219: The Blueprint To High-Performing Short-Term Rental Properties with John Bianchi
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
Release Date: 02/24/2025
248: Beating the Drum to the REIT Beat with David Auerbach
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes REIT industry veteran David Auerbach, Chief Investment Officer at Hoya Capital and publisher of The Daily REITBeat Newsletter. David shares his 25-year journey in the world of real estate investment trusts (REITs), helping listeners understand how REITs work, how they fit into a balanced portfolio, and why they’re a powerful option for long-term, income-focused investing. They break down the differences between public and private REITs, explain why REITs can be a great entry point for investors seeking exposure to...
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247: Going From Investor To Investor-Friendly Agent with Niyi Adewole
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Niyi Adewole—real estate investor, short-term rental operator, and investor-friendly agent—to discuss the journey from first house hack to a thriving real estate business. Niyi shares how he transitioned from medical device sales to building a 30-unit portfolio in Louisville, Kentucky, before shifting into short-term rental management, new development, and becoming a trusted guide for other investors through his real estate team and podcast. Jonathan and Niyi explore the realities of house hacking, the...
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246: Multifamily Success Through Transparency and Rigorous Due Diligence with Gary Lipsky
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan is joined by Gary Lipsky, founder of Break of Day Capital, to explore what it takes to succeed in multifamily real estate syndication. Gary shares how he went from buying his first fixer-upper in Los Angeles to managing over 3,200 apartment units across Arizona. With an emphasis on transparency, due diligence, and investor education, Gary discusses how his firm evaluates markets, selects value-add properties, and builds long-term relationships with investors. They dive deep into the differences between Class A and B assets,...
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245: How Alternative Assets Can Create Passive Investing Mastery with Patrick Grimes
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Patrick Grimes, founder of Passive Investing Mastery and Invest on Main Street. Patrick shares how a painful first deal during the 2008 crash reshaped his investing mindset, leading him to focus on long-term wealth accumulation, cash flow, and true portfolio diversification. What began with single-family rentals eventually expanded into large multifamily syndications, recession-resilient markets, and alternative assets, including litigation finance and debt funds. Patrick walks listeners through how he helps...
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244: Unlocking the Strategy of Rentals Made Easy with Jessie Lang
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Jessie Lang, founder of Unlocked Rentals and author of “Rentals Made Easy,” to explore her journey from a $92,000 condo to a self-managed 70+ unit portfolio. Jessie shares how she unknowingly began house hacking out of necessity, transitioned into full-time investing, and eventually found her stride using the BRRRR method and private money. From Craigslist roommates and DIY renovations to managing properties remotely and building a team, Jessie reveals how she scaled her business without skipping the hard...
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243: Transforming Underutilized Properties Into High-Performing Assets with Jonah Bamberger
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Jonah Bamberger, managing partner and executive chairman of Aulder Capital. Jonah shares the full arc of his real estate journey—from early value-add deals in Brooklyn to large-scale multifamily, hospitality, and international development in Portugal. What began as a side project with a friend quickly became a full-time business as the duo capitalized on post-2008 opportunities. Jonah dives into how Aulder Capital adapts to shifting markets, navigates regulatory hurdles, and chooses when to pivot between...
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242: Finding Solutions For Your 1031 Exchange Without the Hassle of Management with Ben Carmona
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Ben Carmona, Managing Partner at Perch Wealth, to break down the mechanics and opportunities of the 1031 exchange. With over two decades of experience, Ben clarifies a complex process that can intimidate even seasoned investors. He shares how real estate owners, especially those nearing retirement, can defer taxes, move into passive income streams, and preserve wealth through tools like the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). Jonathan and Ben cover everything from early planning to misconceptions about like-kind...
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241: Creating Life On Your Terms Through Real Estate Investing with Laura Navaquin
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Laura Navaquin—a mother, entrepreneur, and real estate investor who built her portfolio from the ground up alongside her husband. Starting with a credit card-funded mentorship and no prior experience, Laura began wholesaling in New Jersey and eventually scaled their portfolio to over 20 doors across six states. Laura shares her evolution from side hustler to full-time investor, revealing how consistency, networking, and creative financing became the pillars of their growth. She breaks down the realities of...
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240: Investing In Historically Recession Resistant Real Estate Assets with Paul Moore
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Paul Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Wellings Capital, a private equity firm specializing in recession-resistant real estate investments. With a rich background in entrepreneurship and investing, Paul shares his evolution from speculative investor to a disciplined advocate of Warren Buffett's principles, emphasizing the power of saying “no” and prioritizing long-term, stable investments. The conversation explores the importance of rigorous due diligence, operator selection, and maintaining a...
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239: Why Mobile Home Parks Are America's Most Stable Real Estate with Jack Martin
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In the real estate world, mobile home parks aren’t viewed as a glamorous asset class, but today’s guest explains why you should give this asset class a second look. On today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Jack Martin, co-founder of 52TEN. Jack began his real estate career in Arizona, where he sourced off-market properties and acquired and sold over 2,000 single-family homes, as well as more than 900 apartment units. In 2016, Jack entered the mobile home park business. Since then, he’s acquired 1,500 mobile home park lots. Jonathan and Jack...
info_outlineHaving the right data is one way to ensure your investment in a short-term rental is a good one.
On today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, John Bianchi, the Airbnb Data Guy, sits down with Jonathan to explain the importance of data when buying a short-term rental. John is the founder of STR Search, which matches clients with the highest cash-flowing short-term properties. John is also the creator of Air Valuation and Air Optimization systems.
Jonathan and John discuss how John became the Airbnb Data Guy. John shares the widespread availability of data and how it has impacted inexperienced investors getting into the STR market. He and Jonathan discuss why so many new Airbnb investors fail, how he developed an interest in STRs, and his start in real estate investing with arbitrage. John reveals the importance of balancing a worst-case scenario with taking action, what he looks for in a market for STRs, and the benefits of using AirDNA to evaluate a market. Finally, Jonathan and John cover his one piece of advice for those interested in STRs and the free course you can find on his website to help you get started.
John Bianchi understands the importance of data in real estate investing and arguably knows more about short-term rental markets than anyone in the business. This episode is a must-listen if you’re contemplating entry into the STR world.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How John Bianchi became the Airbnb Data Guy
- The widespread availability of data and its impact on inexperienced investors entering the market
- Operating an Airbnb and why so many new investors fail
- John’s interest in short-term rentals and his thoughts on the acquisition of STRs by hotel chains
- Building communities in resort areas, selling to an investor, and the various issues involved in that type of prospect
- His start with arbitrage in Chicago and Scottsdale and why that method isn’t for everyone
- Balancing a worst-case scenario with taking action
- Markers John looks for that indicate a good or bad market for STRs
- The benefits of using AirDNA to evaluate a market
- Why high net-worth individuals are buying STRs and not necessarily looking for them to make money
- What John needs to know about someone to find the right market for their STR
- John’s one piece of advice for someone who hasn’t done short-term rentals but is interested
- His free course on his website that teaches about STRs and the services his company offers
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If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/219/ to download it.
Supporting Resources:
STR Search - strsearch.com
John Bianchi on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@theairbnbdataguy
Find John on Instagram - www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy
Connect with John on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/john-bianchi-245608a6/
John’s TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@theairbnbdataguy
The Bianchi Method - shop.strsearch.com/offers/hoQjGYBG/checkout
Website - www.streamlined.properties
YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos
Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene
Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene
Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal
Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene
Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties
Email - [email protected]
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.