentals, short-term rentals, multifamily properties, and house flipping. He explains why property management can make an investment less active without necessarily making it truly passive, and why owning a rental property still requires you to make decisions when things inevitably go wrong. The episode also explores the hidden labor behind supposedly passive investments, including tenant issues, vacancies, capital expenditures, management oversight, and unexpected repairs. Jonathan explains why investors need to understand the true operational demands of an asset before deciding whether the returns justify the amount of work involved. Jonathan also discusses the tradeoffs between control, trust, and return, including why giving up control was initially difficult when he began investing in syndications. He shares how becoming more comfortable with passive investing has allowed him to diversify his wealth while spending less time managing individual properties. Finally, Jonathan explains that the real benefit of passive income isn't simply making more money. It's optionality. The ability to create time freedom and choose what you want to do with your life instead of being tied to the day-to-day operations of an investment. In this episode, you will hear: Why passive income is a spectrum rather than a simple yes-or-no category Where syndications, REITs, rentals, short-term rentals, multifamily, and house flipping fall on the active-to-passive spectrum Why property management makes an investment less active but does not necessarily make it passive The hidden labor, costs, and decision-making that come with owning rental properties Why the real value of passive income is optionality and time freedom, not simply more money 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.
What did you think of todays show??The people selling you the deal get paid whether you make money or not. In this episode, we go through the accusations piling up around Pace Morby's sub-to fund, the investors who say they can't log in or get their money back, and the self storage fund that reportedly lost $8.4 million while it kept raising. You'll hear why BiggerPockets built the pipeline that made this possible, plus what Trump's $5,000 check promise would really cost.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)The Anthropic quitter and the AI fear grift (00:01)Dylan almost sank the family boat (02:46)Sub-to investors locked out of their money (04:12)What the SEC filing on Pace actually shows (07:00)An RV park and a surprise $1.5M note (09:38)Payroll theft long before the fund (13:33)AJ Osborne lost investors $8.4 million (15:46)How BiggerPockets built the guru pipeline (21:50)Brandon Turner had the clout, the operators got paid (23:30)Trump promises $5,000 checks, the math says $1.3 trillion (27:22)Who actually collects your social security (30:50)F-150s, the Taliban, and government waste (35:05)Follow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_deals/This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com (https://podcastboutique.com/)
Kent Long wanted passive income. The problem? All those gurus and guides online were only selling a fantasy. The one thing that seemed to actually generate income: real estate. When a property that could easily be split into two units came on the market, Kent jumped at the chance. Little did he know this $14,000 down payment would become an entire real estate portfolio that would help him retire early from his job. At 46, Kent bought his first rental property (just two years ago, in 2024). The purchase price? A mere $70,000. With a small renovation, this property began bringing in $3,000/month in rent and some serious cash flow. Now that there was home equity to pull from, it was time to repeat this system. Kent has now done this same type of deal four times, going from zero units to 10 units in just two years. He's even gotten his young son involved, helping his 20-year-old profit nearly $50,000 from a similar deal! Kent's close to replacing his income and fully stepping away from his 9-5, reaching early retirement, and dedicating all his time to real estate. He started in 2024 when most people thought real estate investing was past its prime—according to Kent, we're still not even close! In This Episode We Cover The affordable real estate market where you can pick up rentals for just $70,000 How to turn a big single-family home into a cash-flowing duplex or triplex Using the BRRRR strategy to get paid to buy rental properties (seriously!) When it's smart to use a HELOC (home equity line of credit) as a down payment How to pass down wealth and wisdom to your kids so they can reach financial freedom, too And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1330. 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 live near your rental, or bring a huge check to closing, to build a real estate portfolio. Today's guest closed both her deals with only $3,000 out of pocket for each deal, and in a city she'd never even visited. We're walking through how she did it, and how you can get started, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Thomasina Myresa grew up learning how to save. And while she was good at it, it was only when her career was put on hold that she found BiggerPockets, and the art of investing. After finding her mentor, Thomasina went on to close her first deal just five months later! More impressively, it was out-of-state, and with only $3,000 down. Thomasina walks us through how she used the seller concession strategy to keep her closing costs tiny—twice, what she looked for in a property management company (and why she fired one within the first week), and how she scaled from a single family rental to now house hacking a $325,000 duplex. Thomasina's smart and humble approach to scaling while finding her purpose and niche as a landlord is an all-round inspiring journey, and one that any rookie can relate to! Find out how you can use Thomasina's strategies to get your journey started in as little as five months! In This Episode We Cover The seller concession trick that got her to closing with only $3,000, twice How a career-halting moment pushed her to pivot into real estate Saving vs. investing, and the career fool-proofing that real estate offers! The rent hike mistake that cost her her first tenant, and the lesson it taught her How to house hack using the rent-by-the-room investing strategy Why she fired her property manager after just one week And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-770. 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
Investors have used the same proven formula for decades: Buy a discounted property, renovate it, and increase its value by tens or sometimes even hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's a simple investing strategy, and yet it's one of the best ways to get rich through real estate investing. But there's a catch that too many investors miss. You can't renovate just anything; you have to renovate the right things. After over 100 real estate deals, Henry knows exactly what moves the needle, and in part two of our series on estimating rehab costs, we're showing you what to prioritize on your next renovation project. First, we'll walk you through the typical “moneymakers”—kitchens and bathrooms—what to improve, what not to improve, and what you should budget for these updates. But then, we'll share three upgrades many investors never think about, yet they can have the greatest impact on property value (and rents!). Whether you're flipping houses or updating a rental property, this is the exact value-add playbook you should be using in 2026! In This Episode We Cover High-ROI renovations to prioritize on every investment property Low-cost upgrades that can add value to your rental property What actually makes a difference when updating kitchens and bathrooms The typical cost of a cosmetic kitchen or bathroom renovation Common renovation mistakes that will make your bathroom look “cheap” And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1329. 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 cash flows just fine, but it needs some work, and in order to scale your portfolio, the next big decision hits: Should you hold and repair, or sell it and cash in? Today, we'll show you how to tell a “keeper” from a potential money pit before you spend a dollar more! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week we're tackling three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First up, we'll hear from a couple choosing between house hacking and flipping houses and show them why it might not have to be either/or. Next, an NYC investor is debating between two real estate markets, and we're breaking down how to *make his money go as far as possible.* Finally, a landlord's first long-term rental needs significant repairs, and he's questioning if it's worth renovating or if it's finally time to sell. There's a crucial step he needs to take before making that decision, and we're uncovering exactly what it is! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to determine whether you should keep (and fix) or sell a rental property Why it's crucial to get real repair estimates before assuming the worst Why house hacking and flipping don't have to be mutually exclusive Financing options that can get you into a property with little to no money down How to choose between two (great) real estate markets And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-769. 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
A real estate deal may look like a home run on paper, but you can't know for certain until you've walked the property and uncovered exactly what needs to be fixed! Budgeting for renovations is one of the things that trips new investors up, which is why we're bringing you a two-part series on estimating rehab costs. In part one, we're taking a deep dive into the “big five”—the five major home systems that can make or break your next investment. We're covering everything from roof to foundation, and even a bonus sixth system that's much more costly to replace than you probably think. These are the line items that strike fear into investors due to their potentially high price tags. But rather than passing on a great deal, you'll learn exactly what to look for when inspecting these systems, how much it costs to repair or replace them, and when to bring in an expert. Whether you're flipping houses or making improvements to raise rents, these are the tips and tricks you need to accurately create your budget, avoid expensive surprises, and ensure you're buying a great property—not a money pit! In This Episode We Cover The “big five” systems to check (thoroughly) when walking a property How to spot when a roof has “failed” and needs to be replaced Two telltale signs that you should replace a home's windows The number one mistake investors make when estimating foundation repairs How much it actually costs to fully replumb your property Dangerous electrical issues that require immediate attention And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1328. 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
Every hour you spend chasing rent or coordinating a repair is an hour you could've spent growing your real estate portfolio or doing the things you actually enjoy. The fix? It's not working harder, but building the systems that free up your time. When done right, you can get more passive income from your rentals, and we'll show you exactly how to do it! Welcome back to another episode of the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're breaking down eight ways to get your rentals working for you, so that your portfolio generates more passive income and doesn't just give you a second job. No rental is ever fully hands-off, but the right tools, systems, and processes can get you much closer. We're walking through what that looks like, the difference between property management and asset management, and the software that automates the busywork! If you want real estate investing to feel more like an actual investment and less like a job, this episode is your roadmap! In This Episode We Cover The best ways to get more passive income from your rental properties The difference between property management and asset management How buying turnkey real estate or new construction limits maintenance Software that automates rent collection, maintenance requests, and other tasks How preventative maintenance saves you time (and money!) When hiring a virtual assistant is actually worth it And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-768. 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 Rachel Richards, bestselling author of Money Honey and Passive Income Aggressive Retirement, to talk about building financial independence, investing in real estate, and redefining what retirement really means. Rachel shares how growing up in a household that struggled financially shaped her relationship with money and motivated her to become financially independent at a young age. She explains how she went from earning a modest salary to buying her first duplex at 24, building a portfolio of boarding houses, and eventually reaching financial independence at 27. The conversation also explores Rachel's experience with the FIRE movement, including why she believes extreme frugality can be useful at certain stages but can eventually become counterproductive. She and Jonathan discuss the difference between financial independence and time freedom, and why having something meaningful to retire to can be just as important as having enough money to retire. Rachel also opens up about walking away from the successful social media business she built after realizing it had become a source of burnout rather than fulfillment. She shares what she learned about identity, external validation, and finding purpose after stepping away from a business that had become a major part of her life. Finally, Rachel and Jonathan discuss financial education, relationships, prenups, investing with a partner, and why building a stable income before pursuing entrepreneurship can give you the freedom to take smarter risks. In this episode, you will hear: How growing up with financial stress shaped Rachel's approach to money and motivated her to become financially independent How Rachel bought her first duplex at 24 and eventually built a portfolio of boarding houses and rental properties Why Rachel believes extreme frugality can help you build wealth but can become harmful when you no longer need it What Rachel learned about retirement, identity, and fulfillment after stepping away from her social media business Why financial education, stable income, prenups, and open conversations about money are critical to building a stronger financial future 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 Rachel: Website - www.moneyhoneyrachel.com Instagram - @moneyhoneyrachel TikTok - @moneyhoneyrachel 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.
JPMorgan Chase, America's largest bank, just made a big bet on housing—a $750B bet to be exact. At a time when most people hope home prices will fall, JPMorgan is gearing up to lend and invest in a huge way. Could this be a sign that those who buy now will be thanking themselves in the years to come? We're getting into the details in today's show. On the Market is here with a housing market update! First, we're touching on whether or not the market has already peaked in 2026. We still have four full months left in the year, but with home sales falling in July, it could signal that the hot summer is starting to cool. But a surprising type of home is still selling fast—it's not the newly renovated house flip—it's the ugly, outdated home next door. Why? We're explaining in this episode. JPMorgan Chase makes a $750B bet on housing, signaling that America's largest bank is bullish on a certain type of real estate. Finally, the latest inflation rate update—the CPI (consumer price index) stayed in check last month, but is it enough to stop the Federal Reserve from raising rates? In This Episode We Cover Inside JPMorgan Chase's $750B investment into affordable housing The latest inflation rate update and what it could mean for your interest rate Why buyers don't want your renovated home (they want the ugly one next door) A new 2026 home sale prediction and whether or not prices are still rising Two types of homes that are selling fast in 2026 (and why yours might not be) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1327. 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
People say it's just too hard to find real estate deals in 2026, but today's guest is proving them all wrong. He's already bought four rental properties that make over $6,000 in monthly cash flow, and he's been investing in real estate for just eight months. Joe Crocker is eager to trade his 70-hour workweek for financial freedom, and he's on track to replace his W-2 income with rental cash flow in the next two years. He's not finding these properties by building lists, cold calling, or sending mailers. These are regular deals right off the MLS. He buys one, adds some value, pulls his money out, and buys the next one. It's a simple investing strategy that anyone can use, yet most people don't. Meanwhile, Joe has already completed multiple deals this year and is well on his way to building a cash-flowing rental portfolio that gives him the money, time, and freedom he's always wanted. Follow his model, and there's no reason why you can't, too! In This Episode We Cover The exact strategy Joe's using to replace his income with rental cash flow Scaling to four rental properties in just eight months while working his W-2 job The simple property tax strategy that can instantly boost your cash flow How to find overlooked, undervalued real estate deals in 2026 (on the MLS!) Why you should go into every real estate deal with at least two exit strategies And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-767. 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 top 1% of real estate investors don't have a “secret” market, a “better” investing strategy, or access to “exclusive” resources. They just do nine things better than most other investors—boring, repeatable habits that make you rich over time. This is what separates successful investors from those who never quite reach their goals, flame out after a deal or two, or stay stuck on the sidelines. Many of these habits are much simpler than you think—things like investing consistently, being patient, and treating real estate investing like an actual business—yet most investors don't do any of them. Today, we're sharing exactly what these nine habits are and how you can practice them throughout your own real estate business. Whether you're starting from zero or already own a few rental properties, these are universal principles that any (and every) investor can benefit from. You don't need to master all nine of them overnight or even this year. Pick one or two, get to work, and you'll start to see real results! In This Episode We Cover The nine most important habits of top real estate investors Why patience is the single most important habit you should develop How to avoid “shiny object syndrome” as you scale your real estate portfolio Why time in the market always beats timing the market The right way to build your real estate investing network And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1326. 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 picked an investing strategy, you've studied your market, but now you need the money to get started. You're not alone, as this is perhaps the most common hurdle for rookie investors. But today, we'll show you how to work around this and get the funding you need, so you can finally buy your first (or next) rental property! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week, we're tackling three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. One investor has $250,000 saved but is stuck between strategies in a market where the numbers don't easily work, while a SoCal investor is trying to find a more landlord-friendly real estate market to invest in. We'll share the one habit that quietly derails a lot of new investors once opportunities start rolling in, and when "close to home" is a real requirement versus just a security blanket. And our last question comes from someone who needs the actual money to buy his first multifamily property. We'll share our favorite creative financing options, as well as the two skills any rookie can use to attract potential investing partners! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover What to consider before buying in an expensive real estate market Creative ways to make real estate deals cash flow (even in pricey areas) How to make consistent, passive returns with private money lending How to narrow down your ideal market and property type by building a buy box The skills that make investors want to partner with you (even with low money) When you should say no to a deal or real estate investing partnership And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-766. 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
AI is bringing 6,000 jobs to a small Texan town, and home prices are seeing a sizable jump…but what happens once the job is done? Is this just a mini housing bubble waiting to happen, or is buying near an AI boomtown actually worth the risk? These scenarios may begin popping up more and more—what happens when it's in your neck of the woods? We're back with more headlines on what's affecting the housing market. AI-induced housing bubbles could be coming in hot as small, overlooked areas of the U.S. turn to boomtowns with more jobs and more housing demand (at least temporarily). If you are going to buy in or around one of these cities, this is what to buy so you don't get burnt once the construction workers leave. Fresh distress hits real estate as the “maturity wall” grows even taller. Multifamily delinquencies are up 600% from just a few years ago, and office space is struggling even with so many return-to-office announcements over the past two years. And it's not just commercial real estate. Flippers are stuck with listings getting stale, with some 2/3 of house flippers seeing longer days on market. How do Henry and James, our house flipping experts, avoid holding a hefty hard money loan while waiting for a property to sell? In This Episode We Cover New AI boomtowns forming in small investing markets (and whether you should buy) Why big properties, even though distressed, may not all fall to foreclosure any time soon What to buy if you're investing near a newly approved data center Why not buying right now could be a huge mistake (even as investors struggle) The one thing James asks from his lender to save him serious cash when a property won't sell 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 “The Largest Infrastructure Buildout in Human History” Could Be a Massive Opportunity For Real Estate Investors Henry's BiggerPockets Profile James' BiggerPockets Profile Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile Texas Standard: Data center construction spurring a housing crisis in Abilene CRED IQ: Property Types Feeling the August Heat HousingWire: Fix-and-flip market shows signs of strain as mortgage rates climb Grab James's Book, The House Flipping Framework Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-457. 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 rules of real estate investing have changed. For years, investors were using the one-percent rule to quickly determine if a real estate deal would cash flow. But the one-percent rule, rent-to-price ratio, and other common rules of thumb have a glaring blind spot. They account for purchase price, but they don't account for expenses. Meanwhile, mortgage rates, taxes, and insurance have all risen across the board—expenses that can easily kill your cash flow. So, Dave's come up with a new rule of thumb you can use to quickly analyze rental properties and markets. He's calling it the rent-to-payment ratio. By comparing estimated rents to the estimated PITI payment itself, you'll have a much better idea of whether a rental property will actually cash flow month to month. And today, we're not just breaking down how the formula works. Dave also built an entire spreadsheet that ranks U.S. real estate markets by their rent-to-payment ratios. Whether you're looking for the best cash flow markets to invest in or a quick way to weed out unprofitable properties, this is the kind of math you need to make sharper investing decisions in 2026. In This Episode We Cover The “new” rule of thumb for finding great real estate deals and rental markets Why rent-to-price ratio is a flawed metric (and which ratio to use instead) Why the popular one-percent rule no longer works in 2026 The top 10 real estate markets with the highest rent-to-payment ratios How to bake today's mortgage rates, taxes, and insurance into your initial analysis And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1325. 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
Builders are currently offering huge incentives on new construction homes, to the point where buying "new" might be actually cheaper than buying an existing rental property in your market right now. Today we're breaking down how this overlooked investing strategy is saving rookies much more than you realize! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! This week, we're making the case for new builds as a very strong rental strategy: why builders are currently offering incentives that are hard to pass on, how to negotiate on a spec home, how to buy them with low money down, and the difference between buying new inventory and building from the ground up. We're also digging into walk-in equity and how getting into an early phase of a new community can put you ahead on day one. We'll also walk you through what to actually budget for land, financing, permitting, and your team before you even commit to a ground-up build. If you're weighing building versus buying for your next rental, this episode will help you make up your mind. New doesn't have to mean expensive. Sometimes it means a better deal that's just hiding in plain sight! In This Episode We Cover Why many new construction homes are cheaper than resale homes in 2026 Why builders are offering massive incentives (and how to negotiate them!) The differences between buying a spec home and building from scratch How walk-in equity works, and how to actually get it on your next property What to budget for land, permits, and your team before you build And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-765. 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 why wealth, financial freedom, and time freedom mean something different for every person. He explains why there is no universal number that defines financial freedom and how factors like where you live, how you were raised, your lifestyle, your family, and your personal goals all shape what enough looks like. Jonathan breaks down the difference between being rich, being wealthy, and being financially free, emphasizing that someone can achieve financial freedom without being wealthy and that accumulating income does not necessarily create lasting wealth. He also examines how family history and early experiences with money can influence the way people think about saving, spending, risk, and building wealth. The episode also looks at the true cost of financial independence. Jonathan discusses how housing costs, lifestyle choices, family responsibilities, taxes, healthcare, and spending habits can dramatically change the amount of money someone needs to feel financially secure. He explains why increasing your income and acquiring assets that generate income over time can be more powerful than simply cutting expenses. Jonathan also challenges the popular FIRE movement and the idea that everyone should aim to retire as early as possible. He argues that financial freedom and time freedom are not necessarily the same thing, especially because many people actually enjoy working, building businesses, having structure, and staying productive. Instead of copying someone else's definition of freedom, he encourages listeners to determine what enough means for them. Finally, Jonathan discusses comparison, FOMO, compound interest, and the importance of creating financial habits that work for your own life. He explains why comparing your financial journey to someone else's can lead you away from your own goals and why building wealth requires saving, putting money to work, and thinking long-term. In this episode, you will hear: Why wealth, financial freedom, and time freedom are different concepts How your location, lifestyle, family, and upbringing shape your financial goals Why Jonathan challenges the FIRE movement and the idea of retiring extremely early How defining what "enough" means can change the way you approach wealth building Why saving, compound interest, reducing comparison, and creating financial mindfulness are essential to building lasting wealth 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.
Today's guest is buying a perfect BRRRR tomorrow. Even with today's interest rates, even in this housing market, Zach Kepes is still making serious money with the strategy everyone has assumed is dead—the BRRRR method. He'll walk away with tens of thousands in equity, get a trophy rental property that will bring in rent for decades, and add to his already impressive 300+ single-family home portfolio. He's been BRRRRing for over 20 years, and he's not stopping in 2026, especially when everyone else is. The question is…how is he still doing it? Zach is one of the only humans on the planet who can match James's deal-junkie energy. He's been buying rentals since 2002, using the same strategy, but with different prices, financing, and renovations. Zach says it loud and clear: the BRRRR method still works in 2026, and he's showing you his exact buy box to find perfect BRRRR properties, how to check comps to confirm they work, and how he pays for them, refinances them, and what new BRRRR investors can do today to start. If the BRRRR method is so dead, how is Zach still making money with it? In This Episode We Cover Zach's “four pillars” for a profitable BRRRR in 2026 (the rules to follow) The quick BRRRR renovation Zach does on repeat for his rental properties How to start BRRRRing today, even if you're new to a market or investing An actual BRRRR deal Zach is buying tomorrow (full numbers and projected returns) The “key” to getting this strategy right (you need this on every deal you do) 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 BiggerPockets Real Estate 1320 - How to Execute the “Slow” BRRRR Strategy in 2026 (Full Walkthrough) James' BiggerPockets Profile Grab the BiggerPockets BRRRR Book Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-456. 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
Home ownership being out of reach for Millennials has been in the headlines nearly nonstop since 2022, and recent polls say that isn't changing anytime soon. In this episode, Gary sits down with Patrick Donohoe, CEO of Paradigm Life, to walk through the consumer polls and economic data that came out the morning they recorded, and to talk through whether rates coming down would actually help, or just push prices up further. The conversation makes the case that all of this only strengthens the argument for investors to step in and provide safe, affordable rental housing. Before the interview, Gary gives a personal update: a move into the new home he and his family built in Cape Coral, a recap of presenting at Kenny McElroy's Limitless event alongside the Real Estate Guys and Robert Kiyosaki circle, a preview of the new Family Office 360 wealth strategy framework (currently WealthView 360 and the 4-3-2-1 Financial Operating System), the relaunch of the Paradigm Life client portal, and news that Gary's Gulch will be sponsoring the upcoming BiggerPockets event in Orlando. About the Guest Patrick Donohoe is CEO of Paradigm Life, where he leads the company's mission of helping clients overcome financial challenges through proven, economically sound, and time-tested strategies. Since 2007, Paradigm Life has guided over 8,000 clients nationwide toward greater financial independence, helping them build and follow a path to thrive personally and professionally. Contact: pweb@paradigmlife.net Links & Resources Gary Pinkerton: garypinkerton.com Paradigm Life client portal: portal.paradigmlife.net Email Gary: gpinkerton@paradigmlife.net What's Covered Personal update (opening segment) The move to a newly built home in Cape Coral, and why Gary sees it as a tool for serving clients rather than a vanity project A recap of presenting at Limitless (Kenny McElroy's event, in the Real Estate Guys / Robert Kiyosaki circle) alongside Paradigm Life's Jayden A first look at Family Office 360, the wealth strategy concept built on the hierarchy of wealth, family banking through over-funded whole life insurance, and the 4-3-2-1 Financial Operating System The relaunch of the Paradigm Life client portal (a ground-up rebuild, not a facelift) at portal.paradigmlife.net, now with Plaid connectivity for bank and brokerage accounts News that Gary's Gulch will be sponsoring the BiggerPockets event in Orlando A note that this episode is a replay from the Perpetual Wealth Podcast, which Gary co-hosts with Patrick Donohoe and his team at Paradigm Life The conversation with Patrick Donohoe Gary's path from a dairy farm to the Naval Academy to nuclear submarines, and why that linear, checklist-driven training didn't automatically translate into good investing habits The financial advisor meeting in Pearl Harbor in 2009 that Gary walked away from without asking enough questions, and what it cost him Why Gary pivoted from the markets into real estate, and what "more control" actually means in practice Human nature, hubris, and why investors expect a projected return to show up in the mail every month Gary's personal risk checks: running major decisions by his wife, and "trust but verify" carried over from the military The Case-Shiller housing index: home prices down in real terms for 11 straight months, a 0.8% year-over-year read against an expected 1.1%, and why locked-in low mortgage rates are freezing the market Why Gary's own Cape Coral rentals are down 20 to 25% from peak, and why real estate being local matters more than the national number The Chicago PMI as a read on whether businesses are expanding or contracting, and why that shapes everything from equipment sales to hiring Inflation, the debt-based monetary system, and why some inflation is structurally unavoidable Why inflation hurts the paycheck-to-paycheck majority but can work in favor of investors holding leveraged, appreciating assets, using the math on a financed rental property as the example The bigger picture: reading past the headlines to find where the opportunity sits inside every one of these statistics
In just under six years, Bryan Field built a 100% remote real estate investment portfolio producing over $65,000 per year in cash flow. He bought properties sight unseen, chose markets that made the most money, and routinely reinvested his home equity. He started with zero real estate experience, and his first real investment went way over budget, but he bounced back and has already replaced a sizable chunk of his salary. Stuck in San Diego, Bryan knew he wanted to invest, but not in the million-dollar houses around him. The best bet? Move to a cheaper market (Arizona), buy a home, and try to invest there. A HELOC-funded house flip with a friend turned into a six-figure renovation, but they both walked away unscathed. After returning to San Diego with his newborn son, Bryan was determined to invest somewhere affordable, scalable, and profitable. Over the next few years, Bryan bought duplexes in South Dakota, seller-financed portfolios in Arkansas, and short-term rentals in Virginia. He used equity to make down payments, moved markets when he found better deals, and now makes over $5,000/month on his rentals alone, living in Southern California and investing from thousands of miles away. Priced out of your market? Feel like you're boxed out of investing? If you've got a laptop, a phone, and some starting capital, you can repeat Bryan's process! In This Episode We Cover How to use home equity (via a HELOC) to buy your first investment property Choosing a market with the best cash flow potential (and tenant pool) How to find seller-financeable rental property deals even in a market you're brand new to Buying investment properties sight unseen confidently when you're hundreds or thousands of miles away The creative investment Bryan made that is not a rental property but is in real estate And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1324. 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
Every rookie thinks their first deal will go according to plan (it almost never does). Today, we're bringing on a guest who had a long list of all the worst-case scenarios that happened to him, and still walked away winning (to the tune of $60,000!). He's walking us through it all, so you can master your first deal, too! Welcome back to another episode of the Real Estate Rookie Podcast! This week, we're sitting down with Caleb Smith, a real estate agent who bought his first rental at 21 with next to nothing in the bank, and then watched two very different deals go sideways in two very different ways! One taught him an expensive lesson about lenders. The other got hit by a zoning surprise nobody could have predicted, and forced him to pivot on the spot. Getting your numbers right isn't always enough. Sometimes the thing that changes everything isn't the market, the property, or the strategy—it's something buried in a permit office you never saw coming! If you're trying to figure out how to get your first deal done with limited capital, wondering what can quietly derail your plan, or just want to hear how a rookie handles it when things don't go the way he expected—today's episode has real numbers, real setbacks, and a few hard-won lessons worth taking with you into your next deal! In This Episode We Cover How Caleb bought his first rental at 21 with only $2,000 to his name Pivoting to a live-in flip strategy (and the huge benefits of doing so!) How to knock on doors to find off-market investment properties Turning a seller credit into an interest rate buydown The $10,000 origination fee mistake that taught him to shop lenders Surviving a falling chimney, botched kitchen, and a zoning reversal mid-deal! And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-764. 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 it better to buy an existing property with value-add potential or a new construction home in 2026? For years, there was no debate. The ability to buy a property at a discount, add value through renovations, force appreciation, and recycle your money made the BRRRR method a no-brainer for most investors. But in 2026, things are a little different. Builders are sitting on inventory, which means new homes are being sold for less than we've seen in years. Not to mention, builders are giving buyers massive incentives like mortgage rate buydowns, closing credits, and even price reductions—just to get these properties off their books. But are these perks enough to make new construction a better option than the BRRRR strategy? Today, we're going to put them head-to-head and find out. I'm comparing two real estate deals in the exact same market—a new construction home and a value-add property. We'll crunch the numbers and see which strategy actually comes out on top from a cash flow and appreciation perspective. The answer may surprise you. In This Episode We Cover Three scenarios when you might prefer a new build to a fixer-upper A head-to-head comparison of two real estate deals in the same market How to negotiate huge builder incentives when buying a new home How to choose the right investing strategy for you in 2026 The biggest pros and cons of buying a new construction home And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1323. 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 feel ready to buy your first rental property yet? Maybe you just need a better game plan. Today, we're covering three different but common situations rookies find themselves in leading up to that first deal. Whether you need a few actionable first steps or an extra push, we'll show you how to get started as soon as possible! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week, we're tackling three questions from rookies who all have the same underlying worry: they don't feel ready to invest in real estate. First up, we'll hear from a college student with one year left to figure out financing, savings, and education before he buys. Someone else is thinking about long-distance investing and building his team, and finally, a listener with some money saved wants to take the next step toward building his real estate portfolio. The catch? He lives in one of the most expensive markets in the country. We're breaking down all the possible solutions, including house hacking strategies, how to think about FHA and conventional financing, why cash reserves matter—even on a primary residence—and the remote management tools that make investing from anywhere possible! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to prepare to buy your first rental property (step by step) The software stack that makes remote property management (much) easier Creative ways to start building a rental portfolio in an expensive high-cost market How to invest in real estate from long distance (or even overseas) Why you should always have cash reserves (for each property!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-763. 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 invested in a real estate syndication, fund, or partnership. Now, the operator is coming to you asking for more cash. Whether expenses went up, income went down, mortgage rates had to be refinanced, or a combination of all three, you're on the line—do you put more cash into the deal with hopes it saves your principal, or do you walk away, take a loss, and try again? This is what we do when the capital calls come our way. A “capital call” is exactly what it sounds like—an operator is calling for more capital to be invested in a deal. But, more often than you'd think, you don't have to say yes. Kathy recently told an operator “no” when they needed another sizable investment. Why? The money wasn't going to the right place, and it wouldn't have saved (or improved) the deal. So how do you know when you should put in more money? Today, we're talking all about capital calls—when to invest, when to walk away, what to ask for, when there's fraud, and the three rules we personally follow before putting another dollar into the deal. More capital calls are coming, and you'd better be prepared before they do. In This Episode We Cover Capital calls explained—when it's to improve a property vs. delay an inevitable loss Three rules Kathy and James follow before putting any money into a capital call When to (sternly) say “no” to an operator who's trying to pocket your extra investment Signs that it is worth it to invest more and your return will be saved (or increased) The four people who must look over the documents with you before you invest and during a capital call 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 On The Market 214 - What to Know About “Capital Calls” As Multifamily Syndications Get “Squeezed” w/Brian Burke and Mauricio Rauld James' BiggerPockets Profile Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile Grab the Book on Syndication Investing, The Hands-Off Investor Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-455. 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 saved up some money and are ready to buy your first rental property. Now comes the question: How much do you put down? Do you buy multiple cheaper properties or splurge and put the entire down payment into one bigger, arguably more stable rental? Should you start to scale from the jump or test the real estate investing waters before committing more money? After buying dozens of rental units, Dave and Henry have a clear opinion. We're back with your questions from the BiggerPockets Forums! A real estate rookie is wondering whether they should spend $100K on one down payment or split it up into multiple, cheaper rental properties. Another is planning on putting very little money down on his first house hack, but do the numbers add up in this not-so-stable housing market? If you're ready for your first deal, both of these answers could give you peace of mind. You're about to sell a house flip for some serious profit—can you move that money (tax-free) into rental properties via a 1031 exchange? And if so, is the 1031 exchange worth the headache that comes with the timeline? Finally, a landlord is fed up with their rental and wants to sell. She has two choices: sell for cash and break even, or fix it up and potentially realize a five-figure profit. Would Henry, the renovation expert, make that bet? Ask Your Question on the BiggerPockets Forums! In This Episode We Cover How much you should put down on each rental property you buy What a solid first house hack actually looks like (mortgage, rent, etc.) Why we don't factor in rent growth (most of the time) when analyzing rental properties Can you use a 1031 exchange to turn a house flip into a rental portfolio? When to cut your losses on a bad rental vs. fix it up and try to turn a profit And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1322. 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
For years, rookies have heard the same bad news: starter homes are disappearing, and first-time buyers are getting older. But the newest data shows something very different, and we're breaking down how these recent changes can help you buy your first or next rental property in 2026! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Nationally, fewer than four in 10 non-homeowner households can afford a typical starter home. But in some states, things are getting a little easier. We're breaking down where this market opening exists, where the headlines can be misleading, and how to turn a smaller new construction home or an overlooked resale home into a profitable investment property. We're also sharing our own starter home stories, the difference between an affordable home and a “cheap” one, and a five-part screening checklist that will help you separate the two before making an offer. Whether you're looking to buy a house or find a more affordable real estate market to invest in, stay tuned to learn exactly how to spot a smart next deal! In This Episode We Cover What a starter home really looks like in today's market Which real estate markets have the most affordable starter homes for sale The critical difference between an affordable and “cheap” rental property How to take advantage of builder incentives on new construction homes Why "mom and pop" resale homes are some of the best 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/rookie-762. 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 Ian Slater, founder and partner at Trove Partners, a discreet real estate advisory team specializing in high-net-worth clients in New York, the Hamptons, and worldwide. Ian shares how growing up around his father's construction business shaped his understanding of real estate, even though he never expected to make it his career, and how he eventually built a successful career serving luxury real estate clients in New York. Jonathan and Ian discuss what separates the most successful real estate brokers from everyone else, including the importance of trust, organization, follow-through, relationships, and understanding the lifestyle of high-net-worth clients. Ian explains how he intentionally built his personal brand and network in his 20s by putting himself in the right rooms and developing the ability to connect with sophisticated clients. The conversation also explores Ian's personal real estate investing journey. He and his husband started with a $255,000 multifamily property in Providence, Rhode Island, eventually building a portfolio of roughly 40 apartments across eight buildings. Ian explains how they used renovation, refinancing, appreciation, and time to build equity, and how their strategy evolved from managing multifamily properties to renovating and selling homes and pursuing development opportunities. Jonathan and Ian also examine how the current real estate market differs from the environment that allowed them to get started, including higher interest rates, compressed cap rates, rising property values, and the opportunity cost of investing in real estate versus other assets. They discuss why sophisticated investors need to understand the market they're operating in, why some New York properties still command a premium, and how Ian's investing experience helps him give clients honest advice about whether real estate actually makes sense for their goals. Finally, Jonathan and Ian discuss the future of real estate, AI, wealth building, and the importance of playing the long game. Ian explains why he believes high-level real estate brokerage remains a relationship-driven business that is difficult to replace with technology, why avoiding "commission breath" builds trust, and how he hopes to eventually build a portfolio that produces meaningful cash flow and financial flexibility without necessarily focusing on passing a real estate empire to future generations. In this episode, you will hear: How Ian went from growing up around construction to becoming a luxury real estate advisor Why trust, follow-through, and relationship building are essential to succeeding in high-end real estate How Ian and his husband built a 40-unit Providence real estate portfolio Why market conditions today require investors to think differently than they did a decade ago How to build long-term wealth through real estate while staying flexible enough to adapt as your goals and the market change 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 Ian: Website - https://www.trove-partners.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ianslater/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-slater-53688124 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.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Ian Slater, founder and partner at Trove Partners, a discreet real estate advisory team specializing in high-net-worth clients in New York, the Hamptons, and worldwide. Ian shares how growing up around his father's construction business shaped his understanding of real estate, even though he never expected to make it his career, and how he eventually built a successful career serving luxury real estate clients in New York. Jonathan and Ian discuss what separates the most successful real estate brokers from everyone else, including the importance of trust, organization, follow-through, relationships, and understanding the lifestyle of high-net-worth clients. Ian explains how he intentionally built his personal brand and network in his 20s by putting himself in the right rooms and developing the ability to connect with sophisticated clients. The conversation also explores Ian's personal real estate investing journey. He and his husband started with a $255,000 multifamily property in Providence, Rhode Island, eventually building a portfolio of roughly 40 apartments across eight buildings. Ian explains how they used renovation, refinancing, appreciation, and time to build equity, and how their strategy evolved from managing multifamily properties to renovating and selling homes and pursuing development opportunities. Jonathan and Ian also examine how the current real estate market differs from the environment that allowed them to get started, including higher interest rates, compressed cap rates, rising property values, and the opportunity cost of investing in real estate versus other assets. They discuss why sophisticated investors need to understand the market they're operating in, why some New York properties still command a premium, and how Ian's investing experience helps him give clients honest advice about whether real estate actually makes sense for their goals. Finally, Jonathan and Ian discuss the future of real estate, AI, wealth building, and the importance of playing the long game. Ian explains why he believes high-level real estate brokerage remains a relationship-driven business that is difficult to replace with technology, why avoiding "commission breath" builds trust, and how he hopes to eventually build a portfolio that produces meaningful cash flow and financial flexibility without necessarily focusing on passing a real estate empire to future generations. In this episode, you will hear: How Ian went from growing up around construction to becoming a luxury real estate advisor Why trust, follow-through, and relationship building are essential to succeeding in high-end real estate How Ian and his husband built a 40-unit Providence real estate portfolio Why market conditions today require investors to think differently than they did a decade ago How to build long-term wealth through real estate while staying flexible enough to adapt as your goals and the market change 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 Ian: Website - https://www.trove-partners.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ianslater/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-slater-53688124 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.
Builders are struggling to survive, let alone sell homes, in 2026. Prices aren't keeping pace, home sales are falling, and nobody can find the labor to build the houses in the first place. With concessions rising, buyers who stayed in the market are getting great deals. With the potential to boomerang back to regional undersupplied housing markets, the deals may very well be worth it. It's a new week, with new headlines that affect anyone buying, selling, or building wealth with real estate. First, we'll touch on the 300,000 vacant lots for sale. With the price of dirt down far below where it was just a few years ago, those with development and building ambitions could stand to profit, but with the entire homebuilding industry struggling, how long will you have to wait? Washington is trying to investigate “private listings” from real estate brokerages, but could they actually be hurting the seller by removing the exclusivity agents are going for? Finally, an update on home sales, prices, and why Kathy is seeing a big uptick in investor buyers for a certain type of rental property. In This Episode We Cover The land sale happening this summer and a sign of just how bad our housing shortage is Builders get squeezed as buyers (and even laborers) refuse to budge The newest threat to “private” home listings that could hurt sales prices The homes that are taking the longest to sell in 2026 and one type of rental property that investors are getting steals on 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 Major Homebuilders Have Not Sold Homes This Cheap in Nearly a Decade—Here's How Investors Can Take Advantage Henry's BiggerPockets Profile James' BiggerPockets Profile Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile PR Newswire: More than 300,000 empty lots for sale could close America's housing shortage by 6% NBC 24: Construction job openings rise as overall job openings soften slightly HousingWire: The off-MLS debate moves to Washington, and agents need a clear script Newsweek: America's New Home Sales Plummet to Weakest Rate in Years Grab Henry's Book, Real Estate Deal Maker Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-454. 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
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode, Whitney Elkins-Hutten shares her journey into real estate investing, her role in investor education, and insights on building relationships, leveraging systems, and creating passive income streams. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Three years ago, Andres Martinez was waiting tables. Today, he owns 10 rental properties, manages another four, and has a rental portfolio that brings in over $13,000 in monthly cash flow. He's even been able to quit his job and focus on his rentals full-time. But how did he pull all of this off—and in such little time? Early on, Andres had one goal: maximize the cash flow on every property he bought. This led him to co-living, an investing strategy where you have multiple tenants under the same roof. The cash flow was so strong that he has deployed this strategy across his entire portfolio. But the journey hasn't been easy. In today's episode, Andres shares all the growing pains—from making 200 cold calls a day to find off-market deals to working with shady contractors and navigating difficult tenant disputes. Through it all, his pure hustle and grit have paid off. Whether you're looking for creative ways to scale your real estate portfolio or create enough cash flow to replace your salary, Andres has a blueprint that works—even here in 2026! In This Episode We Cover How Andres went from waiting tables to making $13,000+/month with rentals How to scale your real estate portfolio faster using other people's money (OPM) The biggest myths (and truths) surrounding the co-living strategy The number one thing you must get right when operating a co-living property The real estate markets where the co-living strategy works best And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1321. 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 biggest obstacle to building wealth wasn't your income, your time, or even your circumstances, but simply believing it was possible for someone like you? Today's guest made the decision that her past won't be her children's future. Real estate made that choice possible! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Angela Wassom is proof that real estate really can be for anyone that puts their mind to it. While working full-time and raising seven kids, she's built a 20-unit portfolio across four states—starting with a rental she was genuinely afraid to take on. Angela breaks down how she built a team in markets she'd never set foot in, spotted a listing mistake that turned into a five-figure win, and used one financing strategy to fund nearly every deal since! She also shares the story of a lender who finally said yes after everyone else said no, and the tenant placement that brought her whole journey full circle. By the end of this episode, you'll see exactly how much is possible with the time and resources you already have! In This Episode We Cover How growing up in HUD housing shaped Angela's mindset of becoming a landlord Building a remote investing team in markets you'll never set foot in The MLS listing mistake that turned into a $10,000 repair windfall How a HELOC strategy has funded nearly every deal for Angela Why every lender said no to Angela's newest short-term rental, until one didn't (and why it was so worth it!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-761. 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
AI Is Changing Real Estate Sales | Bill Beck explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way real estate professionals generate leads, follow up with prospects, and build more efficient sales teams. Bill Beck shares how AI-powered systems like Rafy can help investors and wholesalers reach deeper into their pipelines, automate conversations, and empower existing salespeople rather than simply replace them. He also discusses why many investors resist AI adoption, how close AI voice technology is to sounding fully human, the importance of systems and company culture, and why entrepreneurs need to avoid shiny object syndrome as technology continues to evolve. _______________________________ 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 BRRRR method is not dead—far from it. In fact, it's still one of my absolute favorite investing strategies today. But in 2026, you need to change how you use it. I'm about to show you a variation of the traditional BRRRR that gives you all the upside and scalability you'd expect from one of these deals, but with far less risk, more time, and greater flexibility. And in this housing market? That's exactly what you need. I'm talking about the “slow” BRRRR. The steps are similar: You still buy a rental property, rehab it, rent it out to tenants, refinance, and repeat the process, but here's where this strategy takes a turn. Rather than targeting a run-down property and maximizing its value, you identify a completely habitable, cash-flowing property that just needs a little TLC. This achieves three things that the average BRRRR doesn't, and it could be the difference between merely buying a decent property and landing a home-run deal. And I'll prove it to you with a real example property. We'll crunch the numbers, compare potential returns, and outline eight steps for putting this strategy into action in 2026! In This Episode We Cover How to execute the “slow” BRRRR strategy in 2026 (step by step) A real example property with real numbers and potential returns How to identify the right kind of rental property for this strategy Three reasons why Dave prefers the “slow” BRRRR to other investing strategies Why you don't need to perform a “perfect” BRRRR for it to be a win And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1320. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feel like your situation doesn't fit the typical real estate investing playbook? Maybe you're low on cash, your circumstances are unusual, or your timeline feels tighter than everyone else's. You're not alone, and today's episode proves it. But thankfully, we've got answers! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We're back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from a rookie who has very little money saved: Can you buy a rental property with just $5,000? We'll share some creative ways to get started with low money down! Next, we'll hear from someone who wants to invest in U.S. real estate from another country, pointing them to the tools and resources they'll need to invest remotely. Finally, is it ever too late to start investing? Maybe you're already eyeing retirement and wondering if rental properties can even fit into your overall strategy. Stick around until the end to find out! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover A decade-long plan for late starters looking to retire with real estate How to turn your primary residence into an entire real estate portfolio Using creative financing (like seller financing) without taking on extra risk Why you need cash reserves with every real estate deal How to build your own real estate team when investing remotely And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-760. 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
Today, we're showing you exactly how to learn about real estate investing, so you can get your first property faster. There are thousands of videos, podcasts, books, and forums floating around. Where do you even start? The amount of information alone is enough to keep you stuck on the sidelines. Not to mention, there's a lot of bad information out there. In this episode, we're giving you a clear roadmap for getting all the information you need before buying your first rental property. Property management? Finding contractors? Those are tomorrow's problems. To get in the game and buy a good investment now, there are only a few skills you really need to hone. We'll show you exactly what they are and where you can go to learn all about them. These are specific tools for those who are learning the ropes—resources we wish we had access to when we were starting out. Stop trying to learn everything. Learn these things, in this order, and you'll be taking down real estate deals in no time! In This Episode We Cover The best ways to learn about real estate investing (starting from zero) The number one real estate skill every new investor should prioritize Two “buckets” of real estate investing education (and which to pull from) Our favorite real estate books, podcasts, and other tools for getting started The biggest barrier to real estate investing in 2026 (focus on this) What we got right (and wrong) early on in our investing journeys And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1319. 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 best real estate investing advice you'll ever hear is to just get started. But that advice comes with a catch: some rental properties can set you back many years. Today, we're sharing six red flags to watch out for, so you can know if you're actually buying a good real estate deal—not a trap! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Some deals can be incredibly convincing when you run the numbers. They might look profitable. They may have less competition, a lower purchase price, and a story that makes you believe you've found a diamond in the rough. But beneath the surface, these properties come with all kinds of issues and risks. We're breaking down six types of properties we'd steer clear of—from D-class properties that see very little appreciation to properties trapped inside HOA neighborhoods. If you're not careful, these properties can drain your time, eat through your cash reserves, and create unnecessary stress. We're telling you exactly what to watch for, and why, especially if you're a rookie investor! In This Episode We Cover The six “worst” types of rental properties we'd never invest in Why D-class neighborhoods may look tempting but give you little appreciation The HOA red flags that can quietly erode your rental cash flow Why buying a property with only one exit strategy is (very) risky Why investing in flood zones can cause your insurance costs to spiral The dangers of buying a rental property with negative cash flow And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-759. 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
People say it's just too hard to find real estate deals in 2026, but today's guest is proving them all wrong. He's already bought four rental properties that make over $6,000 in monthly cash flow, and he's been investing in real estate for just eight months. Joe Crocker is eager to trade his 70-hour workweek for financial freedom, and he's on track to replace his W-2 income with rental cash flow in the next two years. He's not finding these properties by building lists, cold calling, or sending mailers. These are regular deals right off the MLS. He buys one, adds some value, pulls his money out, and buys the next one. It's a simple investing strategy that anyone can use, yet most people don't. Meanwhile, Joe has already completed multiple deals this year and is well on his way to building a cash-flowing rental portfolio that gives him the money, time, and freedom he's always wanted. Follow his model, and there's no reason why you can't, too! In This Episode We Cover The exact strategy Joe's using to replace his income with rental cash flow Scaling to four rental properties in just eight months while working his W-2 job The simple property tax strategy that can instantly boost your cash flow How to find overlooked, undervalued real estate deals in 2026 (on the MLS!) Why you should go into every real estate deal with at least two exit strategies And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1318. 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 real estate deal is often the hardest. Like many rookie investors, today's guest had always wanted to invest in real estate but didn't have a ton of money to buy an investment property. But by getting creative, DIY'ing renovations, and forming strategic partnerships, he's been able to not only get in the game but also snowball to 13 deals! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jake McVey spent years absorbing everything he could about real estate investing while working in an entirely different industry, but never quite pulling the trigger. At 23, that all changed. He used the “long-term BRRRR” method to turn his primary residence into his first rental property, and six years later, he and his dad have completed roughly a dozen house flips together! In this episode, Jake breaks down how a HELOC (home equity line of credit) got their real estate investing partnership off the ground, a renovation project so strange that it made them rethink the due diligence process, and the day a finished flip nearly fell apart during an open house. Whether you're looking to string a few flips together or improve at renovations, Jake's lessons on “conservative” deal analysis, creative finance, and managing contractors could help you on your very next deal! In This Episode We Cover How Jake and his dad have completed 13 real estate deals in just six years Making a $50,000 profit on one flip, even after his rehab budget doubled How to turn your primary residence into a long-term BRRRR Using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to help fund your real estate deals Why you should always get an inspection before doing renovations The pros and cons of forming a real estate partnership with family Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-758. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to rent out your house? This is how to do it right: get the best tenants and the highest rent. For most Americans, renting out their previous primary residence will be their first experience in real estate investing. Thankfully, renting out your house like a professional is not hard; you just have to follow a few key steps that inexperienced investors will completely skip over. Today, Dave is sharing his step-by-step guide to renting out your home, even if you have no experience, even if you're self-managing. From estimating how much to charge for rent to listing your property, screening tenants, collecting security deposits, and keeping the cash flow coming, anyone can be a good landlord if they put in the effort. When done right, renting out your home can give you another stream of income, tens or even hundreds of thousands in equity over the long term, and experience in real estate investing. You've got the house; this is how you rent it out. In This Episode We Cover How to know whether you should rent out your house in the first place (or sell it) Estimating what to charge for rent (and the most accurate way to do it) Should you hire a property manager or self-manage your rental? Landlord insurance 101: Why you must switch before your tenant moves in How to screen tenants legally (and fairly) to get the best ones in your property Traps to avoid at all costs when renting out your home (Dave's $5,000 mistake) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1317. 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're ready to start investing in real estate, but the next step can look very different depending on your situation. Every rookie's story is unique, and today, we're sharing our best advice for three different scenarios so you can get in the game—no matter your starting point! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's questions come straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and they're all about slowing down just enough to make the first move the right move. One investor wants to know if house hacking is realistic in an expensive market. Another rookie wants to know the best way to invest a large sum of money so it can replace their W-2 income. Finally, a rookie has a seller financing deal in place but is still short and needs to provide proof of funds on a very tight deadline. We'll not only show them how to structure their creative financing but also offer an alternative option they're probably overlooking! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to structure a creative financing deal on a tight timeline Different investing strategies you can use to replace your W-2 income How to make house hacking work (even in an expensive market) The first step every rookie should take before building their buy box What “proof of funds” actually means and how to get it fast And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-757. 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 “regular” rental property you're thinking of buying? It may not look like anything special here in 2026, but it could be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars more down the road—IF it has any of the high-upside qualities we're about to show you. For the last 18 months, I've said that this is real estate investing's era of “upside.” The “easy” real estate deals you could buy in 2015-2022 are long gone, and what we're left with are a lot of seemingly unspectacular properties—but ones with hidden upside that is just waiting to be unearthed. A property with one of these qualities is unlikely to make you rich on its own. You've still got to focus on buying high-quality assets at good prices today. But if your property has two, three, or more of these “upside” opportunities, its value could skyrocket five, 10, or 20 years from now. This isn't just about market-driven appreciation. These are 10 distinct advantages that aren't on most buyers' minds when they're looking for a simple deal that will cash flow, but thinking about them now could pay massive dividends in the future. In This Episode We Cover The 10 upside plays that can turn a “good” property into an all-time deal Value-add opportunities that can add hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity The huge advantages of owner-occupied strategies (not just better financing) How to identify properties that have zoning upside or lie in the path of progress Henry's “free” land upside play that most real estate investors take for granted And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1316. 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 11 years, Aaron Murphy has replaced his and his wife's income with repeatable, long-term rental properties. No complicated strategy. No huge windfall of cash. He made serious mistakes on his first true investment property, but quickly developed a “foolproof” system that allowed him to scale to an impressive real estate portfolio and gave him a sustainable exit path out of his W-2 job. After getting tired of the “do this or don't get paid” mentality at his job, Aaron realized he needed another source of income. Stocks required too much upfront cash, homes in his city were too expensive, but what if he looked outside the city? He bought his first property with around $12,000 down, saved up more money, repeated it, made mistakes, succeeded, failed, and did it again, until he had a process that built wealth on repeat. Now, Aaron has an entire rental portfolio to rely on for income as he takes this interview from Portugal as part of a one-year trip around the world. It's only possible because he took the first step—buying just one property. In This Episode We Cover Aaron's repeatable BRRRR method that helped him scale to 75 rental units The biggest mistakes you can avoid on your first rental property (Aaron learned the hard way) One thing you always account for when analyzing a rental property (or it'll cost you thousands) Want a mentor? The “foolproof” system to finding the best ones in your area The secret to getting low offers accepted that's so simple, most investors skip over it And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1315. 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 a decade, you can replace your income with rentals. If you can save up just one down payment for a rental property, you can use the strategy I'm about to share and repeat it until you build an income-replacing investment property portfolio, without needing a new down payment every time you buy. Today, I'm walking through one of the most powerful investing strategies that is so simple most investors ignore it. I'll also prove that you do not need 20 rental properties to comfortably replace your income—you only need seven. This strategy is a more 2026-friendly version of the famous BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) method. It's relatively low risk, doesn't require you to do some huge, complicated renovation, and allows you to turn one rental property down payment into an entire real estate portfolio. I'll walk through the numbers using a real property for sale, and then extrapolate to prove that a small, powerful rental portfolio can replace your income. Remember, less is often more with rentals, and you may only need seven rental properties to retire. In This Episode We Cover The four steps to go from one down payment to a cash-flowing rental property portfolio How to replace your income (inflation-adjusted) in just a decade with fewer rentals than you think The BRRRR strategy explained and the 2026 twist for beginners (no big renovations) Using the BiggerPockets Calculators to project cash flow before you buy or refinance How anyone, whether they're making $80K or $120K a year, can replace their income And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1314. 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 investing is a team sport. You can buy great rental properties in great neighborhoods and still fail—all because you don't have the right people around you. Today, we're showing you exactly how to build your real estate investing team from scratch. This is important for any investor, whether you're buying in your own backyard or out-of-state, but it's even more crucial when building a rental portfolio from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Every successful real estate business has at least four key players: an investor-friendly agent, a lender, a good contractor, and a property manager. And the truth is some of these people are much harder to find (and keep) than others. We'll walk you through each role, their key responsibilities, and the exact steps for finding and vetting them. But there's also a “secret” fifth member every investor should have in their corner. They'll not only help you avoid silly mistakes but also make finding real estate deals, scaling your real estate portfolio, and achieving your investing goals that much easier! In This Episode We Cover The “core four” people every real estate investor needs on their team The secret (but crucial) fifth player you should have in your corner Three ways to find an investor-friendly agent in your market What to prioritize when vetting potential team members How to find great contractors (and keep them on board!) Why a high-quality property management company is so difficult to find And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1313. 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