238: Why Underwriting and Communication Are Key To Local Home Buying with Wendell Butler
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
Release Date: 05/01/2025
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_outlineIf you’re new to real estate investing, understanding underwriting and being a good communicator can be the key to opening the door for great deals.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Wendell Butler, president and founder of Hammerhead Capital. Wendell is an experienced real estate investor, former military officer, and entrepreneur with a background in loan origination. Wendell’s real estate portfolio consists of properties in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and now he’s helping other real estate investors expand their portfolios.
Jonathan and Wendell begin their conversation with Wendell’s decision to pursue real estate as a post-military career. He shares the benefits of leveraging VA loans, his first investment property, and what sets Wendell apart from other investors when it comes to borrowing money. You’ll hear the two things you need before asking friends or family for deal money, how he continued a growth trajectory in Charlotte, North Carolina, after leaving New England, and the importance of solving a seller’s problem rather than focusing on price. Finally, Jonathan and Wendell discuss how to stand out to sellers with honesty, how Wendell is coaching others to do the same, and the biggest mistakes new wholesalers often make.
Wendell Butler has built his reputation on honesty and effective communication, and he continues to grow his business by leveraging these fundamental principles.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How Wendell Butler chose real estate as his next step following his military career
- The benefits of leveraging VA loans and Wendell’s first property investment with a house hack
- The moment Wendell decided he was going to pursue real estate investing full-time
- What sets him apart from other investors when it comes to borrowing money
- Two things you need before you ask friends and family for deal money, and why they’re the easiest place to find money
- Continuing a trajectory of growth with fix-and-flips in Charlotte versus the multifamily market in New England
- The importance of solving a seller’s problem versus money or price
- Standing out to sellers with honesty
- How Wendell coaches new investors to do what he’s doing
- The biggest mistakes new wholesalers make
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Supporting Resources:
Hammerhead Capital - www.hhcapitalrealty.com
Hammerhead Capital on Facebook - www.facebook.com/HammerheadCapitalinc
Wendell Butler’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/wendellpbutleriv
Connect with Wendell on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/wendellpbutleriv
The Real Estate Take podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-estate-take/id1784328740
Hammerhead Capital on Instagram - www.instagram.com/hammerheadcapitalinc
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.