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Sometimes the biggest obstacle to buying a rental property isn’t finding real estate deals, or funding them, but getting your significant other on board! This is a major barrier for many new investors, and today, we’re helping you break through that barrier. In just a few months, your partner could be a full-fledged real estate rookie, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we share our five-step framework for getting your spouse on board with rental property investing. Don’t have a significant other? Use this blueprint to pitch real estate investing to a friend, family member, or coworker and form an investing partnership! We show you how to identify the long-term goals you have in common and connect them to real estate. You’ll also learn how to not only address any worst-case scenarios so you come across as competent and confident but also involve them in your plan. Whether your potential partner is completely opposed to the idea, cautiously supportive, or nearly ready to jump in, we’ll help you move them across the finish line! In This Episode We Cover Five steps to getting your spouse on board with real estate investing The number one reason why your partner won’t invest with you (yet!) The three responses investors usually get from their non-investing partners Three small steps that will involve your spouse in your investing strategy How to form a partnership with a spouse, partner, friend, or family member And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-705. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You don’t need hundreds of rental units to design the life you want. Today’s guest is busy traveling the world and only wants a handful of rental properties that can pay him while he sleeps. Since he’s unable to put roots down in any one market, he’s built reliable teams that keep everything running smoothly. If he can do it, YOU can too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Nearly 20 years ago, David Epstein became an “accidental” landlord, despite having a mountain of law school debt and very little knowledge about real estate. His first property? A small New York co-op that he was forced to rent out after being sent overseas. By growing his network, he was able to keep the property occupied and managed from thousands of miles away. This opened David’s eyes to the possibilities of real estate investing, but rather than scaling his real estate portfolio rapidly, David has taken a more strategic approach—picking strong long-term markets and choosing his properties carefully. Today, he owns three rentals, and as he nears retirement, he hopes to have five or six cash-flowing properties to help fund his lifestyle. Tune in to learn exactly how he plans to do it! In This Episode We Cover: How David built a rental portfolio that pays him while living overseas Getting into real estate at a more affordable price with the “co-op” strategy How to get your spouse on board with your real estate investing goals Scaling a real estate portfolio that funds your retirement lifestyle The pros and cons of investing in turnkey rental properties And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Join us at the BiggerPockets Conference October 2-4 in Orlando. Buy tickets Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Property Manager Finder Living Overseas Can Help You Earn More Money in Real Estate Over the Long Run—Here’s How Grab the Book, Long-Distance Real Estate Investing David's BiggerPockets Profile David’s LinkedIn Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-704. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You’ve bought a rental property, but there’s one curveball: you’re inheriting tenants! On one hand, you’re able to start earning rental income on day one. But on the other hand, how do you know you’re inheriting a quality tenant, and how do you go about raising rent? In today’s episode, we share everything you need to know—before and after closing! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Which Airbnb markets are “oversaturated,” and how can you tell? Tony, our resident short-term rental expert, says there’s much more to market analysis than most rookies think. Stay tuned as he shows you which data you’ll need before committing to any market! Finally, how and when should you start scaling your real estate portfolio? Maybe you’ve bought your first rental property, have a great tenant in place, and are building some serious cash flow. At what point should you go ahead and buy your next investment property? We’ve got the answer! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover What every landlord should know before inheriting tenants and raising rent How to get tenants to ask for rent increases (with the “binder” strategy) Estoppel agreements explained (and when you need them!) How to determine if a short-term rental market is “oversaturated” How (and when) to start scaling your real estate portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-703 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s worse than losing a real estate offer? Winning one on a “headache” rental property! Sometimes, the difference between a “good” deal and “bad” one comes down to what’s written in your offer. Many real estate investors (and even agents) overlook crucial terms, and these oversights can lead to costly regrets. Today’s guest is breaking down exactly what to include so your next real estate deal doesn’t come back to bite you. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Laila Smith brings 17 years of experience as a Dallas-Fort Worth real estate agent, mortgage loan officer, and investor. Over her career, she’s analyzed many rental properties and written countless offers, giving her a clear understanding of where deals most often go wrong. In this episode, Laila shares the 10 essential terms she includes in every offer she writes. From seller-paid closing costs and home warranties to repair deadlines and HOA review rights, these line items could save you thousands and a ton of stress! In This Episode We Cover 10 terms you should include in every real estate offer you make Why making strong offers is one of the most “underrated” real estate skills Costly expenses you should always ask the seller to pay for How to write a “winning” offer without taking on unnecessary risk Common pitfalls that could cost you thousands on your next real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-702 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the life you dream of is just a few rental properties away? You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Today’s guest knew close to nothing about real estate investing when he bought his first rental, but it was one of the best decisions he could have made for his future self! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Justin Whitted has been cutting hair for over 20 years, and while he’s built a thriving small business in that time, the 55-hour workweeks are starting to take their toll. Justin’s ultimate goal? Completely replace his business income with rental income so he can work fewer hours and spend more time with his family. And as you’re about to hear, he’s well on his way! Justin became an “accidental” landlord 16 years ago when his parents suggested he move out of his apartment and buy a duplex. That first house hack was a home-run deal, offsetting his living expenses, giving him monthly cash flow, and propelling him toward bigger and better deals. With every new property, Justin takes another step toward financial freedom, and by following the advice he lays out in today’s episode, YOU could replicate his success! In This Episode We Cover The most “low-risk” way to start your real estate investing journey Offsetting your housing costs and “living for free” with the house hacking strategy How to create flexibility, financial freedom, and lasting wealth with real estate Creative ways to find great real estate deals in today’s market Justin’s number one lesson for rookie investors (after 16 years of owning rentals) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-701 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don’t think you have the money to buy a rental property? Maybe you’re just looking in the wrong place! Today, we’re talking about different ways to invest in real estate using your existing home equity. Whether you’re buying your second, third, or fourth property, this simple strategy could help you build your real estate portfolio much faster! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which is all about home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). What are they, and how do they work? Meanwhile, another investor is considering not just a HELOC but multiple options for tapping into their equity. Should they do a cash-out refinance? What about selling the property altogether? We cover the pros and cons of each strategy so YOU can make the right choice! Finally, do you really need a property manager? What about when investing out of state? Stick around until the end, as we share our favorite software, systems, and resources for hands-on landlords—no matter the distance! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) explained (and how to use them) Three ways to access the home equity in your investment property How to “recycle” the same funds to buy multiple rental properties Self-managing versus hiring property management when investing from afar The one time you absolutely should hire a property manager for your rental And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-700 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is now a good time to refinance your mortgage? If you bought a rental property in the last few years, you may be watching mortgage rates and waiting for the next best opportunity to refinance. But how does the process work, how much does it cost, and when should you pull the trigger? Today’s guest will tell you everything you need to know! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Last time we spoke with Danielle Daly, she had just bought her very first rental property. Since then, she has added two more properties, used the house hacking strategy to “live for free,” and just recently refinanced one of her mortgages. In this episode, she walks us through her thought process and how she determined that now was the right time to lock in a lower rate. But that’s not all. Danielle also shares the two biggest lessons she’s learned to date, her go-to tools and systems for self-managing rental properties, and why she’s pivoting to another investing strategy in 2026! In This Episode We Cover How (and when) to refinance your rental property (step by step) How Danielle bought three rental properties in just three years Must-have tools and systems for growing your real estate business How much money you should have in cash reserves (per property!) Why Danielle is pivoting away from the co-living strategy in 2026 And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-699 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to retire with rentals so you can buy back your time and travel the world? Despite a successful 35-year engineering career, today’s guest was still financially dependent on her nine-to-five—until she pivoted to real estate investing. In just four years, she has bought four rental properties and left her W-2 job for good. How? Stay tuned and she’ll show you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Sandy Lee’s 50th birthday arrived, she realized she wasn’t quite where she wanted to be in life. At a crossroads in her career and still needing at least another five years at her current job before retirement, Sandy was ready for a drastic change (and a new challenge!). Now, with four short-term rentals and a highly profitable real estate business, Sandy has officially retired and designed her dream lifestyle, where she gets to travel throughout the year while spending only a few hours per week on her real estate portfolio. Whether you’re starting in your 20s or 50s, it’s never too early or too late to invest in real estate, and Sandy is living proof! In This Episode We Cover How Sandy built a four-property rental portfolio in just four years Making $5,000 in monthly cash flow from ONE rental property How to build a real estate portfolio that supports your ideal lifestyle Scaling a large portfolio versus having 100% paid-off properties What really moves the needle for Airbnb revenue and occupancy When to hire a “revenue manager” for your vacation rental portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-698 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s the best type of rental property for a beginner to buy? This is one of the first decisions every rookie needs to make, but between single-family homes, multifamily properties, condos, townhomes, and others, the options can be overwhelming. But not to worry—in today’s episode, we point you in the right direction! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with three recent questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. Imagine you’re hearing about real estate investing for the first time. Where should you start? How do you know when you’re ready to invest? We share a three-bucket strategy that will prepare you for that first rental property! Next, where should you invest? If you’re like most rookies, you’re looking for cash flow, in which case we’ll show you how to pick a market with affordable home prices and strong rental demand. Finally, what type of rental property should you buy? We break down your options and show you how to choose based on your investing strategy and long-term goals! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The best types of rental properties for rookie investors to buy Where to start when you’re completely new to real estate investing How to find a real estate market that delivers strong cash flow The three-bucket strategy that will prepare you for buying rental properties What to do when home prices are unaffordable in your current market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-697 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do you know if the property you’re buying is a cash-flowing investment or a money pit? Too many investors think they’re getting a great deal, so they rush the due diligence process, waive home inspections, and hastily close on properties without knowing what’s really lurking beneath the surface. Don’t let that be YOU! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ellie Ridge was walking properties, scaling rooftops, and exploring crawl spaces with her contractor father at an early age. Now a top 1% real estate agent in the Bay Area, Ellie blends her deep home inspection knowledge and market expertise to educate home buyers on costly but avoidable mistakes. Today’s episode is just that—a crash course on what every rookie should watch for when walking a property, reading an inspection report, or doing their own due diligence. Whether you’re flipping houses, investing in rental properties, or buying a primary residence, neglecting these line items could cost you thousands shortly after closing. But with Ellie’s tips and tricks, you’ll feel more confident when making offers, renovating, and maintaining your property! In This Episode We Cover 10+ things that too many home buyers miss during the due diligence period How to protect your property’s value with routine rental maintenance What to expect when you receive a typical home inspection report Estimating the age of your plumbing system (and whether it will need to be replaced) Serious hazards to watch out for when inspecting an electrical panel Why an aging roof isn’t as big of a deal as you probably think And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-696 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How badly do you want to leave your nine-to-five job, retire early, or travel the world? For this mom of four, working until traditional retirement age was never an option. She’s already taken down eight real estate deals in just two years, which has allowed her husband to quit his W-2 job. And she’s next in line! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Molly Shepard is a U.S. Army veteran, busy mom, and full-time loan officer, and yet she’s been able to carve out time to work on the one thing that will give her family financial freedom: real estate investing. Motivated to be work-optional as soon as possible, Molly has walked hundreds of houses, made dozens of offers, and bought several properties in a matter of months. But she hasn’t done it without help. In this episode, Molly shares how she rapidly grew her investing network, allowing her to find more off-market properties and buy them with as little as $0 out of pocket. She also walks you through the deal that started it all—a home-run house flip that netted her $50,000 in pure profit! In this episode we cover: How Molly and her husband flipped eight houses in under two years Investing in real estate while working full-time and raising four children How Molly pocketed $50,000 in pure profit on her very first house flip Creative ways to fund your real estate deals while paying as little as $0 upfront Crucial details you can’t afford to overlook during your due diligence period And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you dream of reaching financial independence (or retiring!) in the next 20 years? Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, it’s never too early or too late to buy rental properties. Today, we’re sharing a clear, 20-year roadmap that could give you a sizable real estate portfolio and more than enough cash flow to live on! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today’s first question comes from the BiggerPockets Forums, and it’s from an investor who’s been priced out of their own market. Where should they start their search for more affordable home prices? We point them in the right direction while also warning them of “cheap” properties that aren’t worth the risk. Next, we hear from a young couple looking to achieve financial independence in 20 years. Should they buy a home or a rental property first? What investing strategy will get them closest to their goal? Another investor is worried about short-term rental laws derailing their deal. We show you where to find your city’s latest regulations so you can make the right decision! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Our 20-year roadmap to achieving financial independence with rentals Whether you should buy a house or a rental property first (or both!) Where to invest when your own real estate market is too expensive The types of rental properties that give you the least appreciation (must avoid!) How to do your due diligence on a short-term rental market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-694 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you want the benefits of investing in real estate without the hassle of being a landlord? There’s an investing strategy that could give you more passive income, access to much bigger deals, and diversification across multiple properties and markets: real estate syndications. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re talking all about syndications—how they work, how they make you money, and what goes on behind the scenes. You’ll learn about the two main roles in a syndication deal—general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs)—and their responsibilities. We’ll also show you exactly what you need to get started, whether you’re the one finding and managing the property or simply coming on board as a passive investor! How does investing in a syndication deal compare to owning rental properties? We cover the pros and cons of this strategy, the biggest red flags to watch for when vetting operators (or “sponsors”), and the investing risks you must weigh before committing to any syndication deal. In This Episode We Cover How to earn more passive income through a real estate syndication Two ways to become an “accredited investor” (and get access to more deals!) The three biggest red flags to watch out for when vetting a syndication deal The main responsibilities of a general partner (or “sponsor”) The biggest advantage rental properties have over most syndication deals Serious risks to be aware of before investing your money in a syndication And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-693 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fear you’ll never invest in real estate because you’ve been dealt a bad hand? Today’s guest had a struggling business, a $70,000 tax lien, a pending divorce, and was on the brink of bankruptcy, but through hard work and persistence, she was able to completely flip her circumstances. Now, she owns a real estate portfolio of cash-flowing rentals, despite starting in her 50s! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Beth Smart is the ultimate real estate success story. Despite juggling a recent divorce and a mountain of debt, all while taking care of two toddlers, she found a way to climb out of the financial hole she was in. And she didn’t slow down once she was back on her feet. From there, Beth figured out how to build real wealth with rental properties—dabbling in everything from short- and medium-term rentals to long-term rentals and even a few messy house flips! In this episode, Beth talks about the bulletproof mindset that helped her rebuild her life, the exact moment she realized she was an actual real estate investor, and the strategies she used to snowball from one property into the next! In This Episode We Cover How Beth overcame divorce, debt, and doubt to invest in real estate The crucial mindset shift that helped Beth rebuild her life (and finances) Turning $65,000 flipping profits into TWO cash-flowing rentals Growing your rental portfolio with funds from a business or side hustle What to do when your contractor quits on you (mid-project!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-692 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you have ANY skills that could help fast-track your real estate investing journey? Many rookies do! Whether you’re good at finding deals, remodeling kitchens, or managing rental properties, there are several ways to use these in-demand skills to your advantage. In this episode, we’ll show you how! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, we hear from someone who wants to use their remodeling skills to grow their real estate portfolio. What’s the best investing strategy for them? Could they bring “sweat equity” to a real estate partnership? Next, a self-managing landlord is struggling to keep up with emails, notices, and important dates. We share some of the tools and systems WE use to organize our projects and stay on top of key deadlines—without adding more to our plates! Finally, we hear from a rookie who’s having some serious buyer’s remorse due to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC issues they discovered after closing. Who’s at fault in this situation? The inspector? The seller? Stay tuned as we crack the case! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Building your rental portfolio (faster!) with real estate-related skills How to use “sweat equity” to land your next real estate deal The best tools, systems, and strategies for self-managing your rentals What to do when you’re having buyer’s remorse about a rental property When to get a real estate attorney involved in buyer-seller disputes And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-691 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if your next tenant wasn’t a short-term guest or a Section 8 renter but the U.S. government? You’re about to hear about a real estate business that makes not hundreds or thousands, but millions in predictable rental income, and the best part is that it doesn’t require huge startup costs or a large portfolio! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Noble Crawford took time off work for a family medical emergency, he never expected to return and become the scapegoat for the company’s bad sales numbers. In that moment, he realized he would never have control over his time, peace, or finances while working for someone else. So, he swiftly quit his W-2 job and pivoted to something that could give him what he was looking for: real estate investing. Fast forward to today, and Noble’s making millions with an investing strategy that most rookies have never even heard of. His very first contract was worth $65,000 a month—life-changing money for any rookie. His latest deal? A five-year contract worth $44 million, with roughly $17 million in pure cash flow. Where does he find these deals, and how can you copy his model? Stick around and he’ll show you! In This Episode We Cover How to secure “predictable” rental income through government contracting Making $44 million in five years from a single government contract How to find, negotiate, and land government contracts (start to finish) Why Noble pivoted from short-term rentals to government housing How to fully furnish your “arbitrage” units without incurring extra expenses And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-690 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feel like you’re still years away from investing in real estate? Maybe you’ve got shaky finances, or you think you need more education. Today’s guest was practically broke and sleeping in his truck while buying a seven-bedroom rental property with minimal money down! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Isaac Mann was done paying rent. He wanted to start building equity in a home, but with little money to his name, inconsistent income, and no real place to live, he knew he would need to get creative. And that’s exactly what he did, forming an investing partnership with two friends in order to qualify for a loan. Along the way, the deal was nearly derailed by lenders falling through and rigorous FHA inspections, but the trio pivoted and finally moved into the property, renting out rooms to friends to help minimize their share of the mortgage payment. How did they get the deal done? How much money is Isaac saving per month? And can you repeat the same strategy if you’re starting from zero? In This Episode We Cover How Isaac bought a seven-bedroom rental property (while sleeping in his truck) Lowering your cost of living with the rent-by-the-room strategy What to do when your lender falls through (and you’re under contract to buy!) The benefits and drawbacks of getting an FHA loan for your property The ins and outs of forming real estate investing partnerships And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-689 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is 2026 quietly shaping up to be a great time to buy a rental property? Following a sluggish year for home sales, the housing market could become “unstuck” in 2026, giving you a clear window to buy—IF you adjust your investing strategy accordingly! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today’s first question comes straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and it’s all about closing day. What do you need to know once you get a property under contract? Ashley and Tony give their best property-saving tips, like why you should never skip an inspection, always have reserves, and more. 2025 was a down year for the housing market, but with mortgage rates easing slightly and prices dropping in many markets, now might be a better time to buy. We break down what’s happening in different areas of the country and how to fine-tune your strategy! Whether you’re flipping houses or renovating rentals, wholesalers and real estate agents don’t always give you the most accurate after-repair value (ARV) estimate, which can quickly throw your numbers off when analyzing rental properties. We’ll show you how to find good comps, calculate ARV, and be more confident in your numbers! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How most rookies should be adjusting their investing strategy in 2026 How to find better real estate deals in your local market What to do before, during, and after closing on a rental property After-repair value (ARV) explained, and how to estimate it How to find (accurate) real estate comps for your investment property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-688 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies are freaked out by the thought of tackling rental renovations and things going south. But what if there were ways to lower your risk, save money, and almost guarantee success? Today’s guest graduated from “chaotic” rehabs to better, cheaper, faster house flips—all because she implemented the tools and tips you’re about to learn! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Serena Norris is a master house flipper, having completed over 130 projects and $55 million in volume. But she didn’t get there overnight. In this episode, she winds the clock back to the beginning of her real estate investing journey, when every project came with headaches, delays, and surprise costs. When she’d finally had enough, Serena adopted tools and templates that now keep her projects organized, on track, and within budget. What are the first systems every real estate business needs? What’s the best project management software? Should you hire a general contractor for your renovations? How do you create an accurate scope of work? Stay tuned as Serena answers all of these questions and more! In This Episode We Cover Crucial tools and templates Serena uses in her own real estate business Traveling the world while flipping houses by having the right systems in place Hiring a general contractor versus self-managing your home renovations How to (accurately) estimate rehab costs and create your project budget Two “non-negotiables” for all rookies before taking on rehab projects And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-687 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think building a portfolio or “retiring” with real estate is too far out of reach? Just eight years ago, today’s guest was graduating from college and starting a full-time job. Now, he makes six-figure cash flow and has ditched his W-2 job before the age of 30—all thanks to an investing strategy that allows you to build wealth without tenants or toilets: self-storage. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! At just 23 years old, Steven May did what so many rookies are afraid to do: He bought a house, rented out the rooms, and used his cash flow to help buy the next one. But then, he discovered self-storage investing and everything changed. His first facility was the kind of deal most investors only dream of—one he purchased for roughly the same price as a single-family home that cash flows over $3,500 a month! But pivoting from residential to commercial real estate wasn’t easy. Steven had to learn a new asset class, where to find deals, and how to get enough capital to scale his real estate portfolio. But in this episode, he’ll show you each step he took to go from buying simple, single-family house hacks to multimillion-dollar self-storage facilities! In This Episode We Cover Buying seven self-storage facilities in just five years (before turning 30!) Why Steven pivoted from residential real estate to self-storage investing Steven’s “playbook” for buying your first self-storage facility in 2026 The best ways to fund self-storage deals (and “recycle” your money) How to increase self-storage revenue with simple, operational improvements Scaling your self-storage portfolio fast through investing partnerships And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-686 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to finally buy a rental property in 2026? You’ve listened to the podcast. You’ve read the books. But what’s the best way to actually start? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing a beginner-friendly strategy that gives you a bit of everything—cash flow, appreciation, loan paydown, AND tax benefits! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, we’ll hear from someone who knows plenty about real estate investing but needs a clearer roadmap for getting started and scaling their real estate portfolio. Ashley and Tony share a rookie-friendly investing strategy that will help them not only buy their first deal but also get a head start on building serious wealth! Another rookie has saved a large amount of money and is considering buying their first property in cash. But should they? We weigh the pros and cons of paying cash versus getting a mortgage. Then, we discuss the opportunities and risks of investing in D-class neighborhoods, as well as a few things all rookies should know before evicting tenants. Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The beginner-friendly strategy that gives you cash flow, appreciation, and more Paying in cash for an investment property versus getting a mortgage Finding affordable areas to invest when you’re priced out of your own market The biggest opportunities and risks of investing in “rough” neighborhoods What every rookie should know before evicting troublesome tenants And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-685 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Still stuck on step one in your investing journey? There are countless success stories from investors who started five, 10, or 20 years ago. But getting started in 2026 is a different ballgame. Not to worry—we’re sharing exactly how we’d approach real estate investing if we were starting over today! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley and Tony own dozens of rentals, but not long ago, they were rookies, too. If they had to go back and build their real estate portfolios from scratch, knowing what they know now, what would they do differently? We’re breaking it all down on today’s episode! Whether you dream of retiring early with real estate or simply owning a rental property or two, this episode is full of helpful tips, tricks, and traps WE wish we knew when starting out. You’ll learn all about setting real estate investing goals, building your buy box, and lining up your financing. We also share why waiting for the home-run deal is actually a trap, while buying the “boring” deals will eventually make you rich! In This Episode We Cover Five things we’d do differently if we were starting over in real estate today Picking the “boring” deal versus waiting for the “home-run” rental The crucial questions YOU must answer before investing in real estate Financial “levers” you can pull to help fund your first real estate deal How to create your buy box and niche down to specific neighborhoods And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-684 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need a trust fund, seed money, or a rich uncle to invest in real estate? You don’t! With just 10 years of simple, “boring” investing, rental properties could completely alter your life’s trajectory. Today’s guest started from zero but now owns a small real estate portfolio that brings in over $2,500 in monthly cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Kadeem Kamal didn’t come from money—quite the opposite. But after discovering he could buy a house that doubled as a rental property, after years of paying rent, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Since buying that first property back in 2018, Kadeem has bought two more rental properties, built his own home, and never paid his mortgage out of pocket! Like many rookies, Kadeem knew very little about real estate investing when he got started. But by taking action and learning on the fly, he’s been able to secure his family’s financial future. In less than a decade, Kadeem has built up over $800,000 in equity. Stay tuned to learn how YOU can copy his success! In This Episode We Cover How Kadeem makes $2,500 in monthly cash flow with three rental properties A 10-year game plan for achieving financial freedom with “boring” investing Having tenants pay your mortgage with the house hacking strategy The creative strategy Kadeem used to fund the down payment for his first property Section 8 rental income isn’t guaranteed? (How to protect yourself!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-683 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should you use your home equity to buy a rental property? Whether it’s your primary residence or another investment property, this strategy could help you scale faster. But between a cash-out refinance, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or a different method entirely, what’s the best way to tap into your funds? Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and Tony are answering more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from someone who’s looking to redeploy the home equity they’ve built up in one of their properties. Tune in as we share several creative ways to take down your next deal and grow your real estate portfolio! Another investor is struggling to estimate rents when analyzing rental properties. We share several tools every rookie can use, as well as the method Ashley uses to calculate rents by hand. Finally, if you own short-term rentals, a cleaner might be the most important hire you ever make. Stick around as Tony shares the process he uses to find, vet, and onboard one! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to buy a rental property (faster) by “recycling” your money The best ways to tap into your home equity and reinvest in real estate How to (accurately) estimate rents for any investment property Why you always need a “pivot” for any real estate investment Finding, vetting, and hiring cleaners for your short-term rentals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-682 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to buy your first rental property in 2026? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you dream of becoming a “small and mighty” investor or building a large real estate portfolio, buying that first property is often the biggest hurdle. But today, we’re going to show you how to do just that, step by step! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Real estate investing might seem daunting, but in this episode, Ashley and Tony break the entire process down into manageable, rookie-friendly steps. We cover everything from setting goals and laying the right financial foundation to making offers and getting properties under contract. Along the way, you’ll learn how to choose your investing strategy, pick your market, analyze deals, and build out your very own investing team. Even if you’re starting with zero knowledge or experience, it doesn’t need to take six months, a year, or longer to buy an investment property. With our rookie-friendly roadmap, you have all of the tips and tools you need to take down that first property in 90 days or less! In This Episode We Cover How to buy your first (or next) rental property in 2026 (step by step) Why you need to lay the proper foundation before investing in real estate Picking the right real estate market and building out your investing team How to analyze rental properties like a pro with Tony’s seven-day challenge How to make an offer, negotiate, and get your next deal under contract What to do once you’ve officially closed on your first investment property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-681 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The what-ifs of real estate investing keep many rookies on the sidelines indefinitely. But when today’s guest determined his “safe” nine-to-five was just as uncertain as buying a rental property, he took the plunge. Now, having bought four small multifamily properties in just two years while keeping his W2 job, he’s fast-tracking financial freedom! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Like many rookies, Derek Brickley dreamed of owning a sizable rental portfolio, but taking that first step was his biggest hurdle. He could have allowed his blind spots to keep him trapped in analysis paralysis, but instead, he leaned into his investing network and drummed up the courage to buy his first house hack. It wasn’t a home-run deal, but it changed everything, teaching him how to make offers on properties, plan renovations, and manage tenants. Now, Derek has the tools to scale his real estate portfolio and an investing strategy that has set him on a clear path to financial freedom. Rather than using real estate to supplement his day job, his W2 income now supplements his investments. Stay tuned as he shares his highly “repeatable” process! In This Episode We Cover How Derek bought four small multifamily properties in just two years Building your rental portfolio faster by keeping (not quitting!) your W2 job Leveraging your investing network to bridge the knowledge “gap” Having tenants pay for your living expenses with the house hacking strategy How to do your due diligence before inheriting tenants with a rental property Critical mistakes to avoid when tackling do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-680 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stuck at one rental property? Maybe you spent years saving for that first down payment, and now, your funds are depleted. Where do you go from here? Not to worry—we’ll show you how to get past this common rookie roadblock and buy your second, third, and fourth deals! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which is about scaling when you’re out of cash. Some rookie investors throw their entire savings at that first investment property, so do you really have to start over to buy the next one? Maybe you don’t! We share a few strategies that will help you grow your real estate portfolio faster. Insurance premiums have risen in many markets, but what do you do when they actually kill your deal, wiping out any potential cash flow? Abandon the deal entirely? Go back and negotiate with the seller? We also hear from an investor who wants to build an Airbnb business and take advantage of the short-term rental tax loophole, but is struggling to pick a market. We’ll help them narrow down their options! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to scale your real estate portfolio when working with limited funds Using creative financing to buy rental properties with less money down How to reduce your taxable income with the short-term rental loophole What to do when insurance costs blow up your real estate deal How to find and choose the best short-term rental markets for 2026 And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-679 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you’re like most rookies, you probably won’t buy a rental property in 2026. After all, there are too many things working against you: high mortgage rates, fewer deals, and concerns about the housing market. Plus, you’re just not “ready” yet, right? Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re breaking down the three biggest reasons why most rookies won’t invest in real estate this year. These hurdles have one thing in common: fear. It might be that you lack the confidence to make an offer, or perhaps you’re waiting for the “perfect” deal to fall into your lap. Maybe you’re convinced you need more education, when really, you’ve got a bad case of analysis paralysis. Whatever the reason, it’s time to stop merely dreaming about building wealth with real estate and start executing. In this episode, we’ll show you the huge opportunity cost of sitting on the sidelines, how getting creative can make the numbers work, and why it’s okay to submit a “lowball” offer. Stick around for a simple rookie challenge that will help you make serious progress in your investing journey this year! In This Episode We Cover The three reasons why most rookies won’t buy a rental property in 2026 Common fears that could stop you from taking down your first real estate deal Why your nine-to-five job isn’t actually any “safer” than real estate investing Why waiting for the “perfect” deal could cause you to miss out on great deals The 2026 challenge that will help you break free from analysis paralysis And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-678 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you’re too busy to own rental properties? Real estate investing doesn’t have to dominate your time or energy. Today’s guest is living proof, having built a three-property rental portfolio in just two years—all while juggling a 50-hour workweek! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Rashad George sold his primary residence for a $100,000 payday, he realized that real estate was the missing piece in his quest for financial freedom. Despite being swamped at his eight-to-six job, he found ways to start small, buying a new build investment property that required very little upkeep. Then, he graduated to more difficult projects needing cosmetic rehabs and eventually, full-gut renovations. Now, Rashad has settled into Section 8 investing, which delivers consistent monthly cash flow while he continues to advance in his career. In this episode, he busts some of the myths surrounding this investing strategy, shares how he structured his first real estate partnership, and shines a light on the tax loophole he uses to offset his active income! In This Episode We Cover How Rashad built a 3-property portfolio in two years (while working eight-to-six) How to get consistent monthly cash flow with Section 8 investing What you need to know before forming your first real estate partnership The short-term rental tax loophole you can use to offset your active income How to find and buy discounted real estate deals at an auction And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-677 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money. It’s the first BIG hurdle every rookie faces when buying a rental property. Can’t put 20% down? Maybe you don’t need to! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first, we hear from someone who’s looking to scrounge up the funds for their first real estate investment. If you have the right deal, you could bring very little, and in some cases, no money, to the table. But it’ll probably require some legwork! Next, if you’re looking for off-market properties, you’ll want a reliable wholesaler who can deliver a steady stream of quality deals. Stay tuned as we show you how to not only find them but also become part of their inner circle. We also tackle a question many rookies have: Should you line up your financing before or after you’ve found a deal? One approach gives you a clear edge when it comes to narrowing your buy box, making offers, and negotiating with sellers! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Ways to buy an investment property with little or no money down Creative financing strategies YOU could be using to fund deals in 2026 How to find reliable wholesalers who can provide consistent deal flow Why lining up financing early gives you a serious edge when making offers How to build trust with potential partners, lenders, and wholesalers And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-676 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ashley just did her worst real estate deal. Ever. We always talk about the good real estate deals, but what about the bad deals? The rental properties with the nightmare rehabs or the messy evictions? The truth is that the lessons learned from these blunders often propel us toward bigger and better deals. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re going over one of Ashley’s recent deals, where she lost over $25,000. But it could have been even worse. As you’re about to hear, she bit off a little more than she could chew, tackling a new investing strategy with a much more difficult renovation than she signed up for. Ashley shares what went wrong while analyzing the property, the huge mistake she made during the due diligence phase, and how a little indecision snowballed into thousands in holding costs. But most importantly, you’ll learn what Ashley’s taking away from this painful experience so that her next deal is much better for it! In This Episode We Cover Breaking down Ashley’s worst real estate deal ever (and a $25,000 loss!) The critical mistake Ashley made during the due diligence phase Why time is of the essence when taking on a large rehab project Why you should always “test” new strategies, markets, and partnerships The real estate tax benefits that can help offset a “bad” deal on paper And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-675 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of working a nine-to-five job that dominates your time and energy? You could be closer to financial freedom than you think, even if you’re like today’s guest—living alone, working multiple jobs, and hustling to make ends meet. In just four years, she built a rental portfolio that now cash flows $4,000 a month! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Recently separated, virtually broke, and living in a tiny apartment, Allana Lippman had a “crazy” thought while writing the monthly rent check to her landlord: Maybe—just maybe—she could build wealth with real estate, too. But rather than spending months (or years) educating herself about real estate investing, she dove right in. And good thing she did, because the first deal that fell in her lap was a “secret” duplex, listed as a single-family home, that quite literally changed her life. It not only gave her a place to live but also another unit and a tenant paying down her mortgage! Allana has already scaled her real estate portfolio to 10 properties, but now, she’s reevaluating her investing strategy. Stick around to hear why she’s shifting her focus toward a smaller portfolio that will allow her to truly “own her time,” work less, and travel more! In This Episode We Cover How Allana scaled her rental portfolio to 10 properties in just four years Making $4,000 in monthly cash flow with 15 rental units How Allana found a “secret” duplex disguised as a single-family home The mixed-use building that has become Allana’s “cash cow” Juggling real estate investing and TWO jobs (without burning out) Diversifying your real estate portfolio with multiple investing strategies How to achieve financial freedom with a “small and mighty” portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-674 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mortgage rates have dropped recently, which is great news for rookies looking to buy a rental property. But is NOW the right time for a cash-out refinance? On one hand, tapping into the equity you’ve built up in your property could help you take down bigger and better investing opportunities, but on the other hand, a completely paid-off property might help you sleep better at night. We’re weighing all of your options in today’s episode! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are diving back into the BiggerPockets Forums, and today’s first question comes from an investor who’s working through a significant rental property repair. The tenant is making special requests, but should the landlord accommodate them? Next, we hear from someone who’s considering a cash-out refinance for one of their properties. Is it worth deploying their money elsewhere, or is paid-off real estate the faster path to financial freedom? Finally, does commercial real estate offer better cash flow than single-family homes? The answer is a little more nuanced than you might think! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover When to do a cash-out refinance with your investment property Paying off properties versus “recycling” home equity to scale faster How to accommodate tenants while making rental property repairs The pros and cons of commercial and residential real estate investing The best ways to find cash-flowing commercial real estate deals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-673 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you want to own not one rental property, or two, but an entire real estate portfolio that gives you financial freedom? Then, you’re going to need help as you grow. Thankfully, there are many tools and systems that can make running your rentals much easier. With the right resources, today’s guest built a very profitable real estate business in just TWO years! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jamie Banks has already quit her job and replaced her entire salary with the cash flow from her rental properties. But she’s not done yet. Now, one of Jamie’s goals is to work as little as possible, and she’s chipping away at it by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), automating mundane processes, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) her team can follow. Whether you’re stabilizing a single property or looking to scale your portfolio, this episode is jam-packed with systems, tools, and tips you need to reach your real estate investing goals much faster. Jamie shares the biggest pain points for new investors, the quickest way to create procedures from scratch, and the software she can’t live without! In This Episode We Cover The systems Jamie used to build her real estate business in two years The best tools and software for scaling your real estate portfolio faster How to craft standard operating procedures (SOPs) from scratch Leveraging automation and artificial intelligence (AI) within your business The biggest pain points new investors have early on in their investing journey And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-672 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fear you’ll never be able to invest in real estate because of money, credit, or bad timing? This single mom lost her house and had a 200 credit score, yet she was still able to rebuild her life and buy rental properties. If she can find a way to build wealth, so can YOU! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Just months before the 2008 housing market crash, Sarah Weatherbee found herself unable to make her mortgage payments. So, she rented out her home, moved to Nicaragua, and lived off the rental income until the dust settled. Unfortunately, shortly after returning to the U.S., she lost her home. The silver lining? Although things hadn’t panned out, Sarah had been given a small taste of what it’s like to own a rental property—with someone paying down your mortgage for you—and was determined to own real estate again one day. And that’s exactly what she did by buckling down, rebuilding her credit, and stashing away money for her next property. Fast forward to today, and Sarah has bought multiple properties with low money down. Stay tuned as she shares the investing strategy she uses to do it! In This Episode We Cover How Sarah rebuilt her credit and bought real estate again after losing her home Making over $130,000 in pure profit from ONE real estate deal The investing strategy that allows you to buy multiple properties with low money down When to move to another area of the country to invest in real estate The one reason why Sarah didn’t quit real estate investing after failure And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-671 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buying a rental property in another city, county, or state? Then, you’re going to need boots on the ground in that market to help find, fix, and manage your investment property. How do you make sure you’ve got the right people in place from many miles away? We’ve got the tips you need in today’s episode! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Tony and Ashley are back with three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from an investor who’s struggling to find meaningful cash flow in their market. Should they hold out for that “home-run deal” or settle for something less if it means getting that first property under their belt? Next, we’ll hear from someone who has enough money to buy a primary home or an investment property. We’ll weigh both options and even share an investing strategy that allows you to have both! Finally, if you’re investing out of state, you’ll need a team of trusted experts in that market. But finding these people is easier said than done. Stick around as we share where to look, questions to ask, and some red flags to avoid at all costs! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to build your own out-of-state investing team in any market (step by step) Red flags to avoid when vetting agents, lenders, contractors, and more Whether you should buy an investment property before your primary residence How to buy a rental property with low money down using the house hacking strategy The “minimum” cash flow you should accept when analyzing rental properties And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-670 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can’t break into real estate investing? Maybe you don’t have enough money to buy a rental property or the track record of a confident investor. Thankfully, there’s a way to make money in real estate without owning rentals, and it could even help fund your first property. Today’s expert makes $20,000 in monthly cash flow with this strategy—Airbnb co-hosting! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by one of BiggerPockets’ resident short-term rental experts, Garrett Brown. Garrett has owned everything from normal long-term rentals to unique stays in hot vacation markets, but one of his favorite “investing” strategies doesn’t even require you to own rental properties. The best part? With some research, people skills, and passion for hospitality, any rookie can build a profitable co-hosting business from scratch in just a few months! Garrett shows you exactly how to do just that in today’s episode, step by step. You’ll learn where to find clients, what to charge for your services, and how to make your fledgling business stand out in 2026. Garrett even shares his go-to tools and software that make co-hosting a breeze! In This Episode We Cover How to build a profitable Airbnb co-hosting business (step by step!) How Garrett scaled to $20,000 in monthly cash flow with this strategy Two proven strategies to find (and land) your very first co-hosting client The number one way to make your co-hosting business stand out in 2026 Must-have AI tools and software that make it easier to run your Airbnb business And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-669 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feel trapped at a nine-to-five job that promises “success” but robs you of all joy, peace, and freedom? Today’s guest was in the same boat, but when everything came to a head, she traded it all for a new life that would allow her to pursue actual financial freedom—with rental properties! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Casey Nguyen had (almost) everything. She and her husband were making seven figures and owned a beautiful home in the Bay Area, but they were working around the clock—and they were miserable. So, when they had reached their breaking point, they did what most wouldn’t: they moved to a lower cost-of-living area and started investing in real estate. Casey has since built and scaled her real estate portfolio to seven properties across Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, and their new home state of Kentucky, where they have recently launched an Airbnb that will bring in over $50,000 this year. With each day, Casey is one step closer to her ultimate goal: more time with her family, the flexibility to travel the world, and more than enough money to fuel it. In This Episode We Cover How Casey scaled to seven rental properties in just three years The cross-country move that helped this couple fast-track their investments Trading extreme job burnout for more time, flexibility, and financial freedom A lucrative side hustle that could help fund your rental portfolio How Casey netted $460,000 (tax-free) by selling her primary home The Red River Gorge condo that will bring in over $50,000 this year And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-668 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’ve got THE “secret” to getting more cash flow from your rental property. Ready? Put more money down! It’s an obvious solution, but is putting 30%, 40%, or more really the best use of your cash? In this episode, we’ll get into all of the different things you should consider before putting more money down on your next investment property! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, we’ll tackle a question many rookies have, especially when looking for off-market deals: Do you need a Realtor? Another investor claims the only way to find cash flow in their current market is by making a bigger down payment and self-managing the property. The problem? This gives them a much lower cash-on-cash return. Stay tuned as we share some other options they’re probably not thinking about! Next, what do you do when a borrower ghosts you? Whether you’re lending private money or seller financing, it’s crucial to handle this type of situation properly (and legally). We’ll show you how! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Cash flow versus cash-on-cash return (and which one is more important) How to increase your cash flow without putting more money down Whether you need a real estate agent when buying an investment property When to self-manage your rental property (or hire a property manager!) What to do when a borrower stops paying you back (private money or seller financing) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-667 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are we headed for another housing market crash, or is this a slightly longer correction in the current real estate cycle? With home prices flattening in certain markets, many investors fear buying rentals before a crash. But fear creates opportunity, and today’s guests will show you why today—not next year, or five years from now—is the best time to start! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Thach Nguyen and James Dainard, who not only survived the 2008 market crash but also built most of their wealth in the years that followed. Does 2026 mirror 2008 in any way? Should rookies be bracing for another housing crash? No one can say for certain, but our experts believe now is the time for investors to double down and take advantage of better deal flow and negotiating power in a buyer’s market. In this episode, you’ll hear how Thach and James have weathered downturns and adjusted the way they analyze rental properties in uncertain times. They also share the keys to scaling your real estate portfolio (no matter the market), and the time-tested investing strategy that rookies should focus on! In This Episode We Cover Whether we’re headed for another housing market crash in 2026 How Thach and James built most of their wealth following the 2008 crash The huge opportunities rookies can take advantage of in a buyer’s market Adjusting the way you analyze real estate deals during uncertain times The biggest mistakes rookies make when getting into real estate investing And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-666 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Getting laid off from your W2 job can be a crushing blow, but for today’s guest, it was the push she needed to finally bet on herself. Her first “real” rental property wasn’t the perfect deal, but it didn’t need to be. Today, it cash flows over $25,000 a year and has become her favorite creative outlet! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Where you invest is often just as important as the property itself, so when Alex Reeves had the opportunity to buy a run-down rental in a great area of town, she jumped—getting it under contract with only a day’s notice, sight unseen, over FaceTime. Despite going over budget by roughly $100,000, she finished the renovation, furnished the property, and had her listing up in only a few months! Once a “house of horrors,” this same property now cash flows over $2,000 a month and has 100% five-star reviews on Airbnb. How? Stay tuned as Alex walks you through the entire journey of buying, rehabbing, and renting out this property—the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly! In This Episode We Cover: How Alex makes over $25,000 in yearly cash flow from ONE rental property How to get more funds for your renovation project when it goes over budget The mindset shift that turned this “accidental landlord” into an Airbnb Superhost Tips that will save you a fortune on your property’s design and furnishings The keys to crafting a five-star experience with your short-term rental How Alex spent an extra $100,000 on renovations (and still made money!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-665 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is real estate investing still worth it? High mortgage rates and home prices can make buying a rental property seem challenging, if not impossible at times, particularly for a rookie investor with zero experience. But not to worry—in this episode, we’re sharing beginner-friendly tips that will help you find and fund cash-flowing deals in 2026! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from someone who’s looking to break into real estate but is unsure of how to make the numbers work in today’s high-interest-rate environment. Is now a bad time to invest, or conversely, the best possible time to get started? Another investor is looking to leave their W2 for a job in real estate, but should they? Ashley and Tony debate whether this move actually gives you an edge. Finally, behind every good real estate investor is an investor-friendly tax professional. But how do you find one? We share some of the most crucial questions to ask when hiring a CPA! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to find cash-flowing real estate deals (despite high mortgage rates) Whether rookies should start investing in real estate in 2026 (or wait) Choosing the right investing strategy for your long-term goals The BEST real estate jobs to help fast-track your investing journey When to leave your current W2 job for a job in real estate Crucial questions to ask a tax professional before hiring them And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-664 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Landlord insurance premiums are rising fast in many markets across the U.S., and if you’re not careful, this expense could be a dealbreaker on your next rental property. Fortunately, we know an expert on this topic, and in this episode, he’ll help you navigate these challenges so you buy the right policy without sacrificing your cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Darren Nix, CEO of Steadily, to discuss all things rental property insurance. Why are premiums skyrocketing in the first place, and more importantly, is there anything you can do about it? As you’re about to find out, yes! Darren shares all kinds of tips and strategies you can use to keep costs under control, all while getting the coverage you need. Stay tuned as he shows you how to estimate insurance costs when analyzing deals, which types of coverages you need for your property (and which are optional), and how to choose a real estate market that has reasonable premiums. Whether you’re insuring your first or fifth property, these tips could help you save thousands on landlord insurance, and better yet, give you peace of mind that you’re covered in a worst-case scenario! In This Episode We Cover Tips, tricks, and strategies that will help minimize your insurance costs The number one issue currently driving up landlord insurance premiums How to accurately estimate insurance when analyzing rental properties The types of rental properties that (usually) have the lowest insurance costs How to pick a real estate market with more affordable insurance When to pair your landlord policy with an umbrella policy for additional coverage Which real estate markets are most likely to become “uninsurable” And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-663 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Cancer.” One word would change this mom’s life forever, requiring her to drop her career and become a full-time caregiver. But little did she know that real estate investing would bring her more time, flexibility, and freedom than she had at any W2 job. Today, she owns several rentals, including one that brings in over $6,000 in monthly cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jane Ng and her husband had been climbing the corporate ladder when a family medical crisis turned their lives upside down. Following her daughter’s leukemia diagnosis, battle, and long recovery, Jane knew her next job would need to accommodate their new normal. Real estate has provided that and more, allowing her to spend more time with her children, work without being chained to a desk, and bring in more than enough money to help support her family. After dabbling in wholesaling, long-term rentals, and other investing strategies, Jane has since pivoted to short-term rentals, leveraging her hospitality background to craft memorable getaway experiences. Stick around and she’ll show YOU how to copy her success, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a nine-to-fiver! In This Episode We Cover How Jane turned a medical crisis into a launchpad for financial freedom The luxury rental property that nets Jane over $6,000 a month How to find more affordable real estate deals (beyond your backyard) How to (legally) avoid paying capital gains tax when selling an investment property Maximizing your monthly cash flow with short-term rental investing Planning and completing a successful renovation project (step by step) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-662 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money is often the biggest barrier standing between a rookie investor and their first deal, but there’s a creative way to buy a rental property that doesn’t require draining your savings or putting much down at all. We’re talking about seller financing. In today’s market, you may have even more leverage to negotiate these kinds of deals. Tune in as we break one of them down! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, including one from an investor who’s struggling to find great real estate deals due to higher mortgage rates. While it’s true that today’s rates could eat away at some of your cash flow, you can still find properties that meet your long-term goals. Waiting for rates to drop could cost you! Don’t have the cash for your next investment property? There’s a creative financing strategy that could allow you to put very little (or no) money down. We share how to negotiate and structure one of these deals so that it’s a win-win for both sides. Finally, should you move to invest in real estate? How do you pick the right market? It’s not as tricky as you probably think! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The keys to negotiating and structuring a seller financing deal How to find and analyze cash-flowing real estate deals in 2026 The huge opportunity cost of waiting for mortgage rates to drop How to pick a real estate market that aligns with your investing goals Whether you should move to invest in real estate (or stay put!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-661 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of spending your money on rent or stashing it in a traditional savings account? You could make your money work harder for you and get on the path to financial freedom with real estate investing. Today, we’re going to show you exactly how to buy your first rental property in 2026, step by step! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are going to show you seven steps that will get you off the sidelines and into the game! First, we’ll help you lay a foundation for investing. You’ll not only need to get your financial house in order but also set clear investing goals, determine your purchasing power, and choose your investing strategy. You’ll also learn how to do things like find a lender, choose your market, and assemble your investing team. Then, we’ll start looking at deals! We’ll share how to build your buy box, analyze properties, and negotiate with sellers. Most importantly, we’ll teach you the right way to build your business so that you succeed today AND as you scale your real estate portfolio! In This Episode We Cover How to buy your first rental property in 2026 (step by step) Why NOW is the perfect time for new investors to get into real estate The three things you must do before buying an investment property How to create your “buy box” and start analyzing rental properties The value of building relationships with small, local banks and credit unions Must-have systems and processes for your real estate business And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-660 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
By the time you finish this episode, you’ll have your exact plan for financial freedom through real estate, starting in 2026. See if you can answer these questions right now: How much money do you want to make every month? When do you (realistically) want to retire? How much real estate will it take to get there? And which strategy will actually get you to the finish line? If you can’t answer all four of those questions, you’re like 99% of real estate investors—buying properties just to “build wealth.” While “building wealth” is worth striving for, it’s not actually a true goal. It's what keeps investors working longer, unsure of when or if they’ve “made it” or how much farther they have to go. If you do one thing before 2026, do this: define your financial goals. Today, Dave shows you exactly how to do that. You’ll learn the formula to calculate your financial freedom number, how much real estate you’ll need, how long it will take, the one- and three-year goals you should set now, and the best real estate strategies for your situation. You could be retired in under 10 years if you start in 2026. What are you waiting for? In This Episode We Cover How to actually retire with rental properties in 10 years (or less) with a personalized strategy The best real estate investments for those with low money or little time How long it will take you to replace your income with real estate 2026 goal-planning that is achievable and gets you closer to early retirement How it’s possible to double your money in a matter of years by reverse engineering your investments And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-659 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So, you want to invest in real estate…but where should you start? What’s the best type of rental property for a beginner? It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options, but in this episode, we’ll provide the four-step framework you need to make the right choice! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! First, we’ll share four steps that will help you pin down the right investing strategy for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Then, we’ll introduce you to a few of the most beginner-friendly types of rental properties. Are you light on cash? House hacking could help you take down your first investment property with relatively little money out of pocket. Are you looking to scale your real estate portfolio as quickly as possible? The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is one of the fastest ways to build wealth in real estate. Would you prefer your real estate investments to be mostly hands-off? Perhaps a long-term rental is more your speed. Stick around till the end to learn about the three most common mistakes we see new investors make and what YOU must do to avoid them! In This Episode We Cover The four BEST types of rental properties for new investors The four-step formula for choosing the right investing strategy Creative ways to get into real estate investing when you’re light on cash The secret to scaling your real estate portfolio quickly (without a ton of money) Three common rookie investing mistakes (and how to avoid them!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-658 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Redfin just called it. The housing market will “reset” in 2026…or at least it’ll be the start of it. Chen Zhao, Redfin's head of economics research, has 11 predictions she and her team have formulated for the 2026 housing market. A long, slow period of progress could be upon us, as buyers get what they’ve been asking for: better affordability, a more normal market, and the chance to own where there’s work. But what does this really mean? Will mortgage rates fall? Will home prices drop? We’re going through each of the 11 predictions with Chen, discussing prices, rates, rents, refinances, transaction volume, and even how AI could become the “matchmaker” for Americans looking for their first or next property. Make no mistake, this is good news for many, and could be just the start of a cycle that finally puts average Americans in the position to purchase a home. But, for real estate investors and landlords, there could be another big benefit coming in 2026, one that has a direct impact on your cash flow. In This Episode We Cover Redfin’s 2026 housing market predictions (prices, mortgage rates, and more!) The great “reset” that is coming for the housing market (it’s already begun) Rent growth returns? Struggling landlords could get some relief next year The best and worst real estate markets that Redfin is forecasting for 2026 The AI effect on real estate and why more buyers are using bots to find homes And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-657 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you can’t create cash flow in this housing market? Think again! Today’s guest will introduce you to a strategy that can take a regular rental property and maximize its profits. It’s allowed him to net $5,000 each month and quit his W2 job in just 18 months! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Just two years ago, Andres Martinez was waiting tables and saving every penny possible for a house. But when he was told he still couldn’t qualify for a mortgage, he turned his attention to wholesaling in order to learn more about real estate investing and make some extra money. Little did he know that he would soon stumble upon a strategy that would change his life and give him financial freedom—co-living! After buying a couple of properties, Andres quit his job to go all-in on this strategy. This move paid off, as he’s been able to scale his real estate portfolio to five properties (soon to be six!) and over $5,000 in monthly cash flow. The best part? He’s been able to buy all of his properties using other people’s money (OPM), seller financing, and subject to deals. Stick around as Andres tells you all about his buy box, how he analyzes rental properties, and why co-living might just be the next big thing! In This Episode We Cover Making $5,000 in monthly cash flow from five rental properties How Andres was able to quit his W2 job in 18 months with real estate The investing strategy that maximizes your rental property’s profits Why co-living presents a huge opportunity for investors in 2025 and beyond The best real estate side hustles to fast-track your investing journey And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-656 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’ve all come across that property—the one with the irresistibly low price in the bad area of town. The numbers make it look like a home-run real estate deal, but are there too many red flags to ignore? We’ll show you exactly what to do when analyzing this type of rental property! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We’ve pulled three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first up, an investor wants to know whether or not they need an umbrella policy for their property. Tune in as Ashley and Tony share their thoughts on insurance, LLCs, and a range of asset protection strategies you can use to safeguard what’s yours. Then, we weigh the pros and cons of FHA and conventional loans. One of these options gives you a clear advantage when it comes to seller negotiations! Our final question comes from an investor who’s considering a “great” deal in a less desirable part of town. It looks good on paper, but are other investors steering clear for good reason? We break down when it makes sense to buy this type of deal, and conversely, when it’s more trouble than it’s worth! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover What to know before buying a good real estate deal in a bad neighborhood How to protect your assets with umbrella policies, LLCs, and other strategies Whether you should get an FHA loan or conventional loan for your rental property How to create “stable” rental income through Section 8 investing Why you always need to have cash reserves for your investment property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-655 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies would invest in real estate if only they had the money. Well, we’re about to share a simple, scalable side hustle that could help you save money and buy your first rental property much faster. Today’s guest has built up this type of small business multiple times over the last six years, and in this episode, he’ll show YOU how to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Cody Berman had dabbled in countless side hustles and small businesses—some profitable, others not so much—but when he discovered that digital products could generate real passive income, he pivoted to this lucrative strategy instead. Starting with no capital, audience, or experience, Cody has scaled to the point where his business now brings in north of $15,000 a month! The best part? This type of business has an incredibly low barrier to entry. You could launch yours with as little as $40, and Cody will show you how, step by step. With digital products, making an extra $6,000-$12,000 per year is a reasonable first milestone for any rookie. Just imagine what that could do for you and your real estate portfolio! In This Episode We Cover The perfect side hustle to fast-track your real estate investing journey How Cody scaled his digital products side hustle from zero to $15,000 a month Cody’s three-month roadmap to making an extra $12,000 per year How to start a profitable online business with as little as $40 Using the “stacking” method to niche down (and get more customers!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-654 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need a big bank account to invest in real estate? You don’t! There are several ways to either buy a rental property with low money down or turn an existing property into a rental with even less money out of pocket. Just ask today’s guest, whose first property now gives him an extra $1,200 in monthly cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! For years, Alex Bozzy had wanted to get into real estate investing. So, when the time came to upgrade from his starter home, he jumped at the opportunity to convert it into a rental. After some light repairs, this first-time landlord was able to find and place a tenant who gives him a $3,000 check each month! The best part about Alex’s investing strategy? It’s rookie-friendly and highly repeatable! The next time Alex moves, he’ll do it all over again: buy a new primary residence with low money down and turn his current home into another rental property. This is something YOU can do, too. Stay tuned and he’ll show you how to follow his blueprint, step by step! In This Episode We Cover How Alex turned his primary residence into a cash-flowing rental property Making an extra $1,200 a month without buying an investment property The pros and cons of selling your house versus renting it out Landlord tools and software that make property management a cinch How to schedule showings and screen tenants (fairly) on a tight timeline And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-653 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Not knowing the difference between a “good” real estate deal and a “bad” one keeps many rookies on the sidelines. If this is the one hurdle preventing you from buying your first rental property, don’t worry—today’s episode will give you the confidence to find, analyze, and buy a great deal in 2026! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We’ve got three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from someone who’s struggling to find the right investment property. As you’re about to hear, a good deal for one person might be a bad deal for another, so the key is pinning down your real estate investing goals. We’ll show you how to do just that and provide you with a few key metrics and rules of thumb to make your decision a little easier! Next, do you need to hire a general contractor when renovating a house, or can you oversee the work yourself? The answer is more nuanced than you probably think. Finally, we’ll tackle every rookie’s million-dollar question: Is now the best time to invest in real estate, or is it safer to wait out 2026? We set the record straight! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to identify “good” real estate deals (and dodge the “bad” ones!) The number one thing to determine before buying an investment property Key metrics and rules of thumb to use when analyzing rental properties Whether you need to hire a general contractor for your renovation project Whether you should buy a rental property in 2026 (or wait a little longer!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-652 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies assume it’s easier to buy a rental property in their own market, but today’s guest proved you don’t need to by taking down his first deal in another area of the country, sight unseen. And good thing he did, because it not only pocketed him $250,000 but also gave him the confidence to leave his W2 job, move to another country, and go all in on real estate investing! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Stephen Keighery was living in one of the most unaffordable cities in Australia when he decided to try his hand in another market. Then, after a few home-run deals, Stephen packed up and moved across the world to New Orleans, where he’s since built his own real estate business. By pairing wholesaling and the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), he earns active income while rapidly scaling his portfolio! Stephen’s secret? He knows his strengths and uses them to his advantage—leveraging his marketing and sales background to grow his network and build rapport with potential sellers. In this episode, he’ll show you how to dig into the data and identify up-and-coming markets, hunt down off-market properties, and close! In This Episode We Cover How Stephen made $250,000 in profit from his very first real estate deal Building a real estate business that can replace your W2 income How to scale your real estate portfolio from anywhere in the world Using public data to identify up-and-coming real estate markets How to land your first wholesale real estate deal (in six months or less) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-651 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most rookies buy rental properties for monthly cash flow or long-term appreciation, but for today’s guest, the enormous tax benefits were the biggest driver. Whether you’re looking to achieve true financial freedom, leave your W-2 job, or keep more of your hard-earned money from the tax man, this episode is for you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ross Alcorn was very good at his medical sales job, but he was slowly burning out. His breaking point? Paying over $175,000 in taxes (in one year!) and still getting hit with a surprise $33,000 tax bill. He knew there had to be a better way to not only make a living but also build long-term wealth, and after a few conversations, he plunged headfirst into real estate investing—taking down five deals in just six years! In this episode, you’ll learn how real estate tax benefits often outweigh cash flow, appreciation, and loan paydown in many cases—especially if you’re a high-income earner or full-time investor. But that’s not all. Stick around, and Ross will also share the real estate side hustle he uses to furnish and renovate his rentals and travel for free! In This Episode We Cover How Ross went from job burnout to building a five-property portfolio How to potentially save thousands on taxes with rental properties The real estate side hustle that could help pay for your next vacation The biggest keys to a successful real estate investing partnership How to drastically reduce your living expenses with the house hacking strategy And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-650 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Forming a real estate investing partnership could help you scale your real estate portfolio faster, but if you’re not careful, you could just as easily find yourself in hot water. Want to make sure you structure your partnership in a way that protects you and your assets? Then you won’t want to miss this episode! Today’s Rookie Reply features more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and answers from your trusted hosts, Ashley and Tony. First, we hear from a rookie who may be on the verge of making a major blunder with their first partnership, but not to worry—we’ll steer them in the right direction. Our next question comes from someone who’s about to close on their first rental property but is wary of inheriting tenants. What should they do? Offer cash for keys? Delay possession of the property? We’ll break down all of their options! Finally, how difficult is it to start and scale an Airbnb business today? Our resident short-term rental expert shares some of the tools, systems, and expectations you’ll need to grow a profitable portfolio—no matter the market! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover What you must know before structuring a real estate investing partnership Debt and equity partnerships explained (and which one you should use) What to do (and not do) when inheriting tenants on a rental property Whether you can still start an Airbnb business (and be profitable) in this market Tips, tools, and tricks for scaling your short-term rental portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-649 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are we seeing a short-term rental resurgence? Since Airbnb’s big boom in 2021, many investors have shied away from the “oversaturated” short-term rental industry. But is now actually the ideal time for you to buy vacation rentals? Today’s guests believe there’s more opportunity than you might think! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Jamie Lane of AirDNA and John Bianchi of STR Search, who are harnessing the power of real estate data to find cash-flow-rich properties and areas across the U.S. The best part? All of these figures, tools, and strategies are available to rookies, who have an edge in smaller markets where the big players don’t want to go. Whether you’re buying your first rental property or pivoting to short-term rentals, this episode is chock-full of insights for building a profitable Airbnb business. Jamie and John get into the “20-percent rule” for picking profitable short-term rental markets, the biggest investing mistakes to avoid at all costs, and the huge advantage rookies have in the hospitality space! In This Episode We Cover Why short-term rentals are still a profitable investing strategy in 2025 How to identify high-cash-flow markets using the “20-percent rule” The Airbnb amenities that deliver the greatest return on investment (ROI) The biggest mistakes rookie investors make when analyzing short-term rentals Small versus large markets (and the dangers of going too small) Why “conservative” analysis is needed to find a profitable property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-648 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Worried you’ll never be able to buy rental properties because you’re “bad” with money? Today’s guest was in the same boat until a much-needed mindset shift set her on the path towards financial freedom. Since then, she has built a debt-free, 45-property portfolio that gives her more than enough cash flow to live on! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Liz Carroll didn’t always have a healthy relationship with money. In college, she would ask her parents to bail her out of credit card debt and have her fiancé cover her car repairs. But one day, something clicked, and Liz realized she needed to take back control of her money. Her ultimate goal? Financial independence—and real estate investing would be how she achieved it. But rather than overleveraging herself, Liz worked hard, saved, and bought properties with minimal debt—paying them off as soon as possible! In this episode, Liz breaks down her very first deal, a $13,000 property (really!) that gave her the confidence to scale her real estate portfolio. She also talks about niching down and the exit strategy that’s allowing her to offload her properties, one by one, while helping her tenants achieve the dream of homeownership! In This Episode We Cover How Liz and her husband built a portfolio of paid-off rental properties Building and scaling a rental portfolio while working nine to five How to reframe the way you think about money so you can start investing Paying off your mortgage (early) to fast-track your investing goals Why living below your means is a non-negotiable for financial freedom Streamlining your business by refining your buy box and niching down And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-647 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Before you buy a rental property, you’ll need to decide where to invest. Some rookies feel more comfortable investing in their own backyards, while others prefer to handpick a market that will give them enough cash flow or appreciation to reach their long-term goals. But which one will give YOU an advantage? Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and Tony are tackling more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, they weigh the pros and cons of investing out of state before debating whether you should get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) on your primary residence to help fund an investment property. Planning to do a BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat)? Then you’ll need to have your financing lined up ahead of time. Should you use a single loan to cover the purchase and rehab, or is it better to fund them separately? We’ll break down all your options. Do you need a property manager? Stick around for some crucial tips and interview questions that will help you make the right choice! In This Episode We Cover Whether you should invest locally or out of state for your first real estate deal The best ways to fund a BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) Using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for a down payment How to find a reliable property manager for your rental property “Overlooked” property management fees that could kill your cash flow And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-646 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura Sides had zero real estate investing experience not too long ago. But, within just six weeks, she made $100,000 on her first real estate deal. How is that even possible, let alone in 2025? That type of profit is usually reserved for expert real estate investors, not middle-school science teachers! Today, Laura is uncovering the fast-flipping formula that helps her do quick, profitable real estate deals even in her competitive market. During a beach vacation to Florida, Laura read the personal finance and investing classic Rich Dad Poor Dad, and, seemingly overnight, her brain rewired as she became dead set on multiplying her money instead of working for every dollar. So, she took out a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy her first real estate deal, but where would it come from? A chance encounter with a neighbor would set her on a path that would change her life forever. Now, she’s cracked the house flipping formula, has two killer rental properties she uses as her own vacation homes, and makes significantly more than her teacher’s salary working on her schedule, building wealth her way. Want to be like Laura? We ALL do, and today, she’s sharing how you can do it, too! In This Episode We Cover How Laura made a six-figure profit in just six weeks on her FIRST real estate deal The house flipping formula Laura uses to buy low-stress, quick flips that make great profits Why you should ALWAYS be friendly with your neighbors (they might sell you their house) Using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy your first investment property What Laura looks for on property listings as telltale signs they’ll be good deals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-645 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your first real estate deal doesn’t need to be a home run. If it gives you a little cash flow and the confidence to keep going, it’s worth it. Ashley and Tony had very little real estate investing experience and almost no money saved when they found their first rentals, but they took action, and the rest is history. YOU can do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are breaking down their very first real estate deals, step by step. They talk about everything from building their buy boxes and analyzing rental properties to funding their deals with help from real estate partners and local banks. Of course, you’ll learn what went right, but you’ll also hear about some of the rookie challenges they had to overcome. Their first deals weren’t perfect, but they didn’t need to be. These properties gave them the knowledge, skills, and experience to scale their real estate portfolios. Copy their rookie blueprint and you’ll be buying your first, second, and third rental properties in no time! In This Episode We Cover How Ashley and Tony found and funded their first real estate deals How to buy a rental property (step by step) without a big bank account Low-money-down financing options you probably haven’t heard of Matching your buy box with your investing strategy and long-term goals How to manage and complete a home renovation project in a different market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-644 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is supposed to be a good time to buy a rental property, right? People keep saying we’re in a “buyer’s market,” and that you have more negotiating power than usual. But how do you find these deals in the first place? If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, we’ve got several strategies, tips, and tricks that will help you find GREAT real estate deals faster! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are answering more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first up, you’ll hear from a rookie investor who can’t seem to find any good off-market deals. Despite cold calling homeowners and driving for dollars, they keep coming up short. Are they missing something? Should they be looking elsewhere? We’ll point them in the right direction! Meanwhile, another investor wants to buy a property that could give them huge appreciation, but there’s a catch—it doesn’t cash flow! Stay tuned to learn whether this kind of deal is an automatic no-go or a viable strategy. Finally, what separates “good” and “bad” deals? Is there a certain metric or benchmark all rookies should be looking for when analyzing rental properties? Stick around to find out! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Why many rookie investors struggle to find great real estate deals today How to find and buy discounted rental properties in this buyer’s market Investing for cash flow versus appreciation (and which one matters more) Whether you should buy an investment property that has “negative” cash flow Using real estate investment analysis to tell a “good” investment from a “bad” one And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-643 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hesitant to buy a rental property? Many rookies think they need more money, experience, or even “perfect timing,” but waiting for these things could just be holding you back from building wealth with real estate. If you’re on the fence about investing, or if you need an extra nudge to get off the sidelines, this is the episode for you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley and Tony are sharing four clear signs that you’re ready to buy your first rental property. As you’re about to hear, you don’t need to know everything about real estate investing, have a huge bank account, or stumble across your dream deal to take action. You can start with a little know-how, financial stability, and a clear picture of what you want to achieve with real estate! We’ll show you how to get your financial house in order, when to stop learning and start doing, and how to niche down to an investing strategy that makes the most sense for you and your long-term goals. Stick around till the end for a special seven-day challenge that could help you take down your first property faster than you thought possible! In This Episode We Cover Four clear signs you’re ready to buy your first investment property Building a strong financial foundation before investing in real estate The secret to beating analysis paralysis and finally submitting offers Choosing an investing strategy that aligns with your skills and resources Next steps to prepare you for buying a rental property (if you’re not ready!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-642 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rookies are often told to stick to one investing strategy, but today’s guest is going against the grain by combining the long-term appreciation of rental properties and the passive income of private money lending. Want to build a diversified real estate portfolio that can weather any kind of market shift or job loss? He has the blueprint! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Shalom Yusufov’s first real estate deal wasn’t your average single-family rental. In fact, it wasn’t a rental at all, but a private lending opportunity that gave him a whopping 11% return. Leaning on the experience from that first deal, Shalom has gone on to complete several private money deals, start his own fund, and buy nine cash-flowing rental units in just ONE year! But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. In this episode, Shalom discusses one of the deals that went south and why it’s so crucial to vet both the property and the borrower on every private money deal. He also talks about why you should always have multiple exit strategies, and why becoming a landlord isn’t quite as time-consuming as some would have you think! In This Episode We Cover: How to get into private money lending (even if you don’t have a ton of cash!) The number one thing new investors get wrong when vetting a private money deal How to lower your investing risk with a diversified real estate portfolio Why you should always have multiple exit strategies when lending to other investors Choosing the right market to invest in when your backyard is too expensive And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-641 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You’re seeing houses sit on the market for longer. Now could be your chance to snag an underpriced rental property. But your agent doesn’t know if lowballing is the best move. Should you take advantage of this frozen housing market and go for a steep price cut, or get on the seller’s side with a slightly lower offer? Ashley is feeling aggressive. And in this episode, she’s about to tell you why. We’re back with another Rookie Reply where we take your questions and answer them live on the show. First, a new investor wants to partner on a short-term rental with her friend, but this multifamily deal will also serve as the friend’s primary residence. Can you legally do this? Will a bank allow both of them to be on the loan and take on the debt? Ashley has done something similar before and shares the exact setup. An agent/investor combo has a client who wants to seriously lowball some sellers. The 2025 housing market is cooling, so is now the time to submit a rock-bottom offer? Finally, a new-build investor runs out of money and asks, “How do all these 20-year-olds buy 15 properties in a year?” Tony shares an underrated way to get capital for investments and repeat the process over and over. Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Why you should be submitting lowball offers on overpriced/stale listings How to form a partnership when you and your friend are buying a rental together Do NOT deposit a bunch of money into your partner’s account for the down payment (here’s why) Ran out of cash but want to keep growing? Here’s how to get your investing capital Why you should not care about “door count” and worry much more about this And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-640 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you’ve just stumbled on the perfect real estate deal? Not so fast! The truth is that some rental properties may look good on paper but are actually much more trouble than they’re worth. Today, we’re going to show you seven warning signs to look out for before closing on your next property! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are breaking down seven of the most common (and costly) red flags that can quickly turn a rookie investor’s “dream deal” into a financial nightmare. Whether you’re doing a BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), flipping houses, or even house hacking, you won’t want to make these critical mistakes that could drain your time, energy, and money. You’ll learn the keys to proper real estate analysis, like calculating “hidden” costs and lowering your risk by accounting for the worst-case scenario. We’ll also show you how to avoid getting in over your head with a renovation project and why you should never bank on appreciation—especially at the expense of cash flow. If your property doesn’t have any of these red flags, chances are you’ve got a great deal! In This Episode We Cover Seven red flags to watch out for when buying a rental property Why buying the “cheap” property could cost you way more in the long run Taking on renovation projects that align with your skill level How to stress-test a deal so you still profit in a worst-case scenario Why you should never sacrifice cash flow for potential appreciation And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-639 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don’t think you have enough time, money, or energy to invest in real estate? Living in an expensive and highly competitive market, today’s guest had every reason not to invest, yet has been able to build her own rental portfolio in just a few years—all while working a normal W-2 job. If she can do it, YOU can, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Esther Simeone was stuck in a pricey market, and after submitting over a dozen offers and missing out on every one, she could have put real estate investing on the back burner and waited for the market to turn. But hell-bent on house hacking and building wealth with real estate, Esther kept looking. Finally, the perfect deal fell in her lap—an “overlooked” listing that now helps pay her mortgage! Since then, she has snagged a second property, used the Airbnb arbitrage strategy for more cash flow, and even designed an ADA-accessible vacation rental—a passion project that has given her a fresh perspective on what can be achieved through real estate. In this episode, Esther will show you how to get in the game today, no matter how little time or money you’re working with! In This Episode We Cover How to build and scale a real estate portfolio while working a W-2 job Using other people’s rentals to make money with rental arbitrage How to make “boring,” steady cash flow with medium-term rentals Covering your mortgage (or part of it) with the house hacking strategy Finding discounted investment properties by scouring old listings And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-638 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you ever plan on selling a rental property (which you probably should), listen to this Rookie Reply. Halloween is over, but we’ve got two real estate investing stories that would make any investor’s skin crawl. First, a buyer is delaying closing longer and longer, coming up with excuses, lying to the seller, and wants more time. But…they’re your only offer, and it’s getting close to the winter slow season. What do you do? Next, a seller financing deal gone wrong (in every single way). Your buyer stops paying you, starts renting your house out, takes the money, and, get this, moves into your basement…now they’re squatting. What do you do to get them out and finally reclaim your property? Lastly, we’re ending on a lighter note. Should landlords ever include appliances like washers and dryers in their rentals? Ashley’s answer goes against the grain, but her reasoning is rock solid! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to force a flaky buyer to either close or stop wasting your time Seller financing vs. subject to, and the big difference when you’re the seller How to get a squatter out of your property for good The appliances you should (and should not) include in your rental property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-637 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buying rentals isn’t the only way to build wealth with real estate—far from it. Today’s guest is making huge returns without fixing toilets or evicting tenants. If you want a more passive way to invest that won’t drain your time or energy, this episode is for you. Stay tuned to hear all about private money lending and how to get started with less money than you probably think! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Devon Kennard joins the show to break down private money lending and how it stacks up against other popular investing strategies like long-term rentals and flipping houses. Private money may not give you the same appreciation or tax benefits as rentals, but as you’re about to hear, you can often make bigger and faster returns. The best part? This is real, passive income. After a little due diligence upfront, you’ll get to sit back and collect a check! In this episode, Devon shows you how to lend your money, step-by-step, for returns of 12%-15% or more—even if you don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars to deploy. Along the way, he’ll show you key documents and systems you’ll need to structure your first deal, lower your risk, and protect your investment! In This Episode We Cover How to find and structure your first private money deal (step-by-step) How to “become the bank” for other real estate investors (15%+ returns!) Why you don’t need hundreds of thousands of dollars to start lending money Essential documents to have in place for every private money deal Why private money lending beats buying rental properties (if you want passive income) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-636 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Real estate investing isn’t always pretty. Just ask today’s guest, who quit his W-2 job to focus on real estate full-time and took down 10 deals in just one year, only for common rookie mistakes to derail his investments. If you want to know exactly what to do (and what not to do) when starting out, you won’t want to miss this episode! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! After a “home run” first deal, rookie investor Chris Reichenbach was feeling on top of the world. Eager to scale his real estate portfolio as quickly as possible, he got several more properties under contract—raising private money and forming real estate investing partnerships to get the funding he needed. But then, his flips started going sideways. Projects weren’t being run correctly, and his newly renovated properties were sitting on the market for way too long. After unearthing one problem after another, Chris decided to hit pause on his investments. Now, he’s relaunching his real estate business and completing one deal at a time—the right way. In this episode, you’ll hear about not only the successes that come from taking consistent action but also the mistakes that YOU can easily avoid by following his advice! In This Episode We Cover How Chris bought 10 properties in just one year of investing Quitting your W-2 job to become a full-time real estate investor Three different ways to build and scale a real estate portfolio Lowering your living expenses with the house hacking strategy How to keep your renovation projects on schedule (and within budget!) Creative ways to raise private money for your next investment Red flags to watch out for when forming a real estate partnership And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-635 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How do you actually begin investing if you’ve been stuck on the sidelines? Are you paying too much for your contractor’s bids—and what should you do if you are? And how do you lock down a high-cash-flow opportunity without overreaching? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-634 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you seen the headlines lately? If so, you might be tempted to pump the brakes on real estate investing and wait for the economy to pick up. But you could be missing out on huge wealth-building opportunities we haven’t seen in years. Today, we’re sharing how YOU can gain an edge in this housing market! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! By this point, you’ve probably heard it all: the market has slowed. The economy has weakened. Unemployment is on the rise. Some say we’re still headed for a recession. What does this all mean for real estate investors, especially rookies looking to take down their first deals? As you’re about to hear, Ashley and Tony believe you have a golden opportunity to invest in real estate right now! Those who wait on the sidelines could regret missing out, while those who make moves today could easily come out ahead. Tune in to learn why time in the market almost always beats timing the market, how to lower your investing risk with “conservative” investment analysis, and the different levers you can pull to buy rental properties at a deep discount! In This Episode We Cover Huge opportunities for real estate investors in a “weak economy” Why time in the market beats timing the market (even in real estate!) Five steps to buying your first or next rental property in this market Why holding out for lower mortgage rates is usually the wrong move How to mitigate risk through “conservative” deal analysis Why you should always ask for seller concessions in a buyer’s market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-633 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New investors are often told to avoid pricey markets and buy rental properties in more affordable areas, but today’s guest did the exact opposite. Now, he owns three duplexes that bring in $9,000 in monthly cash flow and was able to quit his corporate job much sooner than would have been possible otherwise. With his investing roadmap, you could, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! James Kitt couldn’t see himself spending the next 40 years of his life working in a cubicle, so when the world suddenly shut down, he decided to take a stab at real estate investing. But rather than chasing below-median home prices in other areas of the country, James leaned into his own market just outside New York City. Despite having very little money saved, he found a way to buy his first rental property with just $1,000 down! No matter your market, James will show you how to use debt to fast-track financial freedom and potentially leave your W2 job with only a few properties. You’ll also learn how to “live for free” through the power of house hacking, save a fortune with do-it-yourself (DIY) home renovations, and more! In This Episode We Cover How James makes $9,000 in monthly cash flow with just three properties Fast-tracking financial freedom by investing in high-cost-of-living areas Saving thousands of dollars with do-it-yourself (DIY) home renovations How to wipe out your living expenses with the house hacking strategy Several creative ways to put low money down on an investment property How to attract your “target tenant” and lower your vacancy rates And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-632 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How to handle banking and bookkeeping for your rentals What if you can't find a deal? Should I buy this deal? with income and expense breakdown Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-631 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Does real estate investing feel like more work than it’s worth? It doesn’t have to! Today’s guest would hustle from sunrise to sundown until she had an epiphany that transformed her approach to real estate. If you want a rental portfolio that gives you financial freedom, time flexibility, and a “job” that beats your nine-to-five, she’s going to show you how! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Leka Devatha had what most rookie investors dream of having: multiple rental properties, a seven-figure real estate portfolio, and enough income to leave the W-2 life behind. But despite this, she found herself stretched thin and burned out. That’s when Leka made a crucial mindset shift. Rather than amassing properties, Leka started focusing on the quality of her real estate deals. Now, she has a real estate business that virtually runs itself, allowing her to travel the world and spend more time with family. If you, like Leka, want to go from burnout to balance, this is the episode for you. With her playbook in hand, you’ll be able to analyze rental properties (the right way), streamline the tasks that bog down your business, and get a bigger return on real estate—without the nonstop hustle! Get 10% Off Leka’s New Book, Return on Real Estate, with Code ASHLEY10 or TONY10! In This Episode We Cover The crucial mindset shift that helped Leka make $100,000 per real estate deal How to go from burnout to financial freedom in your real estate business When not to scale your rental portfolio (and slow down instead) What Leka got wrong when building a seven-figure real estate portfolio What to do when a house flip goes wrong (and you lose $65,000!) Game-changing systems and processes that maximize your returns And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-630 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you dream of financial freedom, but aren’t sure how to reach it? Ashlee Perry was in a similar boat, but in just one year of real estate investing, she has been able to turn her home into a money-making machine and buy a rental property with low money down—bringing her one step closer to her ultimate goal! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ashlee had always wanted to reach financial freedom, but it wasn’t until she discovered real estate that she saw a clear roadmap for achieving it. To test the waters, Ashlee listed her primary residence on Airbnb and stayed with her parents and friends while it was booked out—a move that made almost $25,000 in year one. She has since bought her first investment property—a duplex she currently house hacks—and converted her previous home into a long-term rental! In this episode, Ashlee shares the strategies she used to create a five-figure income stream using only her primary residence and how she’s building a real estate portfolio with low-money-down investment properties. She also offers several helpful tips for rookie landlords, like best practices when inheriting tenants! In This Episode We Cover Ashlee’s roadmap for achieving financial freedom with real estate investing How to turn your home into a part-time rental that pays your mortgage How to buy an investment property with low money down (less than 20%) Best practices for managing and communicating with inherited tenants Scaling your real estate portfolio fast with the house hacking strategy And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-629 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How to make your offers more competitive When does long distance investing actually make sense? Partnership best practices for reducing friction and increasing cash flow! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-628 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Planning to self-manage your rental properties? There’s much more to it than just collecting rent checks! Even as a do-it-yourself (DIY) landlord, you’ll need help, so we’ve assembled a list of 10 must-have tools that will not only improve your property’s performance but also save you a ton of time and money! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are sharing some of their favorite tips, tricks, and tools for rookie landlords. From the best property management software options to unit “cheat sheets” you’ve probably never heard of before, adding these resources to your toolkit will make your life much easier. We show you how to protect your properties with the right insurance and legal protections, as well as how to promptly communicate with tenants without taking those dreaded 2 AM calls. We even share two ways to conceal your personal information, like your home address and personal phone number. Whether you own a single rental property or a large real estate portfolio, add these to your arsenal! In This Episode We Cover 10 must-have tools for self-managing your rental properties Legal protections and insurance policies you can’t afford to go without The one-page “cheat sheet” that tells you everything you need to know about a rental unit Different types of software that will shave hours off your workweek Two ways to keep your personal information private from tenants The number one way DIY landlords burn out (and how to avoid it!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-627 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If real estate investing feels out of reach—like something people with money do—this episode might just change that. Today’s guest was sleeping in his car, had maxed out his credit cards, and barely spoke English, yet was able to build a real estate portfolio that brings in over $4,000 in monthly cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Sebastian Rodriguez moved to the US without a job, money, or connections in hopes of building a better life. After hearing about the financial freedom normal people could achieve with rentals, he put his head down, surrounded himself with other investors and mentors, and soaked up as much information as possible. His hard work paid off, as in just six years, he has scaled to 13 rental units. Stay tuned to learn exactly how he did it and how you can do the same—no matter your starting point! Sebastian talks about his journey from sleeping at train stations to building wealth with real estate, but that’s not all. He also shares all kinds of practical tips for overcoming analysis paralysis, narrowing down your buy box, and building an investing network so that private money lenders and potential partners flock to you! In This Episode We Cover How Sebastian went from broke to making $4,000 in monthly cash flow from rentals The biggest mistakes rookies make when buying an investment property Analyzing a real estate market for your buy box, budget, and investing goals How to build out your real estate investing network from scratch The secrets to raising private money for your first (or next) real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-626 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: House hacking with a friend, can you legally do this? How to handle one tenant wanting another tenant off the lease An airbnb host changed the listing after people already booked! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-625 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most rookies think you need a mountain of cash to buy a rental property, but the truth is that the financing strategy you choose matters much more than the size of your bank account. Today, we’re breaking down five of the best (and sometimes overlooked) ways to get your hands on the money you need to close—from low-money-down bank loans to options that let you bypass the bank altogether! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, Ashley and Tony share some of their favorite ways to fund real estate deals in 2025. Whether you’ve got very little money saved or already have a sizable down payment, we’ve got options for every budget. You’ll learn how to put less money down with FHA and conventional loans, but we’ll also share several strategies that allow you to use other people’s money (OPM)—like real estate partnerships, private money, and seller financing! Already own your home? We’ll even show you how to tap into your existing home equity so that you always have funds on hand—money you can use to build a real estate portfolio much faster than you thought possible! In This Episode We Cover Five of our favorite ways to fund your first or next rental property How to put low money down on a rental (even with an FHA or conventional loan) Three creative financing strategies that allow you to bypass the bank How to pitch seller financing as a win-win scenario for both sides How to get fast funding by tapping into the home equity from your primary residence Four ways to find the right partner for your next real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-624 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are dozens of ways to make money in real estate—including some tactics that are currently flying under the radar and quietly making smart investors a ton of money in 2025. The best part? Many of them are easier to implement than you probably think, and in this episode, we’ll show you exactly what’s working in today’s market! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley and Tony are breaking down four of the top “niche” real estate investments that are paying big in today’s tough housing market. Adopting one of these investing strategies could give you a serious edge, so whether you’re trying to pin down your strategy or already own a couple of properties, we’ve got something for you! We’ll show you how to stabilize an underperforming property and create consistent monthly cash flow with Section 8 housing, as well as how to maximize your property’s rentable square footage (and appraised value) with bedroom and bathroom conversions. We’ll even show you how to buy a rental property for much less than the average home in your market! In This Episode We Cover Four “niche” real estate investments that can make you more money in 2025 How to create consistent monthly cash flow using the Section 8 “overhang” strategy The key to buying (or building) cash-flowing rentals for less than the average home How to buy land, improve it, and flip it for a massive profit (step by step) Creative ways to stabilize your underperforming rental properties And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-623 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashely Kehr and Tony J. Robinson answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: A more beginner-friendly BRRRR method for those without six figures Strategies to lower your premiums so your insurance bills stay reasonable The “lazy” method experts use to increase rents Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-622 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brittany Arnason bought her first rental property in a small town while making $10/hour as a waitress. She was doing everything herself—working a job by day, renovating houses at night, managing tenants in between, sleeping in her van for a few hours, and repeating. The “freedom” that real estate investing was supposed to give her wasn’t there until she stepped back and decided to scale a different way. Now, a decade later, she’s a multimillionaire with a completely passive portfolio, making more in one year than most people do in 10. Today, she shares how you can do the same—no matter how busy life feels. You might know Brittany as @investorgirlbritt on Instagram. She’s amassed an almost unparalleled following by first showing off her high-ROI DIY renovations and now, her completely passive real estate deals. In this show, she’s giving you the steps she took to leave the DIY life and enter into her best version of financial freedom. From how to delegate and focus on high-value tasks to building your team so you don’t have to do everything, plus the two investments she’s doubling down on this year that make 10x what her single-family rentals do. See Brittany live at BPCON this year and use code “STORAGEWORKSHOP” to get on the list for her exclusive session! In This Episode We Cover How to go from DIY landlord to passive real estate investor (and make more money) Two high-ROI investments Brittany is buying this year that won’t be around forever Why you must start outsourcing low-value tasks, and the first steps to start The partnership move that made Brittany wealthier than ever before Tech and tools Brittany uses to manage millions in real estate while traveling the world And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-621 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need to buy a dozen rental properties just to break free from your nine-to-five job? Today’s guest proves that you might only need a couple. In just two years, he’s built a two-property portfolio that brings in serious cash flow and has helped him ditch the corporate grind for good. And in this episode, he’ll show you how to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Dylan Pettijohn was still hustling at his W-2 job, saving every dollar for his first rental property, when an off-market real estate deal fell right in his lap and changed everything. Then, with a triplex and renovation already under his belt, Dylan went even bigger—taking down a 12-unit multifamily property that has allowed him to focus on real estate full-time! The best part? Dylan didn’t build his portfolio with a ton of money or experience. In this episode, you’ll learn about the power of real estate partnerships when scaling, the perks of having several units under one roof, and how to stay ready for when that next big opportunity comes your way. In This Episode We Cover How Dylan built a 15-unit rental portfolio in just two years The strategy that helps you raise rent without losing great tenants The pros and cons of commercial loans (and how to get one!) How to properly plan your renovation project and keep it on budget Finding real estate deals before they hit the market (pocket listings explained) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-620 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: Would you rather have one property paid off worth 500k or maybe 600k in 5 leveraged properties? Is House Hacking Still Viable Without Renting by the Room? Which Is Harder: Finding Deals or Getting Financing? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-619 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ever wondered why some people make millions from real estate investing while others barely break even? There are seven things that successful investors do differently, and they could mean the difference between just scraping by and building real, life-changing wealth. What are they? Stay tuned to find out! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we’re unpacking the seven “golden rules” of real estate investing that all rookies must know. There are bumps in the road on every investing journey, but with a little knowledge, you could dodge the most common blunders and fast-track your success. If you follow these rules, your next deal will stay on budget, bring in more cash flow, and get you one step closer to your long-term investing goals! We get into things like budgeting for your full mortgage payment and expenses, planning a value-add rehab project, best practices for screening tenants, and so much more. Whether you’re looking to buy your first rental property or stabilize your real estate business, we’ve got the tips you need to invest smarter and build lasting wealth! In This Episode We Cover The seven “golden rules” of real estate investing every rookie should follow How to properly budget for your full mortgage payment and additional costs Essential systems and software for screening tenants fairly (and legally!) Key contract deadlines you can’t afford to miss when buying a rental property How to plan a successful renovation project (and avoid losing money) Local rules and regulations you must know (no matter your investing strategy) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-618 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies get into real estate investing to pursue financial independence, and going from single-family to multifamily investing can be a cheat code for reaching your financial goals even faster. Today’s guest had a goal of 50 rental units that she was able to achieve in just four years, and in this episode, she shares how she built her real estate portfolio so quickly! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Jessie Dillon returns to the show to update us on her recent investments. Last time we spoke, Jessie had just closed on her fifth unit, but she has made huge strides since then—buying 33 units in the last year alone. How did she do it? Stay tuned and you’ll learn the keys to her rapid success, from the big pivot that helped her amass units faster to the real estate partnerships that have helped her buy bigger rental properties. Jessie provides a clear roadmap that can take you from square one to achieving your long-term goals—maybe in as little as a few years. The best part? You can do it without a big bank account or any of the typical landlording headaches! In This Episode We Cover How Jessie scaled from zero to 50 rental units in just four years Building your portfolio faster with multifamily real estate investing How to find great real estate deals on the multiple listings service (MLS) in 2025 Must-have systems and processes for your real estate business How to boost your buying power with real estate partnerships And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-617 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How to access your home’s real equity before you hit the one-year mark… What to do when your short-term rental flops and mid-term sounds promising… And how to structure a seller financing deal when you’re brand new and the agents want their full cut. Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-616 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The One Big Beautiful Bill has passed, and it could put thousands of dollars back in your pocket. In this episode, we’re breaking down how this powerful piece of legislation could help lower your tax bill and supercharge your returns, whether you’re relatively new to real estate investing or actively scaling your portfolio! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland from Keystone CPA, who break down the latest tax bill, what it means for rookie investors, and a few of the best tax strategies to implement. We’ll cover things like 100% bonus depreciation, cost segregation studies, and the short-term rental loophole. You’ll even learn about the extended qualified business income (QBI) deduction that benefits many Americans—including real estate investors! But that’s not all. We’ll also provide realistic examples of how a rookie can double their write-offs, the “marriage loophole” that helps couples maximize their tax savings, and the biggest (and most expensive) rookie tax mistakes to avoid at all costs! In This Episode We Cover How the One Big Beautiful Bill could more than double your tax savings in 2025 Why 100% bonus depreciation is a game-changer for real estate investors The short-term rental loophole that could help offset your W-2 income by thousands How to use a cost segregation study to accelerate property deductions The “marriage loophole” high earners use to lower their taxable income Tweaking your investing strategy to maximize your tax breaks And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-615 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need a big bank account or extensive investing knowledge to buy a rental property? Today’s guest got started with no money down, and this first real estate deal would open the door to multiple deals and six-figure profits. How did he pull it all off? You’re about to find out! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Tony Borman hit it out of the park on his first two deals. After buying his first property with $0 down and selling it for a $50,000 profit only a couple of years later, he then found and fixed a property that gave him a $92,000 tax-free payday. But then he hit a snag in his investing journey—buying a rental that lost money once property taxes spiked and going through not one, not two, but seven different contractors on his very first house flip! Despite the recent hiccups, Tony is investing for the long haul, and in this episode, you’ll learn how keeping your W-2 job can help you absorb large losses as you’re learning the ropes. Tony also shares about the difficulty of finding (and keeping) great contractors, the biggest mistakes rookies make when analyzing rental properties, and the risks every investor needs to know about before tackling home renovations! In This Episode We Cover Creative ways to buy a rental property with as little as $0 down How to fix and flip properties (while living in them) for a massive tax-free payday The investing strategy that pays your mortgage (and helps you live for free!) The many benefits of keeping your W-2 job while investing in real estate House flipping risks every rookie needs to know about before getting started The costly mistake you can’t afford to make when analyzing a rental property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-614 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: Getting a HELOC on a Rental Property with a Mortgage What should you do once you win a property from a tax lien auction How Much Time Do You Actually Spend on Real Estate Investing, and What’s a Realistic First-Year Goal? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-613 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Does flipping houses still work in 2025? Yes! Despite high interest rates, inflated material costs, and the recent shift towards a buyer’s market, this is still one of the most profitable investing strategies. Today, we’ve brought on a pair of seasoned flippers to break down the current market and what rookies need to know ahead of their first or next flip! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by expert house flippers Henry Washington and Dominique Gunderson. They share all about the current state of house flipping—what’s changed, what could change, and how rookies and experienced investors alike can adapt to a shifting housing market. Whether you’re looking to tackle your first or hundredth flip, our experts offer all kinds of insights and timely tips that will make your next flip a successful one. Stay tuned and we’ll show you the secrets to finding and funding profitable deals, how smart investors are making the numbers work, and the three things every rookie must do before investing in a new market! In This Episode We Cover How today’s top flippers stay profitable (despite high interest rates and inflated costs) How Dominique and Henry have adjusted their investing strategy for 2025 Why conservative deal analysis is crucial during uncertain times Henry’s best tips for finding and funding off-market deals in any market Dominique’s first three steps when breaking into a new real estate market Why cutting renovation costs could actually backfire on your next flip And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-612 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when you leave your career to pursue real estate investing? Once dead set on becoming a country music star, today’s guest was forced to rethink her future when the world came to a screeching halt. Thankfully, real estate was the exact pivot her young family needed, allowing her to make a huge profit on her very first real estate deal! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! For three years, Tori Tyler had wanted to jump into real estate, but like many newbies, information overload and analysis paralysis kept her on the sidelines. But eventually, with the guidance of a mentor and by attending networking events, she gained the confidence to take down her first deal—a house flip that pocketed her $36,000 with just three months of work! Now, Tori is completing her second flip, and in the future, she plans to use short-term rentals to offset her family’s W-2 income and give them another place to vacation. If you want to know how to pivot from your current career and become a full-time investor, Tori’s story of bold pivots and bigger payoffs might just be the spark of inspiration you need! In This Episode We Cover How Tori pocketed $36,000 on her first house flip (in just three months!) Why this budding country artist gave up her childhood dream to invest in real estate How to break free from analysis paralysis and buy your first property Funding your first real estate deal using private money and hard money Fast-tracking your investing journey with the power of mentorship and networking And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-611 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: My Property Manager Pushes Back on Bids—How Should I Handle It? BRRRR in Detroit or STR in Tampa—Which Path Builds Faster? First Rental Listed—When Should I Lower Rent? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-610 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is 2025 the perfect time to get into real estate investing? With falling mortgage rates, favorable tax laws, and shifting real estate markets across the US, there are all kinds of opportunities for rookie investors, and in this episode, we’ll show you how to make your first or next move! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! The housing market is shifting fast, and today, we’re providing you with an all-in-one investing update—chock-full of actionable advice to implement before the year ends. We’ll also get into how the recent market shifts have affected our own real estate portfolios. Ashley shares the progress on her current live-in flip and why she’s self-managing her short-term rentals, while Tony shares his latest revenue numbers on his 13-unit motel investment and why he’s branching off into a new southwestern market! Whether you’re a true beginner, a seasoned investor, or somewhere in between, we’ll provide the game plan you need to get started in 2025 and a handful of tips on adapting to the current climate! In This Episode We Cover Whether you should invest in real estate in 2025 (or hold off until 2026!) How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will affect new real estate investors Major rental pivots Ashley and Tony are making to prepare for 2026 The strategies Tony is using to stabilize his underperforming rentals Why Ashley is choosing to self-manage her short-term rental properties And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-609 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need a high-paying job or a large savings account to break into real estate investing? You don’t! Today’s guest was delivering groceries for Instacart and mounting TVs for Geek Squad shortly before landing multiple seven-figure real estate deals, and in this episode, he’ll show YOU how to do the same—no matter your starting point! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Tired of working dead-end jobs and struggling to make ends meet, Jordan Scroggins knew he had to make some major life changes if he wanted to start and support a family. He discovered BiggerPockets, absorbed as much information as he could, and then finally got his foot in the door by landing a job in real estate. Since then, Jordan has been able to take down two seven-figure properties—not with a massive bank account, but through the power of creative financing. Despite his best efforts, Jordan’s journey has been anything but smooth. Stay tuned to hear about a property lien that caused him to pass on his first deal, what he learned from a $200,000 loss on a mixed-use building, and what all rookies should know before stepping into the world of commercial real estate! In This Episode We Cover How Jordan went from earning $17.50/hour to buying multiple properties Funding seven-figure deals through the power of creative financing Building your real estate portfolio fast with commercial properties What every rookie should know before forming a real estate partnership Jordan’s biggest lessons learned after losing money on TWO properties And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-608 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: My Agent Won’t Move Fast Enough—What Do I Do? Starting a Wholesaling Business in College—Is It Too Much? My $4M Portfolio Isn’t Cash Flowing Like It Should—Now What? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-607 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you wish you could quit your job—for good? With enough rental income, you could! The very first step is to calculate your financial freedom number, and in today’s episode, we’ll show you how to do just that. Then, we’ll give you a step-by-step roadmap for reaching it! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Whether you’re eager to hand in your two-week notice or dream of retiring with real estate, Tony and Ashley provide a simple blueprint any beginner can follow. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how much money you need to comfortably leave your nine-to-five job behind, how many rental units you’ll need to achieve your cash flow goals, and proven tactics you can use to build and scale your real estate portfolio. But that’s not all. You’ll learn about the different ways to tap into your home equity and buy properties faster, choosing an investing strategy that supports your lifestyle and long-term goals, and the variable expenses you’ll want to account for during real estate investment analysis! In This Episode We Cover Seven simple steps to achieving financial freedom with rentals How to calculate your “freedom number” (and then reach it!) Determining how many rental units you need to quit your W2 job How to choose the right investing strategy for your long-term goals Variable rental expenses you can’t afford to miss when analyzing deals The three main levers you can pull to buy rental properties faster Four ways to tap into your equity and scale your rental portfolio And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-606 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Real estate investing isn’t always pretty. Today’s guests had to make some serious sacrifices to buy their first investment property—living out of an RV, with a newborn, in the middle of winter. This bold move not only made them $180,000 on their first deal but also helped them snowball to five properties! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Nichole and AJ Frandanisa sold their house to start investing in real estate. But not only that—they bought a rundown property and lived in an RV while doing their first live-in flip. This gave them the confidence (and the money!) to buy more properties using this same investing strategy—putting low money down, adding value, and selling renovated homes for a huge profit. They’ve already completed five real estate deals and are now moving into multifamily properties to build wealth even faster! In this episode, you’ll learn how to get your spouse on board with your real estate investing dream, as well as how to use various negotiation tactics to get a better deal—especially in this market where buyers have more leverage. You’ll also learn the secrets to building your investing network, finding top-notch contractors, and keeping great tenants! In This Episode We Cover How selling their home (and living in an RV) helped this couple snowball to five properties The powerful mindset shift that got Nichole on board with real estate investing How solving one seller’s pain point helped Nichole and AJ buy their first house hack How to put low money down and force appreciation with the live-in flip strategy Building your network through the power of investor meetups and referrals Seller concessions, escrow holdbacks, and seller invoices explained And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-605 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where HOST and HOST answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How do you break free from analysis paralysis and finally start your real estate journey? Buy-and-hold vs. flipping: Which strategy is best for rookies looking for reliable wealth? Should you cash out half a million dollars from a property to scale faster, or is holding onto equity smarter? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-604 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rentals can give you financial freedom, but what if there’s a better way? Today’s guest took a much different path, buying a business that gave him immediate cash flow. Now, he’s building serious wealth through both business and real estate, and his strategy might just be the shortcut you’ve been looking for! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Rather than putting money down on a rental property, Tim Delaney bought a small wine and liquor store—a move that gave him huge cash flow on day one, allowed him to save faster, and helped him scale his real estate portfolio beyond what would have been possible otherwise. As you’re about to hear, it also unlocked a creative deal that allowed him to buy a $1 million plaza with zero money down! Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply unready for rentals, this episode will open your eyes to the possibilities beyond real estate. Tune in as Tim shows you how to buy a cash-flowing business for the price of a single-family home, as well as how to build your investing network, find private money lenders, and negotiate seller financing deals! In This Episode We Cover Why you should buy a business before you buy rental properties How Tim bought his first investment property with no money down The 100%-financed businesses YOU can buy, learn, and grow today What you must know before forming a real estate investing partnership The blueprint for landing rare, seller-financed real estate deals The easiest ways to build and supercharge your investing network And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-603 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Would you trade your wedding for a rental property? What if it allowed you to retire years ahead of schedule? Today’s guest saw the bigger picture, and in this episode, he’ll share how small sacrifices can yield a massive return! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Rather than having the large, traditional wedding that most couples dream of, Dean Pinhas and his wife turned their wedding fund into the down payment for a home, which they would soon convert into the first of six rental properties over the next five years. And this is just one of many sacrifices the couple has made to fast-track their financial goals. Dean is so focused on achieving financial freedom that he’s intentionally absorbing negative cash flow on his properties. The catch? In less than 15 years from now, he’ll have a completely paid-off real estate portfolio that brings in $20,000/month or more in net rental income! Tune in to learn more about Dean’s unique investing strategy, how a cross-country move boosted his income (and his purchasing power!), and what YOU should do today to retire early with rentals, too! In This Episode We Cover The real way to build wealth with real estate (not cash flow!) How Dean and his wife scaled to six properties in just five years Strategic moves that boost your income and fast-track your investments How to trade your dead-end nine-to-five job for a career in real estate Why Dean is intentionally losing money on his rental properties The critical mistake to avoid when renovating any rental property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-602 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: What are the different ways you can structure an offer on a property? Should you use an attorney for an eviction or do the process yourself? Should I pick my W2 job to align with my real estate goals? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-601 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feel like you’re working harder than ever but have little money to show for it? Maybe it’s time to stop over-relying on your nine-to-five and start building wealth with real estate. Today, we’re breaking down why this is arguably the best and fastest path to financial freedom—and you don’t need a six-figure income to start! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! If you’ve ever wondered how real estate really stacks up against investing in stocks or buying a business, this is the episode for you. We’re sharing 11 reasons why real estate beats every other investment. From buying rental properties and flipping houses to wholesaling and other investing strategies, there are several ways to make a killer return on your investment! Whether you’re starting from zero or have money ready to invest, real estate gives you cash flow, tax benefits, and control over tangible assets that grow in value. We get into low- and no-money-down options, building out multiple revenue streams, the power of tenants paying down your mortgage, and so much more! In This Episode We Cover The top 11 reasons why YOU should invest in real estate Why real estate beats stocks, businesses, and other investments Several ways to buy rental properties with little to no money down Powerful real estate tax strategies that can help offset your W2 income Using forced appreciation to instantly increase a property's value Creative financing methods that allow investors to bypass the banks And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-600 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Real Estate Rookie podcast is where beginner investors come to learn, grow, and take action. Hosted by Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson, each episode breaks down the exact steps new investors can take to find, fund, and manage their first few deals with confidence. Whether you’re still dreaming or already investing, this show will: Demystify real estate investing from the ground up Offer coaching-style advice from experienced pros Share real stories from real rookies just like you Help you avoid costly mistakes and analysis paralysis It’s the show that turns confusion into clarity—and beginners into real estate rockstars. Subscribe now and take your next step toward financial freedom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you’ve missed your shot at real estate investing? Whether 25 or 55, you’re about to learn that it’s never too late to start. Today’s guest got started as a single mom in her 40s, and she’s already bought five rental properties in just two years. She’s not reinventing the wheel either—everything she’s doing, YOU can do, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Liz Connelly knew she wanted to invest in real estate, but her financial house wasn’t quite in order. While raising two children, Liz grinded away at three different jobs to rapidly increase her income, pay off debts, and save for a down payment. Now, five properties later, Liz is diversified across three different markets and has built teams in each one to make managing her real estate portfolio that much easier. And she’s not done yet! Liz is still trialing different investing strategies in search of the right niche for her. You don’t need to have everything figured out either. Tune in as Liz shares why taking action today, no matter your age or marital status, is the best thing you can do for your future self! In This Episode We Cover Why it’s never too late to start investing in real estate (whether you’re 25 or 55!) The investing strategy that gives you steady cash flow with minimal upkeep The two biggest “traps” rookies fall into when investing out of state Why you must get your financial house in order before investing (and how to do it!) The real estate tax strategies that helped Liz write off $84,000 in one year How to choose the right market(s) for medium-term rental investing And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-599 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J. Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How do you value extra bedrooms when comps just don't match? Is finding a mentor really essential? And should you get your real estate license, or is it just another distraction? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-598 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of long-term rentals that barely break even or short-term rentals with constant turnover? There’s a sweet spot that you’re probably overlooking. These properties deliver more cash flow than your average 12-month lease and have lower maintenance and expenses than the average Airbnb. The best part? Unlike the saturated vacation rental industry, there’s still a gaping hole in the market for these properties—medium-term rentals! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder, joins the show to discuss one of the most underrated investing strategies right now. As you’re about to hear, there’s a growing need for 30- to 90-day stays in hundreds of markets across the US—maybe even in your own backyard. Jeff breaks down the data and the many advantages of this strategy—less competition, fewer turnovers, and a much lower barrier to entry! Whether you have an extra room to rent out or a failed vacation rental you’re looking to convert, the beauty of the “monthly rental” is that it works with a wide range of residential real estate. Stay tuned to learn how YOU can start using this emerging strategy today—without buying property in an expensive, saturated market or pouring several thousand dollars into setup! In This Episode We Cover How to start using the “monthly rental” investing strategy in 2025 Why medium-term rentals often outperform both short-term and long-term rentals Two ways to analyze a rental property (or market) for 30-day stays The best types of properties to convert into “monthly rentals” The biggest opportunities (and critical mistakes) for rookies to watch out for How to pick the perfect market for your medium-term rental property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-597 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most people think money is the biggest barrier to buying rental properties—it’s not! Inaction is what keeps most rookies on the sidelines. Today’s guest was making $35,000 a year and had very little money saved, yet found a way to buy his first property. Since then, he has built an 11-property rental portfolio and walked away from his W2 job. If he can do it, you can, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! With just a $35,000 salary to support himself, his wife, and a baby on the way, Matt Krueger knew he needed to make changes to forge a better future for his young family. Thankfully, his in-laws had modeled the power of real estate investing, having retired with rentals many years earlier. So, Matt took action—hunting down his first property and negotiating until he was all in for just $2,500! Feel like money is getting in the way of your first deal? It doesn’t have to! In this episode, Matt shares the “hacks” he used to lower his down payment and closing costs. He also talks about how pivoting to short-term rentals fast-tracked his financial goals and the moment he realized he could ditch his nine-to-five! In This Episode We Cover How Matt went from making $35,000 a year to quitting his job (thanks to real estate!) Little-known “hacks” that can help lower your down payment and closing costs The primary residence “mistake” that could derail your next deal The power of reinvesting your cash flow back into your rental properties Tapping into your home equity to help fund your next investment Building equity fast with low-money-down, “fixer-upper” properties How to self-manage your rental property without it becoming another full-time job And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-596 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley Kehr and Tony J Robinson answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: Could a Property Manager Be Paid Based on Appreciation Instead of Revenue? How can I buy another property with high DTI and no income? Should you rent by the room if you have a family? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-595 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stuck with an underperforming property? You may be overlooking a crucial aspect of real estate investing that isn’t talked about nearly enough—design. Whether you’re flipping houses, BRRRR-ing (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), or running an Airbnb, design can make or break a deal. Want to potentially boost your revenue by thousands? Then you won’t want to miss this episode! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Brianna Amigo—owner of Brianna Michele Interiors and the creative mind behind many of Tony’s investment properties. In the last few years alone, Brianna has helped design over 200 properties in markets across the US. But not only that—she’s also an investor with experience in short-term rentals, long-term rentals, flips, and more. Today, she’s sharing her best interior design tips for rookies who may be leaving thousands of dollars on the table! In this episode, Brianna shares timely tips for every investing strategy—including how much of your budget to allocate to design and how to create the perfect “experience” for your ideal guest or buyer. Along the way, you’ll learn about not only the deal-killing mistakes beginners make but also the hottest design and amenity trends that can take your property to the next level! In This Episode We Cover Why real estate design can make or break your rental property’s returns High-ROI, low-cost design upgrades that actually increase revenue The latest interior design shifts and trends that will help boost your bottom line The biggest rookie design mistakes to avoid (that could cost you thousands) How to craft the ideal “experience” for your target guest or buyer Why do-it-yourself (DIY) design could be killing your profits (and when to hire a pro!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-594 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need to be a hands-on landlord, do your own renovations, or sacrifice time with family to invest in real estate? Think again! Today’s guest is making “passive” income and building long-term wealth with just four rentals—without swinging a hammer or fixing a single toilet. In this episode, he’ll share the secrets to a profitable real estate portfolio that virtually runs on autopilot! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Mike Buska realized his home state of New Jersey was outside his budget, he turned his attention to a Midwest market hundreds of miles from home. But rather than trying to self-manage rental properties from afar, he poured his time and resources into smart deal analysis and assembling the right team. By committing most of his spare time working on the business rather than in it, he’s been able to scale quickly to four cash-flowing rentals! In this episode, Mike will walk you through the exact steps he took to build a full-fledged real estate business in another part of the country—from picking a market and working with local lenders to creating systems and hiring a property manager you can trust to take care of the day-to-day! In This Episode We Cover Why you DON’T need to quit your nine-to-five to build a profitable rental portfolio How to choose a market that delivers a mix of long-term appreciation and cash flow Building your investing team from scratch (even in a market you’ve never visited!) Why the stability of long-term rentals beats the cash flow upside of short-term rentals Must-have systems and processes to create for each rental property The tax blunder that cut Mike’s projected cash flow in half (and how to avoid it) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-593 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley and Tony answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: Should you house hack in a high-cost-of-living area, or invest remotely to start your real estate journey? What exit strategies make sense when your flip project starts to drain your resources? Are DSCR loans a good option for first-time investors or too risky? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-592 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wish you could get more income out of your rental property? Then we’ve got the perfect investing strategy for you in today’s episode. It gives you another income stream, instantly increases your property’s value, and according to today’s expert, it’s even easier than making renovations. We’re talking about ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and their detached counterparts, DADUs! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Leka Devatha, investor and author of Return on Real Estate, has created hundreds of thousands in added value just by building ADUs and DADUs on her existing properties, and YOU can do the same. You don’t need to bring more money to the closing table or know the ins and outs of new construction. This is a strategy any rookie can follow, as long as you surround yourself with the right people! In this episode, Leka will share everything you need to know to transform regular lots and single-family homes into income-producing goldmines. You’ll learn how to identify the right markets, lots, and properties for this strategy, and how to work with your local city or county to get your new build underway. But that’s not all. Leka will even show you the easiest type of ADU any rookie investor can build and some critical mistakes to avoid! Unlock the hidden potential in every property with Leka’s guide to maximizing your real estate portfolio, Return on Real Estate! n This Episode We Cover How to transform single-family homes into high-cash-flow properties with DADUs The easiest type of ADU conversion project any rookie investor can take on Lot types to target when planning your first DADU (and which ones to avoid) Creative financing strategies to fund your purchase and DADU construction The biggest mistakes that derail new investors (and how to avoid them!) Key team members you need to streamline permitting, design, and construction And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-591 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of working inflexible jobs or living paycheck to paycheck? Elizabeth Esplin’s back was against the wall when she made an all-in bet on real estate investing. Once living off food stamps, Elizabeth and her husband have been able to leave their W2 jobs and are firmly on track to achieve financial freedom—all thanks to the power of real estate! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Elizabeth was caring for a toddler and pregnant with her third child when her husband’s health started to deteriorate—quickly leaving her family with a financial crisis. With bills piling up, Elizabeth turned to real estate. Although her first deal didn’t go to plan, a $2,000 lesson set the stage for a wildly successful second deal—a house flip that not only pocketed her $200,000 (with just four months of work!) but also allowed both her and her husband to trade the W2 grind for full-time real estate! In this episode, she talks about using handwritten mailers to find off-market properties, winning “probate” deals, and surviving stressful renovations. Whether you need an escape rope from your nine-to-five job or creative ways to find your next real estate deal, Elizabeth shares all kinds of helpful nuggets you won’t want to miss! In This Episode We Cover How Elizabeth flipped her first house during a family crisis (while pregnant!) The $2,000 mistake that helped Elizabeth take down a $200,000 deal How to create financial freedom through the power of real estate investing Leaving your nine-to-five job to become a full-time real estate investor Creative ways to find (and buy) more off-market properties And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-590 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley and Tony answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: Should I Subdivide, Build Single-Family, or Hold Out for Multifamily? Should I Invest in STRs I Can Use or Stick to Long-Term Rentals? Should I Cash Out My 401(k) to Buy My First Property? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-589 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Looking to buy a rental property in the next 12 months or so? The housing market is shifting fast, and today’s guest has some major insights on what’s changing in the lending space. Whether you’re actively trying to find the right loan or holding out for lower mortgage rates, you won’t want to miss this episode! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by mortgage expert Jeff Welgan for a masterclass on what rookies should be doing when getting a mortgage for their investment property. Jeff’s optimistic about the lending opportunities that could be on the horizon for real estate investors, but he’s also seen plenty of deal-killing mistakes. Want to make sure you get the best real estate financing? Then stay tuned! Along the way, Jeff will share his biggest lending predictions for the next year, the best types of loans to consider in 2025, and crucial advice for new investors as they’re starting their investing journey. He’ll also tell you why buying mortgage points could be a bad idea and when to start working with a lender during the property-buying process. In This Episode We Cover How to choose the right type of financing for your investment property Why you shouldn’t wait for interest rates to drop before buying your next property The best loan products investors are using today (and where to find them!) How potential rate drops could impact buyer demand and home prices How to find the best mortgage lender for your next real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-588 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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You can still get rich buying “boring” rental properties. Today’s guest pockets $6,800 in pure cash flow every month and is building an enormous amount of equity in four small multifamily rentals, and he’s not doing anything YOU can’t do. You don’t need a ton of money or even the flashiest investing strategy—you just need to get started and play the long game! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ryan Allsop hated paying rent—so much so that he bought his first rental property without really knowing what he was doing. But with some rookie-level analysis and savvy networking, Ryan found that first duplex, which has been his “cash cow” ever since. Then, Ryan used home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to scale a real estate portfolio that delivers nearly $7,000 in combined monthly cash flow! Want to copy Ryan’s success? In this episode, he’ll show you the steps he took to go from complete beginner to confident investor in no time. You’ll learn about the real power behind buy and hold investing, a lucrative Airbnb side hustle you can use to fund deals faster, and a surprisingly effective way to negotiate with sellers—without ever picking up the phone! In This Episode We Cover How Ryan makes $6,800 in monthly cash flow with just four rental properties Using the buy and hold strategy and “delayed gratification” to pay your future self Scaling your real estate portfolio through home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) Critical mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor for your renovation projects The easiest (and cheapest!) way to find off-market properties for sale Living for free by having someone else pay down your mortgage for you And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-587 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley and Tony answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How to approach house hacking when high listing prices and rents don't align? Should you delay refinancing a BRRRR due to high interest rates? What's the best strategy when your tenant wants to break their lease early during winter? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-586 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buying a regular rental property can provide steady, predictable income, but if you're looking for something more lucrative, we’ve got the perfect strategy for you. Today’s guest used it to build a real estate business that brings in $800,000 in annual revenue. The best part? It requires less money than you might think. Tune in to hear how he did it—and how YOU can, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ahead of the release of his new book, The Glamping Investor, Garrett Brown joins the show to share how you can get started with unique stays in 2025. Garrett used to buy condos in Houston, Texas, but when the market shifted, so did his investing strategy. Pivoting unlocked massive profits, and today, he owns some of his market’s top-rated glamping destinations—with nightly rates comparable to five-star hotels! In this episode, he’ll cover everything from finding “hackable” land and picking a short-term rental market to funding your projects and avoiding permitting nightmares. You won’t want to miss gems like his 60/30/10 rule for choosing a location and the secret to putting very little money down on a piece of land with endless potential! In This Episode We Cover How Garrett built an $800,000 glamping business (without a ton of money upfront) Making luxury hotel-level income with domes, a-frames, and tiny homes Land hacking explained and how to use it to scale your real estate portfolio fast How to find the right piece of land for your glamping site using the 60/30/10 rule Common permitting roadblocks glamping investors face (and how to navigate them) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-585 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could rental properties be your ticket to financial freedom? When today’s guest realized his “secure” corporate job wasn’t quite as secure as he thought, he plunged head-first into real estate investing and hasn’t looked back. In just three years, he’s built a real estate portfolio of several no-money-down rentals. Want to repeat his success? Then stay tuned! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Joe Pozzuoli’s high-performing coworkers started being laid off one by one, he knew it was time to take control of his financial future. After trialing a few different side hustles (and even a full-fledged e-commerce business), he eventually landed on real estate. His first deal was a home run—a triplex that cost him zero dollars out of pocket and cash flows over $900 a month to this day! Joe will show you how to find similar deals, perform multi-unit rehabs, and score discounted properties on real estate auctions. But that’s not all. Joe also shares how his investing goals have shifted over time. Once hell-bent on amassing 50 units, Joe’s now focusing on a smaller number of paid-off investments. What should YOU do—build a highly-leveraged real estate empire or a low-risk portfolio? Stick around till the end for the answer! In This Episode We Cover How Joe bought his first real estate deal (with a no money down loan!) Scaling your real estate portfolio versus paying off your current properties How to find (and buy) discounted rental properties at bank auctions Flipping houses to purchase more buy-and-hold investment properties Networking to get the best referrals and build out your investing team And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-584 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: Who should provide and maintain appliances in your rental What steps should you take when purchasing a tenant occupied property How to build a team for your short term rental Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-583 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why buy an old, worn-down rental property when you can build something that’s highly profitable, low-maintenance, and tailor-made for today’s tenants? If you’re tired of the constant upkeep and costly repairs that come with regular rentals, stay tuned for an investing strategy that could be your shortcut to financial freedom—build-to-rent! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Chad Carson is perhaps best known for his “small and mighty portfolio” approach, but today, he’s pulling back the curtain on the strategy he’s using to create instant equity and huge cash flow. In this episode, you’ll learn how build-to-rent investing gives you all the benefits of regular rentals, but with less competition, less maintenance, and potentially even bigger margins! Chad shares his best secrets for rookie investors—like what to look for when buying land, the key to finding and keeping contractors in any market, and how to shorten the build-to-rent learning curve by teaming up with a partner. He’ll also show you several ways to finance these projects and how to analyze them as both new builds and long-term investments! In This Episode We Cover The pros and cons of using the build-to-rent investing strategy in 2025 The three biggest advantages new builds have over regular rentals How build-to-rent properties give you instant equity and huge cash flow Networking to find the best financing terms and contractor referrals How to identify the perfect piece of land for new development And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-582 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you need a dozen rental properties to create generational wealth or retire with real estate? Today’s guest is proof that less is often more, especially if you’re not in a rush to scale your portfolio and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty. Want his personal playbook? Then don’t go anywhere! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Matthew Morneault didn’t consider himself a real estate investor when he bought his first property, a former meth house plagued with all kinds of issues. But learning how to renovate on the fly, renting the property out, and eventually selling it for a profit gave him the knowledge and confidence to go out and find his next investment. Today, he has three profitable properties—including one that brings in over $90,000 in annual revenue! As you’re about to hear, Matthew has targeted value-add opportunities with bigger margins, refinanced his mortgage at the right time, and pivoted to other investing strategies when things haven’t worked out. In this episode, he’ll show you how to build a modest portfolio that catapults you toward your investing goals! In This Episode We Cover How Matthew brings in $90,000 in annual revenue from just ONE rental property Turning a “messy” first investment into three profitable properties How to identify the best value-add opportunities for any investment property Little-known VA loan hacks you can use to grow your real estate portfolio The hidden value of building relationships with local credit unions And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-581 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley and Tony answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: Is 61 too late to start investing, and what's the best strategy to build wealth fast? Can a rookie realistically fund a high-value first flip in Miami? Should a young, high-income couple cash out or invest out-of-state due to tough local market conditions? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-580 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of rentals that give you little or no cash flow? Burned out from managing multiple properties across different markets? For the entrepreneur who wants to make bigger strides toward financial freedom, today’s guest will share an investing strategy with higher upside—a scalable real estate business that gives you many income streams under one roof: hotel investments! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Like many investors, Sujay Mehta started out buying single-family homes. But when he discovered the enormous cash flow potential of hotel investing, he found a few partners and scrounged up the money to buy his first hotel. The myth that you need millions to buy a Marriott or Hilton? Sujay shatters it in today’s episode and provides a step-by-step blueprint that makes finding, funding, and operating hotels much easier than you thought possible! Stay tuned as Sujay discusses the different types of hotels you can buy and points you toward the perfect first investment for any rookie who’s looking to break into the space. Along the way, you’ll learn three ways to analyze a hotel deal, some common pitfalls to avoid, and the keys to a profitable hotel business! In This Episode We Cover Why you DON’T need millions of dollars to start investing in hotels Creative financing options for new hotel investors (even with low money!) Boutique versus branded hotels (and which one rookies should invest in) Fast-tracking financial freedom with a business-plus-real estate investment Three easy ways to analyze a hotel deal (as a complete beginner) Costly operational mistakes to avoid when building your hotel business And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-579 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you lost your job today, what’s your plan B? Just eight months ago, today’s guest was laid off from his W2—newly married and with a baby on the way! Thankfully, he was able to quickly pivot to real estate investing and turn a passion into a career. Whether you’re looking to escape the nine-to-five grind or create a better safety net, we’ve got the perfect game plan for you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! For years, Jason Manion had dreamed of buying, fixing, and flipping his own properties, and fortunately, he got a taste of real estate early on rather than sitting on the sidelines. His first real estate deal, a live-in flip that he also house hacked, netted him over $200,000 in profit. That early win gave Jason the confidence to pick right up with real estate after being let go from his nine-to-five job. His very next deal pulled in another $100,000! Want to learn the secrets behind Jason’s six-figure margins? He hunted down discounted properties on the multiple listing service (MLS), took his time with real estate analysis, and even found ways to save money with DIY renovations. Tune in as he walks you through his entire method, step by step! In This Episode We Cover How Jason made over $300,000 in profit on his first two real estate deals The secret to finding discounted properties on the multiple listing service (MLS) How to save thousands with DIY renovations and savvy material hacks The many benefits of using the live-in flip investing strategy How to turn your primary residence into a profitable investment property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-578 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: How do you fund your first real estate deal? Do you need a real estate license to invest? What is cap rate and why does it matter? Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-577 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inventory is up. Home prices are slipping. The housing market is shifting fast. There’s a lot of noise out there—but what does it all mean for rookie investors? Whether you’re looking for your first, second, or fifth rental property, today’s conversation will help you make sense of the latest real estate data and gain a serious edge in 2025! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! With more homes being listed for sale and days on market creeping higher, it looks like we’re heading towards a buyer’s market. To help break it all down, we’re joined by Dave Meyer, head of real estate investing here at BiggerPockets. Investors could have the upper hand in the months ahead, and in this episode, we’ll show you how to negotiate lower prices and concessions—all while managing your investment risk in an uncertain market. You’ll also learn where to find crucial national and local data online (for free!) and how to use it to uncover promising markets and deals—without falling into the trap of analysis paralysis. We’ll even share some of our favorite beginner-friendly investing strategies in today’s housing market—ones that we’re trying ourselves! In This Episode We Cover Why today’s housing market offers a rare window of opportunity for investors Why buyers have more negotiating power due to higher supply and days on market Must-have tools and resources Dave uses for real estate market analysis The best, low-risk investing strategies for rookie investors to adopt in 2025 The secret to beating analysis paralysis and landing your FIRST real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-576 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley and Tony answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: What to do when your property taxes skyrocket and threaten your cash flow. How to handle guest refund requests and negative reviews in short-term rentals. Resolving title issues after paying back a co-owner. Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-574 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Struggling to tell a cash cow from a money pit? Is the thought of a critical misstep keeping you from deal analysis altogether? Not anymore! We’re going to show you exactly how to analyze a rental property from scratch. Whether you’re looking to buy your first rental property or sharpen your skills, you won’t want to miss this episode! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley and Tony are breaking down the entire process of analyzing rentals, step by step. First, you’ll need to pin down your investing goals and buy box. Then, we’ll show you which real estate metrics actually matter when crunching the numbers and how to find each of them. We’ll also equip you with several tools and resources that will do the heavy lifting for you, allowing you to analyze deals faster and find that first deal MUCH sooner! Whatever your investing strategy—house hacking, flipping, or short-term rentals—this process will give you the confidence to make savvy investing decisions going forward. Stick around till the end for a challenge that will give you hands-on deal analysis experience and an exclusive giveaway that could fast-track your investing journey! In This Episode We Cover How to analyze a rental property, step by step (even as a complete beginner) The crucial first step you need to take before analyzing any real estate deals The hidden rental property expenses that could derail your investment Which deal analysis metrics matter most (and the fastest ways to find them) Dangerous pitfalls to avoid when estimating a property’s rental income And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-574 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One messy, imperfect, low-cash-flow rental property could change your life forever, but maybe not in the way you’d think. No one retires off ONE property, but that first property can provide the education, mindset, and momentum to fuel your second, third, and fourth deals. Today, we’re breaking down our first real estate deals—the ups, the downs, and mistakes we made that YOU should avoid! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we’re winding back the clock and sharing how we got started in real estate. While Ashley invested in her own backyard and found a partner to help fund the deal, Tony invested out of state and managed renovations remotely. You’ll hear how we stabilized the properties, rented them out, and, eventually, sold them for a big payday! Whether you’re new to the world of real estate investing or struggling to take action, this episode has something for you. We’ll share why finding your first deal is more important than finding the “perfect” deal, how to use real estate partnerships to fast-track your investing journey, and what we’d do differently if we were starting over today! In This Episode We Cover How Ashley and Tony found and funded their first real estate deals The secret to managing a successful renovation project from afar Creative ways to buy your first rental property with little money out of pocket How to use the power of partnerships to scale your real estate portfolio Why we ended up selling our first properties (and how much we made!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-573 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
He had no money, no experience, and no idea how to renovate a house... but he still pulled off two real estate deals by 22. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today’s guest, Steele Evangelisti, shares how he went from a 16-year-old stock dabbler to a full-time W2 employee buying a duplex right out of college. With just a 5% down conventional loan, $3K in seller assist, and pure hustle, Steele pulled off a house hack/live-in flip hybrid that came with a leaky roof, an electrical nightmare, and a totaled car…all within the first month. But he didn’t stop there. Steele saved aggressively, moved back in with his parents, and six months later had enough to buy property #2 using the same creative financing tactics. Whether you’re looking to buy your first property or scale without big money, Steele’s blueprint is proof that you don’t need perfect timing or deep pockets to get started. In This Episode We Cover: Buying your first property with just 5% down and seller assist How to handle costly surprises like leaks, bad wiring, and tenant turnovers Using YouTube (and now AI!) to self-renovate without experience Saving $30K fast, even on a starter salary How to confidently push past fear and analysis paralysis And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to invest in real estate but fear you don’t have the time or energy? You DON’T need to quit your day job to build a cash-flowing real estate portfolio, and today’s guest is proof. In just two years, he scaled to six rentals (12 units) while holding down his nine-to-five—all thanks to a strategy that stretches your money further than you thought possible! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! After immigrating to the US, Hoai Nguyen took the traditional path of college, career, marriage, and children. But when he realized he’d be stuck in the rat race until normal retirement age, he went looking for a better way to build wealth—and found it in real estate. Starting with just $40,000, he used the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) to buy six rental properties in only two years! Despite Hoai’s rapid success, the journey hasn’t been easy. In fact, his first few properties gave him his fair share of headaches, from leaks to lawsuits. But by taking action, learning through experience, and staying consistent, he gained the confidence to keep buying rental properties. Tune in and he’ll show you how to do the same! In This Episode We Cover How Hoai built a 12-unit portfolio in just two years (while working a full-time job) How to find overlooked real estate deals on the multiple listing service (MLS) The secret to getting your spouse on board with your investing goals Scaling fast with the BRRRR strategy (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) Common investing mistakes that will cost you time and money (and how to avoid them!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-572 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley Kehr and Tony J Robinson answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we’re covering questions like: What real estate investing strategy should an investor start with in today's market? How much money do you actually need for your first deal? What happens if your property is cash flow negative, and how to pivot? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-571 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money—it’s the number one thing that keeps new investors from buying a rental property. Maybe you’ve got your market and buy box figured out, but the finances? Not so much. But not to worry—today, we’ve brought a personal finance expert on to help with these common challenges. Whether you’re starting from zero or already working hard to build a financial foundation, this episode is for you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Amberly Grant, fellow real estate investor and co-host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, joins the show to share her own personal finance tips for someone who’s looking to break into real estate investing. Whether you’re deep in debt or struggling to save, Amberly has been in your shoes and provides a clear blueprint anyone can use to get from point A to buying a rental in record time. Along the way, we’ll point out some financial red flags that could be keeping you broke and show you how to break free. We’ll also share with you how to create an anti-budget that makes saving easy, the best place to stash your real estate funds, and creative ways to increase your income so you can throw even more money at that first down payment! In This Episode We Cover How to save for your first rental property—even if you’re starting from scratch Simple steps you can take today to get your financial house in order The financial red flags that could be keeping you broke (and how to break free) Creating an anti-budget that fast-tracks saving for a down payment How to diversify your investment portfolio (beyond real estate!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-570 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You DON’T need a huge network, online presence, or social media following to invest in real estate. This small-town investor got started the old-fashioned way—picking up the phone and pounding the pavement—which helped him scale his real estate portfolio to 25 rental units in just five years. Want his personal playbook? Then stay tuned! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When the University of Minnesota Crookston dropped its football program, former offensive coordinator Jared Hottle didn’t know where to turn. After moving back to his home state of Iowa in search of his next career move, a friend introduced him to BiggerPockets. Jared caught the real estate bug, became a licensed agent, and started driving for dollars. It wasn’t long before he had closed on not one but two duplexes—in the same week! Since then, Jared has scaled to 25 rental units in just a few years. What’s more? He’s done it without a big personal brand, social media presence, or podcast, and prefers to hustle offline and host his own local meetups. In this episode, he’ll share why real estate investing is a “contact sport,” how to use partnerships to grow your portfolio faster, and when to pivot to another investing strategy! In This Episode We Cover How Jared built a real estate portfolio with 25 rental units in just FIVE years How to find off-market deals using the driving for dollars strategy Estoppel agreements explained (and why you NEED one when inheriting tenants) How to build your investing network without a strong online presence The secret to a successful real estate partnership (and how to structure one!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-569 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should you use retirement funds to buy rentals, pay for renovations, or scale your real estate portfolio faster? Saving for a down payment can be tough, and dipping into a retirement account might seem like a tempting shortcut. But is it worth paying the hefty penalty? We’re breaking it all down on today’s episode! Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Ashley and Tony answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. First, what do you do when a tenant wants to end their lease before it even starts? There are several factors to consider, from your state’s landlord-tenant laws to additional turnover costs, but we’ll steer you in the right direction. Next, we’ll hear from an investor who’s considering withdrawing funds from their Roth IRA before retirement age to build their portfolio faster. Is it worth it? We’ll crunch the numbers and find out! Finally, where should you list your short-term rentals online, and how do you prevent your property from getting double-booked? As our resident short-term rental expert, Tony has the answer, and it’s much simpler than you might think! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Whether you should use retirement accounts to buy more rentals The real cost of withdrawing from your Roth IRA before retirement age What to do when a tenant unexpectedly backs out before their lease begins Where to list your short-term rentals online (and how to avoid double-booking!) The best property management software for your Airbnb business And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-568 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is 2025 a scary time to invest in real estate or your biggest opportunity yet? Whether you’re scaling back or doubling down, this episode is your survival guide for today’s shifting market. Ashley and Tony are sharing the pivots they’re making to shore up their rental portfolios and grow their wealth faster! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When your portfolio no longer aligns with your investing goals, it’s time to make changes. That’s exactly what Ashley and Tony are doing in 2025—tweaking their investing strategies, offloading unprofitable properties, and trimming the fat from their businesses to create more cash flow. Stay tuned and we’ll show you how to do the same! This year, Tony is rolling out new, high-ROI amenities across all of his short-term rentals, while Ashley is BRRRR-ing (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) her primary residence and preparing the property she plans to one day turn into her dream home. Stick around till the end to hear about our new investments outside of real estate—from index funds to tech startups and more! In This Episode We Cover The biggest rental portfolio pivots Ashley and Tony are making this year Adapting your short-term rental strategy for an oversaturated Airbnb market Why reinvesting in your portfolio often beats buying more rental properties The high-ROI Airbnb amenities that will make your properties stand out How to instantly boost your cash flow by cutting unnecessary business expenses When to SELL an underperforming property (and where to invest the money!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-567 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you tethered to your W2 job as your main (or only) source of income? What if it disappeared tomorrow? After a huge wake-up call, today’s guest realized he needed to take control of his financial future as soon as possible. In just two years, he scaled to 10 rentals that bring in a whopping $6,000 in monthly cash flow…and he’s not done yet! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Lorenzo Decaria thought his 18-year software engineering career was stable until his employer started making cuts. With his family’s finances in jeopardy and no backup plan, Lorenzo decided it was time to become self-sufficient. After a friend introduced him to real estate investing, Lorenzo committed all of his time and energy (and savings!) to buying rental properties, and in just two years, he has built a real estate portfolio that brings in $6,000 a month. The best part? His ultimate goal—achieving financial freedom—is within reach! In this episode, Lorenzo shares the secret to his rapid success—using the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) and reinvesting his profits back into his portfolio! You’ll also hear about the pitfalls of hiring shady contractors, the pros and cons of Section 8 investing, and how to maximize your cash flow by stabilizing your properties! In This Episode We Cover How Lorenzo built a 10-property rental portfolio in just TWO years Scaling fast with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) How to use real estate to achieve financial freedom and leave your nine-to-five The keys to managing contractors, renovations, and evictions remotely The pros and cons of Section 8 investing (and why this strategy could change in 2025!) How to increase your cash flow by stabilizing your rental properties And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-566 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The economic landscape is shifting fast. With tariffs driving up material costs, does the BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) method still work? In this episode, we’ll share some creative tips and tricks that will help keep your renovation projects on budget and make the numbers work in any market! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and guest co-host Garrett Brown are answering more of your recent questions. First, we’ll hear from an investor who is looking to buy in their favorite short-term rental market. But is the area too expensive for their budget? Should they look elsewhere? We’ll show them how to find the right data, crunch the numbers, and pick the perfect market for them! Then, we’ll tackle tariffs, their impact on rehab projects, and what YOU can do to get material costs under control. Finally, what do you do when a seller tries to raise the purchase price days before closing—even after a signed purchase agreement? We’ll break down your legal options, negotiation tactics, and what to watch for so you don’t lose thousands at the closing table. Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Keeping your renovation projects on budget despite high material costs How to BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) in 2025 How to pick the perfect short-term rental market to invest in What to do when a seller tries to raise your purchase price before closing Escalation clauses explained (and potential pitfalls to avoid) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-565 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Which rental renovations give you the biggest bang for your buck, turning a few thousand dollars of materials and labor into hundreds of more dollars of rent per month and tens of thousands more in home value? Today, we’re going through each tier of rental renovations: easy and cheap ($5,000 or under), moderately challenging and expensive ($25,000 – $50,000), and hard/pro-level ($50,000+). This will give you a roadmap of high-ROI rental renovations you can make right now to increase your property’s value and rent. Why are these rental renovations (AKA value-add) so important right now? Because with so many investors and homebuyers sitting out of the market, you can take your pick of homes with overlooked potential and turn them into high-value investment properties. This not only makes tenants happier due to new renovations and upgrades but also gets you higher rents and wealth-building equity to boot. We’ll start with some easy ones—painting, tiling, adding backsplashes, etc.—and work our way up to the pro-level renovations like adding square footage and turning a single-family home into a multifamily. Based on your experience, you can go either route, but both have enormous potential to turn your initial investment into a killer real estate deal. In This Episode We Cover: How to increase your property’s value (and rents) with high-ROI rental renovations The easiest (and cheapest) upgrades to make that take little time What to look for when buying a home for “value-add” and signs of money-making potential The one appliance you should NEVER include in your rental property The easy bathroom conversion that will massively boost your home’s equity Pro-level rental renovations that could make you six figures And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-564 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many rookies assume they’re years away from buying rentals, but what if your first (or next) property is much closer (and easier) than you think? Today’s guest devised a detailed plan that took him from having no real estate experience to closing on his first rental property in just ONE year. Tune in to learn the tactics he used and how YOU can copy his success! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Aaron Mann was tired of renting, hopping from apartment to apartment, and paying someone else’s mortgage. Once his wife convinced him that homeownership was not just a dream but very achievable, they curbed their spending and saved aggressively. But that’s not all. Aaron also launched a few creative side hustles that boosted their income, accelerated their down payment saving, and helped them buy their new home sooner than expected! The best part? Now they’re using the house hacking strategy to help cover their mortgage payment. Whether you’re actively saving for a home or need an inspirational nudge to get started, this episode has something for you. Aaron shares the “MOAT” method that helps him find side hustles worth scaling, how to negotiate with sellers, and more! In This Episode We Cover How to buy your FIRST rental property (much faster than you think!) Fast-tracking your property down payment with wildly creative side hustles Having others pay down your mortgage through house hacking Maximizing your monthly rents with the rent-by-the-room strategy How to discover scalable side hustles using Aaron’s “MOAT” method And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-563 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Home prices are seeing some serious cuts—but is this happening across all markets, and what does it mean for new investors? For many beginners, this could be the perfect time to buy a rental property, and in this episode, we’ll share what YOU can do to take advantage of a shifting housing market! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first, we’ll hear from an investor who has noticed sharp price cuts in major markets. Should all real estate investors jump at this window of opportunity, or is this a market-specific trend? Ashley and Tony will share their game plan for those looking to buy! Next, we’ll hear from an investor who owns two properties. The kicker? They can’t afford them! Should they sell or pivot to another investing strategy? We have a few creative ideas that could help them make money off their primary residence and get back in the green. Finally, what should you do with a bad property inspection report? Move forward with the deal or walk away? Stick around to find out! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The markets where home prices are dropping (and what YOU should do) How rookie investors can find HUGE opportunity in a “buyer’s” market Three ways to make money off your primary residence (no rentals needed!) What to do when you can no longer afford your rental property Increasing your monthly cash flow with the rent-by-the-room strategy When to have the seller make repairs versus asking for concessions And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-562 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you really need an LLC for rentals? What about a trust? What kind of insurance should you get? With so many questions (and confusion) surrounding asset protection for real estate investors, we’ve brought on an expert to set the record straight so you can protect your assets—without going overboard or breaking the bank! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re chatting with real estate attorney and fellow investor Bonnie Galam about the nuances of asset protection. The truth is that there are two sides to this coin, but most investors only focus on the defensive or “reactive” side. Bonnie will show you the keys to 360-degree protection—like setting up strong legal structures before problems arise and the essential documentation you should have from day one. You’ll also learn about the potential pitfalls of equity partnerships, how personal events can put your properties at risk, and why car insurance and prenups matter more for your portfolio than you might think. Asset protection doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be strategic, and this episode will help you prioritize what’s important now, what can wait, and how to create a legal framework that evolves as your real estate portfolio grows! In This Episode We Cover Two sides of asset protection to focus on when starting a real estate business Three actionable steps new investors can take to protect their assets today Why you need to create an estate plan (even if you don’t have rentals yet!) How much you should expect to pay for different types of legal protection Debt versus equity partnerships (and why one is better for asset protection) Revocable and irrevocable trusts explained (and which one you need) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-561 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could rentals help YOU achieve financial independence and even retire early? That’s the goal for today’s guest, who, despite growing up with very little, is now building wealth with real estate. In just three years, she has already scaled to 10 properties…and counting! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! After discovering the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early), Lindsay Barrientos decided that real estate investing would be the lifeline from her high-stress W2 job. In just three years, this healthcare professional has already scaled her real estate portfolio to 10 rentals and is on track to leave her job in the coming years—all thanks to a combination of hard work, out-of-state investing, and creative financing. These “home run” deals include a $135,000 property that cash flows over $500 a month and a $79,000 property that recently appraised for over $150,000! In this episode, Lindsay will share the strategies that helped her find high-cash-flow, off-market deals beyond her backyard. Along the way, you’ll learn how to build your network, scale faster through the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), and unlock seller finance deals that allow you to put low money down on investment properties! In This Episode We Cover: How Lindsay grew her portfolio to 10 rental properties in just three years Scaling fast with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) Creating MORE cash flow through the power of out-of-state investing How to lower your living expenses with the house hacking strategy The three keys to finding seller finance deals (even as a beginner!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Lindsay’s Instagram Earn Passive Income by Investing in Shares of Rental Properties with Realbricks Grow Your Network at BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Grab the Book, “Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area What Is the BRRRR Method & How to Use It to Invest in Real Estate Connect with Lindsay Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-560 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Need more money to buy your first (or next) rental property? The right real estate side hustle could help you learn the industry AND pocket some extra change to put toward your next investment. In this episode, we reveal a low-cost real estate business that nets $4,000 a month. Don’t believe us? Tony’s done it himself, and he’ll show you how to get started! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re answering questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group, and to kick things off, we’ll hear from an investor who’s tired of house hacking. What’s the best way to transition to another investing strategy without sacrificing the killer cash flow that renting by the room provides? We’ll share our favorite pivots! Next, we’ll discuss buying mortgage points, a strategy that could help you save money and create more monthly cash flow—IF you plan to keep the property for the long haul. And finally, launching a side hustle is a great way to break into real estate, learn the industry, and make more money to buy rentals. We’ll share an overlooked Airbnb business that has very low startup costs yet could net you $4,000 per month! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to make an extra $4,000 a month with an “overlooked” side hustle The pros and cons of the house hacking and rent-by-the-room strategies Telltale signs it’s time to pivot to a different investing strategy Mortgage points explained (and whether they’re worth the cost) Crucial systems and processes for managing short-term rentals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-559 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you dream of ditching your nine-to-five and living off rentals full-time? Today’s guests did more than dream—they engineered their exit from corporate America and built a $10,000,000 rental portfolio in just FOUR years. And the best part? They did it without a ton of money and without swinging a single hammer! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Niti Jamdar and Palak Shah spent 15 years climbing the corporate ladder before realizing they weren’t really building wealth. So, they set a clear goal—to leave their W2 jobs in just five years with real estate. They ended up crushing that goal, building a multimillion-dollar portfolio in just four years! If you want to scale your real estate portfolio fast, there’s arguably no better investing strategy than the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), which allows you to continuously tap into your equity to buy more rental properties. In this episode, Niti and Palak will share their “SCALE” framework, step by step, which simplifies this strategy so that even the greenest investor can understand it! In This Episode We Cover: How Niti and Palak built a $10,000,000 portfolio in just four years Growing your real estate portfolio faster with the “SCALE” framework How to create time, location, and financial freedom with real estate investing Tips and tricks for managing a successful rehab project from start to finish Leveraging commercial financing to scale faster than you thought possible Boosting rents with high-ROI renovations and tenant-friendly finishes And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Niti & Palak’s Instagram Grab Niti and Palak’s Book The Investor Accelerator Baselane: Automate your real estate finances with banking and AI-powered bookkeeping. Claim your $100 bonus! Catch Niti and Palak at BPCON2025 in Las Vegas Grab Niti and Palak’s Book, “Accelerate Your Real Estate” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Property Manager Finder What Is the BRRRR Method & How to Use It to Invest in Real Estate Connect with Niti Connect with Palak Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-558 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What would you do with $8,500 in monthly cash flow? Quit your W2 job? Travel the world? Reinvest it? The possibilities are endless, and by blending investing strategies and getting creative when hunting for deals, today’s guest was able to “snowball” to $8,500/month with 10 rental units in just a few years! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we’re chatting with Kelsey Porter, a real estate agent who caught the investing bug when a client introduced her to BiggerPockets. While most new investors focus on one strategy, Kelsey has tried a little bit of everything—house hacking, live-in flips, and short, medium, and long-term rentals. She has even rented out her primary residence for months at a time, a move that fully funded her wedding! With “smedium”-term rentals, unique experiences, and even a Taylor Swift-themed Airbnb—which features a full-blown scavenger hunt—Kelsey has built a highly diversified real estate portfolio. Stay tuned to learn about Kelsey’s strategy for finding off-market deals and the “all-in-one” mortgage she used to tap into her home equity and scale fast! In This Episode We Cover: How Kelsey makes $8,500 in monthly cash flow from just 10 rental units Blending investing strategies to maximize your rental cash flow Tapping into home equity with the “all-in-one” mortgage How to land more off-market real estate deals with strategic lead nurturing How to diversify (and lower your risk) within your real estate portfolio And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Earn Passive Income by Investing in Shares of Rental Properties with Realbricks Grab the Book “Start with Strategy” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals? Connect with Kelsey Kelsey’s Instagram Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-557 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is money getting in the way of you and your first (or next) rental property? You’re not alone! This is perhaps the most common pain point for new investors. Fortunately, we have some game-changing tips to help you get financing for rental properties—even if you don’t have a high-paying job or perfect credit score! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Today’s first question is from a student looking to purchase their first house hack. They’re not sure if they’ll be able to qualify for a mortgage based on their current income and job history, but we’ll provide some actionable steps to help them reach their end goal as soon as possible. Next, we’ll hear from an investor who’s looking to tap into their home equity and fund their next rental property. The catch? If they refinance, their new interest rate will jump up by 5%. Is the investment worth it? We’ll weigh the pros and cons. To wrap up, we’ll tackle some common landlording problems—high utility bills, tenant headaches, and more! In This Episode We Cover Common money problems new investors face (and how to overcome them) How to find the best financing terms for your rental properties Several ways to tap into your home equity (and fund your next property) The pros and cons of cash-out refinancing at a higher interest rate Keeping your utility costs under control and managing difficult tenants And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-556 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if you could create multiple income streams and live for “free” with just ONE rental? Today, we’ll show you why a small multifamily property is still one of the best investments you can make and how buying one in 2025 could catapult you toward financial freedom! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! With less competition than both single-family homes and large multifamily properties, small multifamily is the “sweet spot” for investors looking to break into real estate and buy their first rental property. Ashley started her investing journey with a duplex and still believes this is the best investing strategy for rookies today. In this episode, she will show you how to find and buy your first small multifamily property, step by step! Along the way, you’ll learn everything from developing your buy box and analyzing rental properties to getting the best financing terms with the house hacking strategy. But that’s not all. Once you have your property under contract, you’ll need to know how to find and manage tenants, so we’ll share the biggest (and most common) multifamily management mistakes to avoid! In This Episode We Cover How Ashley would invest in small multifamily if she were starting in 2025 House hacking to get low-money-down financing and live for “free” The investing strategy that gives you cash flow, appreciation, and tax-free gains The two biggest multifamily management mistakes (and how to avoid them) Why it’s easier to scale with small multifamily rentals than single-family homes And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-555 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Growing to $8,000 in monthly cash flow and 35 rental units—all while working a W2 job?! Just two years ago, today’s guest knew nothing about real estate investing. But he found a deal and brought it to someone with money, and this single move launched his investing journey. Want to do the same, starting from zero? Then you don’t want to miss this one! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Luke Tetreault was miserable at his W2 job. When he had finally reached his breaking point, he decided to take a swing at real estate—and at first, it wasn’t pretty. Without any investing knowledge or experience, Luke found his first property on Facebook Marketplace and didn’t even have the money to close it himself. So, he reached out to an old contact, who ended up funding the deal. Over time, he grew his network until he had contractors and private money lenders for all his deals! He started with a single-family home, but his most recent deal? An 18-unit mobile home park he bought with creative financing. Stick around as Luke teaches you how to find off-market deals no one’s looking for, use your everyday hobbies to build out your investing team, and scale your portfolio starting with little to no cash! In This Episode We Cover How Luke scaled to $8,000 in monthly cash flow and 35 units (in TWO years) Boosting your cash flow by pivoting to another investing strategy Buying an 18-unit mobile home park with zero money out of pocket Creative ways to find off-market real estate deals at a deep discount Two signs you’re ready to leave your W2 job for real estate investing Leveraging your own hobbies and passions to build your investing team And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-554 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Finding the right rental property isn’t easy. It needs to fit your budget and buy box, and if you’re house hacking, you’ll want to buy in a neighborhood you’re comfortable living in. These are just a few of many roadblocks rookies face, but we’re going to show you how to thread the needle in today’s episode! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and the Real Estate Rookie YouTube channel, and first up, we’ll hear from an investor who is struggling to find a property that checks all the right boxes. Should they settle for what they can afford or save up for something better? Should they shop around for different types of financing? Stay tuned to find out! We’ll also hear from an investor who wants to use the home equity from their first rental property to help buy their next one. Should they get a HELOC (home equity line of credit), use a cash-out refinance, or sell their property? We’ll weigh the pros and cons and help them make the smartest move. Finally, if you own rentals for long enough, you’re bound to have friction with neighbors. We’ll show you how to defuse tension and build rapport! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The biggest hurdles new investors face when buying their first rental property Settling for the property you can afford versus saving for something better Narrowing down the right neighborhood for your first house hack Three ways to tap into the equity you’ve built up in your property How to find the right financing for your first real estate deal The best ways to respond to neighbor complaints (that build rapport) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-553 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A traditional rental property gives you one stream of income, but what if you could multiply that cash flow by two, three, four, or more times? You’re about to get a masterclass on the co-living strategy, and to help break it all down, we brought on someone who not only quit their job with this model but also wrote the book on it! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Co-living is making waves in 2025, but it’s not just a fleeting trend or gimmick. This is an investing strategy with real staying power, and you’re about to find out why. Today, we’re joined by Miller McSwain, a nuclear rocket scientist turned real estate investor and author of the brand-new book, Co-Living Cash Flow. Miller’s six-property portfolio brings in a whopping $8,000 in monthly cash flow, which has allowed him to quit his nine-to-five and focus on real estate full-time! In this episode, Miller will tell you everything you need to know about co-living—including how to pick your market, analyze properties, and convert unused square footage into rentable space. He’ll also provide some potentially property-saving tips, like how to reduce turnover and keep renters living in harmony! In This Episode We Cover The secrets Miller used to scale to six properties and $8,000 in monthly cash flow Everything you need to know before using the co-living strategy in 2025 Three ways to determine whether a new strategy will work in your market How to make more income by converting unused space into extra rooms Why co-living has staying power and will likely avoid an Airbnb-like “crackdown” The keys to happy renters, longer leases, and minimal tenant turnover And So Much More! Links Mentioned in the Show BiggerPockets Agent Finder BiggerPockets Calculators Real Estate Rookie 486 - Quitting His Job with Real Estate After Cracking the Cash Flow Code w/Miller McSwain Miller’s Room Rent Calculator Miller’s Instagram Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-552 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to leave your nine-to-five for a “job” that gives you more time, flexibility, and potentially more money? Rentals could be your golden ticket to financial freedom. After tragedy turned her world upside down, today’s guest went all in on real estate investing. Just ONE year later, she makes $13,000 in monthly cash flow and has waved her W2 goodbye! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Shortly after buying her first rental property, Allison Craft lost her brother in a tragic accident. With a new perspective on life, she decided to chase after what she valued most—more time with her young family. With just one short-term rental and a new co-hosting business, she now brings in more income than she ever did at her corporate finance job of 10 years! In this episode, Allison shares how she bought, renovated, and furnished her first rental property with limited cash and launched a real estate business that cash flows close to $10,000 a month. If you want to do the same—build a profitable business without owning rentals—stay tuned because Allison has the secrets to finding clients and scaling fast! In This Episode We Cover: How Allison scaled to $13,000 in monthly cash flow (in just ONE year) Building a profitable real estate business from scratch (step by step) How to make money in real estate without owning rental property When to quit your W2 job and go “all in” on real estate investing Fast-tracking your investing journey with networking and mentorship And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram BiggerPockets Agent Finder BiggerStays YouTube Channel Garrett’s Instagram Allison’s Website Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-551 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Great cash flow is hard to come by in this market, but fortunately, there’s a strategy that can help you maximize your property’s rentable space and profits. In this episode, we’ll show you how to convert your own rental property for co-living or renting-by-the-room! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Tony and guest co-host Garrett Brown are diving back into the BiggerPockets Forums, and first up, we have a question about one of 2025’s up-and-coming strategies—co-living. This rookie investor wants to maximize the amount of cash flow their property can earn, so we’ll steer them in the right direction with the best arrangement and profitable value-add ideas! Then, we’ll hear from an investor who already has their investing strategy and financing lined up but can’t decide where to invest. We’ll share some crucial market analysis advice and some potentially property-saving tips for managing their rental from afar. Stick around till the end for a question we’ve never been “axed” before, which involves a dangerous short-term rental amenity and potential lawsuit! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Boosting your cash flow with the co-living and rent-by-the-room strategies Value-add renovations that create more rentable space on your property The three keys to a profitable out-of-state investing operation How to properly analyze a market for short-term rentals Must-avoid Airbnb amenities that could get you into legal trouble And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram BiggerPockets Agent Finder BiggerStays YouTube Channel AirDNA PriceLabs Breezeway Garrett’s Instagram Pre-Order the Book, “Co-Living Cash Flow” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 447 - Making $300K+ Profit Per Rental and Scaling FAST with “DADUs” Connect with Garrett Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-550 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you bought and held 10 rental properties—each being paid down by tenants—imagine where you would be 10, 20, or 30 years from now. Financially free? Retired? Today’s guest isn’t worried about cash flow or making a quick buck. He’s using a proven, repeatable formula to build wealth with real estate, and in this episode, he’ll show YOU how to mirror his success! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Zach Stanley went from selling printers to buying a pair of rentals without really knowing what he was getting into. Now, at just 28 years old, Zach already has 10 properties to his name and over $1 million in total equity. The cherry on top? He brings in $3,500 in monthly cash flow, even though he’s playing “the long game” with his investments. This allows him to reinvest his profits, save for down payments, and scale his real estate portfolio faster! In today’s episode, Zach will show you how to find great real estate deals with “conservative” analysis and share the number one mistake new investors make when looking for properties. You’ll also learn why appreciation beats cash flow, especially if you want to scale quickly and build long-term wealth! In This Episode We Cover: How Zach scaled to 10 rental properties and over $1 million in equity Reinvesting your cash flow to build your real estate portfolio faster The massive advantage you gain by teaming up with an investor-friendly agent The rookie’s biggest “blind spot” when analyzing real estate deals Why a sales job can help prime you for real estate investing success And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Automate your real estate finances with banking and AI-powered bookkeeping. Claim your $100 bonus! Grab the Book, “Pillars of Wealth” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 537 - BUILD, Don’t Buy: The Rookie-Friendly Investing Strategy with 6-Figure Upside Connect with Zach BiggerPockets Agent Finder BiggerPockets Calculators Zach’s Instagram Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-549 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Making $65,000 in yearly cash flow from three rental properties?! Today’s guests are on a mission to create generational wealth, and they’re doing it with an investing strategy YOU can use to scale your real estate portfolio fast, too—small multifamily properties! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Daniel and Rebeca Hawthorne didn’t come from money, but they’re looking to reverse that trend and give their family a much better life. In just FIVE years, they have built a small multifamily portfolio of 32 rental units. How did they do it? In this episode, they’ll share how they leveraged home equity to buy their first, second, AND third rental property! Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Daniel and Rebeca have had a few tenant horror stories, including one that involves a fraudulent caretaker and over $30,000 in property damage. But despite all the hurdles and growing pains, they’re building massive wealth by amassing units and slowly converting long-term rentals into medium-term rentals for higher cash flow. Stay tuned to hear their full story from childhood poverty to financial freedom! In This Episode We Cover How Daniel and Rebeca scaled to 32 rental units in just FIVE years The blueprint to create generational wealth with small multifamily real estate Leveraging your home equity to fund investment property down payments How to defer capital gain taxes on your property sale with a 1031 exchange Freeing up your time, energy, and ability to scale by hiring a property manager And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-548 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You’ve got some money. You’ve got your strategy. You’ve even analyzed a bunch of rentals. But you still can’t find real estate deals that cash flow. What gives? Today, we’re going to share three things YOU can do to turn more “okay” deals into great deals! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the best place to ask your questions and get top-notch advice from other investors. First, it can be disheartening to analyze rental properties and come up dry, but we’ve got a few simple adjustments that could change your fortune. We’ll also hear from an investor who’s worried about an appraisal that could break their deal and show them how to use it to their advantage instead! Finally, we’ll share the number one investing strategy all newbies should be paying attention to in 2025. This is a low-risk way for any beginner to break into real estate investing. The best part? It can be seriously profitable! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Three things you can do to find real estate deals that cash flow The number one thing new investors get wrong when analyzing properties Getting an even better deal by using an appraisal to negotiate with sellers The “hottest” investing strategy beginners need to pay attention to in 2025 How to “soup up” your cash flow with co-living and rent-by-the-room And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram BiggerPockets Agent Finder BiggerPockets Calculators Real Estate Rookie 195 - Financially Free in 2.5 Years by Buying “Low Risk” Rental Properties Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab the Book “Real Estate by the Numbers” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 265 - Making $90K/Year with Just ONE Rental by Combining Compassion and Cash Flow Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-547 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could rentals give YOU financial freedom? Today’s guest took a giant leap of faith to invest in real estate, and it allowed her to quit her low-paying W2 job in just five years. If you’ve yet to take the first step in your investing journey, this rags-to-riches story will inspire you to get off the sidelines and into the game! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Earning just $28,000 a year as a lab tech and struggling to pay rent on a property she didn’t even own, Deandra McDonald was determined to buy a house and enjoy the long-term benefits of owning real estate. But when her lender told her she couldn’t qualify for a mortgage, Deandra did what so many aspiring investors are unwilling to do—she cut out ALL unnecessary spending to pay off her debts, rebuild her credit, and save for a down payment. In just 18 months, she was able to buy her first house—all while working the same low-paying job! And that’s just the beginning of Deandra’s story. After realizing that renting out a room in her new home could cover her mortgage payment, she caught the multifamily investing bug. Fast forward to today, and Deandra has built a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio. Tune in to find out exactly how she did it and how you can copy her success! In This Episode We Cover The investing strategy that helped Deandra to quit her W2 job in just five years How Deandra bought her first property while making just $28,000 a year Fast-tracking your down payment by cutting unnecessary expenses Leveraging your current properties to grow your real estate portfolio The secrets to self-managing your properties (and keeping tenants happy!) How to seamlessly pivot from single-family homes to multifamily investments And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-546 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Seeing investors with hundreds of rental units can be intimidating, but you DON’T need a massive real estate portfolio to achieve your financial goals. As you’re about to hear, buying just one rental property could allow you to live rent-free and put you on the path toward financial independence! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! From a young age, Ronny Heredia knew he wanted to achieve financial independence, but there had to be a better way than grinding away at a W2 job for 40-plus years. Naturally, he started investing in stocks, but before long, his curiosity had led him to real estate investing. He consumed as much information as he could, saved up some money for a down payment, and purchased his first property—a “luxury” house hack that covers his entire mortgage payment each month! Now, Ronny has (good) problems on his hands. Should he pay off his mortgage or buy more rentals? We’ll explore all his options in today’s episode. But that’s not all. Ronny will also share some of the real estate investing hacks he’s picked up along the way—like the easiest way to raise rent (and keep your tenants happy) and how to use 100%-free AI tools to find the best real estate deals in your market! In This Episode We Cover: Fast-tracking financial independence with a “small and mighty” portfolio Paying off your first property versus scaling your real estate portfolio How to eliminate your mortgage payment with the house hacking strategy The easiest way to negotiate rent increases with your tenants How to use AI to find “hidden gem” properties that other investors overlook And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Real Estate Rookie 429 - The Investing “Map” You NEED to Uncover Hot Markets, Neighborhoods, & Deals Real Estate Rookie 47 - 0 to 7 Deals in a Year Using Other People’s Money with Andres Bernal Ronny’s Instagram Browse AI ChatGPT Manage Your Rental with RentRedi! Collect Mobile Rent Payments, Find Qualified Renters, and Manage Accounting and Maintenance from Anywhere! Buy the Book, “The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 463 - The “Lazy” Landlord’s Guide to Finding (And Keeping) Tenants & Raising Rents Connect with Ronny Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-545 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you have around $25,000 saved? Good news—you can invest in real estate! There are several ways to get started, but which investing strategy reigns supreme? We’ll show you how to get the best bang for your buck so you can buy your next investment even faster! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We went back into the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group and found more investing questions from beginners just like you. Today’s first question comes from an investor who’s struggling to pick a market. Should they hone in on a single area, or will scouring multiple markets speed up their search for the perfect deal? You might be surprised to hear where Ashley and Tony land on this one! Then, we’ll hear from an investor who has saved $25,000 to put towards their first rental property. Like many rookies, they’re looking to scale their real estate portfolio fast, so we’ll share our favorite strategies for doing just that—including a few outside-the-box ideas. Finally, how do you vet a co-signer when screening tenants? We’ll show you how to cover all your bases! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to start investing in real estate with just $25,000 (or less) The best ways to put low (or no) money down on a rental property How to pick the right market to invest in (and when to pick multiple!) The key to finding more real estate deals with a “narrow” buy box How to properly vet a co-signer for your new tenant’s lease And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-544 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have high interest rates and home prices affected your ability to buy cash-flowing real estate deals? If you’re struggling to find properties that pencil out, you don’t want to miss this episode. If there’s anyone who can teach you how to find great deals, even in this housing market, it’s today’s guest. He wrote the book on it! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by fellow investor, On the Market co-host, and author of Real Estate Deal Maker, Henry Washington. Given today’s difficult market conditions, is Henry pivoting to another investing strategy? Nope! He’s sticking to “boring,” single-family and multifamily properties that he either rents out to tenants or flips for a profit. But he is changing how he analyzes deals, and he’ll show YOU how to do the same in today’s episode! Stay tuned if you want to know how to buy your first or next rental property in 2025. Henry will show you the four-step approach he uses to find undervalued deals today and how to buy discounted properties from builders looking to move old inventory. But that’s not all. You’ll also learn how to fund these deals using small local banks, retirement accounts, and other people’s money (OPM)! In This Episode We Cover: The four-step “shotgun” approach to finding real estate deals in today’s market Why the way you analyze deals must evolve (even if your strategy doesn’t!) Creative ways to source “undervalued,” off-market real estate deals in any market How to fund your next property by leveraging your retirement accounts Buying discounted properties from builders looking to “offload” inventory How to get your spouse on board with your real estate investing goals And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Henry’s Instagram Grab Henry’s Book, “Real Estate Deal Maker” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders 5 Ways to Find Off-Market Real Estate Deals Like a Pro (00:00) Intro (00:45) Breaking Into Real Estate (03:18) Funding His First Deal (08:48) Analyzing Deals in THIS Market (12:48) “Conservative” Underwriting 101 (22:18) How to Find Deals TODAY (29:57) Getting a Spouse on Board (37:34) Connect with Henry! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-543 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Making $6,000 in monthly cash flow from just four rentals?! Given the current housing market, it seems impossible, but today’s guest is about to show you the secrets to building a profitable real estate portfolio. There are opportunities out there—you just need to know where to look! While many beginners hope to one day earn enough rental income to quit their W2 jobs, Jamie Banks did the reverse—leaving her job to go all-in on real estate investing. This risky move paid off, as in just two years, she has already built a portfolio with enough income to replace her salary. She started out co-hosting, and while this strategy helped her learn the ropes of residential investing, it wasn’t going to help her build wealth. So, she turned her attention to buying rental properties instead—using her superpower, networking, to find private money lenders who could help fund her deals! Jamie’s journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. She has heard “no” more times than she can count, tried several investing strategies, and bought a property that barely breaks even. But despite the setbacks, she has always found a way to learn and grow. And Jamie isn’t taking her foot off the gas any time soon. Stay tuned to hear how she plans to scale to $10,000 in monthly cash flow and break into commercial real estate! In This Episode We Cover How Jamie scaled to $6,000 in monthly cash flow in just TWO years The secret to finding “unlimited” money to fund your real estate deals Two strategies you can use to make money before you buy rental properties Using “inside information” to uncover the next up-and-coming markets How to pin down the perfect investing strategy for your long-term goals Getting a mix of stability and high cash flow with medium-term rentals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-542 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many “experts” say you need a real estate LLC once you buy a rental property, but are they right? They also say you need money and great credit to invest in real estate, but we know of other creative ways to get started. Stick around to learn how! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony have pulled more of your recent questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and today’s first question comes from an investor who just bought their first rental property. Do they need to set up a limited liability company (LLC) right off the bat, or can they hold off until they grow their real estate portfolio? We’ll show them the best ways to protect their personal assets! We’ll also hear from an investor who wants to get into house hacking. The only problem? They live in an expensive market, and the deal they’re looking at doesn’t pencil out. Could pivoting to another investing strategy make it profitable? Finally, a lack of money keeps many beginners from breaking into real estate, but it doesn’t have to. We’ll share some creative ways to kickstart your investing journey if you don’t have a ton of money or credit! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Whether you need a limited liability company (LLC) for your first rental property The differences between umbrella policies and LLCs (and which one YOU need) How to create more cash flow from a house hack (even in a pricey market!) How to start your real estate investing journey without much money or great credit Learning the industry and making extra money with real estate side hustles And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook The Millionaire Next Door The Psychology of Money Build Your Investing Network at BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab “The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 105 - Don’t Lose Your Portfolio to Lawsuits! Here’s How to Protect Yourself Real Estate Rookie 106 - Asset Protection for Rookies: 7 Wealth-Saving Answers from an Expert (00:00) Intro (00:31) Do You NEED an LLC? (06:32) House Hacking in a Pricy Market (13:50) Investing Without Money or Credit (23:56) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-541 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So, you want to invest in real estate…but where should you start? What’s the best type of rental property for a beginner? It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options, but in this episode, we’ll provide the four-step framework you need to make the right choice! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! First, we’ll share four steps that will help you pin down the right investing strategy for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Then, we’ll introduce you to a few of the most beginner-friendly types of rental properties. Are you light on cash? House hacking could help you take down your first investment property with relatively little money out of pocket. Are you looking to scale your real estate portfolio as quickly as possible? The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is one of the fastest ways to build wealth in real estate. Would you prefer your real estate investments to be mostly hands-off? Perhaps a long-term rental is more your speed. Stick around till the end to learn about the three most common mistakes we see new investors make and what YOU must do to avoid them! In This Episode We Cover: The four BEST types of rental properties for new investors The four-step formula for choosing the right investing strategy Creative ways to get into real estate investing when you’re light on cash The secret to scaling your real estate portfolio quickly (without a ton of money) Three common rookie investing mistakes (and how to avoid them!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Monarch Money RealBricks Buy the Book, “Start with Strategy” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals? (00:00) Intro (01:05) Step 1. Define Your Goals (03:44) Step 2. Determine Your Involvement (07:32) Step 3. Assess Your Finances (13:04) Step 4. Know Your Market (15:49) House Hacking (17:24) The BRRRR Strategy (22:12) Short-Term Rentals (25:20) Long-Term Rentals (29:51) Analysis Paralysis (32:25) Shiny Object Syndrome (35:22) Taking Bad Advice Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-540 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want the time-tested investing strategy that will make you rich 10, 20, or 30 years from now? Despite market uncertainty, buying rentals is still a savvy move if you’re playing the long game. That’s what today’s guest is doing—using a mix of steady cash flow and appreciation to reach financial freedom! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! After a bad experience with a financial advisor, Anthony Finger decided to take control of his investments. He started with everyone’s favorite “boring” investment, index funds, and before long, he had brought his slow and steady approach over to real estate—buying seven long-term rentals over seven years. Today, his real estate portfolio brings in $2,400 in monthly cash flow, and Anthony has already built up over $600,000 in total equity! The conservative approach might not be as “sexy” as Airbnb or as exciting as flipping houses, but it’s a surefire way to build wealth with real estate. Tune in as Anthony shares the perks of investing in your own backyard, the benefits of buying turnkey rentals, and the secret to buying new construction at a discount! In This Episode We Cover: How Anthony scaled “slowly” to seven properties in seven years “Safe” investments that will put you on the path to financial freedom Building a stable portfolio with low-maintenance, turnkey rental properties How to achieve a mix of equity and cash flow in THIS housing market The benefits of investing in your own backyard (and when to look elsewhere!) The crucial mindset shift you need to succeed in real estate And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook BiggerPockets Calculators Rent to Retirement Anthony's Instagram Get Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Grab “The Book on Rental Property Investing” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Property Manager Finder Real Estate Rookie 123 - “Building” Wealth as a 24-Year-Old with 12 New Construction Projects Connect with Anthony (00:00) Intro (00:51) Buying His First Rental (05:30) Crucial Mindset Shift (09:34) Anthony’s Portfolio (14:45) Tough Lessons Learned (21:44) Scaling “Slowly” (28:25) Cash Flow AND Equity (35:09) Connect with Anthony! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-539 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Anyone can analyze a rental property, but if you’re not careful, it’s easy to overlook significant costs that wipe out your cash flow and put you in the red. Thankfully, we’ve got some timely tips that will help you avoid these critical mistakes! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and BiggerPockets Facebook groups. Worried that your “good” real estate deal might not be a good deal after all? We’ll show you some of the things you must account for before you buy! Next, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of real estate partnerships. Whose name should go on the mortgage? How do you ensure that both parties own the property? We have the answers! Finally, how do you make an offer on a property you haven’t seen? What if you receive a low appraisal? We’ll show you how to find “boots on the ground” in any market, renegotiate with the seller, and close on your property for a great price! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Costs you must account for when analyzing a rental property The biggest pros and cons of turnkey real estate investing How to properly budget for capital expenditures, maintenance, and repairs Why you need a five-year exit plan when structuring a partnership How to find “boots on the ground” when investing out of state Renegotiating with the seller after receiving a low appraisal And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook BiggerPockets Calculators Grab Our Book, “Real Estate Partnerships” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 326 - The Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the BEST Off-Market Real Estate Deals (00:00) Intro (00:18) Good or Bad Deal? (07:31) Structuring Partnerships (17:32) Making Offers (Out of State!) (28:25) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-538 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A single-family home could give you some extra cash flow, but what if there was a way to make six-figure returns from “rentals” that breathe new life into your town? Today, we’ll share a rookie-friendly investing strategy that allows you to do just that, all while using very little (if any) of your own money! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Katie Neason is a big believer in “investing where you’re invested” and has built a real estate business that allows her to make huge returns while revitalizing her hometown of Bryan, Texas. Unlike normal real estate development, which involves new construction on raw land, redevelopment is the process of taking an area that was previously built on and giving it a new purpose. The best part about redevelopment? Your city might actually want you to do it—meaning you could get all kinds of grants and tax breaks to bring your vision to life! In this episode, Katie will give you a detailed walkthrough of her most recent deal, show you the perfect “gateway” redevelopment project for a new investor (step by step), and teach you how to get started with this strategy using other people’s money (OPM)! In This Episode We Cover: Redevelopment explained (and why it’s even better than new development) Making huge returns and revitalizing neighborhoods with the new BRRRR strategy The perfect “gateway” project into redevelopment for new investors How to fund a redevelopment project with little to no money A step-by-step walkthrough of Katie’s most recent redevelopment deal How to determine whether your town or city is “developer-friendly” And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Build-to-Sell Calculator Katie’s Instagram Start Earning Passive Income from Rental Properties with Realbricks Grab the Book, “Raising Private Capital” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Urban Redevelopment & How to Capitalize on a Profitable Trend Katie's BiggerPockets Profile (00:00) Intro (00:59) What Is “Redevelopment”? (04:57) The “Gateway” Into Redevelopment (07:06) Next Steps for Rookies (16:13) How to Fund Your Project (21:41) Katie’s Most Recent Deal (30:55) 4 Tips for New Investors (34:32) Connect with Katie! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-537 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you can’t create cash flow in this housing market? Think again! Today’s guest will introduce you to a strategy that can take a regular rental property and maximize its profits. It’s allowed him to net $5,000 each month and quit his W2 job in just 18 months! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Just two years ago, Andres Martinez was waiting tables and saving every penny possible for a house. But when he was told he still couldn’t qualify for a mortgage, he turned his attention to wholesaling in order to learn more about real estate investing and make some extra money. Little did he know that he would soon stumble upon a strategy that would change his life and give him financial freedom—co-living! After buying a couple of properties, Andres quit his job to go all-in on this strategy. This move paid off, as he’s been able to scale his real estate portfolio to five properties (soon to be six!) and over $5,000 in monthly cash flow. The best part? He’s been able to buy all of his properties using other people’s money (OPM), seller financing, and subject to deals. Stick around as Andres tells you all about his buy box, how he analyzes rental properties, and why co-living might just be the next big thing in 2025! In This Episode We Cover: Making $5,000 in monthly cash flow from five rental properties How Andres was able to quit his W2 job in 18 months with real estate The investing strategy that maximizes your rental property’s profits Why co-living presents a huge opportunity for investors in 2025 and beyond The best real estate side hustles to fast-track your investing journey And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook PadSplit Andres’ Instagram Buy the Book, “Wealth Without Cash” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Co-Living Units Are Helping Investors Generate Higher Returns—Here’s What You Need to Know Connect with Andres (00:00) Intro (00:33) Hustling for a House (07:33) Co-Living 101 (11:40) “Testing” His Strategy (17:51) Andres’ Current Portfolio (24:29) How to Find Properties (27:32) Quitting His W2 Job (31:25) $5,000 Monthly Cash Flow! (32:12) Connect with Andres! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-536 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it time to SELL your rental property? Not so fast! Bad cash flow isn’t the end of the world if you’re banking on appreciation, and there are several ways to increase your cash flow. But certain problems aren’t worth the headaches, and in this episode, we’ll share some telltale signs that you should sell! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today’s first question comes from a new investor who’s looking to go from buying beginner-friendly, turnkey properties to scaling with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat). Is this a doable next step or should they stick with what’s been working? We’ll show you why this investing strategy isn’t as intimidating as it might seem! Next, we’ll discuss what you should do if your property is bleeding money. At what point should you move on? Maybe you’ve already decided to cash out but are struggling to sell your investment property. We’ll show you how to move that stubborn listing! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Signs you should SELL your rental property (and when to hold instead) Properly analyzing rental properties so you DON’T get stuck with a bad investment How to use the BRRRR method to scale your real estate portfolio Earning semi-passive income with turnkey rentals How to choose the right real estate investing strategy for YOU Creative strategies for moving an old listing that has been sitting on the market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-535 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of spending your money on rent or stashing it in a traditional savings account? You could make your money work harder for you and get on the path to financial freedom with real estate investing. Today, we’re going to show you exactly how to buy your first rental property in 2025, step by step! Despite rising home prices and high interest rates, now is an ideal time for new investors to buy real estate, as they face less competition and have even more leverage. So, in this episode, Ashley and Tony are going to show you seven steps that will get you off the sidelines and into the game! First, we’ll help you lay a foundation for investing. You’ll not only need to get your financial house in order but also set clear investing goals, determine your purchasing power, and choose your investing strategy. You’ll also learn how to do things like find a lender, choose your market, and assemble your investing team. Then, we’ll start looking at deals! We’ll share how to build your buy box, analyze properties, and negotiate with sellers. Most importantly, we’ll teach you the right way to build your business so that you succeed today AND as you scale your real estate portfolio! In This Episode We Cover: How to buy your first rental property in 2025 (step by step) Why NOW is the perfect time for new investors to get into real estate The three things you must do before buying an investment property How to create your “buy box” and start analyzing rental properties The value of building relationships with small, local banks and credit unions Must-have systems and processes for your real estate business And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook The Rookie’s Cheat Sheet for Market Research (Find Where to Invest in 2024) Real Estate Investing Resources Property Buy Box Worksheet How to Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Rental Property (7 Steps) Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Pick Up Ashley’s Book “Real Estate Rookie” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 523 - The “Secret Sauce” for Buying Rental Properties BELOW Market Value (00:00) Intro (00:36) Why Real Estate? (04:49) Step 1. Lay the Foundation (09:25) Step 2. Talk to a Lender (11:27) Step 3. Choose Your Market (14:59) Step 4. Build Out Your Team (18:49) Step 5. Create Your Buy Box (25:03) Step 6. Make an Offer (31:53) Step 7. Prepare for Closing (33:56) Find Your NEXT Deal! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-534 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you stuck with a problematic property? What if you could create thousands of dollars in monthly cash flow just by pivoting to the right investing strategy for your property and market? That’s exactly what today’s guest did, and if you stick around, she’ll show you how to repeat her success! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Aleea Stanton’s grandparents gave up their home to put her through college, so after graduating from law school, she saved up and bought them a house. Little did she know that this would ignite a passion for real estate investing and home renovation projects. Before long, Aleea had gone on to fix and flip eight houses—averaging $40,000 in profit per home—and even pocketed a whopping $200,000 on her most recent flip! Despite the huge profit margins she earned with this lucrative strategy, Aleea decided to diversify her real estate portfolio with buy-and-hold investing. Now, she brings in an additional $3,000 in consistent monthly cash flow, all thanks to a combination of long-term and medium-term rentals. Tune in as Aleea shares her biggest successes and several critical mistakes to avoid! In This Episode We Cover: Making thousands in monthly cash flow by pivoting to another investing strategy Why diversification is one of the most powerful tools in a difficult housing market The number one thing that will make or break your renovation projects Why you should always order your own home inspection (even if you waive one) Creative ways to find off-market real estate deals in a competitive market And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Buy the Book “Start with Strategy” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals? (00:00) Intro (00:35) Buying Her First House (05:35) Flipping 8 Houses! (08:12) Pivoting to Long-Term Rentals (16:58) Finding Great MLS Deals (28:20) Mid-Term Rentals & Off-Market Deals (31:49) Connect with Aleea! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-533 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should you STOP buying rentals? How do you structure a seller financing deal? Can you invest out of state without a property manager? Whether you’re looking to improve your cash flow or buy a property without the bank, there’s something for you in today’s Rookie Reply! Our first question comes from an investor who is looking at a potential seller financing opportunity. Should they make multiple offers? How should they structure terms? Tune in to hear the tips Ashley and Tony have used to get low-money-down seller financing in the past! Next, we’ll hear from an investor whose real estate portfolio is barely breaking even. We’ll discuss whether they should stop buying rentals, but we’ll also dive into their assets and see if there’s an even easier (and more passive) way to build wealth with real estate! Finally, is there a cost-effective way to manage your properties from afar while still having boots on the ground to handle things like showings and move-in inspections? Ashley has some outside-the-box ideas you could try! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: How to reach your real estate investing goals without buying more rentals How to pitch seller financing (and negotiate terms) when buying property Whether you should make multiple offers on the same property (and how to do it) Building wealth through passive real estate investing opportunities How to leverage your retirement accounts to invest in real estate How to manage rental properties when investing out of state And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook PropStream Buy the Book “Start with Strategy” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals? (00:00) Intro (00:32) Seller Financing 101 (11:14) STOP Buying Rentals? (21:50) Managing Rentals from Afar (24:20) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-532 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you want to know how to invest in real estate in 2025, even if you earn an average salary, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we’re going to break down the exact steps YOU can take to buy your first or next rental property—yes, even in today’s tough housing market! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley, Tony, and investor Luke Carl are going to share how they would invest in real estate in 2025 if they were starting from scratch. We’ll look at today’s housing market from the perspective of someone who earns an average salary of $75,000 or less and share our favorite strategies, property types, and loans for a beginner. Stay tuned to learn why Ashley recommends forming a partnership for your first real estate deal, why Tony loves the NACA mortgage, and why Luke likes to target properties that need a little love. We’ll also share our top tips for new investors—from getting a mentor and building rapport with lenders to avoiding “shiny object syndrome” and fast-tracking your savings for a bigger down payment! In This Episode We Cover: How to invest in today’s market with an average salary ($75,000 or less) Creative ways to put low (or no) money down on an investment property The best real estate investing strategies for a new investor Whether you should pay off debt before investing in real estate Managing your own rentals versus hiring a property management company And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook NACA Luke’s Website Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Grab the Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Investing for Beginners: How to Get Started Connect with Luke (00:00) Intro (00:57) First Steps for Rookies (07:44) Building a Financial Foundation (11:40) Getting Preapproved (16:35) Best Property Types (23:04) Finding the Deal (29:38) Paying Off Debt vs. Investing (33:29) Advice for New Investors (36:16) Connect with Luke! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-531 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
These two college teammates built a sizable real estate portfolio in just three years by using what they call the “delayed BRRRR strategy.” They’ve used this specific real estate investing tactic (and the regular BRRRR strategy) to turn one duplex into more than a dozen rental properties for their portfolio. They didn’t start with a ton of money and only got into investing together in 2021 when housing competition was high, and rates were soon to rise sharply. So, how does their strategy work, and how can YOU use it to buy more rental properties? In this episode, these innovative investors, Joe Escamilla and Sam Farman, talk about why it’s CRUCIAL to have great real estate investing partners and how choosing the right one can be the rocket fuel you need to build a financial freedom-enabling rental property portfolio. They share the new “BRRRR” strategy (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) they’re using to get steady real estate cash flow AND boost their equity at the same time. We’ll also talk about raising private capital and creating your own real estate syndication so you can buy more real estate using other people’s money and pass along the returns to your investors. Joe and Sam have built a real estate portfolio most investors can only dream of achieving, and they did it all in only three years, during high rates, and while working full-time jobs. Stick around to hear how you can do it, too! In This Episode We Cover: The new-and-improved “BRRRR” strategy that lets you “recycle” your money Signs of a perfect real estate partner and why getting this right is CRUCIAL for growth Cash-out refinancing to reinvest in real estate and grow your portfolio faster Why you DON’T want to sit on the sidelines while rates are high and competition is low Syndications and how to raise money for your next real estate deal And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Rich Dad Poor Dad Try REsimpli, The Only All-In-One Real Estate Investor CRM Software That Helps You Manage Data, Marketing, Sales, and Operations Grab the Book on the “BRRRR” Strategy Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders The Beginner’s Guide to “Infinite Investing” with the BRRRR Method Connect with Joe Connect with Sam Connect with Dave (00:00) Intro (01:01) The Perfect Partnership? (03:35) First Duplex in 2021 (11:09) This Works WITH High Rates (15:56) Using Other People’s Money (29:59) The New 2025 “BRRRR” Strategy (27:51) Who Does What? Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-530 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Where should YOU invest in 2025? Stay tuned because we’re going to share our top seven real estate markets for buying rental properties this year. We’ll tell you why we like them, why they’re growing, and whether it’s worth moving there to invest! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and guest cohost Garrett Brown are answering recent questions from new investors just like you. Do you feel behind in your real estate investing journey compared to other investors? You can’t believe everything you see on social media, BUT if you have big plans to grow your real estate portfolio, we’ll show you some of the secrets to scaling! Next, we’ll dive into our favorite markets in 2025. Whether you’re investing in long-term rentals or short-term rentals, we have beginner-friendly options for all strategies. Finally, we’ll break down a real estate deal an investor is working on and steer them in the right direction! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: The top seven real estate markets we’re investing in this year The secret to scaling your real estate portfolio (without a ton of money!) How to buy an investment property without a 25% down payment Discovering profitable short-term rentals using the 20% revenue rule Why stabilizing your properties is more important than buying more Why you should always choose your investing strategy before buying property And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook BiggerPockets Rental Property Calculator BiggerPockets Market Analysis Template BiggerPockets Top Investment Housing Markets for 2025 BiggerPockets Buy Box Checklist BiggerPockets How to Pick a Short-Term Rental Market Guide BiggerStays YouTube Channel AirDNA Navigate The 2025 Tax Season with an Investor-Friendly Tax Expert Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab the Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 473 - Moving 1,500 Miles Away to Buy His First Rental with Just $25,000 Connect with Garrett (00:00) Intro (00:38) The Secret to Scaling (12:12) 7 Best Real Estate Markets (23:37) Property Analysis 101 (32:59) Connect with Garrett! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-529 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There are all kinds of “hidden” real estate deals floating around, and if you take action in this housing market, you could beat everyone else to them—even if you’re new to real estate investing. Today’s guest used this tactic to buy 250 rental units in just FIVE years, and she’s about to share it with you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Off the back of her new book, Smarter Short-Term Rentals, Avery Carl joins the show to teach YOU how to find “hidden” deals that turn into profitable vacation rentals. If you look closely, real estate listings are riddled with errors that could help you buy a rental property well below market value. A few of these properties could give you financial freedom, and in this episode, Avery will show you exactly which “clues” to look for! You’ll also learn how to choose an Airbnb market and why investing in a saturated area is a better bet than trailblazing in an unproven market. But that’s not all. Avery will shed light on “over-amenitization” and show you how to make your short-term rental pop with smart furniture and décor choices instead! In This Episode We Cover: Why the 2025 housing market is the perfect playground for new investors The biggest opportunities and challenges new investors face in 2025 Listing “clues” that could tip you off to an undervalued property Creative ways to make your short-term rental stand out in any market The number one mistake investors make when analyzing a rental property Telltale signs that it’s time to sell your investment property The BEST Airbnb markets to invest in right now (and which ones to avoid!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook AirDNA PriceLabs Rabbu Buy Avery’s New Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals" Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 429 - The Investing “Map” You NEED to Uncover Hot Markets, Neighborhoods, & Deals Connect with Avery (00:00) Intro (00:43) Making “Low” Offers (04:18) Common Listing “Clues” (08:28) Picking Airbnb Markets (17:19) How to Stand Out (22:38) When to Exit a Property (28:47) Markets to Avoid (32:34) BEST Markets in 2025 (34:43) Connect with Avery! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-528 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you want to get into real estate but fear you’re too late to the party? This middle-aged, middle-class couple thought so, too. Instead, they discovered a strategy that helped them fast-track their financial goals, bringing them to six rental properties and over $75,000 in annual cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Brianne and Doug Hamilton didn’t want to rely on their W2 jobs for their financial security, so like many, they turned to real estate investing. In just a few years, they have scaled to six properties and built two real estate businesses. They’re on the path to financial independence, even though they started in their late 30s. If they can do it, YOU can, too! As you’re about to hear, Brianne and Doug have done it all. They’ve launched vacation rentals. They’ve bought properties with other people’s money (OPM). They’ve even cohosted and managed properties for other investors. But their secret to snowballing one rental property into six? The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat). Stick around to learn more about this strategy and copy the Hamiltons’ success, no matter what stage of life you’re in! In This Episode We Cover: Snowballing to six properties and over $75,000 in annual cash flow Scaling with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) The power of networking when you’re just starting your investing journey Choosing an investing strategy that aligns with your goals, skills, and passions How to buy a rental property using other people’s money (OPM) Tips and tricks for increasing your short-term rental bookings And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Brianne & Doug’s Instagram Buy the Book “Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders What Is the BRRRR Method & How to Use It to Invest in Real Estate Connect with Brianne (00:00) Intro (00:45) Why Real Estate Investing? (03:36) Buying the First Property (08:52) “Diversifying” with Vacation Rentals (16:31) Using Other People’s Money (22:08) How to Increase Bookings (31:10) Brianne & Doug’s Portfolio (34:35) Connect with Brianne & Doug! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-527 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should you invest in real estate or stocks in 2025? What if you DON’T have to choose? Today, we’ll share how you can have the best of both worlds with strategies you’ve probably never heard about! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and guest cohost Mindy Jensen are answering more of your recent questions. First, what’s the best way to build credit so you can qualify for a mortgage? We’ll debate the legitimacy of credit repair companies and provide some crucial tips for raising your credit score. Next, we’ll not only settle the real estate versus stocks debate but also show you some of the best ways to invest in both! Finally, sometimes deals go south, but this is why you need to have multiple investing strategies up your sleeve. We’ll get creative and help an investor get out of a sticky situation! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Whether you should invest in real estate or the stock market in 2025 Leveraging your brokerage and retirement accounts to buy a rental property The five factors that make up your credit score (and steps to improve them!) The BEST financing options for those with less-than-perfect credit Why you must have multiple exit strategies for your investment property And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Get Your Financial House in Order with an Investor-Friendly Financial Planner Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Buy the Book “Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate vs. Stocks: What 145 Years of Returns Tells Us Connect with Mindy (00:00) Intro (00:37) Building Credit 101 (08:42) Real Estate vs. Stocks (23:16) Changing Your Strategy (30:38) Connect with Mindy! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-526 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to learn the secret to snagging rentals below market value? Every successful investor has this one crucial skill, and it’s often the difference between getting the door shut in your face and coming away with a discounted property. Even rookies can learn this skill, and today, we’re bringing on a pro to show you how! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by J Scott, who delivers a masterclass on real estate negotiations with sellers, agents, contractors, vendors, and anyone else you encounter in your real estate investing journey. In this episode, J will show you the best way to sharpen your negotiation skills, the questions that will help you determine a seller’s motivation, and how to stand out to sellers in a competitive housing market. But that’s not all. If you’ve ever wondered where you should set your starting offer and how to get over your fear of insulting the seller with a “lowball” bid, J’s got the answers. Better yet, he’ll show you how to do this without creating any kind of animosity between you and the seller. In fact, he’ll share how you can do the exact opposite by building rapport and creating a win-win for both sides! In This Episode We Cover: Using the power of negotiation to buy rentals below market value The number one way to sharpen your real estate negotiation skills Crucial questions that will help you determine a seller’s motivation How to make your offer stand out (even in a competitive market) The two tactics you must master to become a successful negotiator How to avoid an adversarial relationship when entering negotiations Two telltale signs that it’s time to end negotiations with a seller And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Get $100 Off Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Grab “The Book on Negotiating Real Estate” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Building Rapport and Negotiating with Sellers for a Great Deal Connect with J PropStream (00:00) Intro (00:37) Negotiations 101 (04:24) Why Negotiation Matters (08:00) BEST Negotiating Tactics (15:45) How to Sharpen Your Skills (21:34) Making “Lowball” Offers (28:00) Questions to Ask Sellers (35:36) How to Stand Out in 2025 (38:24) When to End Negotiations (40:44) Connect with J! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-525 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Buying sixteen rental units in one market?! Today’s guest has discovered the perfect investing strategy for newbies. You don’t need a ton of money or resources, and you can use it over and over to buy your first, second, third, or twentieth rental property. Tune in to find out what this secret strategy is and how to use it! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! After Seamus Nally’s brother showed him the off-campus housing model, they formed a four-way real estate investing partnership with other family members. Pooling their money helped them fast-track their first deal—a duplex they renovated and rented by the room. Before long, they had BRRRR’d (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) their way to sixteen units within the same neighborhood, which revitalized the entire community and forced HUGE appreciation across their real estate portfolio! In this episode, Seamus will show you how to combine the BRRRR strategy and partnerships to not only kickstart your investing journey but also scale your portfolio faster than you ever thought possible. Along the way, you’ll learn how to use home equity to fund more deals, find the best subcontractors for your home renovations, and more! In This Episode We Cover: The strategy Seamus used to scale to sixteen rental units in one market How to use the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) Growing your real estate portfolio through the power of investing partnerships Crucial dos and don’ts when real estate investing with family members Buying rental properties faster by tapping into your home equity The value of building relationships with small banks and local credit unions Keeping high-quality tenants happy by focusing on customer service How to find (and keep!) the best subcontractors in any market And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram TurboTenant Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Grab Your Early Bird Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Grab Our Book “Real Estate Partnerships” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 486 - Quitting His Job with Real Estate After Cracking the Cash Flow Code Connect with Seamus (00:00) Intro (00:34) Seamus’ First Deal (06:34) The Power of Partnerships (10:20) Revitalizing a Neighborhood (18:03) How to Fund Multiple Deals (23:50) Scaling with the BRRRR Method (29:01) Sweat Equity & Finding Contractors (34:41) Self-Management Tips (36:52) Connect with Seamus! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-524 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cash flow is hard to come by in this market. Just a few years ago, it was easy to find rental properties that met the one-percent rule, but today, you need to get creative if cash flow is your main goal. Is buying more rentals the most obvious fix, or is there another strategy that people aren’t talking about? Stay tuned to find out! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re returning to the BiggerPockets Forums to answer more of your recent questions, and first up, an investor needs some help managing their rental property from afar. Who handles showings? Move-out inspections? We’ll show them how to turn their out-of-state investing operation into a well-oiled machine. Next, we’ll hear from an investor who wants more cash flow. They already have one rental property, so should they pay it off or start looking for their next rental? We’ve got several strategies that they (and YOU) can use! Finally, what happens when a property you’re looking to buy needs repairs? We’ll share some crucial dos and don’ts when negotiating with sellers! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: The BEST strategies to increase your portfolio’s total cash flow Tips and tricks for self-managing your rental property (out-of-state!) Must-have property management and maintenance software for your portfolio Four ways to tap into your rental property’s equity and redeploy it What to do (and what NOT to do) when negotiating repairs with sellers And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Get RentRedi for FREE with BiggerPockets Pro Membership Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook TurboTenant Avail Innago Latchel Lula Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab “The Book on Rental Property Investing” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Maximizing Your Portfolio: How to Get the Most Out of Your Real Estate Investments Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-523 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s true—we regret scaling our real estate portfolios. We’ve learned (the hard way) that less is often more, especially in today’s market, where great deals aren’t as easy to find. Want to make sure your quest for more rentals doesn’t derail your investing journey? We’ll share where we went wrong so that YOU don’t make the same costly mistakes! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Social media would have you believe that a large portfolio is the key to reaching financial freedom, replacing your W2 salary, and retiring early. And while you may need more than one or two rental properties to achieve your biggest investing goals, scaling too quickly can have the opposite effect—killing your cash flow and leaving you with more headaches than you bargained for! In this episode, you’ll hear how putting all his eggs in one basket caused Tony to lose over $200,000 on ONE deal and how growing too fast caused Ashley to miss out on one of the BEST years to invest in real estate. Stay tuned to learn what we would have done differently if we could wind back the clock! In This Episode We Cover Why Ashley and Tony regret buying so many rental properties so quickly The pitfalls of scaling your real estate portfolio (and how to avoid them!) Why “less is more” when it comes to building a rental portfolio What WE would do differently if we started investing today Why stabilizing your properties is more important than acquiring more Creating necessary procedures, processes, and systems in your real estate business And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-522 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most people invest in real estate for cash flow or appreciation, but there are enormous tax benefits as well. In this episode, we’re going to share the number one tax strategy you need to know about—the short-term rental tax loophole—which could save you thousands! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Sean Graham, who is not only a certified public accountant (CPA) but also a fellow real estate investor. He’s going to show YOU how to avoid paying Uncle Sam (legally) with just a few savvy tax strategies. The best part? You don’t need to be a big-time investor with a large real estate portfolio to take advantage of these benefits. Even if you have just ONE rental, these strategies are for you! First, Sean will share the ins and outs of the cost segregation study, which allows you to frontload depreciation rather than spreading it out over the next few decades. He’ll also get into bonus depreciation and the different line items that qualify, as well as the tax “loophole” that allows you to use tax deductions to offset active income—yes, including your W2 wages! In This Episode We Cover: Offsetting active income (and saving thousands) with the short-term rental loophole How to avoid paying taxes (legally!) on your rental property Cost segregation studies explained (and when you should get one) How to retroactively claim depreciation through a “look-back” study Why you can have as little as ZERO taxable income and still be lendable And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Cost Segregation 101 Get Early Access to Real Estate’s Biggest Event of the Year, BPCON2025 Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Download the Cost Segregation 101 Resource Buy “The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Connect with Sean (00:00) Intro (00:36) What Is Cost Segregation? (06:33) Short-Term Rental Loophole (13:10) Other Strategies & Pitfalls (20:21) Bonus Depreciation 101 (25:24) How to Do a Cost Seg Study (28:05) Cost Segregation Study (33:28) Connect with Sean! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-521 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Does your rental property have negative cash flow? This doesn’t necessarily mean you bought a bad deal, though losing money probably isn’t what you signed up for. But not to worry—in today’s episode, we’ll share a few changes that could get you back in positive territory in no time! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re answering more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First up, we’ll get into house hacking—the easiest way for a new investor to build a real estate portfolio—and show you how to use this strategy to keep buying properties with low money down. Next, should you invest in Columbus, Ohio in 2025? This investing hotspot is drawing plenty of attention, but we’ll show you how to find other markets just like it! Finally, is your Airbnb giving you little or no cash flow? Tune in to learn how to plug the holes in your business, when to hold for appreciation, and when it might be wise to sell! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: The number one thing you must do before looking at Airbnb markets The most crucial data for Airbnb market analysis (and where to find it!) The BEST short-term rental markets to invest in this year Must-have Airbnb amenities to add to your rental property Why we’re choosing secondary markets over primary markets in 2025 And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Top Investment Housing Markets for 2025 Market Analysis Spreadsheet BrightInvestor NeighborhoodScout Breezeway Sign Up for BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Fast-Track Your Investing Journey Get Early Access to BPCON2025 and Learn Real Estate from Industry Experts Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab the Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Improve Your Real Estate Returns by Optimizing Your Existing Properties When Deals Are Hard to Find (00:00) Intro (00:40) House Hacking 101 (10:58) How to Pick a Market (21:14) Airbnb Listings & Cleaning Fees (31:36) “Fixing” Revenue & Exit Strategies (39:49) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-520 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to get into short-term rentals in 2025? Your first step is to find the right Airbnb market for you. But we know that wading through 20,000 US towns and cities can be overwhelming, which is why we’re turning to our resident short-term rental expert for everything you might need to know! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Vacation rentals are Tony’s specialty, and in this episode, he’s going to share his best tips and tricks for choosing a market in 2025. First, he’ll help you pin down your investing goals before covering some of the most crucial factors to consider when analyzing a short-term rental market—including home price, supply and demand, competition, and others. You’ll also learn how to perform your own market research from scratch so that you’re armed with the most accurate data when making your decision! But that’s not all. Once you’ve chosen your market, you’ll need to determine which types of amenities to include. We’ll show you what’s needed, what’s not needed, and which additions could give you a competitive edge in your market. Finally, we’ll share a list of the best places to invest in 2025, which may even feature a certain Louisiana market Tony notoriously invested in years ago! In This Episode We Cover: The number one thing you must do before looking at Airbnb markets The most crucial data for Airbnb market analysis (and where to find it!) The BEST short-term rental markets to invest in this year Must-have Airbnb amenities to add to your rental property Why we’re choosing secondary markets over primary markets in 2025 And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram AirDNA “Best Places to Invest in Short-Term Rentals in 2025” Try REsimpli, The Only All-In-One Real Estate Investor CRM Software That Helps You Manage Data, Marketing, Sales, and Operations Sign Up for BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Supercharge Your Investing This Year Buy the Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area The 5 Best Housing Markets for Short-Term Rentals in 2025 (00:00) Intro (00:43) What’s Your Motivation? (02:12) Crucial Data Points (10:22) Choosing Your Market (18:46) Must-Have Amenities (21:40) Supply, Demand, & Competition (27:03) Ongoing Market Research (28:59) BEST Markets in 2025 (34:46) Do Your Own Research! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-519 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Tiny” investments with BIG upsides? Today’s guest turned a $12,000 down payment (all the money he had) into four rental properties and a unique real estate investing business. After an injury from his time in the Army left Manny Reyna with altered life plans, he had to decide what to do next. He didn’t have much money but wanted to provide for his wife and young son. The best option: use his VA loan to buy a house. With every dollar he had, he bought a home, knowing it could one day be a rental, but little did he know that it would kickstart a very different real estate investing journey. Fast forward a few years later, and Manny has a glamping/tiny house business that he started with just $20,000. This tiny home brings in some respectable cash flow but wasn’t without its struggles. In this episode, we’re going through the big ups (and big downs) of Manny’s journey, from having to literally move a house to bad guests ruining his first short-term rental, installing utilities on completely raw land, and managing his properties from very far away (he’s in Japan right now!). In This Episode We Cover: Why every veteran or active duty military member should use THIS loan to buy a house How to start investing without much money by buying “tiny” investment properties Whether you should hire property management or self-manage your first property Why lowering your rent price is worth it to avoid prolonged vacancies (don’t make Manny’s mistake!) How much it cost Manny to install utilities (electrical, septic, etc.) on a raw land for his glamping properties And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Get Casita on Instagram Sign Up for BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Supercharge Your Investing This Year Grab the Book, “Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth” Property Manager Finder $11,000/Month with One VERY Unique Rental Property w/Garrett Brown Connect with Manny (00:00) Intro (02:10) First House for $12K Down! (06:00) Hiring Property Management (09:34) I Can't Get Tenants! (10:37) $50K Tiny Homes and Land Investing (16:15) Setting Up Utilities on New Land (21:21) Tiny House Amenities (24:11) Cash Flow and Current Rent (26:37) Tenants Trashed My Property! (29:58) Buying MORE Tiny Homes (33:44) Managing Properties from Abroad (35:09) Connect with Manny! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-518 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you need more money to buy your first rental property? Fortunately, there are all kinds of real estate side hustles you can use to supercharge your savings, all while learning the ropes of real estate investing. And in this episode, we’re going to share some of our favorites that YOU can start today! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re tackling more of your recent questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and BiggerPockets Facebook groups. First, a new investor has a lofty investing goal they want to achieve in just five years, and we’ll share our best advice and side hustle ideas to help them reach it. Next, we’ll hear from an investor who wants to buy their dream home. Can they leverage their current real estate portfolio to help fund it? Should they sell their rentals? Stay tuned to find out! Finally, what’s the best way to structure a real estate investing partnership? Should you go into business with a family member? We’ll share some crucial dos and don’ts! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: The BEST side hustles for making extra money and learning real estate Whether it’s ever too late to start your investing journey How many rental properties you need to achieve your cash flow goals Our biggest fears, headaches, and lessons learned when WE started investing How to leverage your current real estate portfolio to buy your next property What you must know before forming partnerships (and how to structure one!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab Tony & Ashley’s Book “Real Estate Partnerships” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders 6 Real Estate Side Hustles to Make Extra Money & Gain Experience (00:00) Intro (00:35) Cash Flow Goals (07:24) Biggest Fears & Headaches (11:36) BEST Side Hustles (18:42) Buying Your Dream Home (24:24) Partnerships 101 (32:02) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-517 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Managing rental properties doesn’t have to be hard. You can do it without the midnight tenant phone calls, “lost” rent checks, and other common landlord headaches. Looking to buy your first or next rental property? Today, we’re giving a masterclass on how to manage a rental property, even if you’re a real estate rookie with zero experience in investing. Ready to start? Here’s what we’re breaking down in this episode: What to do before you buy, getting your lease agreement together, handling maintenance requests and repairs, move-ins and move-outs, security deposits, and more! What software do we use to streamline all the tenant communication so we don’t deal with a dozen phone calls a day? How do we handle tenant complaints and damages to the property without having our hair fall out (Tony optionally shaves his head!)? We’re giving you complete lists of every app and software we use so you can manage with ease, too! Also, why did Ashley publicly weep in a courthouse early in her real estate career? She shares one key tip to save you time, money, and tears! In This Episode We Cover: What you should do BEFORE you buy your first/next rental to make your life much easier Lease agreements 101 and the crucial additions that most landlords miss How Ashley handles all her tenant maintenance requests without picking up a single phone call What you MUST have a tenant fill out when moving into your property (this will save you a TON of money) Every rental property software Ashley uses to manage her long-term rentals What you should NEVER do during an eviction filing (Ashley’s BIG mistake) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube BiggerPockets Resource Hub Lease Agreements by State Rookie Resource Hub RentRedi Stessa Sign Up for BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Supercharge Your Investing This Year Grab the Book “The Self-Managing Landlord” Property Manager Finder 9 Incredible Resources To Help You Self-Manage Your Rental Properties (00:00) Intro (00:28) BEFORE You Buy (07:40) Lease Agreements 101 (15:11) Maintenance, Repairs, Tenant Requests (20:17) Move Ins and Move Outs (26:39) Security Deposits (28:05) Best Rental Property Software Best Rental Property Software (33:49) Landlord-Tenant Laws (40:23) You’re Ready for Your First Rental! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-516 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Small multifamily investing might seem scary to a new investor, but what if we told you these properties are less risky than single-family homes and even easier to buy in many cases? In this episode, we’ll bust the most common multifamily myths that keep rookies on the sidelines so that YOU can take down your first multifamily property in 2025! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Amelia McGee and Grace Gudenkauf return to the show to deliver a masterclass on small multifamily investing. They’ll show you how to find off-market real estate deals at a deep discount, why cash flow is king when analyzing multifamily properties, and which neighborhoods to target for long-term appreciation. We’ll also get into zoning and permitting issues to be wary of—pitfalls that could wipe out your cash flow if you’re not careful! But that’s not all. Of course, the BIG question on every rookie’s mind is, “How do I get financing for these deals?” and we’ve got the answer! Amelia and Grace will show you how to buy larger properties with low money down and provide you with the perfect pitch for seller financing! In This Episode We Cover: Why small multifamily properties are even less risky than single-family homes Boosting your cash flow by using multiple investing strategies for the same property Taking advantage of HUGE appreciation by targeting developing areas Buying multifamily properties with LOW money down by house hacking The BEST way to pitch seller financing for off-market multifamily deals Multifamily investing “myths” new investors are taught (and why they’re wrong!) Common zoning and permitting issues that can kill your cash flow The keys to managing multiple tenants (and how to keep them happy!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Real Estate Rookie 111 - 26 Doors in 1 Year? Here’s How You Can Do It Too! Get RentRedi for FREE with BiggerPockets Pro Membership Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA Buy Amelia & Grace’s Book “The Self-Managing Landlord” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 401 - Boost Your Cash Flow in 2024 with These “Self-Management” Tips Connect with Amelia Connect with Grace (00:00) Intro (02:27) Small Multifamily 101 (08:32) Finding Deals & Choosing Markets (16:55) Due Diligence & Tenant Management (25:13) Creative Finance Strategies (29:20) Key Systems & Processes (32:11) Connect with Amelia & Grace! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-515 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it possible to scale your real estate portfolio in this market? What if you only have one income? Getting past one rental property is a huge hurdle in every investor’s real estate journey, but increasing your rental income and lowering your mortgage costs can help you maximize your cash flow and get over the hump. And in this episode, we’ll show you how! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re diving back into the BiggerPockets Forums and answering your questions. First, we’ll hear from an investor who wants to scale their portfolio but feels stuck with one rental. We’ll show them how to squeeze more money out of their property and fund their next purchase. Our next question is from an investor who wants to refinance a “unique” property that doesn’t have comparables. What type of loan do they need? Should they sell the property? Stay tuned to find out. Finally, we’ll help a few landlords with some “unusual” rental maintenance headaches! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Whether you can build and scale a real estate portfolio on ONE income House hacking, renting by the room, and MORE ways to grow your rental income Homeowners insurance, property taxes, and MORE mortgage costs you can reduce How to turn your accessory dwelling unit (ADU) into a short-term rental Creative ways to get refinancing for a “non-traditional” rental property How to handle unusual (or unreasonable) maintenance requests from tenants What you MUST keep in mind when working with Section 8 tenants And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube AirDNA Ownwell Land More Off-Market Deals with Crucial Property Owner Contact Information from DealMachine Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab the Book “The Self-Managing Landlord” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 443 - How to Use “Asset Management” to Build Wealth (Even with a Small Portfolio) (00:00) Intro (01:01) Scaling with 1 Income (11:14) Refinancing “Unique” Properties (17:08) “Unreasonable” Maintenance (26:05) Section 8 Tenants (31:37) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-514 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What do you need to know about the 2025 real estate market before you buy your first (or next) investment property? Dave Meyer, host of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast and one of the industry’s most respected analysts, will tell you everything a rookie real estate investor needs to know when buying in 2025. We’re talking about the best markets, predictions, and one type of property that could be a phenomenal buy this year. Dave believes now is a great time to invest and is backing it up by increasing his investments in 2025. But, he says you need to find the “upside” in your market or your strategy to make more money this year. What does he mean? Dave spells out a few key ways to find often overlooked “upside” potential so you can build wealth even with high home prices and interest rates. Which markets does Dave believe have the most growth potential this year? He’s laying out his top investing areas and the property types that could see the most demand. Plus, why is it cheaper (and arguably better) to buy a new home in 2025 instead of waiting for homeowners to sell? If you’re ready to invest in real estate, use Dave’s roadmap to invest better than the rest this year. In This Episode We Cover: The 2025 state of real estate investing and why Dave sees plenty of “upside” to come Why Dave is NOT focusing on “cash flow” when buying his real estate deals Top real estate markets of 2025 and the cities/areas with the most demand A “big shift” that is pushing more and more renters to certain parts of the city Free data you can use right now to see which markets will grow or slow in 2025 Why buying a new build could be a much better investment than buying existing homes And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube BiggerPockets Market Finder BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast On the Market Podcast Real Estate Rookie YouTube Channel Real Estate Podcast 1065 - It’s About to Get Good! (2025 Housing Market Predictions) Real Estate Rookie 123 - ‘Building’ Wealth as a 24-Year-Old with 12 New Construction Projects w/Donovan Adesoro Real Estate Rookie 473 - Moving 1,500 Miles Away to Buy His First Rental with Just $25,000 w/Austin Wolff Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-513 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura Sides had zero real estate investing experience not too long ago. But, within just six weeks, she made $100,000 on her first real estate deal. How is that even possible? That type of profit is usually reserved for expert real estate investors, not middle-school science teachers! Today, Laura is uncovering the fast-flipping formula that helps her do quick, profitable real estate deals even in her competitive market. During a beach vacation to Florida, Laura read the personal finance and investing classic Rich Dad Poor Dad, and, seemingly overnight, her brain rewired as she became dead set on multiplying her money instead of working for every dollar. So, she took out a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy her first real estate deal, but where would it come from? A chance encounter with a neighbor would set her on a path that would change her life forever. Now, she’s cracked the house flipping formula, has two killer rental properties she uses as her own vacation homes, and makes significantly more than her teacher’s salary working on her schedule, building wealth her way. Want to be like Laura? We ALL do, and today, she’s sharing how you can do it, too! In This Episode We Cover: How Laura made a six-figure profit in just six weeks on her FIRST real estate deal The house flipping formula Laura uses to buy low-stress, quick flips that make great profits Why you should ALWAYS be friendly with your neighbors (they might sell you their house) Using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy your first investment property What Laura looks for on property listings as telltale signs they’ll be good deals And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Rich Dad Poor Dad Laura’s Instagram Land More Off-Market Deals with Crucial Property Owner Contact Information from DealMachine Buy the Book, “The House Flipping Framework” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area How to Start Flipping Houses for Huge Profits in 2025 (Step-by-Step!) Connect with Laura (00:00) Intro (01:02) ZERO Investing Experience (04:49) I’ll Buy Your House! (08:56) $100K Profit on FIRST Deal!? (12:41) From 1st Flip to Beach House (19:55) Laura’s Portfolio (22:32) The Fast Flipping Formula (26:41) Finding Deals (34:18) Connect with Laura! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-512 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thinking about buying a duplex, triplex, or even a quadplex? Small multifamily properties are often some of the BEST investments for cash flow, especially if you plan to live in one of the units! But how does this type of property differ from a single-family home? What do you need to know before buying? Listen in to find out! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re scouring the BiggerPockets Forums and answering more of your questions. After covering the ins and outs of small multifamily investing, we’ll get into financing your first property. What’s the best loan for first-time home buyers—FHA, conventional, or another option entirely? We’ll put them head-to-head and point you in the right direction! Finally, we’ll discuss several ways to use your home equity to grow your real estate portfolio. From 1031 exchanges to lines of credit, there are all kinds of options! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: What you NEED to know before buying a small multifamily property The pros and cons of FHA and conventional home loans Putting twenty percent down versus paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) with less money down How to defer capital gains tax through a 1031 exchange The BEST ways to leverage the home equity in your rental property And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube FreddieMac PMI Calculator Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Buy the Book “The Multifamily Millionaire, Volume 1” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 261 – How Nancy Rodriguez from ‘Love Is Blind’ Hit Financial Freedom BEFORE Fame Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-511 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Home renovations can substantially increase your equity and cash flow on a rental property, but when doing one, there are two key things you need to pay attention to: budgets and timelines. Today, rookie real estate investor Rene Hosman is back to teach you how to do both after just finishing a three-month, $36,000 rental renovation where she turned an outdated apartment into a cash-flowing condo! Rene was able to rehab the entire unit (two bedrooms, one bathroom) with a budget of around $30,000, and although she may have gone slightly over, her returns look nothing less than phenomenal. How did she do everything—new floors, electrical, bathroom, AND furnishings—with such a reasonable budget? If you’re ready to renovate your home or rental property, take her tips. Rene goes through every aspect of the project: the good (renting it out right after finishing) and the bad (a BIG flood in the master bedroom), plus everything in between. She’ll share what she chose to DIY, what was smarter to hire out, and how she paid for it all. We also get the final numbers of the renovation—what the property appraised for AND how much it’s renting for now! In This Episode We Cover: How to stay on budget and on timeline when doing your next home renovation Unexpected costs that led to thousands of more dollars in renovation expenses Whether you should buy the materials or let your workers buy them instead (cost-saving tip!) Furnishing your rental property for cheap and where Rene finds low-cost, quality furniture How to negotiate with your bank so you can get a LOWER interest rate when you refinance How much cash flow Rene will make off of this small (but mighty) medium-term rental And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube BiggerPockets Forums $1,000,000/Year with 22 Rentals by Focusing on This Ultra-Profitable Niche w/Jesse Vasquez Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA Join BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Supercharge Your Investing This Year Grab Your Copy of “The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders How to Do Your FIRST House Flip in 2024: Budgets, Renovations, and Loans w/Rene Hosman Connect with Rene (00:00) Intro (01:07) Property Renovation Progress (03:35) How to Hit Your Renovation Timeline (06:56) Staying On-Budget (11:38) Unexpected Costs... (19:29) Building Your Renovation Budget (21:18) Paying for Materials and Rehab Expenses (30:42) Furnishing the Property (32:18) Refinancing and Rent Numbers (40:12) Connect with Rene! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-510 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to start investing in real estate but don’t know where (or how) to begin? Even as a brand-new beginner, you can buy your first investment property in 2025, regardless of how high home prices and interest rates get. Today, we’ll break down how to find your first investment property, finance it, build a team (so you’re not doing all the work), and manage it to start building real estate wealth. Feeling scared to start? Thousands of rookies were in your shoes at the start of 2024 and are now experienced investors. It’s common to feel fear before buying an investment property, which is why, in this episode, we’re going over the common worries and pitfalls that stop investors from starting and how you can get around them! We’ll even share the exact markets we’re looking to buy in this year, what types of properties we think have the most potential, and get into interest rate predictions for 2025! Don’t sit on the sidelines; this is your chance to get into the game! Join BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to supercharge your investing this year! In This Episode We Cover: How to start investing in real estate in 2025, even if you have zero experience Beginner steps to start and the two things you MUST do now before you buy The real estate markets we’re looking to buy in during 2025 (copy our strategy!) What to do if you’re too scared to start and stuck in analysis paralysis Building your investing team so you don’t have to do all the work And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube BiggerPockets Calculators BPCon2025 BiggerPockets Forums Real Estate Market Analysis for Beginners | Rookie Resources Landlord-Tenant Laws of the US Join BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Supercharge Your Investing This Year Grab the Book “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerNews: This Area Has the BEST Cash Flow Potential in the Country (Lake Effect Cash Flow) Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-509 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices