
Real Estate Rookie
726 episodes — Page 1 of 15
The 2-Year Blueprint for Buying Your First Rental Property (Starting from Zero)
Making $10,000/Month Cash Flow from 5 Rental Properties in Just 5 Years
Should You Ever Buy a Rental Property with Negative Cash Flow? (Rookie Reply)
Should You Ever Buy a Rental Property with Negative Cash Flow? (Rookie Reply)
From Zero to 11 Real Estate Deals in 6 Years by Buying Properties 99% Ignore
How to Estimate Rehab Costs from Scratch (Materials & Labor) (Rookie Reply)
BRRRR vs. Turnkey: Which Rental Strategy Actually Wins? (Not What You Think)
From Extreme Job Burnout to Breakthrough with 2 Rentals (He Quit His W2)
Should You Self-Manage Your Rentals or Hire a Property Manager? (Rookie Reply)
Need Money for a Down Payment? Try These 8 Side Hustles (That Actually Work)
How to Turn Your “Stuff” Into Cash-Flowing Assets (And Buy More Rentals)
Should You Buy a Single-Family Rental or a Duplex? (Rookie Reply)
The 5-Step Framework for Investing in Real Estate with Your Spouse (or Partner)
He Lives Overseas, But His 3 Rentals Cash Flow While He Sleeps
Inheriting Tenants: How to Raise Rent & Protect Yourself (Rookie Reply)
Don’t Make an Offer Without Including These 10 Items (Save Thousands)
He Built a Thriving Business: Now He’s Trading It for Financial Freedom with Rentals
How to Use Home Equity to Buy Your Next Rental Property (3 Ways) (Rookie Reply)
She Bought 3 Properties in 3 Years: Now She’s Refinancing (Here’s Why)
Making $5,000/Month Cash Flow from One Rental Property (And Retiring in 4 Years)
The Best Types of Rental Properties for Beginners to Buy in 2026 (Rookie Reply)

10+ Things to Inspect Before You Buy a Rental Property (Foundation to Roof)
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

8 Real Estate Deals in 2 Years While Working Full-Time (Raising 4 Kids)
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

The “Boring” Rental Strategy That Could Retire You by Your 40s (Rookie Reply)
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

The Lazy Investor’s Guide to Real Estate Syndications (Passive Income)
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

She Started Investing in Her 50s, Now She’ll Retire with Rentals!
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

How to Buy Rentals (Faster) with Real Estate-Related Skills (Rookie Reply)
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

He Made $65,000/Month on His First Rental Arbitrage “Contract” (Real Numbers!)
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

From Homeless to Homeowner with a 7-Bedroom Rental Property
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 the 2026 Housing Market Finally Becoming “Unstuck”? (Rookie Reply)
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

5 Systems Every Rookie Investor Needs for Faster Rehabs and Bigger Profits
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

$3,500/Month Cash Flow from One Self Storage Facility (Same Price as a Rental)
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

This “Hybrid” Rental Strategy Is a No-Brainer for Rookies in 2026 (Rookie Reply)
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

5 Things We’d Do If We Were Starting Over in Real Estate Today
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

Changing His Family’s Future with 3 “Boring” Rentals and $2,500/Month Cash Flow
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 I Use My Home Equity to Buy My Next Rental Property? (Rookie Reply)
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

How to Buy Your First (or Next) Rental Property in 2026 (Step by Step)
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

Buying 4 Small Multifamily Rentals in Just 2 Years (While Working a W2)
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

How to Buy Rental #2, #3, or #4 When You’re Out of Funds (Rookie Reply)
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

3 Reasons Why You Haven’t Bought Your First Rental Property (Yet)
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

The W2 Employee’s Roadmap to Financial Freedom (Buy Rentals While Working 8-6)
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

No Money? Creative Ways to Fund Your Next Rental Property (Rookie Reply)
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

I Just Lost $25,000: What I Learned from My Worst Real Estate Deal (Ever)
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

Making $4,000/Month Cash Flow with 10 Rental Properties (In Just 4 Years)
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

Pay Off Your Property or Buy More? + Handling Repairs with Tenants in Place (Rookie Reply)
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

She Built an Entire Real Estate Portfolio in Just 2 Years with THESE Tools
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

From a Foreclosure & 200 Credit Score to Building Wealth with “Grandma” Houses
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

How to Build an Out-of-State Investing Team in Any Market (Rookie Reply)
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

How to Make Up to $20K/Month with Airbnb Co-Hosting (No Rentals Needed)
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

Turning Burnout Into (Real) Financial Freedom with 7 Rentals in Just 3 Years
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