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You don't have to buy your first rental property—you can build one instead. Newer systems, fewer repairs, and that “brand new” feeling that tenants may pay more rent for. But…is it worth it? Building a small multifamily in a single-family area could let you house hack and own a rare property in your market, but is the headache worth the effort? With more and more investors choosing to build rather than buy, we thought we'd weigh in. Dave and Henry are back answering your questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. Today, we're talking about building vs. buying rentals, when an investment property is too old to be worth buying, the lender-friendly rehab budget Henry uses to get loans for his BRRRRs (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) and house flips, and whether wholesalers (middlemen) are worth buying properties from. Plus, if you're house hacking, should you tell the tenant you're the owner? Dave tried to hide it before, and shares whether it was worth it. In This Episode We Cover Building vs. buying rental properties: is the time (and effort) worth the upside? Renovating an older rental property? This build decade could be best Henry's exact renovation budget he shares with lenders to get fast financing Are wholesalers worth their assignment fee? When we will and won't buy from them Should you tell your tenants that you're the owner (what happens if they find out?) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1307. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is analyzing rental properties for the best-case scenario. Today's guest does the opposite. He plans for the worst, and it's the reason his deals consistently outperform others. In this episode, he's sharing his secret for getting maximum cash flow with the least work possible! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Luke Frizzell went from owning a primary residence that was draining his bank account, to converting his garage into an ADU and getting a 25% cash-on-cash return. But then, he did an “about face” and pivoted into residential assisted living, where he generates $3,000 in monthly cash flow, per property, without ever dealing with operations! Tune in to learn how Luke uses the military “SMEAC” framework to turn every deal into a planned mission, why the best next investment might be the property you already own, and how the lease-to-operator model makes assisted living one of the most “hands-free” cash flow strategies available today. If you've been chasing unit count and wondering why the effort never matches the returns, Luke's story is your permission to think differently. In This Episode We Cover How to make more cash flow with the residential assisted living strategy How to create extra income streams on the property you already own How Luke generated a 25% cash-on-cash return with his first ADU The SMEAC framework—what it is and how to apply it to real estate How to make your investment more “hands-free” with the lease-to-operator model Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-747. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Niyi Adewole got his first “real” job out of college, he had one goal: financial freedom. But when he asked his coworkers about the company 401(k), he left more confused than convinced. In searching for answers, he discovered a much better path: real estate investing. Then, with just $5,000 in savings, he bought his first rental property—a triplex he house hacked to cover his mortgage. That first property snowballed into the next one, and in just six years, Niyi quit his W-2 job. Today, he owns 14 properties, including small multifamily rentals, Airbnbs, and even a self-storage facility. His portfolio generates more than enough cash flow to live on, but instead, he continues to funnel everything toward the next property. Niyi's story is remarkable, but he didn't go from earning a $55,000 salary to financial freedom overnight. In this episode, he shares how he sacrificed, hustled, and stacked promotions at his W-2 job to get to where he is today. The question isn't if you can do the same. It's will you? In This Episode We Cover How Niyi scaled from $5,000 in savings to 14 rental properties (and counting) The playbook that allowed Niyi to quit his job and go all-in on real estate The immeasurable value of working with an investor-friendly agent A profitable investing strategy that doesn't involve tenants or toilets Buying a house with low money down and having tenants pay your mortgage And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1306. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I reached financial independence before 40. I set out to do the impossible, and achieved it. I bought rental properties, worked hard at my job, saved and invested most of my money, and got to my goal. Then I realized something I wish someone had told me—everything I thought I knew about financial independence was wrong. If you are on this journey to free yourself from your job, retire early, or reach the magic “FI number” that will give you lasting security, I urge you—listen to this episode. While most financially independent influencers constantly stress saving all your money, effort-maxing to extremes, delaying vacations, trips, luxury purchases, or even your wedding, I did the opposite. I spent a lot on my wedding. I spent a lot on nice vacations. I eat out regularly. And sometimes…I just didn't want to buy another rental. But at 39, financially free, I enjoyed my journey to the “goal.” Because the truth is, there isn't a financial freedom number; there's a financial freedom process, and if you don't get it right, it won't be worth any of the effort. In This Episode We Cover Why (almost) everything you've been told about “financial independence” isn't true The “FI number” trap that so many real estate investors are falling into Are you wasting your life saving all of your money (why Dave says you shouldn't) How to get more financially independent every day, even during bumpy times The “arrival” fallacy that makes so many retirees actually go back to work And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1305. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The housing market looks very different than it did just a year or two ago. Home prices are softening, rates have eased slightly from the highs of 2023 and 2024, and sellers are more willing to negotiate than they've been in years. But rookie investors still want to know: Is 2026 actually the right time to buy? Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today we're answering three pressing questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. You just got your first rental property under contract–what's the next step? Is out-of-state investing the answer to areas that don't cash flow, and if so, how do you manage a property from afar? But perhaps most importantly, does it even make sense to invest in real estate in 2026? Ashley and Tony break down the 2026 market, the contract-to-closing checklist every rookie investor needs, and the exact steps Tony took to build an investing team over 1,000 miles away! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Whether it still makes sense invest in real estate in 2026 The one data point that tells you whether a real estate deal is worth it The full contract-to-closing checklist you need to get your keys on time What to do when you can't find cash flow in your own market How to build your team (from scratch) when investing out-of-state And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-745. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You won't believe why mortgage rates are going back up. It's not because of the war, it's not because of gas prices, and it's not because of the Federal Reserve. Something nobody is talking about is playing a much bigger role in mortgage rates than most Americans think. It's making big corporations richer while the average American continues to struggle to buy a home. What is the hidden factor nobody's talking about? Today, Dave is getting into it, unpacking not only the real reason why mortgage rates are heading back toward 7%, but the loaded week of housing market news. First, we'll touch on mortgage rates and the two reasons why they're shooting back up even after a surprisingly positive inflation report. Then, the historic housing bill that successfully became law and what it really says in the fine print (is Wall Street actually banned?). Finally, why rising student loan delinquencies could mean more renter demand and fewer home sales for millions of Americans. In This Episode We Cover The real reason why mortgage rates are going up even if inflation readings are falling What's actually in the historic 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act? Wall Street's “ban” on buying houses and what the fine print says Cracks forming in student loan repayments and how it could trickle down to housing (more renter demand?) And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Hear Our Full Episode on the Historic Housing Bill Grab Dave's Book, Start with Strategy Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-443. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many people assume house flipping doesn't work anymore. They're wrong. House flipping isn't dead. The “easy” money is. While it's true that flipping houses isn't as forgiving as it was just a few years ago—and yes, the “bad” flippers are being exposed—the fear surrounding this investing strategy is actually creating massive opportunities for those who do their homework. Just ask Henry and today's guest, Dominique Gunderson. They've been flipping houses for many years and are still finding plenty of real estate deals, even in this tough housing market. They're just doing it a little differently than in years past. In today's episode, we're getting into what's changed and what investors need to do to find, buy, renovate, and flip houses for a profit. We break down our own processes for analyzing properties, estimating rehab costs, pricing them on the back end, and so much more. Whether you're a complete newcomer or a frustrated investor eager for the numbers to work again, follow our blueprint to make your next flip a successful one! In This Episode We Cover How Henry and Dominique are adjusting their approach to house flipping The “risk-reward ratio” Henry uses for every real estate deal he buys Market-specific advantages and challenges to be aware of How to prevent closing costs from eating away at your profit margins The number one way house flippers get burned when analyzing properties The “types” of projects we're avoiding at all costs in 2026 Creative strategies you can use to mitigate risk when flipping a house And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1304. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When buying your first rental property, everyone gives you the same advice: play it safe, get a long-term tenant, and collect the rent. But that same house, run as an Airbnb, can often make two or three times the cash flow. So which investing strategy should you actually use for your first deal? Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we're settling this debate once and for all: short-term rentals or long-term rentals? We both grabbed a real, middle-of-the-road property from our own portfolios, put them head to head, and broke down the three things that actually matter for rookie investors: the money, the workload, and the risk. Ashley's long-term rental might have the edge when it comes to ease of management, but Tony's short-term rental tax loophole gives certain investors a way to (legally) slash their tax bills by thousands. There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. But by the end of this episode, you'll know exactly which strategy fits your investing goals! In This Episode We Cover Real properties with real numbers from Tony and Ashley's portfolios Why measuring your cash-on-cash return is crucial when comparing these strategies How much time it actually takes to manage a long-term or short-term rental The biggest risks to consider before committing to either strategy How to potentially slash your tax bill by thousands with the short-term rental loophole And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-744. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The first half of the 2026 housing market is over, and now it's time to answer the question everyone wants to know: What's next? Will the market slow down even more and bring lower prices for patient buyers, or will a (surprisingly) resilient US economy finally give buyers what they're looking for? We're split. We're disagreeing. And today, we're giving our updated 2026 housing market predictions. A long, slow, painful housing market could be in store for some, while a “booming” environment could be coming for others—which one will it be for you? We're breaking it down, based on your exact market, property type, and whether you're buying, selling, or holding and waiting. One type of property James is warning you to actively avoid; Kathy is saying certain markets will bring huge benefits to those who buy in them early; and Dave sees bad signs for the American consumer, which could spill even more into the housing market. Get ahead of the housing market—these are our H2 2026 housing market predictions. In This Episode We Cover Why an even slower, more painful market could be in store for 2026 sellers The passive income play that Dave is doubling down on as rentals suffer Flipping a house? What James warns you to do so you don't lose money on your sale The rental markets Kathy is currently eyeing to get deals before prices pop Sobering signs that American consumers are still far from ready to buy And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area On The Market 431 - The “Engine” of the U.S. Economy is Starting to Crack Dave's BiggerPockets Profile James' BiggerPockets Profile Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile Grab the Book, Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-442. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When the Great Recession hit, Andy Gil lost his business. Suddenly, he was forced to start over. But the fear of losing everything again was the driving force behind what would come next. Andy got serious, raising his young kids in an 800-square-foot house, driving 10-year-old cars, and funneling every spare dollar into savings so he could start buying rental properties. These were the types of sacrifices the average investor probably wouldn't make, but they became the catalyst for scaling to 58 rental units in just four years! What's more, Andy has never had the benefit of 3% mortgage rates. He got into real estate investing at the tail end of 2022, meaning he's been able to grow his large, cash-flowing real estate portfolio in a tough housing market with high interest rates—all while using very little of his own money. Today, he manages his own rentals and other people's properties, deploying a unique investing strategy that has even helped him acquire a 30-unit property. In this episode, he's sharing exactly what that strategy is (and how YOU can implement it), what he's learned in over 20 years of contracting experience, and how to use AI to gain an edge in today's market. In This Episode We Cover Andy's journey from losing his business to buying 58 rental units in four years The massive sacrifices Andy and his family have had to make to invest in real estate How to accelerate your investing journey by living within your means The secrets to managing a large rental portfolio (on your own!) How Andy uses artificial intelligence (AI) throughout his real estate business Why persistence is the key to finding great real estate deals in 2026 And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1303. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your first rental property rarely comes from sitting back and waiting. It usually comes when you put yourself out there, talk to others about what you're building, and stay in the game long enough for the right moment to show up. That's exactly what today's guest did, and it led to a wild deal that kickstarted her real estate portfolio! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Stephanie Wagner spent nearly 20 years in a full-time job, putting her real estate dreams on hold through a marriage that wasn't working. Then, she used her divorce as the starting line. Six months later, she closed on her first real estate deal, a duplex she was able to house hack. Today, she owns five rental units and even has her real estate licence! Stephanie shares about the everyday moment that led to buying an off-market deal, the second deal that involved a tricky tenant situation, and the mindset shift that separates the investors who start from the ones who never do. If you've been holding out for the “perfect” moment to invest in real estate, Stephanie's story is proof that you just need to take action! In This Episode We Cover How Stephanie bought three rental properties while working nine-to-five The pivotal moment that led to Stephanie's first property (an off-market duplex!) The benefits of using a real estate agent on an off-market deal Why the quality of your rentals matters more than your number of doors Raising rent on long-term tenants with fixed incomes And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-743. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene shares a solo episode announcing an important evolution for the podcast while reaffirming the principles that have guided it from the beginning. After more than 360 episodes focused on real estate investing, Jonathan explains why the show is expanding its conversations beyond traditional investing topics to explore broader themes of financial mindfulness, intentional living, and long-term wealth building. While real estate will remain the foundation of the podcast, future episodes will also examine how it fits into a diversified financial life alongside other investments, personal growth, and thoughtful decision-making. Jonathan also shares an important update for listeners: beginning next week, the podcast will move from publishing two episodes each week to a single Wednesday release. He explains that the new schedule will create space for deeper conversations, more intentional guest selection, and an increased number of solo episodes. Rather than producing more content for the sake of consistency, Jonathan wants every episode to deliver greater value while giving listeners time to absorb the lessons and revisit past conversations. The episode explores the idea of financial mindfulness, a philosophy Jonathan believes is missing from many investing conversations today. Instead of chasing shortcuts, viral trends, or "get rich quick" strategies, he encourages listeners to focus on building lasting wealth through patience, diversification, and intentional choices. He discusses why financial education should extend beyond real estate alone and how understanding money, risk, and long-term planning can help investors create stronger foundations for themselves and future generations. Jonathan also shares his vision for the future of the show, including conversations with guests from across the financial world who can offer fresh perspectives on how real estate fits into a complete investment strategy. He explains that the podcast will continue to prioritize thoughtful discussion over sensational headlines, while expanding into topics such as artificial intelligence, financial education, asset allocation, and teaching the next generation about money. Throughout the episode, Jonathan reinforces that the mission has not changed. The goal has always been to help listeners think more deeply, make better decisions, and build wealth with intention. In this episode, you will hear: • Why the podcast is expanding its focus to include financial mindfulness alongside real estate investing • Why Jonathan is moving from two episodes per week to one Wednesday release each week • How long-term thinking, diversification, and intentional decision-making create lasting wealth • Why future guests will bring broader financial perspectives while keeping real estate at the center of the conversation • How slowing down and thinking more critically can help investors build stronger financial foundations for themselves and future generations Supporting Resources Connect with Jonathan: Podcast - www.zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/JonathanGreenere Instagram - www.instagram.com/zenrealestateinvesting Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting Jonathan's Hub Site - www.trustgreene.com Brokerage - https://www.streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.
If you're in your 40s, or even 50s, and think it's too late to build a comfortable retirement, think again. We've done the math, we've crunched the numbers, and we've run the playbook ourselves—using rental properties, you can replace a significant portion of your income in just around a decade. Today, we're sharing the exact strategy to get you there. Most retirees have a small sum in savings and a Social Security check to count on in retirement. But what if you want more income to travel, experience, or donate as you see fit? Even if you feel like the retirement timeline is closing in on you, you have options, but you'll need to follow a plan. In this episode, I'm walking through exactly how to go from no rentals to comfortable retirement in around a decade, and how someone in their 40s or 50s can do it easier than someone in their 20s or 30s! I'll share the multiple strategies you can take, the exact math that proves the system works, overlooked ways to fund your investments, and how to use your small, powerful real estate portfolio to retire, or even retire early! In This Episode We Cover The six steps to take you from no retirement to plentiful passive income The massive advantages 40+ year-olds have over younger investors Which real estate strategy works best for you and your stage of life How to fund your down payment with savings, home equity, 401(k)s, and more A step-by-step walkthrough of analyzing your first rental property (the right way) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1302. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You've got very little savings, almost no credit history, and you want to buy a rental property. Most people would tell you to wait, but today, we're giving you clear, actionable steps you can take toward getting that first property under contract! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we're answering three questions that cover the anatomy of a first deal: where the money comes from, where the deal comes from, and what it will really cost you. First, suppose you have no money or credit. Can you still invest in real estate? Another investor wants to know if wholesalers are worth using, and finally, we'll hear from an actual wholesaler who's looking for the best ways to estimate rehab costs so he can deliver deals investors actually want to buy! Tony explains why finding great real estate deals is the number one tool every rookie needs in their toolbelt, and Ashley shares a wholesale real estate strategy that nobody in the industry is using yet!! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to invest in real estate when you have low money and no credit How to save for your first down payment (fast!) The best investing strategy for buying rentals with low money down The wholesaling strategy explained (and how to buy a wholesale deal) How to estimate rehab costs as a complete beginner And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-742. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Workers Are Feeling the AI Squeeze: How It Could Define the Next Housing CyclePodcast Description If you ask the average American, AI is taking over, as are the headlines warning that it's coming for our jobs. Open LinkedIn, and you'll see stories about chatbots replacing employees, hiring freezes, and departments being downsized. But when you dig into the actual data, it's murky at best. So, what's really happening, and how should real estate investors prepare? On one hand, unemployment remains relatively low, and layoffs aren't surging across the U.S.—not yet at least. In fact, many economists are still projecting positive job growth in the short term. On the other hand, you have growing concerns among what seems like most American workers. Fear about job displacement. Career uncertainty. The pressure to stay employable. Then there's the trickle-down impact on the housing market. Rising unemployment affects the biggest renter demographic in the nation. Do real estate investors need to temper expectations for rental demand and rent growth for the foreseeable future? Does “conservative” investment analysis need to go to another level? We're breaking it all down, plus much more, on today's show. In This Episode We Cover What to make of “murky” data surrounding AI's impact on the U.S. job market Why Americans are becoming increasingly worried about AI-caused layoffs (despite “positive” forecasting) Two ways that widespread adoption of AI could affect the housing market Why real estate investors should prepare for lower rental demand and rent growth Which real estate markets are the best long-term bets as AI reshapes the economy And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Worried About AI? Here's How Real Estate Is Changing Faster Than Ever Dave's BiggerPockets Profile World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Reports 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Employment Situation Summary Mercer: Global Talent Trends 2026. Solving the Human-Machine Equation Resume Now: AI Disruption: 9 in 10 Workers Fear Job Loss to Automation Challenger, Gray, & Christmas: Challenger Report December 2025 CNBC: Satya Nadella Says as Much as 30% of Microsoft Code Is Written by AI McKinsey Global Institute: Agents, Robots, and Us: Skill Partnerships in the Age of AI National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER): Firm Data on AI Buy the Book, Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-441. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Stewart Heath, founder and CEO of Harvard Grace Capital, to discuss why patience remains one of the greatest competitive advantages in real estate investing. A CPA by background, Stewart shares how years of working with successful real estate investors eventually convinced him that owning real estate offered far greater wealth-building opportunities than simply advising those who did. He also reflects on the lessons he learned from both successful investments and costly mistakes, including the importance of maintaining cash reserves and avoiding excessive leverage. Stewart explains why his firm focuses on acquiring stabilized commercial properties throughout the I-65 corridor between Nashville and Birmingham rather than chasing opportunities across the country. Instead of concentrating on a single asset class, Harvard Grace evaluates office, retail, medical office, industrial, and self-storage opportunities within markets the team knows exceptionally well. Stewart argues that understanding a local market often provides a greater advantage than specializing in one specific property type, especially when evaluating tenant quality, neighborhood trends, and long-term demand. Jonathan and Stewart also explore the realities of passive investing through commercial real estate syndications. Stewart shares why he prioritizes steady cash flow over flashy returns, why he prefers stabilized assets instead of value-add projects, and how thoughtful underwriting helps reduce risk for investors. They discuss the importance of asking questions before investing, understanding the sponsor's experience, and recognizing that successful syndications require patience rather than expecting immediate liquidity. The conversation also examines how different commercial asset classes are evolving in today's market. Stewart explains why he remains optimistic about suburban office and medical office properties despite negative headlines surrounding office space, and why local market conditions matter far more than national narratives. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that successful investing comes from buying well, managing risk carefully, and allowing time to do the heavy lifting. Whether you're actively investing in commercial real estate or considering your first passive investment, Stewart offers a practical framework built on discipline, patience, and long-term thinking. In this episode, you will hear: • Why buying well, maintaining reserves, and exercising patience create long-term real estate success • How focusing on one geographic market can provide a competitive advantage across multiple asset classes • Why stabilized commercial properties fit Stewart's strategy better than value-add investments • What passive investors should look for when evaluating a syndication sponsor and investment opportunity • Why local market fundamentals matter far more than national real estate headlines Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover the show and supports its continued growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Stewart: Website - www.harvardgrace.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ChooseHarvardGrace Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/harvardgrace Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chooseharvardgrace/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartoheath/ Connect with Jonathan: Podcast - www.zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com YouTube - www.youtube.com/JonathanGreenere Instagram - www.instagram.com/zenrealestateinvesting Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting Jonathan's Hub Site - www.trustgreene.com Brokerage - https://www.streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.
When the dot-com bubble burst, Matt (the “Lumberjack Landlord”) watched his 100% stock portfolio go to dust. Having lost everything he had saved throughout his early twenties, his only option was to rebuild. But with what? He needed something that could help him offset his living expenses today and propel him toward retirement. That “something” was rentals. But Matt didn't just buy a couple of rental properties and sit back. He did what many investors won't: he house hacked. And again. And again. Nine times in 13 years. This, combined with the income from his nine-to-five job, allowed him to stack small multifamily properties quickly, and today, he owns a rental portfolio of over 150 units! Real estate investing has completely changed Matt's life—not just the cash flow or the appreciation, but the freedom he's already enjoying in early retirement. Despite self-managing all of their rentals, he and his wife spend just eight hours per week on their portfolio. In this episode, he's giving you the simple framework you need to scale sustainably, whether you dream of owning a handful of rental units or a few hundred. In This Episode We Cover How Matt self-manages his 150-unit rental portfolio in just eight hours per week Matt's journey from losing everything in the dot-com crash to retiring with millions The simple, scalable systems and processes every investor needs The biggest red (and green) flags to watch out for when screening tenants Why scaling with small multifamily properties is better than commercial real estate What most investors get wrong about house hacking (that can make you very wealthy) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1301. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don't want to wait until 65 to retire? With a combination of rental properties and some of the other investments we're covering on today's show, you may not have to. Whether you're starting from zero or diligently building your nest egg, use these eight steps to build a diversified portfolio and reach financial freedom much faster! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today Ashley and Tony are pulling back the curtain on their actual retirement plans—what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what they wish they'd known sooner. They share how they first got into real estate investing and how they've adjusted their portfolios over time. They also break down the investment “order of operations,” a sequence of financial moves that will help you build long-term wealth! Along the way, we'll get into things like the 401(k) employer match, the triple-tax-advantaged HSA account, and the often-misunderstood 529 college savings plan. Whether you want to gradually step away from your W-2 job or simply have “enough” when you reach traditional retirement age, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for achieving your long-term financial goals! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-741. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disclaimer: Today's episode is sponsored by Gelt. Content is for educational purposes only. Not advice. Results discussed have not been vetted. Claims made by the guest have not been verified. The views expressed by the guest do not reflect those of the host or this show.—
This Episode Pat Zingarella joins Chris Lopez to share the story behind Invest Clearly, a platform built to bring more transparency to the private real estate investing world. Pat's journey started like many BiggerPockets listeners: learning through podcasts, buying his first small multifamily property, making painful mistakes, and slowly realizing how hard it can be for LPs to know who they can trust. Pat walks through the lessons from his first fourplex, including inherited tenants, COVID-era nonpayment, poor screening decisions, and the difference between blaming real estate versus recognizing where his own due diligence fell short. He also shares how a later experience working under a high-profile real estate figure exposed him to the darker side of the industry and helped shape his view that LPs need better tools, better transparency, and better ways to validate sponsors before wiring capital. Chris and Pat dig into how Invest Clearly works today: a directory of GPs, verified LP reviews, proof-of-investment requirements, and a growing database designed to help investors compare sponsor experiences in one place. They also discuss why reviews matter, what happens when operators try to suppress negative feedback, and why community-driven transparency can help separate strong sponsors from bad actors. Key takeaways: How Pat went from BiggerPockets listener to active investor to building Invest Clearly What his first fourplex taught him about screening, reserves, trust, and due diligence Why private real estate needs more transparency around GP track records and LP experiences How Invest Clearly verifies reviews and helps LPs research sponsors Why negative reviews, legal threats, and transparency are becoming bigger issues in the industry How communities like PassivePockets and tools like Invest Clearly can help LPs make better-informed decisions Join a community of passive investors. Start your FREE 7-day trial: https://passivepockets.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Listen to the PassivePockets Podcast Anywhere: https://lnk.to/passivepockets Subscribe to the Passive Investing Newsletter: https://www.biggerpockets.com/email-subscribe?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=none Join BiggerPockets for free: https://www.biggerpockets.com/signup?utm_source=owned_media Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.
We've officially reached the halfway point of 2026, and the housing market still feels…stuck. The economy is in limbo. Home prices haven't tanked. And we aren't seeing significant large multifamily distress...not yet at least. Is it just a matter of time before the other shoe finally drops, or is this market more resilient than we expected? Brian Burke is back to give his pulse check on the 2026 housing market. What has changed? Has anything changed? We're breaking down some of the predictions we made earlier in the year, the biggest surprises from the last six months, and how we're adjusting our expectations for 2027 and beyond. The truth is, this “boring” market is exactly the kind of environment that has made disciplined real estate investors very wealthy. Residential real estate values are holding steady, and commercial real estate could be set up for a 10-year bull run. So, is it a better time to buy than the headlines suggest—or will those holding out for a 2008-style housing crash be proven right? In This Episode We Cover Brian Burke's mid-year pulse check on the 2026 housing market The 10-year commercial real estate bull run that could kick off in 2028 How to create long-term wealth with “smart” portfolio construction Why we haven't seen significant large multifamily distress (yet) The three “types” of real estate syndication failure (and why they matter) And So Much More! Links from the Show Join the Future of Real Estate Investing with Fundrise Join BiggerPockets for FREE Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Investor Brief Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Real Estate 1293 – The Strongest Sign for the Housing Market in Years | June 2026 Update Brian's BiggerPockets Profile Dave's BiggerPockets Profile The Hands-Off Investor PassivePockets Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-440. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One day, Remington Lyman was brought into his boss's office, told that he did above-and-beyond at his job, and was handed a 2% raise with a smile. All the extra hours, all that hard work, equaled the equivalent of an inflation-matching salary bump. That was it—it was time to put his financial freedom in his own hands. Remington began building an income-replacing rental property portfolio, so when the day came that he was laid off, he'd be more than prepared. Remington was ready to go, and that's when the real scaling started. Just ten years after buying his first rental, Remington has over 100 rental units, including sizable commercial buildings with strong cash flow, properties that are capital gains tax-free when he sells them, and units that generate 100% more cash flow than traditional rental properties. He scaled faster through smart partnerships, created significant equity with value-add BRRRRs (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), and even turned four units into 24 on a single deal. It's not special, it's not luck. Remington is sharing the repeatable strategies he used to build massive wealth and escape corporate before it trapped him until retirement. In This Episode We Cover The hands-down, best beginner rental that every new investor should buy How (not) to form a partnership when splitting a deal with someone else The perfect BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) strategy that builds huge equity The exact market Remington is investing in that has seen massive growth How to pay 0% capital gains tax (seriously) when selling a profitable investment property Triple net leases and commercial deals bringing in huge cash flow for Remington And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1300. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the one thing stopping you from buying your first rental property isn't money, or connections, but the belief that it's just not possible for someone like you? Today's guest is proof that with the right game plan, real estate investing offers a path that can set anyone free, including YOU, from the nine-to-five grind! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Crystal Lloyd didn't have connections, a trust fund, or a head start. What she had was a two-hour daily commute and a willingness to do what most people won't. She volunteered at BPCON to get in, and walked out with the relationships that led to her first deal! And in this episode, she breaks down exactly how she bought it, including the grant “stack” that helped her pay zero out of pocket and the “layered” house hacking strategy most rookies don't want to try. But that's not all. Crystal also shares lessons from a bad contractor experience, and the tenant screening process every rookie needs. If you've ever felt like real estate was out of reach, Crystal's about to show you that anyone can start today! In This Episode We Cover The exact moment that sparked Crystal's real estate investing journey The grant “stack” Crystal used to buy her first deal with $0 out of pocket How Crystal pays just $50 a month to live in the house she owns The tenant pre-screening questionnaire every new investor needs Lessons learned from a bad contractor experience (that you can avoid!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-740. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene welcomes Aaron Marsh, President of Marsh Lending, for a conversation about how financing decisions can shape an investor's long-term success just as much as choosing the right property. Drawing from his background in finance and a lifelong connection to real estate, Aaron explains why lending is about much more than interest rates. He shares how understanding an investor's goals, timeline, and overall strategy allows lenders to recommend financing solutions that support wealth building instead of simply closing a loan. Aaron breaks down the wide range of financing options available to today's investors, including DSCR loans, bank statement loans, adjustable-rate mortgages, and construction financing. Rather than promoting one product over another, he explains why every loan should fit the specific investment plan. The conversation explores how experienced investors think about leverage, cash reserves, refinancing opportunities, and balancing short-term affordability with long-term financial growth. Jonathan and Aaron also discuss several common misconceptions surrounding real estate financing. Aaron explains why waiting for lower interest rates often causes investors to miss valuable opportunities and why paying cash is not always the most effective use of capital. They also examine the importance of working with professionals who understand an investor's complete financial picture instead of simply offering the lowest advertised rate. Throughout the discussion, Aaron emphasizes that financing should always serve the investment strategy instead of dictating it. The conversation also explores how technology continues to change the lending industry while reinforcing the value of trusted relationships. Aaron shares his thoughts on artificial intelligence, explaining that while it can improve efficiency and research, it cannot replace the experience, judgment, and personal guidance that come from working with knowledgeable professionals. Whether purchasing a first rental property or expanding a seasoned portfolio, Aaron encourages investors to build a strong team and make financing decisions with the same level of care they use when evaluating a deal. In this episode, you will hear: • Why financing strategy plays a critical role in long-term real estate investing success • How DSCR loans, bank statement loans, and other lending options serve different investment goals • Why waiting for lower interest rates can cost investors more than acting today • The importance of building a trusted team of lending and real estate professionals • How technology and artificial intelligence can improve investing while experienced advisors remain essential 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 Aaron: Website - marshlending.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MarshLending/featured Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marshlending Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marshlending/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-marsh1/ X - https://x.com/MarshLending 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.
Justin Noe spent just over 20 years as an active duty Marine before retiring and going all in on real estate. Today he runs a sales team, flips houses, and holds rentals in the Tampa area, and every piece of it is built on the Profit First system.Justin first read Profit First in 2019 while still in the military, but the real shift came at the end of 2022 when he looked back at a year of solid revenue and asked where all the money went. In January 2023 he fully implemented the system in his business and never looked back.In this conversation with host David Richter, Justin explains how he built a full year of owner's comp reserves for himself and his wife, why he genuinely looks forward to his monthly allocations, and the operational systems that now let him take a four week trip to France and Sweden while his team runs the business. He also shares the allocation formula he uses for new income streams: 10% to his church, 25% to debt paydown, 25% to investments, and 40% to family trips and home renovations.If you're a real estate investor making good money but wondering where it goes every month, this episode is a working model of cash flow management, paying yourself consistently, and the financial peace of mind that comes with mastering your money.Episode Highlights[0:30] – David introduces Justin Noe and why his Profit First implementation is the model most investors never reach[2:12] – Justin's background, just over 20 years as an active duty Marine, now retired and in real estate full time[2:52] – Discovering Profit First in 2019 through BiggerPockets while building a rental portfolio from inside the military[4:15] – The end of year wake up call, where is all the money going, and rereading the book for the fourth time[4:55] – Full Profit First implementation in January 2023, paired with David's Profit First for Real Estate Investors[6:49] – Attacking the owner's comp account and the 18 months it took to formalize paying himself[7:57] – The mission to bank a full year of salary for himself and his wife, achieved in 8 to 12 months[8:37] – Loaning money out of owner's comp for a short term deal while keeping four months of reserves untouched[10:39] – How his wife Lena got on board, 21 years together and a shared value driven money mindset[13:29] – Why Justin gets excited about monthly transfers, and the one account every entrepreneur dreads, taxes[15:49] – Starting his full time business with Profit First from day one and never knowing business without it[18:19] – The commitment behind yearly trips to Sweden and using profits to fund family travel and giving[21:52] – Hitting their highest grossing month while overseas and building a team that runs without them[24:43] – Hiring Brian on a trial basis and seeing the business improve within 30 days[27:47] – Justin's advice for owners who make money but feel broke, read Profit First and implement immediately[28:44] – The notes app allocation system, 10% church, 25% debt paydown, 25% investments, 40% fun5 Key TakeawaysPay yourself first and build real reserves. Justin set a goal of a full year of salary in his owner's comp account for himself and his wife, and hitting it removed the monthly stress of wondering if a paycheck was coming.Understand the concept, not just the mechanics. Justin didn't treat Profit First as a set of bank transfers. He absorbed the principle of only spending what's in the expense account, which is why the system stuck.Start early, even on your first deal. Justin implemented Profit First before his business had real revenue, so he never built the bad habit of pouring every dollar back into the business and ending the year with nothing.Reserves buy you options and time off. With 3 to 4 months in his operating account and a funded owner's comp, Justin can lend from his accounts, hire ahead of pain, and take four week trips overseas.Hire on a trial basis and let the finances lead. Justin commits to 60 or 90 day working trials, and because his money system showed him what he could afford, he hired for the right seats instead of panic hiring.Links & ResourcesJustin Noe Real Estate — justinnoerealestate.comFollow Justin on Instagram — @justinnoerealestateProfit First by Mike MichalowiczProfit First for Real Estate Investors by David RichterBiggerPocketsFor Growth — Justin's local growth group in the Tampa areaBook a free financial clarity call — simplecfo.comClosing RemarkIf this episode showed you anything, it's that peace of mind with money is built, not found. Justin went from wondering where a full year of revenue disappeared to banking twelve months of owner pay and taking a month off in Europe. Share this one with an investor who keeps saying they'll pay themselves "next year." Subscribe, review, and share the show, and if you're ready to keep more of what you earn, visit simplecfo.com to book your free discovery call.
How many rental properties do you need to retire? A lot fewer than you think. When people start investing in real estate, they think they need 20, 50, or even 100 rental units to build wealth, retire early, and secure financial freedom for themselves and their families. This is not the case…and it's not even close. The average American only needs eight—yes, eight—paid-off rental properties to retire with six figures in annual cash flow. But that would take decades to pay off, right? Not quite. Within just around a decade, you could go from zero rentals to a paid-off portfolio, giving you financial independence via passive income from a small, powerful rental property portfolio. Henry is walking through the math, how to get to financial freedom faster, and the strategy he uses to recycle the same down payment so he doesn't need to wait years to buy the next rental. Your financial freedom is just eight rental properties away. What are you waiting for? In This Episode We Cover How many rentals you actually need to replace your income and retire (early) Recycling your down payment to scale your rental portfolio even faster How to (comfortably) get to $10,000 per month in rental property cash flow The timeline to go from zero rental properties to complete freedom with rentals How much money you need to start your real estate portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1299. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if you could take the rental property you already own and make 2-3 times more? Whether you're in the red, barely breaking even, or wanting more from your rentals, we're showing you multiple ways to boost your cash flow! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we're answering three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums that cover some of the most searched and most overlooked strategies in real estate investing right now. Is co-living actually realistic, and how do you pivot to the model without losing your mind? Don't think you have enough for a down payment? The good news is that there are several loans and strategies that require much less than you think. Stick around until the end because we've got a couple of strategies most rookies never consider that could make you $10,000 from just one house! Whether you're trying to squeeze more cash flow from a property you already own, get into your first deal with limited savings, or find an investing strategy that most beginners overlook, this episode has something for every stage of the journey! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Four ways to double your rental income (or more) on the property you already own How to pivot from a single-tenant property to a room-by-the-room model How to buy your first rental property without a big bank account The loan that could help you get into real estate with as little as $0 down How the co-living strategy works and why demand is growing Why assisted living and sober living are some of the most overlooked, win-win strategies And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-739. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've all seen the data. Home prices are falling but remain relatively “flat,” year over year. There's just one problem: the data is lying. We're in a full-blown buyer's market now, and what investors are actually paying for homes is much less than most people realize. Behind the scenes, buyers are negotiating thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars in seller concessions that never show up in home sales data. Closing costs. Interest rate buydowns. Repair credits. Even cash. These concessions are quietly driving the real cost of homes much lower than the numbers suggest. In fact, nearly half of all home sales now include some kind of seller concession, and that's on top of the price drops we're seeing in many markets. How much are investors really saving? The amount is often capped based on the deal and the loan. But even these concession limits have workarounds. If you use this two-pronged strategy for negotiating asking price and concessions, you'll have a clear path to saving 3%, 5%, or maybe even upward of 10% on your next deal. This is the kind of advantage that can make the numbers work, even in the toughest of markets. In This Episode We Cover Why the median home sale price isn't what investors are actually paying in 2026 How to negotiate massive discounts on properties in most markets Two ways to get around the seller concession limits for investors The markets with the highest percentage of home sales with seller concessions A “balanced” strategy for scoring a lower purchase price and seller concessions 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 11 Items You Can Negotiate in a Real Estate Deal Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Redfin: 46% of Home Sellers Gave Concessions to Buyers in May, the Highest Share on Record for That Month Redfin: America's Housing Market Favors Buyers—But Their Advantage Is Starting to Shrink Grab the Book on Negotiating Real Estate Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-439. 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
Join an active community of RE investors here: https://linktr.ee/gabepetersenWHAT IS MIDTERM RENTAL INVESTING AND WHY IT MATTERS
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Ryan Barone, founder and CEO of RentRedi, to explore how technology is reshaping the relationship between landlords and tenants, and why making renting easier doesn't mean making it less human. Ryan shares the unlikely origin story behind building one of the fastest-growing rental management platforms, beginning not with landlords, but with his own frustrating experience trying to rent an apartment while in college and working in New York City. What started as a personal project to simplify rental applications quickly evolved after Ryan realized landlords were struggling just as much as tenants. Instead of finding modern tools built for independent property owners, he discovered landlords relying on spreadsheets, manual processes, and disconnected systems to manage their properties. That insight led Ryan and his co-founder, his father, to begin building software directly alongside users, speaking with landlords and tenants personally and turning real-world frustrations into platform features. Jonathan and Ryan dive into what independent landlords actually need to succeed today and why good systems can strengthen relationships instead of replacing them. They discuss tenant screening, communication, maintenance workflows, automated rent collection, and how technology can remove friction while still preserving flexibility and empathy. Ryan explains why platforms work best when they create better outcomes for both sides of the rental relationship, and why landlords and tenants often want the same things more than people assume. The conversation also explores how data and automation are changing real estate operations, from helping landlords identify inefficiencies to reducing unnecessary expenses instead of simply raising rents. Ryan shares how tools like credit reporting, smarter screening, financial tracking, and maintenance analytics are helping independent investors scale more effectively while creating better tenant experiences. Throughout the episode, both Ryan and Jonathan make the case that successful landlording isn't about becoming more transactional; it's about building systems that allow people to operate more consistently and thoughtfully. Ultimately, this episode is about using technology to remove friction, not relationships. Whether you're managing your first rental property, growing a portfolio, or trying to create a better experience for tenants, Ryan's perspective offers a reminder that the best tools aren't replacing people; they're helping people do what they already do better. In this episode, you will hear: • How Ryan's own rental experience inspired the creation of RentRedi • Why independent landlords need different tools than large property managers • How better systems improve landlord-tenant relationships • Ways automation and data can increase profitability without raising rents • Why successful property management still depends on human connection 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 Ryan: Website - RentRedi.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@RentRedi Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rentredi/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rentrediofficial/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rentredi TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@rentredi 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.
We're all here for passive income, and when you say “passive income,” many people immediately think of rental properties. But, is real estate investing really the best path to get the income streams you're dreaming of, and is there a certain threshold where it's not worth the effort? You're listening to this show because you're either interested in or investing in real estate, but we've been invited to debate someone with a different perspective. Ryan Sterling, CEO of NerdWallet Wealth Partners, has owned real estate investments but has since sold them and opted for something simpler, easier, and, in his opinion, more worth the money. Ryan likes real estate investing and sees it as the quickest way for the everyday American to build wealth. But…he thinks many investors are operating under a dangerous premise, one that could delay their financial freedom. In this episode, we're going well beyond the average “stocks vs. real estate” debate you've heard a dozen times. We're debating whether “passive income” is a lie, when real estate is worth it, who should invest in rental properties, why a 20-year-old and 40-year-old must invest differently, and the boring, simple way to invest that has made many Americans millionaires. NerdWallet Wealth Partners, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice. NerdWallet Wealth Partners does not guarantee investment results and does not provide tax or legal advice. In This Episode We Cover Have Americans been lied to about the “passive income” real estate provides? Your real estate is not as safe as you think it is (but are stocks better?) Why Ryan sold his real estate investment in exchange for something much more passive Who should go all-in on real estate and scale to a sizable rental portfolio How to find a real estate-friendly financial advisor (who isn't a salesperson) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1298. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's stopping you from buying your very first rental property? For most rookies, it's rarely ever the market, the interest rates, or even the competition–it's a number in their head. Today, we're breaking down that barrier with real rookie use cases that will inspire you to take that next step in your real estate investing journey! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we're sharing three ways to fund real estate deals that have actually worked for past Rookie guests. None of these creative financing options require 20% down, none of them require a traditional bank, and one of them doesn't involve a lender at all! We dive into how hard money loans work and when they make sense, how to find a seller who'll say yes to seller financing, and the levers you can pull to structure your deal. Ashley also shares her hard money horror story so you don't have to learn those lessons the expensive way! If you've been sitting on the sidelines because you don't think you have enough money to invest, this conversation will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started today! In This Episode We Cover Hard money—what it is, how lenders make money, and when it actually makes sense for a rookie Ashley's hard money horror story and the exact questions you need to ask How to structure a seller financing deal as a complete beginner Real seller financing case studies (from past Rookie guests!) The right (and wrong) reasons to bring in an equity partner on your real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-738. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You've seen the headlines. The housing market is stuck. Distress is rising. But if you dig beneath the surface, the actual data tells a different story. The market isn't in freefall, and in many places, there's more “stability” than most people think. And small investors are quietly taking the lead. This week's stories all point the same way. Inventory is essentially “flat,” up just 0.25% year over year. Luxury supply is rising, but homes floating around the median home price—the kind “mom-and-pop” investors like you and I are buying—remain tight. Meanwhile, the percentage of home sales to investors is climbing, with the dial gradually swinging toward the “small” investor. And then there's what's happening in Washington. On Wednesday, President Trump canceled the signing of the biggest housing bill in decades. For now, we'll have to wait a little longer until it becomes law. But if (or when) it gets passed, how will it actually impact the housing market? Are its benefits for the average American being overstated, or is this the supply-side reform we've been waiting for? In This Episode We Cover Why the 2026 housing market is more “stable” than most investors think Where “small” investors are taking a larger share of recent home sales What comes next after President Trump canceled the signing of the new housing bill How the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will affect the market (if or when it's passed) The two types of markets where inventory is either rising up or trending down And So Much More! Links from the Show Baselane: Automate your rental cash flow for a chance to win $10K plus BiggerPockets Pro members get a free upgrade to Baselane Smart. Sign up now 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 A New Bill Proposes Tax-Free Savings for Homeownership—Here's How It Could Help Prospective Investors Dave's BiggerPockets Profile James' BiggerPockets Profile Kathy's BiggerPockets Profile Baselane is a financial technology company and is not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC.NO PURCH. NEC. Open to legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18+ & are Grab Dave's Book, Start with Strategy Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-438. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In just six years, this single mom of three became a self-made multimillionaire with rental properties. She didn't start with a ton of cash; she worked full-time, and she often put very little down. Using an owner-occupied strategy that 99% of investors won't dare to try, she's reached financial freedom while raising three kids. So how'd she do it? Today, we're talking to Rachel Duck from central Texas. She took a popular strategy—the live-in flip—and made it even better: buying houses with 5% down, living in them for a year, fixing them up, moving out, and repeating. She did it with three kids and spent her 5-9 after her 9-5 renovating homes so she could rent them and repeat. The result? Millions of dollars in equity that has made her financially free. Today, she's giving you the blueprint so you can do it too. Rachel shares the tips for your first live-in renovation rental, the expensive mistake she made that you can avoid, how to do it while raising kids and working 9-5, and the low-money-down loans she used to scale without putting up tons of cash. In This Episode We Cover One of the smartest strategies for growing your real estate portfolio fast The “uncomfortable” rentals that make you rich and give you a place to live Low-money-down loans you can use to buy your first property for 5% down Rachel's exact buy box for rental properties and live-in flip-style rentals Tips before you buy a property that you'll live in and renovate And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1297. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Not everyone gets into real estate investing when conditions are perfect. Some, like our next guest, get in because they have no other choice. The path Brent Beard was on just wasn't cutting it anymore–especially when people were depending on him. If your back's against the wall and you want to build a better life for your family, rental properties could be the answer! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Brent is a real estate agent in training and investor in the Kansas City area who bought his first duplex in 2025. He did it while working a full-time W-2 job, serving in the National Guard, studying for his real estate licence, and raising his granddaughter. Owning rental properties wasn't always on Brent's radar, but last July, he picked up a book that changed his whole philosophy. Despite starting in his 40s, Brent has closed on his first deal and is aiming to retire in 10 years! Brent isn't here with a polished success story, but a real one. He dives into the property tax mistake nobody warned him about that nearly doubled his bill overnight, the buy box he had to abandon to find a deal that actually cash flowed, and the one thing he wishes someone had told him before he closed! If you have a full schedule, real responsibilities, and every reason to keep putting real estate on the back burner, Brent's story is proof that the biggest mistake is simply not starting! In This Episode We Cover What finally pushed Brent to take action on his first real estate deal Juggling a W-2 job, military service, and real estate without dropping the ball The rookie-friendly tools and processes Brent used to analyze his first duplex The property tax mistake that nearly doubled Brent's bill (and what to check before you close!) The huge investing advantages you get by becoming a real estate agent And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-737. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene welcomes back Kathy Fettke to explore what long-term investors should really be paying attention to in today's market, and why so much of the noise surrounding interest rates, headlines, and economic uncertainty distracts investors from what actually creates wealth. Kathy, co-founder of Real Wealth and one of real estate investing's longest-running voices, shares how she's thinking about opportunity in 2026 and where she sees investors making both smart moves and avoidable mistakes. The conversation opens with the current market environment and why Kathy believes many investors are becoming too focused on waiting for the "perfect" conditions instead of understanding fundamentals. While inflation, global uncertainty, and shifting interest rates dominate headlines, Kathy explains that successful real estate investing has always been about positioning yourself in front of long-term growth, not predicting short-term market movements. She argues that job growth, population growth, infrastructure investment, and affordability continue to matter far more than day-to-day news cycles. Jonathan and Kathy also dive deep into out-of-state investing and why technology has made investing remotely easier, but not necessarily safer. Kathy shares lessons from decades of helping investors build portfolios across the country, emphasizing the importance of understanding local markets, establishing strong property management relationships, and physically visiting markets whenever possible. They discuss common mistakes investors make when buying remotely and why local knowledge still creates a massive advantage. The episode also explores emerging opportunities across asset classes, including multifamily, mid-term rentals, office recovery, and senior housing. Kathy explains why periods of disruption often create some of the best buying opportunities and why investors should be careful not to mistake temporary market conditions for permanent changes. Throughout the conversation, she returns to a consistent message: investors who focus on quality assets, long-term demand, and patient execution tend to outperform those chasing trends or trying to time the market. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that building wealth doesn't require predicting the future; it requires understanding fundamentals, staying disciplined, and taking action when opportunities appear. Whether you're buying your first rental property or growing an existing portfolio, Kathy's perspective offers a practical framework for navigating changing markets while keeping your long-term goals in focus. In this episode, you will hear: • Why long-term investors should focus on fundamentals instead of headlines • How job growth, infrastructure, and population shifts drive market selection • What investors should know before buying out-of-state real estate • Why property management often matters more than the property itself • Emerging opportunities in multifamily, midterm rentals, office recovery, and senior housing 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 Kathy: Website - https://kathyfettke.com/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/realwealthnetwork Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RealWealthNetwork/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kathyfettke/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyfettke/ X - https://twitter.com/realwealthnet Real Wealth - https://realwealth.com/ Real Wealth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realwealthnetwork/ 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.
New to investing in real estate? In an area that has high housing prices, tough landlord laws, or little-to-no cash flow potential? We've got you covered. We're sharing 12 markets that are making money for real estate investors right now. Regardless of your strategy, we have markets for you. From long-term rentals to short-term rentals and Airbnbs, house hacking cities that will help cover your mortgage, and house flipping markets with high returns and low rehab costs. We didn't want to give you just one option to choose from, so Dave, Henry, and Ashley Kehr from the Real Estate Rookie podcast brought along three separate markets for each real estate investing strategy. From overlooked affordable suburbs with solid population growth to tourist towns that are making killer nightly rates during busy season, and even some sneaky top-tier markets that many would assume house hacking wouldn't work (but it does!). We'll walk through why we like each market, their population and job growth, average home prices and rent prices, and the strategy that would make the most sense there. You can invest in real estate in 2026; you've just got to pick the right place! See Dave, Henry, AND Ashley at BPCON2026! In This Episode We Cover 12 top real estate investing markets in 2026 (most of which you may have never heard of) The cash flow and appreciation “hybrid” market with huge population growth A beach town with over 18 million yearly visitors and killer short-term rental rates One underrated city where you can be all-in on a house flip for $200K (and make serious profit) The one city where Dave would move if he were starting his real estate investing all over again We'd invest in this state…even if everyone else tells you not to And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1296. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The property you spent months working on is about to lose you money. What should you do? Sell? Pivot? Invest for long enough and you're bound to run into this scenario at some point. But not to worry—today, we're showing you exactly what to do when things go south! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We're back with three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. One investor is about to lose money flipping a house and needs a way out or a reason to stay in. Another is about to form a real estate investing partnership but is missing one critical element that could change the entire deal. And if you're in the exciting final stages of closing on a rental property, or you're already sitting with the keys, wondering what on earth to do now that you're a landlord, we've got the answers! Ashley and Tony have been in all three of these situations, and Tony's in one of them right now! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover When to sell a struggling flip (at a loss) or convert it to a rental property The one thing almost nobody considers before creating a real estate partnership Why a 50/50 equity partnership is actually fairer than it feels when one partner brings all the money The biggest differences between a joint venture and an LLC (limited liability company) Why forming an LLC on your first partnership deal might be a mistake What to tackle in your first 30 days after closing (and what can wait!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-736. 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 peace deal between the U.S. and Iran has been agreed to (at least for now). The Strait of Hormuz, the chokehold on 20% of the world's oil, is starting to open back up, and trade can, at least temporarily, continue. The question is, will inflation begin to fall if oil flows (more) freely through the Middle East? And if inflation falls, could mortgage rates be right behind them? Today, we're talking about what could actually happen from here on out. We've seen a lot of opinions recently saying this deal could boost the economy and the housing market, or bring mortgage rates back down to earth. The question is, will any of that actually happen? As real estate investors, knowing what's coming down the pipeline can give you a huge advantage, but believing the wrong narrative can cost you. So today, I'm giving you my honest, data-backed take on what happens next. Will inflation and mortgage rates retreat? When could we begin to see the effects of the open Strait? Will the housing market bounce back as the supply chain heals? And what should a real estate investor be on the lookout for before the changes hit our economy? In This Episode We Cover What really happens to mortgage rates when oil begins to flow and inflationary pressures ease? Why economists are saying we could be “warm for a while” in this economy Does Dave think rates will fall below 6% any time in 2026 (and if not, where will they be)? The two things that could lead us to lower mortgage rates (one is good, one is…not) The real effects the housing market will feel once the Strait is fully opened again 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 432 - J Scott: We Have 1-2 Months Before the Economy Begins to Break Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Oxford Economics: US PCE Nowcast – Headline inflation will creep above 4% CNBC: Bank of America expects three Fed hikes this year, says inflation is getting ‘unambiguously worse' NAR Housing Affordability Index Grab the Book on Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/on-the-market-437. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is buying rental properties still worth it in 2026? There's no denying that rising interest rates, sluggish rent growth, and other factors have taken the shine off many properties that would have been home-run deals only a few years ago. But this is real estate we're talking about. Buy-and-hold investing tends to reward people in the long run. It's just that, to buy in this market, you've got to adapt. Chad “Coach” Carson believes these market conditions heavily favor the “small and mighty” investor—the person who isn't looking to buy at a massive scale but actually handpick one or two great assets every year. But there's one caveat: you must have the time, grit, and hunger to go out and find real estate deals that the more experienced, “lazy” investors can't be bothered with. And Chad's about to show you how to do just that. He shares how his own buy box has evolved in the last 12 months, his favorite strategies for buying off-market properties today, and what every investor can do to slowly and steadily build a rental portfolio that provides the lifestyle they want—no matter the market. In This Episode We Cover The two biggest ways to win as a “small” real estate investor in 2026 Why getting a strong cash-on-cash return today isn't as important as you think The new investor's superpower when looking for off-market properties Chad's 3-2-1 strategy for building a portfolio with new construction homes The number one mistake most investors make shortly after buying a rental property The exact blueprint Chad would follow if you dropped him in a new market today How to arrive at “enough” when everyone tells you to keep scaling And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1295. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the best real estate investment isn't the one with tenants, toilets, or employees, but the low-maintenance property everyone else is ignoring? Today's guest is making thousands each month from one of these properties, and there are many more just like it. She'll show you exactly how to find them! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today we're sitting down with Bree Hartman, who went from one “accidental” rental property to building a $6 million self-storage portfolio–all while pregnant, working her W-2 job as a personal trainer, and cold calling self-storage owners on her lunch breaks. She did all of this as a complete newbie to commercial real estate from the other side of the country! Bree breaks down how she finds off-market self-storage facilities using a single tool, the exact cold calling script she uses to get baby boomer owners talking, and how she structured her very first seller financing deal. She even shares the five-point blueprint that shows YOU exactly where to invest. If you've been sleeping on self-storage, our conversation with Bree will wake you up to one of the most underrated assets right now! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How Bree finds off-market self-storage deals hiding in plain sight The exact cold calling script that gets bored retirees to sell (and a live example!) Buying a $3.1 million facility with zero commercial experience The seller financing trick that got an owner to say yes–it's not what you'd expect The five-point blueprint for finding markets where you'll never compete with the big players And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-735. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Britton Eads was making $15 per hour putting up fences all day. He had no college degree; he dropped out of the electrician trade and didn't have many other options. One day, he read Rich Dad Poor Dad, and realized his life didn't need to stay on the same track it was going. Now, just four years later, he's got over 15 rental units, his rental income replaced his fence job, he's sitting on $200,000 in equity across his portfolio, and he couldn't be happier. It only happened because he took action instead of second-guessing himself. Britton's story is one of the wildest we've heard. Everything from burst pipes to ceiling holes, very low appraisals, and funding mishaps. But it didn't stop Britton from pushing forward and creating the wealth he knew was possible. He just had to learn from his mistakes. If you feel like you're stuck, wanting to get into real estate investing, but thinking you don't have the cash, the income, or the experience, there is no better guest than Britton to prove you can start—you just need to start. In This Episode We Cover How Britton funded his first real estate deal when he had (almost) no money The big mistakes Britton made on his first real estate deal (that you should not repeat) Using equity from one rental property to fund the purchase of another Buying a fourplex with just 3.5% down using a loan most investors overlook When paying for a mentor (or community) is actually worth the investment The best beginner advice from Britton to get you in the game and stay out of trouble And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1294. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At 31, James sat down at a kitchen table with his wife Aida, ran the numbers on the next 30 years, and didn't like what he saw—$200,000 in student loans and a retirement plan neither of them believed in. So they stopped waiting for a change, and built something instead. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Our guest, James Doren, and wife, Aida, didn't have a trust fund or an obvious path forward. They had a spreadsheet, a private money lender, and an empty space above their garage. This accessory dwelling unit (ADU) solution added 50% value on their equity, wiped out their student loans, and set them on a path that most investors never consider: intentionally shrinking their portfolio from 10 doors to 4. But the deal that surprised them most didn't come from an agent or Zillow. It came from a tenant who knocked on their door with a problem the bank couldn't solve! James breaks down the house hack that started it all, how he convinced a private money lender to fund the build, and the rent-to-own agreement he structured for his tenant that gave both sides exactly what they needed. If you've ever sat at your own kitchen table and wondered if there's a better way…James's story is your proof that there is! In This Episode We Cover How James and Aida used weekly money dates to align on their financial goals and take their first step into real estate The ADU build that created $160K in equity How to approach a private money lender and handle the tough questions Why James intentionally sold 6 properties and why owning fewer doors actually made him more money! The rent-to-own agreement a tenant brought to them: how it works, what an option fee is, and why it removed all their risk And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-734. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The housing market is doing what nobody expected—and none of the mainstream media is covering it. Trends are forming that most Americans thought were impossible in this type of economy, greatly impacting home prices, days on market, and buyers' negotiating power. If you know the truth, you can take advantage. If you don't, you'll miss what's actually happening behind the scenes. This is our June 2026 housing market update! It could be the most encouraging sign for the housing market in years—prices haven't crashed, Americans are actually buying more homes, and many traditionally hot markets are seeing complete buyer control. It's a real estate investor's dream come true, but the media won't tell you that. These numbers matter more than you think as investors. You can find better deals, negotiate tens of thousands off the list price, and get cash flow that many thought was dead in 2026. Today, I'm sharing the exact process you can go through to see how aggressive you can be in your investing market so that you can pick up a deal for a steal most people will wish they would have gotten in a few years. Don't miss it. This is not going to last forever. In This Episode We Cover The surprising state of the housing market that news outlets aren't covering Best (and worst) markets in June 2026 and which are seeing serious discounts A new reality for the housing market? Why buyers are coming back to bid Updated housing market risk report and whether foreclosures are rising or falling Investors: this is exactly what to do to get a better real estate deal in 2026! And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1293. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you need a real estate LLC, and should you form one before or after buying a rental property? This is a very common rookie question, and liability protection is one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate investing. But not to worry—today we're setting the record straight and showing you how to build bulletproof protection for you and your assets! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Does a rental property have to make positive cash flow for it to be considered a “good” deal? If you're using the house hacking strategy, maybe not! In today's episode, we'll share exactly why this is often the exception to the rule. Finally, what's the best way to fund rental renovations? In most cases, lenders will help you finance the purchase of a rental property, but you'll have to scrounge up the money for your renovations—except if you use an FHA 203(k) loan. How do these loans work, and what are the pros and cons? Stick around to find out! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Whether a rental property needs to cash flow if you're house hacking LLCs, umbrella policies, and other types of liability protection explained Whether you need to form an LLC before buying a rental property What to know before transferring ownership from your personal name to an LLC How to fund your purchase and renovations with a 203(k) loan And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-733. 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
Morgan Housel, best-selling author of The Psychology of Money, Same as Ever, and The Art of Spending Money, has a “system” for building wealth that seems too simple, too easy to be true—but is. Most Americans think getting wealthy is only for those willing to work 100+ hour weeks, build a business from scratch, inherit millions, or get a high-paying six-figure job. That's not the case. The average American can get wealthy—you just need to follow this “good enough” system. Morgan spent the early part of his career covering lessons from the fallout of the 2008 Great Financial Crisis. Economics couldn't make sense of it, and what he found was that psychology could. Knowing how to win the money game puts you in the player's seat, instead of watching from the sidelines. And today, Morgan shares the biggest lessons to get in the game. From the simple “system” both he and Dave use to build wealth to the #1 skill of a wealthy investor, when you should spend more money, and why merely working harder isn't going to get you what you want. Morgan even shares his strong opinion on the #1 thing wrong with the housing market today—and how we could actually fix it. In This Episode We Cover Morgan's simple “system” for building wealth even if you don't have tons of extra income Why retiring early is not the goal worth striving for (and what is better) How much of a return should you be making on your investments? Morgan's unique answer Knowing your “enough” so you can stop worrying, start living, and do what you're meant to do Spend more money before it's too late? The argument for why you shouldn't wait to give And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1292. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies assume the best real estate deals are already listed on the market, but what if that's not the case? The truth is, it's getting harder and harder to find rental properties on the MLS that actually pencil out. Thankfully, there are dozens of ways to find profitable off-market properties that can make you more money, and today, we're sharing our exact playbook! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! The term “off market” is thrown around as an easier way to buy real estate, but most rookies don't actually know where to start. In this episode, we're breaking down how we found, funded, and closed our very first off-market deals—as complete beginners. You'll hear about Ashley's 12-unit acquisition that doubled in value and Tony's very first wholesale real estate deal that made him $30,000! But that's not all. Beyond driving for dollars and direct mail, we're sharing our favorite strategies to use in 2026. With all kinds of tips for sourcing deals, structuring offers, and negotiating with sellers, there's no reason why you can't go out and buy your first off-market property this year! In This Episode We Cover How Ashley bought six duplexes (12 units), off-market, from ONE seller How Tony pocketed $30,000 on his very first wholesale deal The one major advantage rookies have when buying off-market properties How to use the driving for dollars strategy to uncover “hidden” real estate deals Why you should always make multiple offers on an investment property The main difference between assumable mortgages and subject-to deals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-732. 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
Ten years ago, Erika Brown bought her first investment property. Now, a decade later, she's financially free, with a portfolio she's slowly starting to scale down so she can do less, enjoy her life more, and build the early retirement lifestyle she had always dreamed of. But it wasn't always like this. Back in 2012, Erika was working at a bank, climbing the corporate ladder, with no thought of ever retiring before 65. She just couldn't ignore one thing—every wealthy client at the bank was investing in real estate. They were on to something she wasn't, so she tried her first house hack—fixing up a basement unit while raising three kids and working nine-to-five. Then, a few years later, the real investing began. Erika did everything—short-term rentals, Section 8 long-term rentals, cashing out her 401(k) to renovate, renting out rooms, buying up entire blocks. She gives her true, honest take on which strategies are worth the effort, which have a bad rap but strong cash flow, and why she's scaling down, not up, only 10 years into her investing career. In This Episode We Cover How to break out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle starting with one property You're wrong about Section 8: How to get great tenants with government rent checks Is coliving (rent-by-the-room) really worth it? Would you trade your retirement account for a rental property? Why Erika pulled the trigger Why you need to change your rental strategy often to keep cash flowing And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1291. 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
Anyone can flip a house after hearing this episode. If you've got around 30 minutes and want to make a faster return on your money than rental properties, this is how you do it. And this isn't just hype—Dave is putting this knowledge to the test, flipping his first house with the help of expert house flipper James Dainard. James has flipped over 4,000 houses, has made more mistakes than almost any house flipper on the planet, and knows exactly what to buy, what not to buy, and how to turn an average, outdated home into a top-seller with six-figure profits. If you're a beginner, you're in luck—James is breaking down everything a beginner needs to know when buying, budgeting, fixing, and selling a house flip in 2026. We'll get into it all—why house flipping still works in 2026, the best properties to flip for beginners, the red flags to avoid (unless you're very experienced), Dave's actual first house flip numbers (with examples), how to protect yourself in a bad market, and what to do when costs rise faster than you anticipated. Give us 30 minutes, and you'll be ready to try your first house flip. In This Episode We Cover The best properties for beginners to flip (with the least amount of risk) Dave's actual numbers on a house flip property he's buying and renovating The biggest red flags a beginner must avoid when buying a house to flip Profits shrinking? Here's what to do ASAP to lower your flipping costs How to still make a sizable profit when the market is working against you The team members that will make or break your profit (and timeline) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1290. 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 the early 2010s, Joseph Moore was a history professor earning $60,000/year with no real estate investing experience. Now, he's a real estate millionaire, still working the job he loves, with fewer rental properties than you'd think, and financially free from a handful of real estate investments. He got there by following the historical lessons of the wealthy that he's sharing in today's episode. After almost being wiped out in the 2008 housing crash, Joseph took a hard look at how he could financially protect himself and his wife. The answer? Invest in time-tested assets like real estate. Using a tactic called the “Johnny Appleseed Strategy,” he bought rentals in places where the demographic demand was flowing, and it paid off, but not without some massive hiccups. FBI raids, underground crime rings, destroyed properties—he learned his lesson, but even these extreme headache properties made him wealthy, proving the strategy worked. Now, with a select bunch of rental properties, Joseph has become a real estate millionaire by targeting the right homes, in the right markets, from the right sellers. Today, he's teaching the five core lessons that made him a real estate millionaire and how to spot the properties with the highest upside so that you can build wealth with fewer rentals. In This Episode We Cover The “Johnny Appleseed Strategy” investors can use to buy in the best areas before the masses catch on The underground crime ring that was (unknowingly) run out of Joseph's rental property How to reach financial freedom with far fewer rentals than you think you need Five lessons of the wealthy that every investor should follow when buying rental properties The one strategy that has helped more Americans pay off their mortgage early than anything else And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1289. 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
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