Real Estate Rookie

Real estate investing is known for one thing: cash flow. No matter who you talk to, investors always seem to be hypnotized by this single metric. Rookie investors love to chase after cash flow and cash flow only—often completely disregarding the much more lucrative benefits of real estate investing for the shiny object of monthly profits getting deposited into your account. But, if you’re buying, analyzing, and negotiating deals based on cash flow only, you could be making a huge mistake. In the new book Real Estate by the Numbers, Dave Meyer and J Scott, both veteran investors in their own regards, give you the numbers behind the NOI and show how real estate will make you rich in much more ways than one. They give you the exact calculations, framework, and mindset to use when analyzing real estate deals, and will show you how you can build wealth faster, smarter, and with less effort than the cash-flow-crazed investor down the street. On today’s show, Dave and J walk through the four ways that investors can build wealth through real estate, which questions real estate rookies should start asking, and debate whether or not the 2022 housing market is one worth buying in. Real estate rookie or not, this show will give you everything you need to start chasing better deals with hidden profits others are too blind to find. In This Episode We Cover Why real estate rookies should grab the new book, Real Estate by the Numbers Recessions, interest rates, and whether or not 2022 is a good year to buy real estate The four ways to generate wealth through real estate investing (it’s more than cash flow) Questions real estate rookies should ask when analyzing their first real estate deals Real estate tax deductions and how investors can pay almost no income tax How to “force” appreciation so you can increase equity faster and walk away with a big payday And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Airbnb BiggerPockets BiggerPockets Calculator Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group The Real Estate Podcast Real Estate Rookie Podcast On the Market Podcast BiggerPockets Business Podcast BiggerPockets Bookstore How to Become a Real Estate Millionaire (NO Experience Necessary) What Works (and Doesn’t) in a Recession & the Untold Story of J Scott’s Messy First Flip Connect with Dave and J: Dave's Instagram Dave's BiggerPockets Profile J's Instagram J's BiggerPockets Profile J's Website Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-224 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you pay attention, you’ll notice there is a game being played. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you can play to win. The game of life has various components, but the top one percent has mastered the game of money and finance. Once you start playing, your financial fear becomes irrelevant. After all, it is a game—and you’re supposed to have fun. Today’s guest, Nick Troutman, started playing the game after his second child was born. His fatherly instinct kicked in, and he had a deep desire to provide. He started researching investing, money, and finance—his friend recommended BiggerPockets, and the rest was history. Now, Nick has four rental properties with seventeen units, including a nine-unit apartment. As a professional athlete, Nick is on the road for six to ten months, which exposes him to various housing markets. This exposure helped him narrow down his scope of locations to invest in. Ultimately he decided to invest in Tennessee and Georgia. Nick’s open and optimistic approach to life has helped him create his dream life as a father, husband, professional athlete, and investor. In This Episode We Cover The “game” of money and finance and how to play to win Overcoming provider syndrome and how to use it to your advantage The BRRRR Method and why it’s one of the best ways to get into real estate What to consider before investing in a new market and why you should invest in familiar markets Price-to-rent ratio and making sure you’re charging the right amount for rent Fear vs. danger analysis and how to use it to start eliminating fear in your life And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram MLS Airbnb BiggerPockets BiggerPockets Calculator Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group 16 Units in 3 States as a BiggerPockets Power Couple Working Full-Time BiggerPockets Instagram The Real Estate Podcast BiggerPockets Forums Zillow App Real Estate Rookie Podcast Connect with Nick: Nick's Instagram Nick's Podcast Nick's BiggerPockets Profile Great Family Adventure's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-223 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rental property falling into foreclosure is a sad sign. “What happened to that landlord?” you might ask. Did a tenant do extensive damage, leaving them with a too burdensome repair bill? Did the landlord forget to pay their mortgage? What could have caused this? Well, if you’re like Ashley Kehr, someone else may have caused your home to (almost) slide into foreclosure, without you knowing. Welcome back to this week’s Rookie Reply. Wait, scratch that. This week’s Rookie Confession, featuring our own Ashley Kehr! Many listeners know Ashley as a fast-moving, quick-thinking, real-life monopoly player, but in this episode, she opens up about a mistake that almost lost her multiple properties. It was an easy real estate mistake to make, but even veterans in the game get caught now and again. Want to avoid what happened to Ashley? Tune into this episode! If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Airbnb BiggerNews March: How a Surge of Foreclosures Will Impact the Housing Market w/Auction.com’s Daren Blomquist Rookie Reply: How Do I Estimate Property Taxes? Connect with Ashley and Tony: Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-222 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re hesitant to start your real estate investing journey, ask yourself this—where would you be now if you started ten years ago, and where could you be in ten years if you started today? As today’s guest, Brandon Rush, said, “everything you enjoy today, is the result of something you did five to ten years ago.” Brandon currently has three multi-family homes with a total of ten units. Brandon started his investing journey when he couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel with his W-2. He couldn’t imagine himself working a nine-to-five until sixty-five, so he decided to take his future into his own hands and started house hacking. After two years of hard work and planning, he was able to quit his W-2 a month ago to be a full-time real estate agent. Brandon’s success is not without sacrifice. He moved out of his single-family home and moved an hour away from work for his first house hack. And, of course, after his first house hack, he moved to his second house hack! Moving required Brandon and his wife to get rid of most of their things and travel lightly. Although moving and getting rid of material things can be difficult, for Brandon, getting rid of clutter helped clear his mind and reinforced the idea that he was on the right path. Brandon is confident in his investing choices because he surrounds himself with like-minded people, has built an investor-friendly network, and knows that all his decisions now will benefit his future self. In This Episode We Cover House hacking 101—how to get started and why it’s a great way to start investing How to build an investor-friendly network and the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people Self-managing your tenants—how to set boundaries and expectations from the start Creating your lease agreement and how to properly screen tenants Why cash flow is the most overrated metric of success and how to accurately measure your property's performance And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram MLS Airbnb BiggerPockets Facebook Marketplace Realtor.com BiggerPockets Calculator TenantCloud Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Connect with Brandon: Brandon's Facebook Brandon's Instagram Brandon's BiggerPockets Profile Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-221 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Jerry through Ashley’s Instagram direct messages. Jerry is asking: I’ve finally made the plunge and bought three investment properties. After I rehab, rent, and refinance them, where can I get more money to invest? Is there a type of loan for investors or do I need to look into a hard money lender? Rental property loans are aplenty if you’ve found the right deal. Most veteran investors already know that once you have a good deal, it isn’t hard to find the money to fund it. But, before you build your rental property portfolio, you’ll need to know which options are out there. Don’t worry, you won’t need to spend months or years saving up for another large down payment. There are quicker ways to build a cash-flowing portfolio. Here are some suggestions: Go the commercial lending route and look into DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans Partner with another investor or a private money lender to finance your next down payment Cash-out refinance from your previous properties and recycle that money into your next deal Once you have some investing experience, reach out to hard money lenders and ask for their terms and rates And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets BiggerPockets Hard Money Lenders Connect with Ashley and Tony: Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-220 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A successful investor finds their “why” where other people find excuses. Real estate investing isn’t without its challenges, but as you overcome more challenges, you become a better investor. Today’s guest’s strong “why” led him to real estate, and it’s what pushes him to break through barriers, overcome obstacles, and build the life he’s dreamed of. Hunter Lewis’ "why" came two weeks before his senior year of college when he found out his girlfriend was pregnant. Knowing he was to become a father forced him to get serious about his future. He found a college mentor that was successful in the commercial real estate space and began working for his company. Hunter then saved up enough to buy his first property in July 2020. Since then, he’s closed on two other doors and is working on his fourth! Hunter became a first-time landlord with his second property, and while it was a challenge initially, he learned more about property management and how to compromise. Becoming a father at a young age also taught him how to take advantage of opportunities and reframe obstacles. As a real estate investor, he’s learned how to structure partnerships with family and the benefits of patience. Hunter is now working towards his five-year goal—$10,000 of passive income per month. In This Episode We Cover Taking advantage of opportunity and finding ways to advance your career Finding your “why” and reframing your obstacles How to structure partnerships with family and significant others Becoming a first-time landlord and how to self-manage your rentals The importance of understanding and watching the market Investing while working full-time and how to use your job to help you invest And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram MLS Airbnb The GaryVee Podcast RentRedi Monday.com Asana On the Market Podcast The Ultimate Property Management Masterclass Connect with Hunter: Hunter's Instagram Hunter's Youtube Channel Hunter's Email Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-219 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a rental property portfolio isn’t complicated. You find deals, finance them, buy them, manage them, and repeat. What could be easier? For most real estate investors, it’s not the big steps that stop them from scaling. It’s the little ones. Finding deals means looking through the MLS, cold calling, driving for dollars, or door knocking almost daily. Financing means talking to mortgage brokers, local banks, or investment property lenders. These day-to-day tasks are what make or break your portfolio, so how do you get on top of them? Welcome back to this week’s Rookie Reply, where we’re joined by On The Market co-host, Henry Washington. In only a few short years, Henry has grown his portfolio to over seventy-five doors. With kids at home, a family to take care of, and businesses to manage, how did he scale so fast? He gives his secrets in this episode. And as a bonus for our BPCon2022 attendees, we have some tips for you on how to make the most out of the upcoming convention! If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets BPCON2022 Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group The Real Estate Podcast BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Bootcamps On The Market Podcast Connect with Henry: Henry's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-218 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Successful real estate investors don't find success alone. Real estate is a relationship business, so eventually, you need someone— an agent, contractor, cleaning lady, or handyman. At times, your success depends on these people, so you need to build a relationship with them. Once you cultivate a relationship, maintenance becomes the next step, but how do you do that? How do you find the balance between too friendly and impersonal? How do you turn a transactional relationship into a transformational one? Today’s guests, Evan and Katie Miller, have prioritized relationship building in their business and have seen tremendous success. The advantage of investing as a couple is they balance each other out. Evan enjoys numbers, while Katie enjoys working with people—creating the balance they need to be a well-oiled real estate machine. They have sixteen units amongst seven properties in Florida, Denver, and Nebraska. While growing their real estate business, they both work full-time jobs with a baby at home. Katie is the general manager at the BiggerPockets publishing division, which motivated her to invest because she sees the power of real estate every day. Since they still work full-time, they prioritize time management, relationship building, and organization. Evan and Katie hope to hit fifty properties in five years while keeping their full-time jobs. In This Episode We Cover Investing with a spouse or a significant other and how to find balance and set boundaries Appraisal issues and finding creative solutions vs. knowing when it’s time to step away Self-management vs. property management and whether outsourcing is worth it Vetting and finding the right property manager in a new market How to cultivate and maintain relationships both professionally and personally Out-of-state investing, learning how to invest in new markets, and the criteria you should have And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets BPCON2022 BiggerPockets Bookstore Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group The Money Podcast The Real Estate Podcast AirDNA The Official BiggerPockets Facebook Group MLS LoopNet BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Free Membership Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Connect with Evan and Katie: Evan's Instagram Katie's Instagram Evan's BiggerPockets Profile Katie's BiggerPockets Profile Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-217 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate investors are a hard-working bunch. They put in long hours every day to create passive income and find financial freedom. Many investors resort to doing what they hate, day in and day out, simply to escape the clutches of a nine-to-five job. If you’re a rookie real estate investor, you’re probably the property manager, head of acquisitions, tenant contact, and accountant all rolled into one. But this “all or nothing” way of working could slow you down faster than you know. If you want to take your wealth to the next level, try quitting—it’s what Pat Hiban and Tim Rhode have been doing for decades. As two successful real estate agents, they enjoyed the negotiation games that eventually led to large commission checks. But as the years went by, this non-stop grind took its toll—so much that they both gave up very profitable professions to do what they love. Surprisingly, the “do what you love” lifestyle made them even more money than before! This is all well and good for a couple of veteran investors, but what about our real estate rookies? What about you, listening to this with one, two, or ten deals? How do you take a step back and become a quitter like Pat and Tim? Can you really make more money by doing less, and even if you could, how do you take the first step? In their new book, The Quitter’s Manifesto, Pat and Tim lay out the exact team and strategy you need to go from burnout to big checks with far less effort. In This Episode We Cover How two formal education failures became multimillionaires Going from 100% “obligation” work to 100% “interest” work by doing what you love Finding the “quiet” that brings your best ideas to light Building your team of quitters who will hold you accountable to do less and make more How to find a world-class real estate mentor who will speed up your growth substantially The financial position you should be in before you contemplate quitting And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets GoBundance Upwork BPCON2022 BiggerPockets Bookstore Building 61 Different Passive Streams of Income with Pat Hiban Turning $5K Into $5K/Month and Retiring at 40 with Tim Rhode 9 Simple Steps to Finding the Best Real Estate Mentor for You Book Mentioned in this Show The Quitter's Manifesto by Tim Rhode and Pat Hiban Connect with Pat and Tim: Pat's LinkedIn Pat's BiggerPockets Profile Tim's Website Tim's LinkedIn Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-216 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to become a millionaire? After this episode, you’ll have everything you need to start your journey to a seven-figure net worth through real estate investing. Most people think that to become a millionaire you need to have a high-paying job, a large inheritance, or hundreds of rental properties. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as regular real estate investing allows almost anyone to build wealth, attain financial freedom, and live the life they dream of in only a matter of years. For those who haven’t bought their first investment property, or only have a few, this webinar with Dave Meyer will provide the step-by-step system that’ll take you from onlooker to investor. Dave takes you through the math behind making millions, how to find investment properties worth buying, analyzing real estate in just minutes, and finally, how to repeat the system so you can continuously build wealth no matter what life position you’re in. Stick around until the end as Dave throws in a special gift for our viewers that will help take you from rookie to veteran investor in no time at all. The tools, information, and data found in this episode could help slingshot your wealth to levels you’ve never imagined. So, are you ready to start? In This Episode We Cover How to become a real estate millionaire no matter where you’re starting from Defining your “why” and knowing how much money you want to make How an economic recession could affect real estate investors in 2022 The “crystal clear criteria” every investor must know before buying a rental property Building your real estate “stack” that can make you rich in only a few years How to analyze rental properties for complete confidence in the deal Finding, funding, and financing investment property purchases The fastest way to level up your real estate investing skills so you can reach financial freedom And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Zillow BiggerPockets Calculators On the Market Podcast BiggerPockets Pro MLS BiggerPockets Agent Finder BiggerPockets Rental Property Calculator Craigslist BiggerPockets Bootcamps Mashvisor Roofstock AirDNA Connect with Dave: Dave's Instagram Dave's BiggerPockets Profile Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-215 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Ricky through Ashley’s direct messages on Instagram. Ricky is asking: I’m about to start my investing journey with short-term rentals. How do I build a real estate team, and which positions should I look for first? On your way to building a short-term rental empire, you’ll need to build out your real estate investment team. These are the people who will help you scale, manage your properties, and handle host headaches that come up, so you can focus on finding better vacation rental properties. If you want to scale like Tony, who’s already at sixteen short-term rental units, you’ll need to invest in the four “buckets." Doing this will free up time for you to run a better business and source bigger deals. Here are some suggestions: Start making checklists, notes, and training videos as soon as you buy your first property Find the things you hate doing and offload them sooner, rather than later Build out your short-term rental core four who can help manage the property while you source deals Start small with a cleaner or maintenance worker and slowly hire out from there And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets BPCON22 Investor Girl Britt BadAsh Investor Airbnb Loom BiggerPockets Agent Finder Find Money, Partners, & Deals Using The “D.A.D System” w/ Mike Michalowicz 21 Real Estate Professionals You Need on Your Team (Updated 2021) Connect with Ashley and Tony: Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-214 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The older you get, the more you realize how much life costs. As a kid, it's easy to take for granted the free rent and free meals, but what if you could get back to that? What if you could live mortgage or rent-free as an adult? What if you could have your meals paid for on someone else’s dime? In today’s episode, our guest, Nate Weintraub, shares how he lives for “free” with his three properties that total sixty-five units. With a real estate investor as a father, Nate has always been around rental property investing. He never saw himself getting into real estate until he worked his first W-2. After seeing the realities of a nine-to-five, Nate decided to buy a property after college and pursue real estate. In March of 2020, he put a house under contract in Rochester, New York. Since then, he has purchased a sixty-three-unit storage facility in Alabama and is currently house hacking in Florida. As Nate works toward financial freedom, he has made steps toward reducing his cost of living while still living a life he loves. In addition to being an investor, he does what he loves as a self-employed copywriter—BiggerPockets’ copywriter in fact. At only twenty-four, Nate lives rent-free in his house hack, his rental property covers most of his food, and his real estate investment trusts pay for his car. In This Episode We Cover Analyzing and choosing an out-of-state market to invest in (w/o visiting them) Self-managing and how to build a trusting relationship with your tenants House hacking and how to use it to live rent-free while building wealth Self-storage investing and how to break into a newer, bigger asset class Finding reliable and trustworthy partners and how to manage your partnerships The importance of talking about your real estate aspirations and how to generate more business through conversation And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Podcast Zillow $13M in Equity from One Deal & Cash Flowing Despite Being Comatose with AJ Osborne Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group How to Cut Expenses for a Faster Route to Financial Freedom BiggerPockets Calculators Easy Storage Solutions Stessa Roomies.com Yelp SquareFoot QuickBooks On the Market Podcast BiggerPockets Forums Airbnb Connect with Nate: Nate's Instagram Nate's Email Nate's Website Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-213 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Carolyn through Ashley’s direct messages on Instagram. Carolyn is asking: I just bought my first investment property in cash. Am I still considered a first-time homebuyer? What happens if I take out a mortgage on that property? First-time homebuyer loans tend to confuse many real estate rookies. When it comes to first-time homebuyer loans and programs, what options do you have? Some investors think that they can only use loans like the FHA loan for their first home, while others may be enticed by first-time homebuyer programs that boast a lot of benefits, but with a ton of red tape. Which loans work for which investors, and what happens when you want to refinance? Here are some suggestions: Remember that loans like the FHA loan are not reserved for first-time homebuyers Special loan programs designed for first-time buyers could help you fund your down payment, but you’ll want to read the fine print Look for state-specific grants when buying your first home (you could come across some free funds!) If you are going to refinance after a cash purchase, be sure to double-check the “seasoning” period with your lender And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-212 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While constantly hearing success stories can be encouraging, it can also start to seem unattainable when you don’t know where to start. How did all these successful investors get to where they wanted to be? And if they can do it, why can’t you? Today’s guests, Simon Murillo and Kristina Vaio adjusted their mindset from “why them?” to “why not us?,” which resulted in some serious short-term rental success. It took a while for Simon and Kristina to become cohesive in their real estate partnership. Simon has been interested in house hacking since 2018, but Kristina couldn’t envision sharing her home with strangers. For his first investment, Simon wanted to invest long-distance in his hometown, but Kristina had reservations about investing in a property she couldn’t physically manage. Despite their opposing views on what their first investment would look like, through a lot of communication, education, trust, and compromise, they found an investment they agreed on—their basement. With the help of a rockstar real estate agent, they were able to close on a house in December of 2021. It took a few months of blood, sweat, and tears to set up their basement rental, but within just thirty minutes of posting their short-term rental listing, they got their first booking! Now, they’re averaging about $4,500 each month and are looking for their next home to house hack. They plan on doing this at least two or three times until they’re financially free in their forever home—and you can do it too! In This Episode We Cover Convincing a skeptical partner and how to find compromise through mutual goals How to ease into investing through small steps and self-education Building a team that can help you with your vision—from investor-friendly real estate agents to reliable contractors The benefits of going to investor meetups and being surrounded by similar people with similar goals Managing your short-term rental while balancing your full-time W-2 Increasing the value of your property through unique upgrades and renovations And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Podcast BiggerPockets Forums Alpha Geek Capital Real Estate Rookie Bootcamp Airbnb Sarah Robinson's Instagram Redfin Zillow Facebook Groups Nextdoor MLS BiggerPockets Agents Finder Hospitable Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Connect with Simon and Kristina: Simon's Instagram Simon's BiggerPockets Profile Kristina's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-211 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The term “other people’s money” is common in the rental property industry. You may hear successful investors use it all the time—but what does it mean? Who are these “other people,” and why are they giving out money so freely? Don’t worry—rich relatives are not necessary for this episode of the Real Estate Rookie Podcast. We’re not talking about taking money from your Grandma. We’re talking about private money lending. Who better to bring on to the show than Alex Breshears and Beth Johnson, authors of the new BiggerPockets book, Lend to Live: Earn Hassle-Free Passive Income in Real Estate with Private Money Lending? Although tailored towards would-be passive private money lenders, Lend to Live drops some serious knowledge that the everyday investor can use. If you’ve ever wanted to know where to find private money, how it works, and how you can use it to grow your real estate portfolio, this episode is a great place to start. Alex and Beth break down the fundamentals behind private money lending, what makes a great private money lender, and how to vet yours when accepting money. Private money can create phenomenal opportunities for active investors, but it comes with legal landmines that are easily activated if you don’t know what to look for. So, before you start accepting money from a local lender, be sure you read Lend to Live first! In This Episode We Cover What makes a great private money lender and the qualifications they should possess Why become a private money lender and who private lending is best suited for How to find private money even if you’re just starting to grow your network Structuring a private money loan and keeping yourself legally protected Private money red flags and what investors and lenders should look out for Points, rates, and other lending lingo you need to know before taking a loan And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Podcast BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Bookstore The BiggerPockets Podcast Private Money: What the Experts Warn Against Before You Lend (Or Borrow!) Connect with Alex and Beth: Alex and Beth's Email Alex's BiggerPockets Profile Alex's LinkedIn Profile Beth's BiggerPockets Profile Beth's Website Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-210 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an investor, finding and closing on a deal is only the beginning, and it sets the tone for how the rest of the deal will go. So what criteria should you have to make finding a profitable deal easier? Once you find a deal that's promising, how do you do your due diligence before submitting an offer? In today’s episode, Kenneth Donis shares his bulletproof process for finding and underwriting profitable deals. Kenneth is the Head of Marketing and Acquisitions in the Donis Brothers’ operation. The Donis Brothers have a little more than 1,000 units under their belt and show no signs of slowing down. Kenneth is responsible for finding those deals, underwriting them, and meeting with brokers. With a growing portfolio, Kenneth’s process has become more efficient, and the proof is in their success. Kenneth breaks down his process into three parts—creating criteria, analyzing the deal before submitting the offer, and submitting a letter of intent. He explains how to create a buy box based on your budget and the importance of ensuring your overhead is covered. Taking to heart just a few of the tips that Kenneth shares today could put you on the fast track to closing on your next big investment property! In This Episode We Cover Creating criteria to find great deals based on your goals and budget Defining your ”buy box” and what you should include in yours Multifamily deal analysis and the quotes you’ll need before submitting an offer Drafting the letter of intent and the key elements to a perfect offer How to build lasting and beneficial relationships with mortgage brokers Raising capital from outside sources and using creative financing to fund your deals And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Real Estate Rookie Podcast MLS Apartments.com BPCON22 Real Estate Rookie Podcast Changing Their Family’s Fate by Building a 600+ Unit Portfolio (At Age 20!) How a College Dropout Got a Seat at the Millionaire Investor Table Post, Invest, Profit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Content Creating for Investors BiggerPockets Calculators Connect with Kenneth: The Donis Brothers’s Website The Donis Brothers’s Instagram The Donis Brothers’s Facebook Page The Donis Brothers’s Twitter The Donis Brothers’s Tiktok The Donis Brothers’s Youtube Channel The Donis Brothers’s Podcast Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-209 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Aaron on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Aaron is asking: How do you set up your rental income for tax season? Do you just show your accountant, for example, a Stessa report? Do you give receipts to your tenant when they pay so you have one for tax season? Navigating the world of real estate accounting can be tricky. Do you write everything down by hand or update your numbers in tax software? Ask two real estate experts like Ashley and Tony and you’ll see that there’s usually one clear way to gather up your rental income so your CPA doesn’t have a mountain of paperwork and an avalanche of questions to ask you. Here are some suggestions: Use software like Stessa or QuickBooks to easily track your income/expenses for tax time Send tenants rent receipts (if they ask for them) using software like Apartments.com and RentRedi Keep clear records of how much you received in rent, spent on maintenance, and any amount of vacancy Get your bookkeeping in place from the first property onwards (your future self will thank you) And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Stessa QuickBooks Apartments.com RentRedi Google Drive OneDrive Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-208 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an entrepreneur trying to build wealth, how do you find work-life balance? How do you prioritize your family and life when you work long hours for a better future? Is the time freedom you’re ultimately working towards worth the time you have to give up presently? Amanda Salovitch, today’s guest, shares the balance she’s been able to maintain as a full-time working mom, building a short-term rental business while going from zero to six units in a year and a half. Amanda has been passionate about real estate for a while. She became a licensed real estate agent fresh out of college in 2008. Amanda worked at a brokerage with another recent high school graduate, and when she decided to pursue a career at the bank, she watched him grow his investment career. The bank required a very fast-paced lifestyle, and it wasn’t until the pandemic that she began to slow down and reassess certain aspects of her future. She started listening to the Real Estate Rookie podcast and became inspired. She purchased three long-term rentals shortly after she began listening to the podcast. She then closed on a property with three short-term treehouse rentals with various income-generating activities. While living a hectic investor life, Amanda always includes her kids as much as possible. Her ultimate goal is to have the time and freedom to live the life of her choosing with her family, and with the path she’s on, she’ll be able to achieve it soon! In This Episode We Cover Getting your real estate license and the benefits of being a licensed investor Finding your personalized work-life balance and the importance of having a strong “why” The process of qualifying for a loan and how to qualify for the financing of your choosing The 1031 exchange explained, its benefits, and its shortcomings How to get your spouse on board with investing while communicating your goals Investing while still working your day job and how to manage your time for optimum efficiency And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Airbnb Real Estate Rookie Podcast MLS QuickBooks Apartments.com Lodgify Booking.com MileIQ The Real Estate Podcast Vrbo Connect with Amanda: Amanda's Website Amanda's BiggerPockets Profile Amanda's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-207 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not knowing how to deal with a bad contractor can cost you thousands, if not tens of thousands, on a single deal. The wrong contractor can cause months more of holding time, thousands in materials wasted, and drain your energy when trying to get the project done. But, once you know the common contractor red flags, you’ll be able to spot which workers won’t work out in the future so you can hire the right ones faster. Ashley and Tony both have horror stories when hiring general contractors. They have some crucial tips when hiring a contractor for your next home renovation. Their most important one? Hire slow and fire fast. The wrong crewmember could sabotage your entire real estate deal. Here are some suggestions: Don’t pay contractors per hour and stick to your contractor criteria Stand your ground and don’t second guess yourself if you know how something should be done Never hire the same contractor for another job until they’ve finished the first one Set milestones and benchmarks for the contractor to hit so they stay on-schedule Don’t hire the first contractors available for a job, take your time vetting the crew and general contractor And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie Bootcamp Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-205 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes in real estate, less is more, and as the saying goes—quality over quantity. You don’t need a portfolio with 100+ properties if you have a strong cash flow from five. This approach allows less to fall through the cracks and a more personalized experience for the tenant while still building wealth like never before. Today’s guest, Kelly Cronin, explains how she has created Cronin Castles, a variety of unique experiences in various locations, and is now profiting off people’s desire to experience more life. Her current portfolio includes a sea house in Puerto Rico, an off-the-grid dome in Alaska, a tiny home in Utah, and eighty acres in Wisconsin. While Kelly was merely setting her price on listing sites and looking for interesting places, she stumbled on the next big thing. Currently, short-term rental sites are looking for more properties with unique experiences, like Kelly’s, to feature and further differentiate themselves from the competition. Kelly was able to start investing because she saved half of her income. She was able to save an astonishing $110,000 not because of a high salary—in fact, she never hit the six-figure mark—but because she gamified her life. Kelly did this by finding ways to lower her mortgage, save on childcare expenses and use credit card points to cover her travel expenses. Now Kelly can give people the traveling experiences she would want while simultaneously building wealth and changing her financial future. In This Episode We Cover How to research and invest in different markets Cultivating unique experiences and how to market your rentals Managing your rental property remotely and the importance of building a network in the market you choose to invest in Saving fifty percent of your income and how to gamify your life and stretch your money Self-managing your properties and how to stay on top of your rental portfolio And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Brandon Turner's Instagram Nate Robbins' Instagram Brian Murray's Instagram Airbnb Vrbo Realtor.com AirDNA Zillow Derek Diedricksen's Instagram Boostly Godaddy Hostfully Meta Business Suite 96 Units in 5 Years By Combining Long & Short-Term Rentals Connect with Kelly: Kelly's Website Kelly's Facebook Page Kelly's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-205 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New short-term rental regulations are sprouting up around densely-populated states like California and New York. These regulations can stop new investors from setting up shop while making established hosts much wealthier. With stricter short-term rental laws, what should real estate investors do to hedge their risk against being stuck with a property that can’t be rented out? Both Ashley and Tony own short-term rentals. Ashley’s is situated in a town with no regulations, while Tony has vacation rentals scattered across multiple markets, each with its own specific ordinances. Tony knows that even with these new laws, there are still steps you can take to ensure that your short-term rental investment isn’t ever at risk of being left empty. Looking into short-term rental markets? Here are some suggestions: Look for established, mature vacation rental markets when starting your search Economic dependency on tourism will most likely make an area more open to short-term rentals Always research the number of short-term rentals an owner can legally own in an area as well as how the permitting process works Stay up-to-date on an area’s short-term rental laws as they are subject to change And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-204 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Property management can be one of the more complex decisions when it comes to investing. Do you save money and ensure the job is done exactly how you want it by self-managing, or do you invest in someone with experience and save yourself time, energy, and headspace? Today’s guest, Karen Lane, breaks down property management in bite-size chunks, so whether you’re deciding between property management vs. self-management or hoping to pursue property management already, this episode is perfect for you. Karen has been in property management for commercial real estate for most of her career, so she’s seen it all—including a dead deer carcass in the middle of a shopping center parking lot. She’s worked with private investors on both coasts and internationally. Karen’s abundant experience has made her a wealth of knowledge and the perfect person to learn from. While she has thrived in the property management space, she now hopes to beat analysis paralysis and find her first investment. Karen goes over what it means to be a property manager and how to become one. She also talks about the nuances of juggling the different relationships you need to maintain as a property manager. Today’s episode is the free property management masterclass you don’t want to miss. In This Episode We Cover What it means to be a property manager and how to know if you have what it takes Finding and vetting a property manager to make sure your goals and expectations align How to keep the landlord and the tenant happy and find a middle ground Management agreements and how to understand the property management fees that come along with it How to check for hidden fees as a landlord The most significant things to look for in a property manager to make sure your relationship is successful The ideal reporting structure, the cadence, and what you should include And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BPCON2022 BiggerPockets Forums Rookie Landlord Bootcamp BiggerPockets Calculators Buildium AppFolio Quickbooks A Step-by-Step Guide to Estimating Rehab Costs w/ Master Flipper & Investor James Dainard (Part 1) Finding Contractors, Renovation Red Flags, and Estimating Rehab Costs (Part 2) w/ James Dainard 18 Deals in 2 Years AND a Full Time Job with Kevin Christensen Connect with Karen: Karen's Property Management Company Karen's Company Email Karen's Website Karen's Email Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-203 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Brandon on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Brandon is asking: On a cash-out refinance, is this considered income? If so, will I have to report it on my taxes? Real estate investing provides a lot of tax benefits, some that new investors or everyday homeowners simply don’t know about. One of the greatest tax benefits? No taxes on loans and liabilities! That means that the cash-out refinance can be done without paying any taxes on the cash given to you from the bank. But, there are a couple of ways that you could get snagged during tax season if you don’t follow the right steps. Here are some suggestions: Cash-out refinances are considered debt, not income, from a taxation point of view If you are planning to have your business pay you back for acquisition/renovation costs, be sure you make a record of that so you don’t get taxed on your repayment You may pay taxes on a cash-out refinance if you plan on taking profits from your business As always, consult a tax professional if you have any specific tax questions And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Rookie Reply: Cash Out Refinances vs HELOCs | Which Should You Use? Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-202 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The beautiful thing about real estate is that there is endless room for growth. While some jobs have a capped amount of opportunity, real estate encourages constant advancement. Today’s guest, Gus Ofili, began his investing journey after the pandemic and now has nine properties with twenty-three units. Gus turned to real estate after deciding to leave his nine-to-five at a bank. He didn’t hate his job, in fact, he was doing very well, but there wasn't adequate room to grow. Gus started realizing he was getting passed up on opportunities by people who dedicated at least a decade of their life to the bank. He couldn't see himself taking ten years of his life for a career milestone—so he quit. Initially, real estate intrigued Gus because of the thrill he got from negotiating. He started taking classes to become a realtor while working his nine-to-five. As an agent, he sold fifty homes in his first year, seventy-one in his second, and 108 in his third year. While he did exceptionally well as a realtor, he wanted a backup plan and knew investing would be a fundamental part of his real estate career. He had the opportunity to sell a five-unit house, but when the first appraisal fell through, he began to see potential in the home, decided to buy it, and as the saying goes—the rest is history. In This Episode We Cover Quitting your nine-to-five and how to prepare to do so How to use social media to gain free exposure and grow your brand Finding a profitable side hustle in real estate and the benefits of becoming a leasing agent Clubhouse and how to use it to learn more, expand your network, and gain motivation Overcoming the fear of buying your first investment property and how to make the transition as smooth as possible And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BPCON2022 Airbnb STR Summit Clubhouse Discord BiggerPockets Forums Facebook Marketplace Connect with Gus: Gus' Facebook Gus' Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-201 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re here to buy your first rental property. This is the Real Estate Rookie Podcast, and as a rookie, where should you start? Most new real estate investors think that the steps to buying a rental property are simple—find an agent, find a property, buy the property. And although that could buy you a rental property, the chances of you becoming successful are very low. Real estate investing requires much more than just purchasing a property if you’re trying to build generational wealth, financial freedom, and a life that operates on your schedule. It shouldn’t be surprising that the CEO of a company like BiggerPockets is someone who took the slow, yet highly successful route. No raising money on his first deal, no buying multimillion-dollar apartment complexes, no giant yacht, and no private planes. Scott Trench is the epitome of the “grind until you shine” real estate investor. Starting with little-to-no savings, he was able to work his way up to his first rental, his second, and now his thirteenth. To celebrate the release of the updated version of his wildly popular book, Set for Life, Scott has created a ten-step checklist that any new investor should use to get their first real estate investment. These steps were specifically designed for you to not just get one rental, but many more following your first purchase. These are the exact steps Scott took to reach financial freedom in under ten years, and if you follow them as well, you might be able to do it faster. In This Episode We Cover The ten steps to becoming a successful real estate investor (even if you have no experience) Frugality and its impact on how you invest and grow your wealth over time Calculating your dollar per hour cost and choosing whether or not to outsource work The four levers of wealth creation and how to pull them all for fast-paced wealth building How Scott went from entry-level worker to CEO of BiggerPockets in under ten years Building your “investor ability” so you can make smarter decisions faster And So Much More! Links from the Show Rookie Readiness Checklist Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Podcast Guest Onboarding Form BiggerPockets Bookstore The BiggerPockets Money Podcast Dish Network The Real Estate Podcast Joshua Dorkin's Website Brandon Turner's Instagram Dave Visaya's Podcast Editing Services Mr. Money Mustache Airbnb Vrbo Mindy Jensen's Instagram From 400 Credit Score to Making $17,000/Month in Passive Income BiggerPockets Bootcamps FRED BiggerPockets Calculators Buildium Connect with Scott: Scott's BiggerPockets Profile Scott's Rookie Readiness Checklist Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-200 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are in the age of social media, so how do you use that to your advantage? How do you create a platform that helps you reach your career goals? What content should you create to target your desired audience? Today’s guest, Kerwin Donis, shares how he and his brothers have built the platforms that have helped them partner in over 600 units of apartment syndication deals. The Donis Brothers have a wide range of platforms, from YouTube to TikTok, where they document their journey and share their wealth of knowledge. They have about 12,000 followers on Instagram and 63,000 on TikTok, but their main focus is their podcast. Kerwin, the head of their social media, says their initial goal was to document their journey and build credibility as young investors. While that is still their goal, they have become more strategic about what they post and the audience they post for to grow their platform and their online community. So how do you begin? You begin now—stop waiting! Kerwin emphasizes that when you start, it won't be perfect, and that's okay. Create the content you’d want to consume, aim to entertain and educate, and the rest will come. The benefits of building your platform are endless because you never know who you’re reaching—whether that be a future mentor, partner, or client. There is no better time to start your social media journey and no better place to start than this episode! In This Episode We Cover Building a platform with little knowledge (it’s not as hard as you think) How to manage different social media platforms and decide which one should be your primary focus The various benefits of building a platform and how to get the most out of your platforms Content marketing and how to target your ideal audience Creating content without a big team and how to keep yourself accountable Lead magnets and how to use them to increase your marketing efforts And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group $1M in Real Estate in Just 1 Year (and How You Can Do It Too!) How a College Dropout Got a Seat at the Millionaire Investor Table Lili Thompson's Youtube Channel On the Market Podcast BiggerPockets Forums Pat Flynn's Website Smart Passive Income Your First Real Estate Investment Podcast Derrick Acuff's Instagram From Restaurant Waiter to 100+ Deals in Only 4 Years w/ Derrick Acuff Grant Cardone's Website Venmo How to NOT Go Bankrupt: 5 Mistakes New Investors Make Connect with Kerwin: Kerwin's Instagram The Donis Brothers Website The Donis Brothers Instagram The Real Estate Monopoly Podcast The Donis Brothers Youtube Channel Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-199 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Mantas on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Mantas is asking: My buddy placed an offer substantially above asking price and the seller, before accepting the offer, asked my friend if he would pay the difference if the appraisal came in lower than the offer. Anyone encountered this situation and what would be the best response if any? Ah, the classic appraisal gap/appraisal contingency. During hot housing markets (like we’ve been experiencing over the past two years), these types of offers have become more and more common. A seller wants to be sure that they can get the sales price they want and the buyer often has to pay the price to cover the appraisal difference. But what are some ways to get around this if your appraisal comes back low? Here are some suggestions: Do as much research beforehand so you know an appropriate appraisal value before the appraisal Run comps using real estate data tools (like PropStream) or look up comparable home sales in your area using a listing service Challenge the appraisal buy checking for discrepancies and running comps Get a different appraisal ordered or switch to a more flexible lender if all else fails And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Propstream MLS Realtor.com Zillow Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-198 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re unsure about real estate, run the numbers. It’s that simple. Once you run the numbers, you’ll have clarity on which decisions to make and tangible reassurance that you made the right ones. Today’s guest, actress Brec Bassinger, shares how focusing on the numbers has given her the confidence to become the successful investor she is today. Brec’s name may sound familiar to some of you. She’s been the star of Bella and the Bulldogs and the new hit show, DC’s Stargirl. Brec’s interest in real estate began after a trip to Big Bear with her boyfriend when she realized the earning potential of short-term rentals. She decided to buy a condo and had her first short-term rental within six months. The speed at which she got her first deal may seem intimidating, but Brec’s confidence came from the numbers she calculated and the profits she knew she could make. During her first season of Stargirl, Brec had to share a small apartment with her coworker because that’s all she could afford with her fluctuating income. Now she makes more money by living in an expensive high-rise apartment while renting out her old space. Real estate has allowed Brec to supplement her fluctuating income without a W-2 and the freedom to live the life she wants. And even though she plays a superhero, her story proves that you don’t have to be one to invest in real estate. In This Episode We Cover How to confidently close on your first investment property and move past fear Becoming more financially stable by supplementing your income with a passive income stream The importance of running the numbers and how to use the simple rental calculations to make profitable decisions Building a relationship with your property manager and eye-opening questions to ask them How to qualify for loans without a “steady” income And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Airbnb BPCON2022 20 Deals in a Year as a Professional Basketball Player w/ Terry Harris Terry Harris' Instagram Zillow AirDNA BiggerPockets Calculator MLS From Sleeping in His Car to Multi-Unit Landlord & The “Nomad” Strategy Nick Cooley's Instagram Connect with Brec: Brec's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-197 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Tony’s Instagram direct messages! This rookie real estate investor is asking: I have a good chunk of equity in my home, should I pull out cash to purchase a rental property? If not, what should I do with the equity? If you want to know how to use home equity to buy real estate, you need to know your options first. As many homeowners are sitting on massive equity gains, thanks to the past two years worth of price run-ups, they’re asking how they can use this equity to their advantage. For most investors, you’ll have two options in how you take this equity out of your home’s value. But, both of them need to be intelligently evaluated before you make a decision. Here are some suggestions: Look at your current mortgage rate and see if it’s higher or lower than today’s average interest rate to refinance Ask your lender about a HELOC (home equity line of credit) as well as the terms, interest rates, and duration offered Interest rates are likely to rise, so locking down a great rate now may help you in the future Know your exit strategy (flip vs. BRRRR vs. buy and hold) for each different kind of financing option And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-196 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You often hear about house hacking as a means to an end, a simple way to start your real estate journey, but what if it could be more? What if house hacking could be your ticket to financial freedom? Today’s guest, Craig Curelop, author of The House Hacking Strategy, shares how he reached financial freedom through house hacking and how to follow along in his footsteps. Craig started where most do, hating his W-2 and working too much. He began researching how to earn a passive income and came across BiggerPockets. Within six months, Craig started working at BiggerPockets, moved to Denver, and decided to start living his life the way he wanted. Using his house hacking strategy, he went from being $30,000 in debt to financial freedom in two and a half years. Before you get into house hacking, you need to understand the basics, and today Craig breaks them down. He goes over the different ways to house hack and its advantages and disadvantages. Craig also talks about how to live with your tenants and the boundaries needed for your ideal house hacking situation. Craig paints the whole picture so you can make an informed decision and decide if house hacking is the way for you to become financially free too (or at least build more passive income)! In This Episode We Cover Why house hacking is ideal for new and young investors and how to get started The different ways to house hack and how to turn an unused space into an income-generating area The noteworthy advantages and disadvantages of house hacking and how to decide if house hacking is for you Living with tenants and how to set landlord boundaries for you and your tenant’s comfort How to vet tenants and red flags to look out for before offering them a lease Collecting rent and the processes to have in place to help you stay in “landlord mode” And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Airbnb AJ Osborne's Website The CRE Circle RentRedi The Real Estate Podcast Costco 10 Income Streams on 1 Property by “Land Hacking” w/ Kai Andrew Kai Andrew's Website Apartments.com Connect with Craig: Craig's Instagram The FI Team Invest2FI Podcast Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-195 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best real estate investing apps are ones you could not live without. Whether you’re a full-time real estate investor, managing a few properties, or still trying to get your first deal done, these apps can help you find, manage, and cash flow your rentals quicker. Ashley and Tony both use these apps daily and probably couldn’t run their real estate investment portfolios without them. To help you scale up your real estate investing, Ashley and Tony have written down their most-used real estate investing apps. Now, anytime you see a potential deal, need to chat with a team member, or simply want to time how long you’ve been working at a rental property, you can. Most of these apps are free, so you can download them today, try them out, and buy your first (or next) deal faster! If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Building an Out-of-State Empire by Using the Right Type of Real Estate Agent w/ Sarah Weaver Zillow Realtor.com LandGlide PopStream OnX DealCheck MLS Homesnap Personal Capital Easy Calculator Google task Google Calendar Google Docs Splice Quickbooks Time MileIQ Schlage Ring Loom Mobile Loom Monday.com Wrike Miro Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-194 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your connections and relationships are invaluable in real estate, so how do you get to know the right people? How do you build a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship? The answer is simple—you show up, get your name and face out there, and listen. Building a network can seem intimidating, especially starting from scratch, but today’s guest, Jeffrey Donis, breaks it down step-by-step. Jeffrey Donis of the Donis Brothers is in charge of nurturing investor relations, so networking is his bread and butter. At twenty-three, he has helped his brothers raise enough money to co-sponsor 600 units worth of deals in the last two years. This would have been nearly impossible to achieve in such a short time without the network they built and the relationships they nurtured. Their network didn’t come automatically, and similar to everyone else, they started from scratch and were able to find a way to get themselves out there. The first step is to build your credibility. While there are many ways to do so, Jeffrey explains how to use social media to document your journey and build trust. He also goes into how to navigate networking events and bring value no matter your experience level. The Donis Brothers have become widely successful in a record amount of time, and the way they built their network and brand is a large part of that. In This Episode We Cover Building credibility and how to use social media to do so The 80/20 rule and why it’s an effective way to network and build relationships How to bring value to others (without money!) and maintain a good reputation Overcoming imposter syndrome and how to be more confident in your abilities How to vet potential investors and red flags you should look out for The importance of constant self-education through real estate courses and classes And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Changing Their Family’s Fate by Building a 600+ Unit Portfolio (At Age 20!) How to Find Free Money to Finance Your Education & Avoid Extensive Student Debt Student Loans Update: Repayment, Refinancing, and Potential Forgiveness w/ Robert Farrington Robert Farrington's Website Your First Real Estate Investment Podcast Tyler Madden's BiggerPockets Profile SyndicationPro Joe Polish's Website InvestNext Subto Meetup Eventbrite Citrix Podio Connect with Jeffrey: The Donis Brothers' Website Jeffrey Donis' Instagram Jeffrey Donis' Twitter The Real Estate Monopoly Podcast Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-193 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Natalie on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Natalie is asking: How did you narrow your focus to determine your strategy? And how do you get good at analyzing real estate deals? This is one of the most-asked questions we receive. When you’re starting as a rookie real estate investor, every strategy seems like a good one. You may hear a guest on the Real Estate Rookie show talk about wholesaling or flipping or short-term rentals. Before long, you’re already planning your next exciting purchase even if you had another one already in the works. This “shiny object syndrome” is common when getting started, and while it’s good to know about many different investing strategies, changing yours too often can lead you well off the path to financial freedom. Here are some suggestions if you’re torn between strategies and need to up your analysis game: Look at your resources and base your investing strategy upon what makes sense for you specifically Pledge to become an expert in a certain strategy and don’t try building too many bridges Set up a strong foundation in your current investing strategy, then you can pivot wherever you want Practice your deal analysis daily and send your calculations to other investors as a pulse check Get to know your investing area as much as you can (even if you’re remote investing!) And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BPCON2022 Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-192 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What differentiates a top producer from everyone else? The most common answer is hard work, ambition, and charisma, but what does that even mean? Hard work, while a universal concept, changes depending on the context, so what does hard work entail in real estate? Today’s familiar guest, David Greene, answers all these questions and more in today’s episode and his new book, SKILL. SKILL is only part two in his three-part book series where David teaches you how to excel as an agent or investor. It follows SOLD, which is all about gaining confidence by learning and understanding the fundamentals of real estate. SKILL then teaches you how to become a top producer and make more money through intelligent negotiation, building trust with clients, and becoming an expert in your field. Ideally, this book is for those with a little experience who want to take their career to the next level. In today’s episode, David shares some of the characteristics of a top producer. He goes over the importance of generating leads and how to do so, building your marketing funnel, and the metrics you should be tracking to find and convert more leads. Instead of telling you how to get better through abstract concepts, David provides concrete step-by-step examples on how to differentiate yourself, so you can beat out the other agents in your area. In This Episode We Cover How to decide if getting your real estate license would be beneficial for you (it’s not the answer you think) Lead generation and how to get your name known How to improve investor and agent communications and find deals that align with your criteria The most important metrics to track if you want to scale your business Lead vs. lag measures and why tracking lead measures get you results sooner Listing presentations, how to hold one, and why they make you stand out as an agent And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group MLS On The Market Podcast BiggerPockets Calculator BiggerPockets Agent Finder AJ Osborne's Website The CRE Circle BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast BiggerPockets Bookstore FTX Zillow Robert Abasolo's Instagram Connect with David: David's Instagram David Greene Real Estate Youtube Channel Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-191 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Check out our sponsor page! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is due diligence in real estate? If you ask most new investors, they’ll have some sense of what due diligence is, but may be confused about what it really means. Is due diligence when you analyze your deal? Who should you be in contact with during due diligence? How long does a due diligence period usually last? And what happens if your deal turns out to be a dud in due diligence? In reality, due diligence isn’t all that confusing. It’s simply the time that you, and your partners (if you have them), spend inspecting, double-checking, and re-analyzing the deal. The due diligence period is there for the protection of the investor, so you can use everything in your power to confirm that you truly are getting a great deal. But, before you start calling inspectors, make sure you follow some of these more granular steps that could save you a fortune in the future. Never done due diligence before? Here are some suggestions: Work with a seasoned real estate broker, agent, or attorney who can catch things you won't Double-check that your financing options still stand if you find anything wrong with the property Talk to the local city government or code enforcer to ensure prior work on the property was done correctly Calculate out what the cost of repairs will be for the property once you’ve gotten an inspection Don’t fall in love with a deal and be prepared to walk away if you find something that’ll kill your exit strategies And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ryan Dossey's Instagram Ballpoint Marketing Airbnb AlphaGeekCapital MLS Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-190 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House hacking is one of the easiest ways to get into real estate investing. Thanks to its flexible financing options, low down payment loans, and ability to cut your rent in half (or eliminate it), house hacking is truly a phenomenal investing strategy. In short, house hacking is when a homeowner or investor buys a house or multifamily and rents out the other rooms or units while they live in one of them. The house hacking strategy can be mixed and matched in any way you like. Want to live with a bunch of friends? Buy a three or four-bedroom house and rent out the rooms. Want to have a private space for you and your family? Buy a small multifamily and rent out the other units. No matter what you choose to do, house hacking can help speed up your journey to financial freedom. This is done by reducing the amount of money you spend on rent/a mortgage while also giving you serious tax benefits, instant cash flow, and appreciation so you can build wealth in the background. In this how-to episode, Ashley and Tony give you everything you need to find, analyze, finance, and buy a house hack. They go over in-depth real estate analysis so you can confidently bring a deal to your lender, partner, or just have peace of mind that you’re making a smart investment. This single home purchase could change your financial future forever, so what are you waiting for? In This Episode We Cover What is house hacking and the major benefits of hacking your house The four ways to build wealth in real estate and three common rookie mistakes The best ways to fund your real estate deals or house hack property How to analyze your next property using the BiggerPockets real estate calculators Property management 101 and how to manage a rental property How to get your first real estate deal faster with BiggerPockets tools and expert guidance And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group The Real Estate Robinsons Youtube Channel BiggerPockets Forums James Dainard's Instagram On The Market Podcast ProjectRE Youtube Channel BiggerPockets Calculator Dan Sullivan's LinkedIn Who Not How: Stop Doing the Things You Hate, Free Up Time, Be Happier and Richer with Dan Sullivan BiggerPockets Agent Finder Craigslist Facebook Marketplace MLS BiggerPockets Rent Estimator BiggerPockets Marketplace Brandon Turner's BiggerPocket's Profile BiggerPockets Pro Membership David Greene's BiggerPocket's Profile Craig Curelop's Instagram Connect with Ashley and Tony: Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-189 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Networking tips only matter as long as they work. Everyone knows the classic ones—bring a business card, wear a nametag, and look people in the eye. But, when you’re meeting with investors who have big portfolios, it can be easy to get flustered all of a sudden. Maybe you run into your dream mentor at your next real estate meetup—what do you do? Both Ashley and Tony were able to buy their first rentals and grow their portfolios thanks to networking. At first, they didn’t know what to do or say, and didn’t have many deals to speak of. But, over time, their net worth grew with their networking skills, allowing them to connect with more investors, find more deals, and build lifelong friendships. They’re testaments that even if you don’t have any deals yet, networking could be what brings you your first! Not used to networking? Here are some suggestions for your next meetup: Sign up for a BiggerPockets meetup in your city and get your tickets to BPCon2022! Don’t stick with your clique, remember that networking is there for you to meet new people Rehearse the question you want to ask if a mentor, speaker, or inspiring investor is at the event Take a break from networking to write down names, lessons learned, and takeaways from conversations Don’t know anyone at the meetup? Join a group (they’ll almost always welcome you openly) And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets BiggerPockets Bootcamps BiggerPockets Forums BPCON2022 Alex Sabio's Instagram Daryl Clinch's Instagram Brandon Turner's LinkedIn Tyler Madden's BiggerPockets Profile Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-188 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cash flow and revenue should always be your main focus, but that’s not always the case. Often, the focus tends to be on the number of doors, with many investors not realizing you can make more with less. Today’s guest, Welby Accely, has mastered the art of maximizing revenue per unit and automating his flips. Despite his primary focus being quality over quantity, Welby has done over 100 flips in just four years! Welby’s success didn’t come overnight, in fact, most of it has come from trial and error. Welby started investing in 2004 without knowing anything about ROI or cash flow, but that didn’t stop him. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge cost him a fortune in time and money. Fast forward thirteen years, Welby has realized all the detrimental mistakes he was making. The price of his lessons may have been high, but now he knows people with twice as many doors as him that don’t make half as much net income. As Welby says, everything is about the numbers. When you realize this, it’s easier to focus on the properties that generate income and ditch the properties that don’t. Before you focus on the numbers, you need to understand cash flow and depreciation while also figuring out your financial goals and what aligns with them. These two metrics are Welby’s bread and butter. After he understood them, he created a simple formula for his flips and automated everything in his business, allowing him to make more while doing much less. In This Episode We Cover Generating capital through your flips and how to invest that capital to make even more Understanding capital, ROI, and depreciation and the importance of setting your financial goals first How to maximize revenue per unit and focus on the numbers to reach your financial goals How to simplify your scope of work, control your capital, and make your money work for you Building a business model that focuses on maximizing your revenue and simplifying your flips Welby’s flip formula and how to automate your flipping process to get the most out of it And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Scammed, Cheated, But Still Coming Out with 50 units with Welby Accely MLS Zillow Redfin Realtor.com Lowe’s Home Improvement Flipper Force Connect with Welby: Welby's Instagram Welby's Website Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpocket.com/blog/rookie-187 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Aaron on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Aaron is asking: What paperwork do I need to close an off-market deal? If presenting a cash offer, can it all be done between me and the seller? Do you typically ask for an inspection period? Off-market real estate deals can seem tricky when you’ve never done one before. For the most part, investors only deal with on-market deals where their real estate agent walks them through the closing process. When you’re pursuing off-market deals, you’re on your own (for the most part), but that doesn’t mean that closing on a new deal has to be complicated. Here are some suggestions: Contact local real estate attorneys and escrow offices before closing on a property Remember to include purchase contingencies (like inspections) so you’re not stuck with a bad deal Send in a letter of intent to the seller before presenting a formal offer to see where they stand Consult a real estate attorney to draft up a legal, enforceable purchase and sale agreement When in doubt, lean on your escrow, title company, or attorney for the next steps And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group InvestNext Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-186 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest, Alicia Marks, started real estate investing unintentionally in 2011 when she became an accidental landlord. It wasn’t until eight years later, in late 2019, that she decided to intentionally invest in hopes of reaching her financial goals faster. Since then she has closed on five doors, has done one live in flip, and has six more under contract. Besides being a part-time investor, Alicia is also the BiggerPockets Community Manager. This direct connection to the BiggerPockets community has allowed Alicia to get more exposure to the world of real estate investing while also knowing first-hand how useful all the BiggerPockets tools can be. Alicia even found her partner through BiggerPockets! They started with only one deal to test the waters and had a very clear exit strategy in case it didn’t work out. Thankfully they discovered the partnership worked well for both of them, but if it hadn’t, Alicia would have been perfectly fine because of the exit strategy she put in place. After some major life changes, Alicia thought she’d pursue a dental career until she realized the people in the dental field were trying to get out and pursue real estate. It was then that she decided instead of accruing massive debt in hopes of reaching financial freedom, she’d return to real estate after an eight-year hiatus and begin her financial freedom journey right away! In This Episode We Cover The importance of finding a solution-based property manager and how to maintain long-distance communication with them How to find, manage, and build a lasting, beneficial relationship with contractors Exit strategies and why it’s important to have them in place How to plan your exit strategies and how to know when it’s time to implement them The importance of structuring your partnership in a way that aligns with the strengths of you and your partner How to use private lender meetups to your full advantage and finding the perfect private money lender for you And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie Bootcamp BiggerPockets Forums On The Market Podcast James Deinard's Instagram Dave Meyers' Instagram On The Market YouTube Channel Is College Worth the Cost? This 30,000 Variable Study Says “Sometimes…” How to Retire Early With Real Estate & Do What Matters More with Chad Carson Ouch! Brandon & David’s 10 Biggest Investing Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them) Asana Connect with Alicia: Alicia's BiggerPockets Profile Alicia's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpocket.com/blog/rookie-185 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Andrew on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Andrew is asking: How would you handle a prospective tenant that has a bankruptcy on their record? Tenant screening is almost as important as rental property screening. A bad tenant can not only cost you potential rent but cause thousands or tens of thousands in damages if not handled correctly. This is why landlords are so strict when evaluating tenants, as a good tenant can mean next-to-nothing maintenance and a bad tenant can mean habitual headaches. It’s up to you whether or not a potential tenant meets your criteria. When evaluating, remember to stay within your legal limits! Got a tenant with some questionable financial history? Here’s how to proceed: Speak with the applicant and get their side of the story while trusting your gut Verify the applicant is truthful by running a credit check and background check Use a property management software that allows you to report a tenant’s monthly payments to credit bureaus Look at the applicant’s job history, debt-to-income ratio, and if they have any repossessions Know that people who have filed bankruptcy may only have the option to rent (for a while) And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Alpha Geek Capital Belmont Housing Authority RentRedi Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-184 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, you’ll get to see the third major reason why Alpha Geek Capital, Tony’s fast-scaling real estate company, is so successful. Omid Tehranirad is the third partner in the group, acting as the first layer of protection, or as he puts it, the “chastity belt”, of the partnership. Omid is the head of investor relations and splits operational duties with Sara, Tony’s wife. He discovered real estate after being unfulfilled by the typical “American Dream'' job. His parents encouraged him to pursue the tried and true traditional path that leads to retirement at sixty-five, but after sixteen years at a corporate job, he needed something to change. Omid was looking for something new when he stumbled upon BiggerPockets and discovered the power of real estate investing. He already knew Tony since he was Sara's cousin, but it wasn’t until they found out they both followed David Greene that they realized they could be making money together. From there, they did their first deal and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Omid and Tony work well together because they complement each other’s skillsets. Where Tony is idealistic, Omid is realistic and together they reach each goal they set. Omid has been able to leave his corporate nine to five of eighteen years and increase his wealth overall—his financial wealth, social wealth, time wealth, and physical wealth. For the first time in years, he’s able to drop his kids off at school, prioritize his physical health, and travel while still making money. Omid serves as proof that we all need to stop classifying wealth as just financial and realize true wealth is about finding your freedom. In This Episode We Cover Breaking away from the traditional “American Dream” (and finding something even better) The BRRRR method and how to a find low-risk rehab How to prepare to transition from a fixed income to a variable income How to structure a partnership and prioritize partner alignment Understanding cash flow and making the numbers work for you Identifying a client’s need and how to create a mutually beneficial relationship and partnership And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie Bootcamp Airbnb BiggerPockets Forums Alpha Geek Capital David Greene's BiggerPockets Profile Monday.com Wrike Rookie Reply: How Much Cash Flow Do You Need to Quit Your W2? w/Daryl Clinch Daryl Clinch's Instagram Find Money, Partners, & Deals Using The “D.A.D System” w/ Mike Michalowicz Mike Michalowicz's Website Hospitable Rod Khleif's Website Connect with Omid: Omid's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpocket.com/blog/rookie-183 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Brandi through Ashley’s Instagram direct messages. Brandi is asking: Our current home could give us about $260,000 in net proceeds if sold. We plan to purchase rentals with those proceeds. But, our home is in a good location with good appreciation. Should we sell our primary to buy properties or refi and make it a rental? The sell vs. refi argument is back once again! In this hot housing market, it’s no surprise that homeowners want to take advantage of their growing equity by selling their properties. But, doing so could cause you to lose one property only to have to go out and find another. Although the sell vs. refi answer is specific to each investors’ situation, there are a few quick ways you can establish which is a good move for you. Here are some suggestions: Ask “what’s going to give me a higher ROI?” and look at metrics like cash-on-cash return and return on equity (ROE) Take out a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead of refinancing and BRRRR your next rental to pay back the loan Don’t forget to factor in future appreciation that you could miss out on by selling Double-check your interest rate on your primary residence (it may be too good to give up!) And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Alpha Geek Capital Tyler Madden's BiggerPockets Profile Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-182 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think about long-distance investing, what comes to mind? People usually have reservations about investing out-of-state, but today’s guests took it a step further and invested from halfway across the world. Today’s guest, Caleb Drake, has closed on nine doors with one flip underway. Caleb was active duty military for fourteen years, and once he joined special ops he was deployed for six months at a time. During those six months, his house would sit, unused, and that’s when he saw an opportunity. Caleb decided to rent out his house through Airbnb. As a new landlord and Airbnb host, Caleb had to learn by doing, a task that was increasingly more difficult since he was self-managing from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa. Caleb was able to combat this challenge by building a team that could handle what he couldn’t. After a few years of investing solo, Caleb joined a partnership to expand his portfolio and increase his profit. His partner was also out of the country, so they switched off who was “on-call” and figured out how to automate their check-in and check-out processes. As the business grew, the partnership adjusted to ensure its longevity. Caleb now hopes to continue to scale his business, add to his personal portfolio, and build wealth in the background. In This Episode We Cover The importance of building a self-sufficient team and how to do so Vetting your guests/tenants and how to target your ideal tenants How to invest out-of-state or overseas and automating your check-in processes Residential loans vs. commercial loans and how to figure out which one to use How to balance and adjust your partnership(s) as your business grows The importance of having a real estate agent with an investor mindset, plus how to find one And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie Bootcamp Airbnb BiggerPockets Forums The BiggerPockets Conference 2022 IGMS Alpha Geek Capital Rentometer BiggerPockets Calculators BiggerPockets Insights Connect with Caleb: Caleb's Email Caleb's Instagram Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-181 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Rodney through Tony’s Instagram direct messages. Rodney, like many investors, has been told that you need twenty percent down to buy a rental property. Rodney wants to know the best way to fund a property without breaking the bank. He's asking: Should I save for a down payment or is there a way to get a rental without the twenty percent down? It’s not uncommon for real estate investors to get into deals with far less than 20% down. But, for a beginner, this type of task can seem a bit intimidating, especially if you’re looking at your first investment property. Thankfully, the world of real estate presents investors like us with many ways to creatively fund deals! Here are some suggestions: Purchase a vacation rental using a second home loan that only requires ten percent down Pitch seller financing to the seller and walk them through the tax benefits of financing the property to you Partner up with an investor who can provide the down payment on the deal Sign a joint venture agreement with another investor who can split the down payment with you Remember: if you find a deal you can (probably) find the money for it! And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel BiggerPockets Forums Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-180 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Financial literacy is the first step to becoming a millionaire. Unfortunately, the US is a (relatively) financially illiterate country, so to become financially independent and add more zeros to your net worth, you have to self-educate. Fortunately, today’s guest has published a book and workbook that lays out exactly how to become a millionaire, even at a young age. Dan Sheeks lives and breathes all things personal finance. He has been a high school teacher for twenty years and teaches young people everything he wishes he would have known about financial literacy. He teaches a variety of different business classes, ranging from entrepreneurship to personal finance to marketing. His passion for working with young people is what inspired him to write his book, First to a Million. In this book, Dan details nineteen “freakish” phrases to get you to your first million. Throughout the book, Dan emphasizes the need to be “freakish” and be willing to do the work everyone else won’t. Besides his role as a teacher and an author, Dan is also an investor. He house hacked his first property in 2004 but he didn’t truly get into investing until he met his wife seven years ago. Together they have expanded their real estate operation and have closed on seventeen units. Dan has dedicated his life to personal finance and financial literacy so if there’s a man to learn from— it’s him. In This Episode We Cover Achieving early financial independence and the steps you need to take to get there Good debt vs bad debt and how to use good debt to reach financial freedom How to use First to a Million and the First to a Million Workbook to reach your financial goals The four mechanisms of financial independence and how to implement them in your life Navigating all nineteen phases of First to a Million and their timelines (it’s easier than you think!) How to introduce and entice your child about the world of personal finance & financial independence And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group The Real Estate Robinsons Youtube Channel The BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Bookstore AJ Osbourne's Instagram Ally Real Estate Rookie Bootcamp Airbnb TurnoverBnB BiggerPockets Forums Connect with Dan: Dan's Email Dan's BiggerPockets Profile Dan's Linkedin Dan's Instagram Dan's Website Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-179 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Jessica through Tony’s Instagram direct messages. Jessica has seen what Tony and his wife Sara have been doing while building their short-term rental empire. But, Jessica is having some doubts. She’s asking: How do you invest in real estate when the idea of debt scares you? Many new investors have this fear. If you’re buying your first property, the thought of five or six-figure debt may seem like a massive weight on your shoulders. After all, isn’t the goal to be debt-free? Fortunately for real estate investors, the answer is no. Using leverage to buy properties makes your investing far more profitable and can help you get comfortable when taking on good debt. Here are some suggestions: Scared of debt? Pay off your personal debt before you invest in rental properties Think of debt as a tool that can help you build wealth with real estate Know the difference between good debt and bad debt and how to use both Define your “worst-case scenario” if you’re unable to pay your rental mortgage Use the BiggerPockets Calculators to calculate your rental property profits (especially when taking on debt!) And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel BiggerPockets Forums Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie Podcast in Apple Podcast Irvine Company Sam Zell's Website Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-178 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Someone has to step up to the plate when a challenge presents itself, and today’s guest always does. Tammy Skeath began her real estate journey in 2018, and despite being faced with several unique obstacles, she has found immense success. She currently has seventeen units and plans on expanding exponentially within the next few years. Tammy was inspired to get started after watching her cousin continue to build wealth through real estate. Her first deal was a carbon copy of one of his deals. By doing this, she learned the ins and outs while having a step-by-step real estate guide she could reference. Despite replicating his deal, she encountered various problems that made the process more difficult. The city she invested in has strict rules to protect endangered animals, and instead of investing elsewhere she decided to do more research on the issue. From her research she was able to find a unique solution and complete the project. She did this again when she bought a gang house with twenty-seven code violations. Most people would say this type of property isn’t worth the hassle, but it was for her. She was able to double her initial investment, and pull out $600,000 from this one deal. Now real estate allows her to bring in a large amount of income, reach her goals faster and still have the time to spend with her kids. In This Episode We Cover Goal setting—how to define your goal, pursue it, and pivot once you achieve it How to become good at and capitalize on something everyone’s scared of (it’s not as hard as you think) Spec builds—how to find a contractor & ask the right questions 1031 exchanges, how to perform one, and why they’re an underrated investment tool How to use cash for keys as a tool to help you and your tenant part ways peacefully And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Alpha Geek Capital MLS Yelp Apartments.com Stride: Mileage & Tax Tracker Wave Financial Connect with Tammy: Tammy's Instagram Tammy's Email Tammy's BiggerPockets Profile Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-177 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every week, Ashley and Tony reply to a frequently asked question from the BiggerPockets community. But, this week, they’ve decided to finally answer the most asked question yet: what happened with Tony’s Shreveport deal? If you’re an avid Rookie Reply listener, you’ve probably heard Tony talk about one property that he has been trying to sell for over a year. Well, it’s finally sold, and Tony’s here to share all the details, mistakes, and numbers so you can do better on your next deal. While this wasn’t Tony’s first deal, it did provide him with a strong foundation of knowledge to pursue bigger and better real estate investments. So, if you find yourself looking for deals, or stuck with a bad deal, take some of Tony’s suggestions to heart: Avoid buying properties in flood zones unless you’ve fully calculated the cost of flood insurance Be highly selective of your property’s location and get to know the neighborhood you’re buying in Have multiple exit strategies for every property (rental, flip, BRRRR, etc.) See money spent on a deal as “real estate education” that will make you richer! Know that as an investor, you’re not going to get everything right all the time And more in the episode… If you want Ashley and Tony to answer a real estate question, you can post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group! Or, call us at the Rookie Request Line (1-888-5-ROOKIE). Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Omid's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-176 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are those who accept their circumstances and then there are those like today’s guests —the Donis Brothers (Jeffrey, Kenneth, and Kerwin). These three brothers have created immense success for themselves at only twenty & twenty-three years old through self-education, network building, and hard work. They’ve done seventeen wholesale deals and co-sponsored three multifamily syndications with a total of 636 units between them in a mere two years. They got their start in college when the oldest brother, Kenneth, heard about wholesaling while watching The Breakfast Club. After taking a humbling trip to Guatemala and realizing how many opportunities they had access to, they knew they had to pursue real estate. Once they decided to pursue real estate, each brother separately came to the same conclusion—college wasn’t for them. They collectively decided to focus on building their business so they could reach their ultimate goal of financial freedom and retiring their mom. They started their real estate journey with single-family homes but quickly realized multifamily properties aligned more with their goals. During their transition, it took six months of straight cold calling before they got their first deal. While working to get their first deal they also joined a mastermind and spent time expanding their network. They actively sought out people in spaces they were trying to penetrate which led them to their current mentorship program. Their ability to scale their business and network simply proves they are a force to be reckoned with. Make sure to listen closely because the Donis Brothers could be the next big thing. In This Episode We Cover How to invest at a young age and turn being young into an advantage Networking events and how to extract true value from each one you attend Cold calling, its importance, and how to effectively nurture leads How to make the transition from single-family to multifamily properties Building a powerful real estate network of mentors, investors, deal finders, and friends Syndications and how to use them to broaden your investing opportunities Building a social media platform to expand your network and reach And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Real Estate Rookie Podcast BiggerPockets Bootcamp The BiggerPockets Conference 2022 Max Maxwell's Website Meetup Eventbrite Podio Subto Real Estate PropStream ListSource BatchLeads Mojo Dialer Grant Cardone's Website BiggerPockets Forums Your First Real Estate Investment Podcast Is This Deal Worth My Time? The 6 Crucial Steps to Vet a Multifamily Deal The 8 Steps That Will Stop You From Getting Burnt on Multifamily Deals w/Andrew Cushman Pitchstack Bar Down Investments Tyler Combs Rare Bird Real Estate BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Books Mentioned in this Show: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless and Theo Hicks Connect with The Donis Brothers: The Donis Brothers's Website The Donis Brothers's Instagram The Donis Brothers's Facebook Page The Donis Brothers's Twitter The Donis Brothers's Tiktok The Donis Brothers's Youtube Channel The Donis Brothers's Podcast Check out the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-175 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices