Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

What if you could learn from experienced real estate investors, find out what got them to where they are now, get insight into their daily habits, and take these insights to inspire your own growth? That’s what each episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing brings. Hosted by Jonathan Greene, a real estate investor for more than 30 years, as well as advisor and coach, the founder of Streamlined Properties and the Team Leader of Streamlined Properties, brokered by Real, every episode is an in-depth look at the mindful approach to real estate investing. If you are looking to start from scratch, get to the next level, or just for a straightforward and honest approach to real estate investing, Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing is the free mentorship program you can take with you anywhere.

234: Unbiased and Apolitical Economic Forecasting For Now and the Future with Lauren Saidel-Baker 04/17/2025

234: Unbiased and Apolitical Economic Forecasting For Now and the Future with Lauren Saidel-Baker Politics is often blamed for economic shifts, but there are usually more factors at play. Today’s guest is an economic expert who explains how it can impact investors and buyers alike. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Lauren Saidel-Baker, an economist with ITR Economics, the oldest privately-held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the U.S. ITR Economics was founded in 1948. Jonathan and Lauren start the discussion by explaining how ITR Economics predicts economic shifts and how Lauren became an economist with ITR after a stint in asset management. She shares how politics and election cycles can affect economics, her predictions for 2025, and what real estate investors should look for. You’ll hear the disruptions that natural disasters, population shifts, and weather can have on the economy, what regular homebuyers and investors should be looking for with purchases, and the trajectory of the real estate market in the next five years. Lauren outlines the potential opportunities real estate may offer with an economic downturn, her advice for remaining in real estate during economic disruption, and what she’s doing to prepare for a potential economic depression. The economy is frequently in the news, but we don’t often hear about the impact it can have on specific industries. Lauren Saidel-Baker makes the case for real estate even during economic turmoil. In this episode, you will hear: Lauren Saidel-Baker’s explanation of how ITR Economics predicts economic shifts Her introduction to economics through a job after college in asset management, and what she loves about working at ITR Economics How election cycles impact economics Lauren’s predictions for 2025 in comparison to 2024 and what real estate investors should look out for Disruptions that natural disasters can create, and the impact of population shifts and weather What regular homebuyers and investors should look for when they make a purchase The trajectory of real estate for the next five years based on current data Real estate opportunities that are likely with an economic downturn Population shifts around the country based on affordability What Lauren suggests for buyers in 2025 and the continued demand for multifamily assets Her advice for those who want to remain in real estate but are concerned about economic disruption, and how consumers can remain apprised of economic shifts What Lauren is doing to prepare for the coming economic depression Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/234/ to download it. Supporting Resources: ITR Economics - ITR Economics on YouTube - ITR Economics on Facebook - ITR Economics’s Instagram - Follow ITR Economics on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/36196835

233: My Long History With Accessory Dwelling Units 04/14/2025

233: My Long History With Accessory Dwelling Units Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and their cousin, detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), can offer tremendous benefits and add value to a property. On this solo episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan shares his long history with ADUs and DADUs, beginning with his childhood. He outlines the main differences between ADUs and DADUs and the regulations that can impact them in your particular location. You’ll hear how these units can offer independent living spaces to teenagers and young adults while keeping them close, the benefits of using them as short- or mid-term rentals, and why Jonathan views them as a big value-add when considering a property. Jonathan has a long and varied history with real estate, and his unique take on ADUs and DADUs may make you think twice before turning down a property with one on the premises. In this episode, you will hear: ADUs and DADUs as a solution to the affordable housing crisis The differences between an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) Understanding the regulations surrounding ADUs and DADUs in your area Jonathan’s personal history with this real estate asset class and using them as an independent living space as a teenager The benefits of putting teenagers in ADUs or DADUs for the summer vacations Renting your ADU as a short-term or mid-term rental when your community allows it The multiple uses ADUs can have and buying homes with them as a feature Added value and opportunities these units add to a property Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/36104780

232: How To Invest Together and Think Differently About Real Estate with Paul Shannon 04/10/2025

232: How To Invest Together and Think Differently About Real Estate with Paul Shannon Making mistakes and learning from them is all part of the real estate investing game. Today’s guest shares the lessons he’s learned along the way, especially when it comes to syndications. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Paul Shannon, a fund manager at InvestWise Collective. Paul has acquired more than 200 residential units by recycling equity and JV. He is a limited partner who has invested in more than 40 deals as a passive investor. Paul is also the co-host of PassivePockets, a BiggerPockets podcast on passive investing. As Jonathan and Paul start their discussion, they explore how Paul earned his investing stripes and flipped most of his single-family properties. Paul outlines his expectations as a limited partner in a syndication, the advantages of being an expert in your local market, and the one asset class Paul would never handle himself. You’ll hear the greatest power an investor has, the importance of diversification, and why you need to understand your risk tolerance as a part of your investment strategy. Finally, Jonathan and Paul cover doing your due diligence, remaining patient, and knowing you have an out for an investment when you need it. Syndications are becoming more popular for those seeking passive investing opportunities, and Paul Shannon outlines what you should know before diving in headfirst. In this episode, you will hear: The first time Paul Shannon heard about syndications and how he earned his investing stripes with his first few properties How Paul used his single-family properties and why most were flips His expectations when he invests in a syndication as a limited partner The advantages of being an expert in your local market and partnering with syndications that are experts in their local markets The one asset class Paul would never handle himself, and the greatest power an investor has Remaining diversified to mitigate risk Understanding your risk tolerance as a part of your investing strategy and the connection macroeconomics has to everything Doing due diligence and the importance of patience Being prepared and having outs ready to go when you need them The formation of Paul’s company and podcast, and why he’s agnostic about asset classes Growing interest in syndications and where it’s coming from GPs and a willingness to say no to LPs who aren’t a good fit Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/232/ to download it. Supporting Resources: InvestWise Collective website - PassivePockets on YouTube - Connect with Paul Shannon on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/36074505

231: Creating Impact Equity Through Real Estate Syndications with Randy Smith 04/07/2025

231: Creating Impact Equity Through Real Estate Syndications with Randy Smith For many investors, it takes a while to become comfortable with syndications. For today’s guest, he tried other real estate investing methods before becoming a syndication expert. Today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing features Randy Smith, founder of Impact Equity. He brings over 25 years of experience in corporate sales and leadership to real estate investing and launched Impact Equity in June 2022. Randy’s company helps investors spend money with world-class operators across several projects. He also launched RAI$E Capital Coaching and Consulting to help new capital raisers start their businesses. Randy is the co-host of The Gentle Art of Crushing it. Jonathan and Randy start their conversation by exploring Randy’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad” background and why it took until he was in his 40s to pursue real estate investing. He shares his first steps to move toward a real estate career, the pros and cons of turnkey properties, and Randy’s initial investing mistakes. Randy shares that he moved to syndications after trying out the BRRRR strategy, the importance of doing your due diligence in syndication investing, and why debt is the biggest risk factor in these transactions. Jonathan and Randy cover the current challenges in his portfolio, the importance of diversifying, and why building a community as an investor is critical. As the discussion winds down, Randy explains the importance of understanding your syndication preferences, how he uses fund of funds, and the three most important things to look for in a deal. With a lengthy career in sales, Randy Smith brings a unique perspective to real estate syndications and offers expert advice on what to look for. In this episode, you will hear: Randy Smith’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad” background and why he was in his 40s before he got started in real estate The first steps Randy took to move toward a career in real estate The pros and cons of turnkey properties and his initial mistakes What brought Randy to syndications after trying the BRRRR strategy The due diligence required when buying into a syndication Why debt is the single biggest risk factor in these deals Current challenges in Randy’s portfolio and the importance of diversification General principles that apply across multiple asset classes The importance of community as a real estate investor Understanding your preferences in a syndication Fund of funds and how they work How to find a syndication using Randy Smith’s tips for finding the right buy The three most important things to look for in a deal What you can learn from Randy’s coaching program Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/231/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Impact Equity website - Randy Smith on Facebook - Randy’s Instagram - Connect with Randy on LinkedIn - The Gentle Art of Crushing It - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/36008970

230: Why Notes Are Hands-Off Real Estate Investments with Nathan Turner 04/03/2025

230: Why Notes Are Hands-Off Real Estate Investments with Nathan Turner Notes aren’t the most conventional method of real estate investing, but this niche can offer benefits other asset classes don’t. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Nathan Turner, owner and president of Earnest Inc., which is also Earnest Investing. Nathan began investing in the U.S. real estate market in 2008 by creating notes, which later evolved into buying performing and nonperforming notes. Jonathan and Nathan start with Nathan’s decision to pursue notes versus properties and how he entered the business. Nathan shares his previous entrepreneurial pursuits and eventual pivot to fix-and-flips, leading to notes. You’ll hear what Nathan’s lightbulb moment was as he bought mortgage notes and realized he could be helping people in trouble with their mortgages. Nathan explains the current lack of nonperforming mortgages, what he sees for the future of the real estate market, and some of the tools he uses to find notes available for purchase. He stresses the importance of education and networking before diving into this side of real estate, the barriers of entry you can expect, and the upcoming Diversified Mortgage Expo conference in Nashville. Finally, Nathan shares his advice for investors interested in this asset class. If you’re curious about what it takes to become a note investor, tune in for this episode with Nathan Turner’s expert take on the business. In this episode, you will hear: Nathan Turner’s decision to invest in notes rather than properties, and how he got into this business His previous entrepreneurial pursuits with franchises, and why he pivoted to fix-and-flips, which led to notes Nathan’s lightbulb moment from buying mortgage notes and how he realized he could actually be helping people The current lack of nonperforming mortgages and what’s driving it What may be in the future for the real estate market Tools Nathan uses for finding notes to purchase, and why education and networking matter The barriers to entry for note investing and the questions you should ask The upcoming Diversified Mortgage Expo conference and what you can expect to take away from it Nathan’s company, Earnest Investing, and what they do His advice for getting started with note investing and preferred markets Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/230/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Earnest Investing - Earnest Investing on Facebook - Find Earnest Investing on Instagram - Connect with Earnest Investing on LinkedIn - Following Earnest Investing on TikTok - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35967050

229: The Secrets of Add-A-Level House Flipping with Gabe DaSilva 03/31/2025

229: The Secrets of Add-A-Level House Flipping with Gabe DaSilva Adding levels to existing homes can be lucrative for flipping homes, especially when your market is saturated with older homes. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes returning guest Gabe DaSilva back to the show. Gabe is the founder and president of the DaSilva Group. He is also the founder of the Add-A-Level Bus Tour, Fix & Flip Foundation, Real Estate Riches Mastermind, and Learn & Earn with the DaSilva Group. Jonathan and Gabe begin their conversation with how Gabe continues to be successful with home flips despite limited inventory and high interest rates. You’ll hear about Gabe's competitive advantage, how he uses systems, syndication, and clustering to increase profitability, and how he’s using Zillow Builder and the MLS as sales tools. He explains what you need to know before adding a level to an older home, the amenities that can help a property reach its full potential, and the rise in multigenerational living as homes increase in price. Jonathan and Gabe discuss the challenges higher interest rates present in the market, the benefits of adding levels to homes, and how Gabe qualifies a market for his flips. He shares what he looks for in a home’s location, what you can learn from the Add-A-Level Bus Tour he hosts twice a year, and the importance of grit in a successful investor. Adding a level to an older home is a creative way to increase its value and stand out in a market with limited inventory. Gabe DaSilva teaches new investors how to leverage this strategy successfully. In this episode, you will hear: How Gabe DaSilva continues to find success with flipping despite limited inventory and high interest rates The competitive advantage he has due to his reputation Systems, syndication, and clustering when flipping properties Gabe’s use of Zillow Builder and the MLS as sales tools and building a narrative around the home What you need to know when adding a level to an older home The components a basement needs to be considered as additional square footage in a home Amenities that help a property reach its max potential The rise in multigenerational living The challenges that higher interest rates are presenting in home sales Benefits of adding levels to homes to increase their value Qualifying a market for flips and determining whether or not a location works The bus tour Gabe hosts twice a year for investors, and what people can learn from it Why grit is crucial for the students in Gabe’s program Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/229/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Gave DaSilva’s website - Gabe’s YouTube channel - Find Gabe on Facebook - Gabe’s Instagram - Connect with Gabe DaSilva on LinkedIn - Fix and Flip Syndicate - Get the “Flip Tips” book - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35910630

228: How To Take Short-Term Rentals From Construction To Cribs with Mark Lumpkin 03/27/2025

228: How To Take Short-Term Rentals From Construction To Cribs with Mark Lumpkin Short-term rentals are still a popular asset class, but you have to optimize them for your guest avatar to get them right. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Mark Lumpkin, Sales Director at STR Cribs. STR Cribs helps STR owners understand what makes a high-performing short-term rental. They are renovation and design experts for top-performing short-term rentals nationwide. Jonathan and Mark start their conversation by exploring the features a short-term rental needs to stand out, how you can optimize a property’s features, and the importance of addressing preventative maintenance before it becomes a problem. Mark explains why paying attention to guest feedback, performing trial stays at a property with friends and family, and the difference between market-specific and universal amenities is important. You’ll hear why data is essential in purchasing the right property in the right market, why you shouldn’t overlook secondary STR markets, and adding ADU or disability accessibility to appeal to more guests. Finally, Mark shares how he and his wife began investing in STRs, how STR Cribs can help STR owners design and build their ideal short-term rental, and his advice for investing in an asset you can use and rent out. Short-term rentals continue to be a popular option for real estate investors, and now, more than ever, they have to stand out from the crowd. Mark Lumpkin offers insights on creating a property you and your guests can enjoy. In this episode, you will hear: What drew Mark Lumpkin to short-term rentals, and why each STR has to stand out Optimizing the features of each property and customizing it to your guest avatar Addressing preventive maintenance and longevity rather than putting them off Paying attention to guest reviews and listening to feedback Staying in your properties and asking friends and family to stay there to address any issues you didn’t think about Market-specific amenities versus universal amenities based on different guest types Using data to purchase the right property in the right market Why you shouldn’t overlook some of the secondary STR markets The importance of ADU or disability accessibility in a property How Mark and his wife began investing in STRs after some international travel where they learned some lessons about what did not fit their lifestyle How STR Cribs helps STR owners design and build their ideal STR The lack of top-tier homes available as STRs and the best ROI amenities Mark’s advice for investing in an STR you can use as well as rent out Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/228/ to download it. Supporting Resources: STR Cribs website - STR Cribs on YouTube - Connect with Mark Lumpkin on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35862650

227: How To Perfect Your Real Estate Side Hustle with Devon Kennard 03/24/2025

227: How To Perfect Your Real Estate Side Hustle with Devon Kennard Creating a real estate side hustle can be a great way to hone your skills while continuing to build your primary source of real estate income. Today’s guest has a new book that teaches you exactly how to do it. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes returning guest Devon Kennard. Devon is a former NFL pro football player and author of the new book “Real Estate Side Hustle.” He is also an investor and a lender. Jonathan and Devon dive into their conversation by discussing Devon’s new book, “Real Estate Side Hustle,” and what you can learn from it. Devon shares how he’s building systems to create processes using AI, the importance of identifying your side hustle goal, and why he dislikes the lack of control in syndications. You’ll hear the difference between fast and slow money, why you should be continuously learning, and the four components of a good real estate team. Finally, Jonathan and Devon cover why cheaper markets and properties aren’t necessarily the best investing method and why you should view your real estate business as a ticket to FIRE. A career in real estate doesn’t mean you have to focus on just one component. Devon Kennard explains how creating a side hustle within the industry can help you achieve your goals faster. In this episode, you will hear: Devon Kennard’s inspiration for his second book, “Real Estate Side Hustle” Calculated risk and building out systems to create a process using AI Identifying what’s most important in your side hustle and focusing on those goals Why Devon began lending primarily in his local area instead of across the country His experiences with syndications and why he dislikes the lack of control in them Fast versus slow money Creating a side hustle alongside your career and not idealizing retirement but instead creating time freedom The importance of continuous learning Devon’s ideal client for 42 Solutions and his preference for experienced borrowers The four components of a good team: deal finder, contractor, property manager, and lender Why starting in the cheaper markets and properties isn’t always the best investing method The social media influence to count doors and why it isn’t always the best indicator of wealth Business as the ticket to FIRE Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/227/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Devon Kennard’s website - Find Devon on YouTube - Devon’s Facebook page - Devon on Instagram - Connect with Devon Kennard on LinkedIn - Devon’s Twitter/X - 42 Solutions website - Get Devon’s new book, “Real Estate Side Hustle” - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35818165

226: How To Rebuild Your Financial Future One Property At a Time with Melissa Nash 03/20/2025

226: How To Rebuild Your Financial Future One Property At a Time with Melissa Nash Securing a solid financial future is often the biggest reason people enter the world of real estate investing, which doesn’t require attaining as many properties as you may believe. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Melissa Nash, founder of Lady Luck Investments, which emerged out of necessity. Melissa built a portfolio that secured her family’s financial future in less than six years. Now, she’s teaching other women how they can do the same. Melissa wants to change the story of women in real estate and create a legacy of wealth and empowerment. Jonathan and Melissa start their conversation with the story of Melissa’s grandmother-in-law, who began investing in real estate in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Melissa shares her difficulties as a female investor today, her early failures due to her unwillingness to learn, and how a mentor introduced her to turnkey real estate. She highlights the success she eventually found with a Section 8 property, eventually leading to buying some short-term rentals, and explains why she self-manages her properties rather than paying a property manager. You’ll hear the importance of being a good host with STRs, using those STRs to generate immediate cash flow to fund other ventures, and what new investors fail to do as they start their portfolios. Building a financial future with real estate is a method used for generations, and Melissa Nash is creating a legacy of wealth for her family. In this episode, you will hear: Melissa Nash’s inspiration from her husband’s grandmother, who was a real estate investor in Los Angeles in the 1960s and ‘70s The difficulties of being a female real estate investor, even today The failures Melissa experienced before her real estate career took off Her unwillingness to learn in the beginning which contributed to those early failures How a mentor introduced Melissa to turnkey real estate Finding success with a Section 8 property and how that led to short-term rental purchases she self-manages The importance of being a good host for great feedback Adding or removing amenities based on requests or negative feedback STRs as a way to generate immediate cash flow for more STRs or long-term rentals Using your rentals for your own enjoyment and building a generational legacy with real estate investing What new investors fail to do as they get their portfolios started Melissa’s mission to educate women on real estate and the potential it offers Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/226/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Melissa Nash’s website - Melissa’s YouTube channel - Lady Luck Investments on Facebook - Find Melissa on Instagram - Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35780295

225: Maximizing Rental Returns Through Stress-Free Property Management with Mo Hashem 03/17/2025

225: Maximizing Rental Returns Through Stress-Free Property Management with Mo Hashem Property management isn’t often at the top of a new investor’s list when they’re thinking about buying a piece of real estate. However, property management can be the ticket to a stress-free investing experience. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mo Hashem, the visionary behind Flat Fee Landlord, one of the country's fastest-growing residential property management companies. He helps working professionals go from owning one primary residence into profitable real estate investments. Mo has worked across the real estate industry in investing, property management, managing and buying multifamily, selling homes, and training real estate professionals. He has more than 4,000 tenants and has worked with over 2,000 investors. Jonathan and Mo begin their discussion with Mo Hashem’s introduction to real estate in college as a career and why he saw it as a vehicle to attain freedom. Mo outlines how he benefitted from a real estate license, the biggest misconception about single-family assets, and how hiring a competent property manager to do the work you don’t want can aid your business. You’ll hear how to find the right property manager, why scaling is important in real estate, and the importance of maintaining a day job–probably for longer than you thought you should. Finally, Mo shares why you need to be comfortable with your finances, how he started Flat Fee Landlord, and his advice for placing tenants and their pets in your properties. A great property manager can be a game-changer. Mo Hashem’s tips make it easier to identify what you need in a property manager. In this episode, you will hear: Mo Hashem’s introduction to real estate as a way to earn an income in college Looking at real estate as a vehicle to attain freedom Benefitting from a real estate license and the post-2008 economy Mo had to overcome The biggest misconception about single-family rentals Hiring a competent property management company to do the work you don’t want to do Finding the right property manager for your rentals and when to hand off management The importance of scale in real estate Mo’s advice for starting a real estate portfolio while retaining your day job Staying power in the real estate investing game and treating it like a business The role of finances in investing and finding the middle ground where you’re comfortable The inception of Flat Fee Landlord and how Mo differentiated it from other property management services Vetting tenants and choosing where to invest based on state laws Mo’s advice for placing tenants and pets in your properties Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/225/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Flat Fee Landlord - Houston Property Management - Flat Fee Landlord on YouTube - Find Flat Fee Landlord on Facebook - Flat Fee Landlord’s Instagram - Connect with Mo Hashem on LinkedIn - Flat Fee Landlord on X - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35703325

224: Creating Real Impact Through Passive Real Estate Investing with Nate Shields and Troy Zimmerman 03/13/2025

224: Creating Real Impact Through Passive Real Estate Investing with Nate Shields and Troy Zimmerman Betting on yourself first is often the key to creating a real impact on your real estate investing journey. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes guests Nate Shields and Troy Zimmerman from Missional Capital Group. Missional Capital Group is a real estate investment company that believes financial success should be driven by purpose and ethical principles. Nate and Troy’s journey began with a simple yet powerful vision to create a platform that aligns financial prosperity with social responsibility. Jonathan, Nate, and Troy start their discussion by delving into Troy and Nate’s introductions to real estate. You’ll hear how they met, the block Troy had as a financial advisor, how Nate and Troy overcame it to form Missional Capital Group, and why relationships are important to real estate transactions. Nate and Troy explain the importance of betting on yourself first, having income streams outside of syndication investments, and how they decided syndications are a good investment using the strategies they developed for investing. Finally, Nate and Troy share how they chose their market in Alabama, their primary source for finding off-market deals, the benefits of holding a real estate license as an investor, and how meetups can be a great way to connect to other investors. Syndications can create the impactful passive real estate investing many investors are seeking. Nate Shields and Troy Zimmerman outline what you need to know about this investing vehicle. In this episode, you will hear: Troy Zimmerman’s initial interest in real estate through his family members Nate Shields’s introduction to real estate in his early 20s after reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and “Rich Dad’s CASHFLOW Quadrant” How Troy and Nate met and began working together, and the impact market shifts have had on their business model over the years The block Troy had as a financial advisor to form Missional Capital Group with Nate Relationships and why they matter so much in real estate transactions Betting on yourself first and the importance of having income streams outside of syndication investments Deciding to begin investing in syndications and how Troy and Nate’s strategy gave them confidence Investing in Alabama and their fortune in finding that particular market Troy and Nate’s leading source for finding off-market deals Opportunities for seller financing and what makes it harder to implement than most other strategies The benefits of holding a real estate license as an investor Nate and Troy’s current buy box and the importance of a trusted property manager Meetups as a way to get connected to other investors and their advice for new investors Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/224/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Missional Capital Group - Missional Capital Group’s Facebook page - Missional Capital on Instagram - Find Missional Capital on LinkedIn - Troy Zimmerman on Instagram - Connect with Troy on LinkedIn - Find Nate Shields on Instagram - Connect with Nate on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35640540

223: Turning Your Income Into Lasting Wealth Through Real Estate with Whitney Elkins-Hutten 03/10/2025

223: Turning Your Income Into Lasting Wealth Through Real Estate with Whitney Elkins-Hutten Diversifying your real estate portfolio can be the ticket to lasting wealth and legacy. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Whitney Elkins-Hutten, a former healthcare professional turned real estate investor. An investor since 2002, Whitney is a passive income strategist dedicated to helping busy professionals achieve financial freedom and build lasting wealth. She is the founder of Ash Wealth and part of the PassiveInvesting.com team. Jonathan and Whitney begin their conversation by discussing the importance of diversity in investing and some lessons she learned early in her investing career. Whitney shares her challenges with interest rates even before the 2008 financial crisis, what led her into real estate, and her love-hate relationship with real estate social media. She explains why having reserves for problems that arise in your investing career is important, doing your due diligence before purchasing a property, and what prompted Whitney to move into syndications and scale her business. Finally, she and Jonathan cover the assets she would advise someone to purchase today, the downsides of 1031 exchanges, and the three things you need to be successful in real estate. Whitney Elkins-Hutten has built a portfolio that creates a legacy and teaches others how to do the same. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of diversity in investing, according to Whitney Elkins-Hutten Whitney’s challenges with interest rates and what that taught her about diversity Her entry into real estate in 2002 and what led her into it The disaster that happened 24 hours after closing on one of her properties Whitney’s love-hate relationship with social media related to real estate Setting aside reserves for the problems that can arise in real estate investing Doing your due diligence before buying a property, and what photos don’t tell you Scaling up the business, moving from flipping into rentals, and what prompted Whitney to move into syndications Building a debt layer into her portfolio as another form of diversity The assets Whitney would advise someone to purchase today if they want to diversify their portfolios Understanding how to compound your money over time The downsides of doing 1031 exchanges, the importance of a solid financial foundation, and the three things you need to be successful in real estate Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/223/ to download it. Supporting Resources: PassiveInvesting.com - Whitney Elkins-Hutten on LinkedIn - Ash Wealth - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35583645

222: Curating Resort Residential and Hospitality Real Estate Assets with Stephen Petasky 03/06/2025

222: Curating Resort Residential and Hospitality Real Estate Assets with Stephen Petasky Owning luxury real estate can offer lifestyle benefits aside from the perks of an income-producing asset. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Stephen Petasky, founder and CEO of the Luxus Group. Luxus aims to provide an overall travel solution for affluent families seeking enhanced vacation experiences. Luxus Group includes Luxus Developments, Luxus Restorations, Luxus Vacation Properties, and a special project called Ena Lake Lodge, a private fishing club. Jonathan and Stephen start their discussion by exploring Stephen’s interest in the luxury real estate space that began with his parents. Stephen explains why it’s important to enjoy the real estate you own and the lifestyle that comes with it, balancing making a profit with enjoying your properties, and involving the entire family in a vacation or luxury property purchase. You’ll hear about Stephen and his wife’s first investment purchases and how they involved family and friends, understanding your target avatar, and why remaining hyper-local and understanding your community’s needs can be a business boost. Finally, Stephen outlines what he’s looking forward to as his business grows and evolves and builds brand loyalty and trust with guests. Part of the appeal of buying real estate is its tangibility, and owning luxury properties can up the ante. Stephen Petasky reveals how he built a successful business with luxury properties while enjoying them with his family. In this episode, you will hear: How Stephen Petasky developed an interest in the luxury real estate space through his parents Enjoying the real estate you own and the lifestyle it can create The balance between making a profit and enjoying the properties you own Involving the whole family in a vacation or luxury property purchase Stephen and his wife’s first investment purchases and how they involved family and friends Understanding who your avatar is and building the business around something you’re passionate about The transition from the initial iteration of Luxus to vacation rental management as Airbnb became more popular Remaining hyper-local and understanding your community’s needs What Stephen is looking forward to as his business grows The loyalty guests feel to brands and how operators can retain that loyalty Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/222/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Luxus Vacation Properties - Luxus Vacation Properties on YouTube - Find Luxus on Instagram - Connect with Stephen Petasky on LinkedIn - Luxus Group - Luxus Restorations - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35533020

221: Creating Wealth and Leveling The Playing Field in Self-Storage with Mark Helm 03/03/2025

221: Creating Wealth and Leveling The Playing Field in Self-Storage with Mark Helm Self-storage is an under-the-radar asset class that can be a real game-changer for creating wealth. Today’s guest has incredible knowledge about it and is on a mission to teach others about its benefits. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mark Helm, a self-storage and real estate veteran. Mark is the author of “Creating Wealth Through Self-Storage” and co-owner and principal broker of Nexus Commercial Advisors. He also developed the self-storage financial analysis software Storage World Analyzer. Mark owns several self-storage facilities, is a self-storage developer, investor, speaker, consultant, and trainer, and is the co-owner and partner of Resolve. Jonathan and Mark begin their conversation by exploring Mark’s early career in real estate as a way to create supplemental income for his day job. Mark quickly discovered he loved real estate, attaining his CCIM designation and working as a commercial broker before moving into investing in self-storage. You’ll hear the challenges he initially faced, why no other asset is more localized, and what makes self-storage recession-resistant. Mark shares his strategy for self-storage, how he evaluates occupancy levels, and his opinion on dynamic pricing. Finally, he explains what he likes about conversions and expansions, the five KPIs Mark uses for every facility and manager, and technology’s impact on the self-storage industry. Mark Helm is a veteran real estate professional and self-storage guru. This episode is a must-listen for a deep dive into the self-storage world. In this episode, you will hear: Mark Helm’s interest in real estate as a way to supplement his income and how that led to a full-time career in real estate His attraction to commercial real estate, getting his CCIM designation, and then moving into investing in self-storage The challenges Mark faced when he started in self-storage and the benefits that outweighed them The importance of visibility in self-storage and why no other asset is more localized How this asset class can fail, and what makes it recession-resistant Mark’s strategy for self-storage and determining which deals are a yes or no Where he believes the deals are today Evaluating occupancy levels in a self-storage space Mark’s take on dynamic pricing Why the income increase should be higher than operational costs What Mark likes about conversions and expansions The five KPIs Mark uses for every facility and manager and how technology has changed the business Constructing self-storage units and some of the issues that can arise Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/221/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Creating Wealth Through Self-Storage - Mark Helm on YouTube - Find Mark on Facebook - Connect with Mark on LinkedIn - Resolve - Get the “Creating Wealth Through Self-Storage” book - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35467850

220: How To Reduce Your Taxable Income Through Cost Segregation on Real Estate with Erik Oliver 02/27/2025

220: How To Reduce Your Taxable Income Through Cost Segregation on Real Estate with Erik Oliver Cost segregation can save you a lot of money on your investment properties through taxes. Today’s guest is an expert on this topic and shares what you need to know about cost segregation. On today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Erik Oliver, Vice President of National Accounts at Cost Segregation Authority. His company reclassifies assets, which then allows you to accelerate the depreciation. Using this strategy could save you a ton of money on taxes. Jonathan and Erik explore cost segregation and who it benefits. You’ll hear Erik’s example of cost segregation for an office building, the importance of hiring an accountant specializing in this concept and real estate, and the audit considerations when you decide to do cost segregation. You’ll hear what Erik believes is the “must do” asset class for cost seg, the value of setting up a team to help mitigate your tax burden, and what Erik learned from his first disastrous rental property. Finally, Erik explains his involvement with micro apartments and opportunity zones as an answer to the affordable housing problem and the importance of cost segs in syndication investments. Taxes can take a big bite out of your investment income, and cost segregation can make a big difference in your returns. Don’t miss Erik Oliver’s expertise in making the most of cost segregation. In this episode, you will hear: What cost segregation is, and who needs it Erik Oliver’s example of cost segregation for an office building The importance of hiring an accountant who understands the concept of cost segregation and real estate Why cost segregation is way deeper than just the “stuff” Audit considerations when performing cost segregation The “must do” asset class for cost seg Setting up a team that can help you mitigate your tax burden Applying cost seg across multiple properties or in a house hacking scenario Erik’s first rental property, why it was a disaster, and what he learned from it Micro apartments and opportunity zones as an answer to the affordable housing problem The importance of cost segs in syndication investments Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/220/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Cost Segregation Authority - CSA Partners on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35428510

219: The Blueprint To High-Performing Short-Term Rental Properties with John Bianchi 02/24/2025

219: The Blueprint To High-Performing Short-Term Rental Properties with John Bianchi Having 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 Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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 - John Bianchi on YouTube - Find John on Instagram - Connect with John on LinkedIn - John’s TikTok - The Bianchi Method - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35382045

218: How To Become a Professional Remote Real Estate Investor with Michael Albaum 02/20/2025

218: How To Become a Professional Remote Real Estate Investor with Michael Albaum With today’s technology, becoming a real estate investor is possible without ever seeing the properties you buy. This is the path many would-be investors take when they live in more expensive areas like California. Today’s guest is one such investor. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Michael Albaum, a professional real estate investor with over 12 years of experience. Michael is an Airbnb Superhost and the founder of myFI, which stands for financial independence. Jonathan and Michael begin their conversation by delving into Michael’s path to remote investing through a property in Southern California. Michael shares how he began to scale his business as he better understood costs in various parts of the country. You’ll hear how coliving with roommates helped Michael get his business off the ground, the importance of finding an unbiased party to evaluate properties for you remotely, and what drew him to multifamily and mixed-use properties as he expanded. He also outlines the difference between financial independence and financial freedom, the benefits of retaining a W2, and Michael’s recommendation to put in offers on homes even when you know they will be rejected. Finally, he shares why he loves midterm rentals and what he sees changing for them in the future. Real estate can be prohibitively expensive for investing in some parts of the country, but Michael Albaum teaches others how to find investing opportunities in lesser-known areas and create opportunities to build a legacy. In this episode, you will hear: Michael Albaum’s path to remote investing and his early interest in real estate The fears surrounding remote investing and how systems can help mitigate the fear His first property in Southern California and how his dad helped him evaluate the property with numbers instead of emotions Scaling the business and understanding costs in various parts of the country Coliving and community living while investing in real estate Finding an unbiased eye to help evaluate properties for you when buying remotely Moving into multifamily and mixed-use The difference between financial independence and financial freedom and the role a W2 plays in that Why it’s okay not to have all the answers when you start and making offers you know will be rejected The importance of firsthand experience Michael’s plans for the future and his focus on his coaching and education business What he likes about midterm rentals versus short-term and long-term Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/218/ to download it. Supporting Resources: myFI academy - Find Michael Albaum on Instagram - Connect with Michael on LinkedIn - Michael on X - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35357000

217: Wealth-Building Real Estate Investments For Busy Professionals with Adiel Gorel 02/17/2025

217: Wealth-Building Real Estate Investments For Busy Professionals with Adiel Gorel The real estate market in the United States is magical, but its citizens often miss out on the unique opportunities it offers. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Adiel Gorel, founder and CEO of International Capital Group, a world-renowned real estate investment firm founded in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1987, Adiel has taught investors how to secure a strong financial future for college, business investments, and retirement. Adiel also operates in the wellness space. Jonathan and Adiel begin their discussion by exploring Adiel’s unwilling exposure to real estate as a child. When he began his career in Silicon Valley as a young adult, he discovered the many benefits of the U.S. real estate sector, learning how to leverage the mortgage system to build wealth with rental properties. Adiel explains the fluctuation in interest rates since the 1980s, the benefits of buying today instead of waiting, and why inflation can be a positive for investors. You’ll hear about venturing beyond your local market for rental properties, his criteria for the markets he buys in, and Adiel’s personal decision to rent for 20 years before buying his own home. The real estate market in this country is unique, and Adiel wants everyone to know what they could be missing out on by not taking advantage of the magic it offers. In this episode, you will hear: Adiel Gorel’s introduction to real estate as a child and when he decided he wanted to pursue real estate investing as a career Leveraging the U.S. mortgage system to build wealth with rental properties and how interest rates have fluctuated since Adiel’s start in the 1980s The benefits of buying today versus waiting for interest rates to fall The miraculous real estate market in the U.S. that its citizens often miss Why inflation can be a positive for real estate investors Adiel’s refusal to retire Buying rentals outside of your local market for better deals and where Adiel looked outside of his home state of California How he began helping a group of coworkers buy homes where he was buying them His criteria for buying a particular market Adiel’s decision to rent for 20 years as an investor before buying his own home Why you are never too old to invest in real estate and the advice he gives to new investors One of the worst mistakes investors can make Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/217/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Adiel Gorel’s website - Adiel’s YouTube channel - Adiel on Facebook - Find Adiel on Instagram - Connect with Adiel Gorel on LinkedIn - Adiel’s TikTok - ICGRE - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35291915

216: Finding Suite Success Through Short-Term Rental Hospitality with Katie Cline 02/13/2025

216: Finding Suite Success Through Short-Term Rental Hospitality with Katie Cline Hospitality is an important element of the short-term rental business, but it’s too often forgotten in favor of saving money. But little touches, like a tissue box tucked under the bathroom sink, can make or break a guest review. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Katie Cline, a senior global public relations and communications leader. Katie is also a storyteller and the host of the Suite Success podcast. In the last three years, she has become a short-term rental investor, using her hospitality background to create memorable stays for her guests. Jonathan and Katie explore her decision to get into short-term rentals after she built a successful career in hospitality. Katie explains hospitality's role in STR success, catering to guest needs and wants in a property, and ensuring you’ve set the right expectation within the first 10 minutes of their arrival. She shares why she believes AI is removing personalization from the STR world, the importance of responding quickly to a guest’s concerns, and the difficulties of scaling a business, maintaining high standards, and retaining a personal touch. As they wrap up, Katie explains why differentiating your brand from others can help your STRs stand out and her thoughts on Marriott’s acquisition of Postcard Cabins. Boutique hotel hospitality translates well to STRs, and Katie Cline shares how she does it. In this episode, you will hear: Katie Cline’s decision to get into short-term rentals after building a career in hospitality The role of hospitality in creating STR success Catering to yourself to understand what your guests want in a property Setting expectations within the first 10 minutes of a guest’s arrival Katie’s advice to address an issue if you hear it more than once How AI is removing some of the personalization from STR stays Using a quick response time to mitigate any issues with a stay and using open-ended questions to understand a guest’s needs Scaling the business while retaining a personal touch and maintaining high standards Differentiating your brand from the competition and knowing your market Responding to guests’ needs and wants when they let you know something is missing Taking a page from the hotel playbook to set yourself up for success Marriott’s acquisition of Postcard Cabins and what was behind that decision What you can expect to hear on Katie’s podcast, Suite Success Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/216/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Suite Success podcast - Suite Success on YouTube - Suite Success on Facebook - Find Suite Success on Instagram - Connect with Katie Cline on LinkedIn - Trout Landing - Katie Cline’s website - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35248090

215: How To Get Dirt Rich Being a Land Geek with Mark Podolsky 02/10/2025

215: How To Get Dirt Rich Being a Land Geek with Mark Podolsky Land could be the most underutilized asset class for real estate investors, with a lower barrier of entry, making it perfect for new investors with less capital. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Mark Podolsky, The Land Geek, joins Jonathan to talk about his career in land flipping. Mark teaches others how to get started with this accessible real estate investing vehicle and has completed over 5,000 land deals for his company, Frontier Equity Properties. Mark is also the author of “Dirt Rich: How One Ambitiously Lazy Geek Created Passive Income in Real Estate Without Renters, Renovations, and Rehabs.” Jonathan and Mark start their conversation by exploring what propelled Mark to pursue a career in land, why passive income is the antidote to financial insecurity, and the unpopularity of land compared to other asset classes. You’ll hear how to look for raw land, Mark’s flipping process, and the downsides of this particular investing class. He shares the personality types that best suit land flipping, who land buyers are, and how Mark finds off-market purchases. Getting into real estate investing can feel too expensive for many would-be investors. Mark Podolsky advises others on investing in an affordable asset class and creating passive income streams. In this episode, you will hear: The job and commute that drove Mark Podolsky toward the land business Passive income as the antidote to financial insecurity Why people often ignore land flipping in favor of something like wholesaling Looking for raw land with the resources that Mark recommends and the process for flipping it The pitfalls of land investing, pricing it for sale, and the importance of systems Solving money and time problems with passive income The personality types land flipping best suits and why younger people are interested in land flipping Who land buyers are and what they’re looking for Off-market purchases, how Mark finds them, and the criteria he uses to choose a geographic location What the future looks like for land Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/215/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35199650

214: How To Make Your Money Work Harder Through Syndication with Sam Morris 02/06/2025

214: How To Make Your Money Work Harder Through Syndication with Sam Morris Syndications are popular for experienced investors, but they’re also gaining steam for new investors who want to make their money work harder. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Sam Morris, CEO of Sunset Capital, a Houston-based vertically integrated real estate investment and asset management firm. Sam has over 18 years of experience as a corporate banker and more than 20 years in real estate acquisition and disposition. Jonathan and Sam begin their conversation by discussing real estate cycles and why it’s important to hang on despite the ups and downs of the market. Sam outlines his experiences during the 2008-09 financial crisis and how he entered real estate investing through his career as an underwriter in corporate banking. You’ll hear why syndications appealed to Sam, the importance of risk mitigation, and the dangers of underinsured assets. He explains the tipping point coming with insurance costs, the importance of transparency with investors, and the two assets Sam sticks to. He shares why self-storage is catching up to multifamily in popularity, why you need to know who potential buyers of an asset are before the buy, and how vertical integration can benefit syndications. Buying into a syndication means someone else is putting in the hard work while the asset creates passive income for the investors. To learn more about making your money work harder through syndications, don’t miss this episode with experienced investor Sam Morris. In this episode, you will hear: Understanding the cycles of real estate and hanging on through the ups and downs Sam Morris’s experiences during the 2008-09 financial crisis How Sam entered the real estate world through a career as an underwriter Why syndications appealed to Sam and the risk mitigation associated with those deals The dangers of underinsured assets, the tipping point that’s coming with insurance costs, and being transparent with investors Sam’s two assets–multifamily and storage–and the avatar of his investors What ECRI is and why self-storage is quickly catching up to multifamily Recognizing who the potential buyers of an asset are before the buy and having an exit strategy in place The importance of vertical integration and the difficulties of property management Where Sam finds deals and provides advice for new investors who want more passive investments Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/214/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Sunset Capital - Sunset Capital on YouTube - Sunset Capital’s Facebook page - Find Sunset Capital on Instagram - Connect with Sunset Capital on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35153210

213: Unlocking Your Creativity With Short-Term Rentals with Garrett Brown 02/03/2025

213: Unlocking Your Creativity With Short-Term Rentals with Garrett Brown Short-term rentals offer many opportunities for creativity. Creating a stand-out property can be the key to building a lucrative business and memorable guest experiences. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Garrett Brown, a resident short-term rental expert for BiggerPockets. Garrett is responsible for many of the STR emails from BiggerPockets and is an expert in short-term rentals, Airbnb, and glamping. Jonathan and Garrett start their conversation by exploring the lure of short-term rentals and what differentiates the outstanding from the okay. Garrett outlines why a personal touch will always win, the three-year cycle it often takes to create a profitable STR business model, and the challenges of outsourcing communication with guests. You’ll hear why it’s always a good idea to ask friends to stay at your STR and “test” it before offering it to guests, the growing popularity of glamping, and how determining who your avatar is before you start can be critical to success. As they wrap up, Jonathan and Garrett share the importance of being transparent about the amenities and drawbacks of a property, the impact of reviews on a property’s performance, and partnering with local businesses to offer various packages for guests. Short-term rentals aren’t for everyone, but for those with a creative streak and a knack for crafting unique guest experiences, they can be a lucrative and fun creative outlet. In this episode, you will hear: The lure of short-term rentals for Garrett Brown and what separates the best STR owners from the okay ones Why a personal touch still wins, and proven vacation markets are reliable investments The three-year cycle it takes to start making money in STRs Outsourcing communication with guests, ensuring there is a standard operating procedure in place, and the mistakes that can be made Asking friends to “test” your STR before offering it to guests and creating a video that shows the nuances of the house The growing popularity of glamping and why it’s doing better than some of Garrett’s STRs Determining who your avatar is before you start Being transparent about the amenities and challenges of a property The importance of reviews to the algorithm on Airbnb Increasing ROI by partnering with local businesses and setting expectations The sources Garrett uses to evaluate what his markets are doing Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/213/ to download it. Supporting Resources: BiggerPockets - Garrett Brown on Instagram - Garrett’s TikTok - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35105620

212: The Current State of Multifamily Syndications with Drew Breneman 01/30/2025

212: The Current State of Multifamily Syndications with Drew Breneman Syndications can be an excellent way to add passive income to your real estate portfolio. Today’s returning guest sits down with Jonathan to explain the current state of multifamily syndications. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes back Drew Breneman, founder and CEO of Breneman Capital. Breneman Capital is focused on helping its investors create passive income streams through multifamily syndications. Jonathan and Drew start by delving into the big changes for real estate investors over the past couple of years. Drew explains why many people are choosing to rent versus buy with the ever-increasing cost of housing and shares he is also a renter. You’ll hear the potential downsides of markets, Drew's criteria to decide on one, the markets still doing well in the Midwest, and how he manages their properties remotely. Jonathan and Drew explore the deals Drew never buys, which ones make the most money, and what he will look for over the next two years as the market shifts. If syndications are on your radar, returning guest Drew Breneman outlines what you can expect in the near future. In this episode, you will hear: The big changes over the last couple of years for real estate investors Consciously choosing to rent versus buy with the ever-increasing cost of housing Looking at the potential downsides of markets and the criteria Drew Breneman uses to make a decision The markets still doing well in the Midwest despite perception Average unit count across all of Drew’s syndications and how they manage their properties The deals he never buys and the deals that make the most money Drew’s take on the best cost of capital buying multifamily with five units and up What he’s looking for over the next two years The average cycle time for one of Drew’s deals and how he calculates when to sell Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/212/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Breneman Capital - Breneman Blueprint on YouTube - Breneman Capital’s Facebook - Find Breneman Capital on Instagram - Connect with Breneman Capital on LinkedIn - Drew Breneman on Twitter/X - Drew on Facebook - Drew’s Instagram - Connect with Drew on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35072480

211: The Business of Home Building with Jose Berlanga 01/27/2025

211: The Business of Home Building with Jose Berlanga Real estate wasn’t the end game for today’s guest, but he always loved the idea of being an entrepreneur. He and his architect brother put their heads together to create a successful construction company, eventually leading to a thriving real estate career. On today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Jose Berlanga. Jose has more than 30 years of experience in real estate, acting as CEO of several construction companies dedicated to investing, designing, and developing residential projects in Houston, Texas. Jose is also the author of “The Business of Home Building: How to Start and Operate a Residential Construction Company.” Jonathan and Jose begin their conversation by delving into the lessons Jose learned from his father about business. The discussion shifts to Jose’s decision to start a construction company with his architect brother, the challenges of building affordable housing today, and the best time to make the most money. You’ll hear why it’s critical to understand your market and customers, the value of being the best in your sector versus moving around to find a market, and how Jose is finding land to develop in Texas. Jonathan and Jose cover the importance of knowing when to say no to a deal, the recent shift in Jose’s business model, and why it’s still a good time to buy. Land is becoming a hot commodity in today’s real estate market, and Jose Berlanga outlines how he’s still building affordable housing in Texas. In this episode, you will hear: The lessons Jose Berlanga learned from his dad about business and what he learned not to do Jose and his architect brother’s venture in construction and what it taught them about real estate The challenges of building affordable housing in today’s market The best time to make the most money and why commitment and experience matter Understanding what to build in any given location and identifying your consumer Being the best in your particular sector versus moving around and trying to find the right market How Jose is finding land to develop today in Texas and the strategies he uses to continue finding new areas Knowing when to say no to a deal and avoiding over-leveraging yourself The recent shift in Jose’s business model from spec houses to “build to rent” and the safety of the Texas real estate market Why it’s still a good time to buy and what Jose foresees for the Texas market Jose’s book, “The Business of Home Building,” and who it’s written for Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/211/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Jose Berlanga’s website - Find Jose on Facebook - Jose on Instagram - Connect with Jose on LinkedIn - Joses Berlanga’s books - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/35001145

210: Building a Generational Real Estate Legacy with Marcia Socas 01/23/2025

210: Building a Generational Real Estate Legacy with Marcia Socas Today’s guest was introduced to real estate by her mom, and now she’s creating a path for her son to continue the generational real estate legacy. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Marcia Socas, an on-market agent at Castro Realty Group. She is a long-time real estate investor and a budget home flipper with extensive DIY and family experience. As Jonathan and Marcia start their conversation, Marcia explains her initial interest in real estate through her mom’s career and when she fell in love with it. You’ll hear about her favorite homes to buy in the Florida market, how Marcia makes them stand out, how she got her son involved in real estate early, and her favorite parts of the real estate game. She shares why she recommends holding a real estate license as an investor, the importance of seeing a home in person, and the shift that needs to occur in the real estate market. Finally, Marcia explains why she began creating videos of rehabs she does and why single-family assets are still her favorite asset class. Marcia Socas had her son’s future in mind when she began investing for him as a baby, and now that he is a young adult, she’s seeing the results of building a generational real estate legacy. In this episode, you will hear: Marcia Socas’s initial interest in real estate through her mom’s real estate career and how she fell in love with it Her favorite homes to buy in the Florida market and how Marcia makes them stand out Getting her son involved in real estate investing in addition to the Florida prepaid college fund and the surprising results from real estate Marcia’s favorite parts of real estate and the importance of asking for a five-star review at the outset Holding a real estate license as an investor and why she recommends it Seeing a home in person and learning about the property and the geographical area The Orlando market and the shift that needs to occur in the market Creating videos on rehabbing properties and the satisfaction that comes from changing them Why single-family assets remain Marcia’s favorite and what she wants to try next Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/210/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Marcia Socas’s website - Marcia on YouTube - Find Marcia on Facebook - Marcia Socas’s Instagram - Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn - Find Marcia on TikTok - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/34946840

209: How To Use Wealth Funds To Diversify Your Portfolio with Jeremy LeMere 01/20/2025

209: How To Use Wealth Funds To Diversify Your Portfolio with Jeremy LeMere Maintaining a diverse portfolio is one key to real estate investing success, and today’s guest outlines why. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Jeremy LeMere, Co-Principal at Navigator Wealth Management, where they direct and offer investment opportunities, which are client-direct fund investments in specific deals. Jeremy began his career in flips and apartment investing. In 2018, he started passively investing in out-of-state assets, offering hard money loans, and syndicating various assets to create diversification in his own portfolio. As Jonathan and Jeremy begin their conversation, they delve into the importance of remaining diversified in real estate and knowing when to pass on a deal if it doesn’t fit the goals of your portfolio. Jeremy outlines the reasons for retaining a W2 for as long as he did, creating win-win deals, and when the BRRRR method isn’t a good strategy. You’ll hear some of Jeremy’s property regrets, where he’s buying property today, and his current favorite asset class. He explains Navigator Wealth Management's goals, mezzanine debt and how it’s used in real estate investing, how insurance impacts property deals, and the benefits of RIAs. Diversifying a portfolio is one of the best ways to ensure success, and Jeremy LeMere is sharing how wealth funds can help you achieve both. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of remaining diversified in real estate Knowing when to pass on a deal if it doesn’t fit your portfolio goals When to leave a W2 and focus on real estate full-time Being accessible to the buyer of a property and creating a win-win for both parties Using the BRRRR method and when it isn’t a good strategy Property regrets and how Jeremy LeMere is making decisions about where to buy today His current favorite asset class and why The creation of Navigator Wealth Management and what Jeremy does there What mezzanine debt is, and how it works The impact of insurance rates on property purchases The benefits of RIAs and the importance of stabilization Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/209/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Navigator Wealth Fund - NWF on Facebook - Connect with NWF on LinkedIn - Jeremy LeMere on Twitter/X - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/34901560

208: The Secrets of Vertically Integrated Turnkey Real Estate with Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr 01/16/2025

208: The Secrets of Vertically Integrated Turnkey Real Estate with Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr Turnkey real estate investing isn’t always the most lucrative option, but with vertical integration and solid core principles, it can be a long-lasting path to successful real estate investing. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr of Mid South Homebuyers. Terry is the President, and Liz is the Director of Investor Relations. Mid South is the oldest turnkey provider in the U.S., operating in Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas. As their conversion begins, Jonathan, Liz, and Terry explore how Liz and Terry met and their entrances into turnkey real estate investing. You’ll hear why real estate hasn’t changed as much as people think, the importance of keeping tenants happy, and the benefits of having slightly under-market rents. Liz and Terry explain the vertical integration of Mid South Homebuyers, why they keep their properties maintained, and where they source deals. Jonathan, Liz, and Terry discuss the adjustment in the buyer pool, why they maintain a warehouse that stores supplies, and their intent to remain focused on the Memphis and Little Rock markets. Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr’s strategy involves keeping tenants happy, and you’ll hear how this makes all the difference in their turnkey investing model. In this episode, you will hear: Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr’s entrance into turnkey real estate investing Why real estate hasn’t changed as much as people think it has The importance of keeping tenants happy Benefits of having slightly under-market rents in place and why they don’t charge application fees Vertical integration that allows Liz and Terry to offer a top-notch product Keeping your properties maintained and experiencing the positive ripple effects from that Sourcing deals and what Liz and Terry focus on buying The adjustment in the buyer pool and who their typical investors are Where they source their materials from, why they have a warehouse that houses them, and how they get better pricing with contractors New construction, how that impacts their business model, and why they’re focused on Memphis and Little Rock for now Their ideal investor avatar Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/208/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Mid South Home Buyers - Terry Kerr’s YouTube channel - Mid South Home Buyers on Facebook - Connect with Liz Nowlin on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/34875500

207: Multifamily Real Estate Development Without The Hassle with Justin Goodin 01/13/2025

207: Multifamily Real Estate Development Without The Hassle with Justin Goodin Many people are looking for a truly passive income–the kind where they can be completely hands-off. Real estate is often very hands-on, but syndications can be the answer for those looking for the hands-off option. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Justin Goodin, founder of Goodin Development. Goodin Development builds premium market-rate communities throughout Indiana and helps busy professionals invest in real estate without the hassle of analyzing properties, managing tenants, or handling repairs. Jonathan and Justin start by exploring Justin’s first investment, a single-family property, and why single-family assets were a good stepping stone to Justin’s career but not his ultimate goal. Justin shares his “sniper” approach to direct marketing campaigns, what it was like to raise capital for the first time, and his tips for vetting a syndication investment. Justin explains his buy box, who his investors are, and why he has no plans to expand his business outside Indiana. Finally, Justin shares the size of the apartments he builds, the tenants' demographics, why syndication may not be right for everyone, and what he learned about construction as a first-time developer. Real estate can be as hands-on as you want, but if you’re the type of investor who wants to take the passive approach, a syndication could be the way to go. In this episode, you will hear: The $44,000 single-family home that got Justin Goodin started in real estate investing in 2017 Why single-family assets were a great stepping stone but not what he wanted long-term The differences between single-family and multifamily syndications Creating direct marketing campaigns and the “sniper” approach he takes What Justin looked for in his first deal and why that turned out to be a value-add property Raising capital for the first time, what he learned from that process, and how to vet a syndication investment Justin’s current buy box and how that can simplify your process Who his investors are, and how he finds land to develop The appeal of remaining in Indiana and creating new developments versus renovating Different sizes of apartments in developments and the demographics of Justin’s renters His ideal avatar and why syndication may not be right for everyone Learning construction as a first-time developer and Justin’s tips for new investors Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/207/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Goodin Development - Justin Goodin’s YouTube channel - Justin on Facebook - Find Justin on Instagram - Connect with Justin on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/34809575

206: How To Navigate International Real Estate Markets with Ladislas Maurice 01/09/2025

206: How To Navigate International Real Estate Markets with Ladislas Maurice Buying properties internationally is one of the least explored versions of real estate investing. Still, today’s guest explains why it should be on your radar with changing political environments at home and abroad. On today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Ladislas Maurice. As the founder of The Wandering Investor, Ladislas is dedicated to helping others navigate global investing. He is an international investor and consultant with experience in nearly 100 countries, has lived in twelve of them, and speaks five languages. As Jonathan and Ladislas begin their conversation, Ladislas explains how he was introduced to travel as a kid and why he wanted to implement it into a business model. You’ll hear about the lack of real estate data available in emerging markets worldwide, the issues that can arise with money when buying abroad, and how you can mitigate your risk by hiring an attorney specializing in issues with foreign buyers. Ladislas describes his experiences buying in countries like Uzbekistan and Serbia, why he started The Wandering Investor, and how to know which countries are worth investing in. Finally, Ladislas outlines some up-and-coming international markets, why younger generations may look outside the U.S. for real estate opportunities, and the countries on Ladislas’s shortlist right now. If you’re seeking opportunities outside the norm in the U.S., consider looking abroad, as Ladislas Maurice is putting new locations on your radar. In this episode, you will hear: How Ladislas Maurice was introduced to travel and real estate as a kid through his father’s professor contracts at universities around the world The lack of real estate data available in emerging markets around the world Finding overseas properties and the issues with banking, money, and mortgages in international markets Mitigating risk by hiring an attorney who specializes in issues with foreigners and the variances in regulations Ladislas’s experience buying real estate in countries like Uzbekistan and Serbia The catalyst for starting his company, The Wandering Investor Knowing which countries are worth the effort to invest in, managing expectations, and identifying objectives Up and-coming areas for buying real estate internationally Making “home” wherever you are and why younger generations may look outside of the U.S. for opportunity The countries on Ladislas’s shortlist Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/206/ to download it. Supporting Resources: The Wandering Investor - The Wandering Investor on YouTube - The Wandering Investor on Facebook - Find The Wandering Investor on Instagram - Connect with The Wandering Investor on LinkedIn - The Wandering Investor on Twitter/X - The Wandering Investor on Telegram - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/34761440

205: Finding Freedom Faster By Flipping Dirt with Ligia and Mike Deaton 01/06/2025

205: Finding Freedom Faster By Flipping Dirt with Ligia and Mike Deaton Land is often overlooked as an investment vehicle, but today’s guests explain why it could be perfect for you. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Ligia and Mike Deaton, the founders of Flipping Dirt. Their Flipping Dirt coaching program is designed to help others grow their own real estate ventures, produce mounds of cash flow, and enable a lifestyle transformation. Jonathan, Ligia, and Mike discuss the importance of getting your spouse on board in real estate investing. You’ll hear how Ligia and Mike broke out of the W2 world to become entrepreneurs, why the simplicity of land drew them to it, and the challenges they faced as they got started. Ligia and Mike explain the importance of maintaining marketable skills as a backup plan, setting expectations for land flipping, and why success can take a while. Finally, you’ll hear the unique qualities of land, Ligia and Mike’s tips for getting started, why they try to stay below $50,000 for a land purchase, and what makes this asset class so appealing. If you feel like real estate is too expensive, you won’t want to miss Ligia and Mike Deaton making the case for land investing. In this episode, you will hear: Getting on the same page with your spouse for real estate investing and how they broke out of the W2 world as a couple The simplicity of land and the challenges Mike and Ligia Deaton faced The allure of land in cost and ROI Why entrepreneurship wasn’t on Ligia’s radar as a kid and Mike’s exposure to it growing up Maintaining marketable skills as a backup plan The two types of personalities who want to flip land and how Mike and Ligia set their expectations What went wrong with their first deal and why it can take a while to find your success The unique qualities of land and why there is a buyer for every type Mike and Ligia’s tips for getting started in land and how they customize plans for their clients The properties they target and why they try to stay below $50,000 Land’s lack of maintenance, what makes that appealing, and how to market it Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on . Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. 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/205/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Flipping Dirt - Ligia and Mike Deaton on YouTube - Find Ligia and Mike on Facebook - Ligia and Mike on Instagram - Connect with Mike Deaton on LinkedIn - Website - YouTube - Instagram - Instagram - TikTok - Zillow - Bigger Pockets - Facebook - Email - 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 Let them know we sent you. /episode/index/show/02c30127-f3cd-49a5-9336-8cd46bd05006/id/34715910

Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

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