250: Navigating Real Estate Development With Confidence with Katie Kim
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
Release Date: 06/12/2025
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mike Zane, a real estate fund administrator at Lexcraft Advisors who specializes in supporting fund managers through the complexities of launching, managing, and scaling investment funds. With a background in accounting and years of experience working inside and alongside real estate funds, Mike offers a clear look at how fund administration works and why it’s critical to an investor’s long-term success. Mike explains that many investors underestimate the operational and compliance demands of running a fund....
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In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Kirby Atwell, an Army veteran, real estate investor, and host of the Living Off Rentals podcast. Kirby’s journey from military service to financial freedom offers a practical roadmap for investors seeking a sustainable, high-cash-flow strategy. Kirby’s interest in real estate began in 2006 while stationed in El Paso, Texas, after reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad.” His first purchase, a turnkey property across the street, sparked a career that would include multiple rental acquisitions before leaving the Army in...
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In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Diana Ossa and Josh Dobken to discuss the creation of their boutique wellness resort in Palm Springs. As a couple with a shared vision for conscious living, they transformed their dream into a real estate venture focused on wellness, sustainability, and community. Diana and Josh walk through the real estate challenges and rewards of developing in a foreign country. They talk about their approach to design and development, why they chose Palm Springs, and how they’re creating a guest experience that’s...
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In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Scott Trench, former CEO of BiggerPockets, co-host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, and author of “Set for Life.” Their conversation dives into how Scott achieved financial independence through real estate and frugality, and how new investors can build the confidence and skills to invest from a position of strength. Scott shares how his own path began with house hacking and strict expense management while working as a financial analyst. These early habits laid the foundation for his first duplex purchase and...
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In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Daniel Angel-Mejia, managing partner at Apex Investments, for a conversation about sustainable real estate growth, building solid operations, and finding your way into development the smart way. Daniel brings international experience and a background in finance to his work in residential real estate, combining strategic planning with on-the-ground execution to drive long-term returns. Daniel’s investing career began in Colombia, working with institutional clients before moving to the U.S. and landing in...
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In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Gian Pazzia, chairman and chief strategy officer of KBKG and a pioneer in the cost segregation field. With more than 25 years of experience, Gian has worked on everything from casinos to single-family rentals. He breaks down how real estate investors can legally and strategically use tax incentives, especially cost segregation and bonus depreciation, to significantly reduce taxable income and increase buying power. Gian explains how cost segregation allows real estate investors to accelerate depreciation, what...
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In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with experienced investor and author Joel Miller, who has spent nearly five decades building wealth through rental properties. Joel walks through his early days as a mobile DJ, his accidental path into real estate, and how he grew a portfolio of rentals, flipped over 100 houses, and became a trusted hard money lender in his community. Joel shares his unique perspective on incorporating real estate into an existing career without sacrificing a passion or day job. He emphasizes that real estate doesn’t have to...
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In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan speaks with Nick Disney, founder of Sell My San Antonio House. Nick built a thriving home-buying business by focusing on what matters most—helping sellers solve real problems, not just pitching offers. He guides listeners through the transformation from a small-scale side hustler to one of the most trusted local investors in Texas, prioritizing trust, consistency, and problem-solving over quick profits. Nick shares how he launched his business with a few flips and grew it through consistent marketing and...
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In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Neal Bawa, founder and CEO of Grocapitus and a nationally recognized leader in data-driven real estate investing. Known as the “Mad Scientist of Multifamily,” Neal brings a tech-forward approach to real estate, combining sharp market analysis with a clear-eyed view of risk, strategy, and opportunity. Neal shares how he went from running a tech company in Silicon Valley to building a $660 million real estate portfolio. He breaks down the importance of data modeling, boots-on-the-ground research, and why...
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In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Richard Wilson, founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, to break down how the ultra-wealthy build, protect, and grow their assets. With more than 100,000 members and 18 years at the helm, Richard has helped thousands of family offices form investment strategies that create generational wealth. The episode opens with a look at what sets billionaires apart from the rest of us, from their appetite for risk to how they move quickly and avoid herd thinking. Richard explains that the most successful investors make...
info_outlineIn this 250th episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Katie Kim, a third-generation developer and founder of the Development Academy. Katie’s approach to real estate is built on lived experience, starting with childhood council meetings and evolving into full-scale developments that blend economic strategy, relationship-building, and community impact.
Throughout the episode, Katie shares how consistent preparation, strong partnerships, and structured capital stacks have helped her navigate the often unpredictable world of development. She stresses the importance of building with confidence, a quality that comes from repetition, not just reading.
Jonathan and Katie also explore the realities of zoning, red tape, and tough public conversations. Katie explains why showing up with a clear plan earns respect and how her Development Academy is helping new developers gain the experience and mentorship they need to launch successful projects.
If you’re looking for a real-world take on how to break into development or scale your current strategy, this episode delivers straight talk on what works and what to avoid.
In this episode, you will hear:
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Katie’s experience growing up in a multigenerational real estate family and learning negotiation early
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Developing confidence through consistent reps and experience
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Partnering with clarity and accountability
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Creating impactful community development through economic incentives and urban infill projects
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Structuring deals with capital stacks that make sense
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Preparing thoroughly before every meeting or pitch
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Blending personal history and professional growth into one career
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Helping new developers launch through mentorship and hands-on learning
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Advocating for inclusivity in real estate and focusing on getting the job done regardless of background
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Supporting Resources:
Katie Kim’s website - www.katiekim.com
Find Katie on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@thekatiekim
Katie’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/thekatiekim
Follow Katie on Instagram - www.instagram.com/thekatiekim
Connect with Katie Kim on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/katiekim
Katie’s X account - x.com/thekatiekim
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.