264: Building Real Estate Wealth Through Rental Properties with Joel Miller
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
Release Date: 07/31/2025
270: The Ins and Outs of Real Estate Fund Administration with Mike Zane
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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269: How To Start Living Off Rentals with Kirby Atwell
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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268: Designing and Operating a Boutique Wellness Resort with Diana Ossa and Josh Dobken
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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267: Investing in Real Estate From a Position of Strength with Scott Trench
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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266: How To Get Steadier Returns and Less Volatility Through Real Estate with Daniel Angel-Mejia
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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265: Unlocking Tax Incentives for Real Estate Investors with Gian Pazzia
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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264: Building Real Estate Wealth Through Rental Properties with Joel Miller
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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263: How To Become The Most Trusted Home Buyer In Your Town with Nick Disney
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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262: Real Estate Investing Lessons From the Mad Scientist of Multifamily with Neal Bawa
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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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261: Building Family Offices To Invest and Protect Your Assets with Richard Wilson
Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing
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 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 be all or nothing. It can be a powerful supplement to whatever you're already doing. He also breaks down the value of education, long-term thinking, and community involvement through local investor associations.
The episode dives into Joel’s practical framework for sustainable investing, highlighting the critical role of tenant selection, relationship-driven lending, and maintaining high property standards. As an educator and leader in his regional landlord association, Joel also explains how building trust with fellow investors and tenants creates long-term results.
His book, “Build Real Estate Wealth: Enjoy the Journey of Rental Property Investment,” is a comprehensive guide that combines mindset, math, strategy, and best practices for anyone interested in rentals, whether part-time, full-time, or somewhere in between. From managing expectations to preparing personal financial statements and structuring deals, Joel’s approach is rooted in decades of firsthand experience.
Whether you're just getting started or trying to avoid the mistakes new landlords often make, Joel offers clarity, candor, and the tools to build a long-lasting business through real estate.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Joel’s method for building a rental portfolio alongside a full-time career
- Ways strong tenant screening sets the foundation for long-term success
- Approaches to investing in small multifamily properties with upside potential
- How personal relationships support deal flow and private lending
- The benefits of joining local investor associations and staying engaged
- Key practices that experienced landlords use to protect cash flow
- Tips for preparing your financials and being ready to act on a good deal
- Lessons from flipping 100+ homes and lending to local investors
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Supporting Resources:
Joel Miller’s website - www.joelmillerbooks.com
Find Joel on Facebook - www.facebook.com/JoelMillerBooks
Joel’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/joelmillerbooks
Connect with Joel on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/joel-miller-42981811
Joel on X - x.com/JoelMiller7195
Get Joel Miller’s book - www.amazon.com/Build-Real-Estate-Wealth-Investment/dp/B0DG48NHPC
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.