Investor couple Anam and Aamir have been hard at work during COVID, locking down deals and BRRRR-ing more and more houses. Through years of system-building and deal mistakes/lessons, they were able to create a system that allows them to save time searching for deals and know immediately whether a property is worth the investment or not. After pinpointing exactly what they wanted in a deal, Anam and Aamir took the time to develop systems and processes that would help them get properties rehabbed and rented faster. So how did they finance these deals? HELOCs, credit cards, cash, hard money, and other creative financing.  This is what allowed them to build a portfolio of 21 units within a few years, all while working full time jobs that take up much of their waking hours. With their deal criteria system (A.R.E.A), they’ve been able to turn their dreams into reality. Now at only 28 and 30, Anam and Aamir are on track to close more and more deals, securing their financial independence all while building appreciating wealth. In This Episode We Cover: How you can grow your rental portfolio, even during a pandemic How to get your processes and systems down so they work for you  Using your partner’s strengths/weaknesses to inspire growth  How to use different creative financing strategies to get deals faster How to find a hard money lender that works with your time-frame and ARV What the A.R.E.A system is, and how it can help you find high-quality deals The importance of running accurate comps in a desired area Using your mistakes to make yourself into an educated investor And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Buildium BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie40 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Tsitouridis is truly a jack of all trades. As a kid, he was used to helping on the project-management side of his parent’s 64-unit apartment building (taking out the trash, helping with tenants, and so on). He later realized that real estate investing would hold a special place in his future. Thomas later worked for a construction manager, then chose to start his own construction business, property management business, and long term buy-and-hold business.  Using the experience and cash flow from his construction business, Thomas found that he could amplify his money by buying deals and using his own team to do the construction and rehab. Now Thomas (and his partner) are buying multifamily deals, fixing them up, and getting sustainable cash flow, so they can retire early. Within his first year as a real estate investor, he has already learnt a lot. Thomas shares some great tips on tenant management, system automations, construction, and even financing so you can get better ROI earlier on!  In This Episode We Cover: What to look for when partnering up with other investors The importance of having a great broker on your team Why you need to take action and lock down your first deal  How to facilitate a rent increase while having empathy for tenants How to split responsibility between you and your partner Why ARM loans are a great choice for the BRRRR strategy Managing tenants while controlling your own emotions Why you need to ask the stupid questions to be smarter later on How to start automating everything in your real estate business And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Realtor.com BiggerPockets Calculators BiggerPockets Insights Chase Buildium Tidying Up with Marie Kondo Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie39 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling stretched for time in your investing career? Today we talk with Adam Whitney, an active duty military member, working full-time, with children, a wife, and an active investment portfolio! With so much going on at once, Adam makes it look easy, juggling his hectic military life while accomplishing his long term goals. Adam started learning about real estate over a decade ago, but didn’t dive in until 2017. Thanks to his “ruthless work ethic”, he’s been able to stack up his rental portfolio, make meaningful mentor connections, and join masterminds in only a few years! Adam talks about getting 0% down loans, locking down long-distance real estate deals, doing thorough inspections when buying sight-unseen, and how to start relationships with mentors and real estate professionals you look up to. With a healthy portfolio of rental properties spanning across the country, Adam is the perfect example of someone who found the time to accomplish his (and his family’s) dreams of financial independence! In This Episode We Cover: How to make time for investing with a career, family, and hectic schedule The importance of goal-setting for you (and your partner) Setting specific goals to silo your vision for a brighter future Gaining the experience to get your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th deal (and beyond!) Why you should start “aggressively networking”  How to reach out to your real estate heroes (and get responses) Reading and making sense of a pro forma analysis  Optimizing your home inspection process (for less!) How to tackle a joint venture (even if it’s your first) How your “why” drives your deals forward And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Brandon Turner's BiggerPockets Profile BiggerPockets Podcast Biggerpockets Calculators Rookie Podcast 29: Growing Your Portfolio with Turnkey Investing with Whitney Hutten and Lance Robinson Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie38 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big news: previous guest Tony J Robinson is back... he's now your new co-host alongside Ashley. Today, you'll get reacquainted with Tony and learn how he rapidly expanded his portfolio this year. In fact, he went from owner of 2 houses when he appeared on the show in March... to closing on his 7th property (!) next month. ...How tho? Tony spells it out today: from finding new financing options in Louisiana (he lives in Southern California), to breaking into the short-term rental game in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and Joshua Tree, CA. Plus: a next-level tip we haven't heard before: using a line of credit against your stock portfolio (rather than a property) to free up short-term cash. We're excited to have Tony on board; get to know him in this episode, and we'll see you next week! In This Episode We Cover: Investing in short-term rentals in 2 locations 2,000 miles apart Using 10% down vacation home loans to buy Airbnb's Self-managing Airbnb's using automation and pricing software Why short-term rentals fit Tony's personality and skill set Getting his fiancé involved in his real estate investing business Borrowing money against a stock portfolio Taking the leap to buy a property "sight unseen" His plan to buy a short-term rental every 3 months And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Rookie Podcast 10: 2 Long-Distance Rentals with $0 Down with Tony Robinson BiggerPockets Podcast 364: Snowballing 6-Figure Short-Term Rental Profits Into Passive Investments with Avery Carl Airbnb App PriceLabs Smartbnb HorseflyRealty David Greene's BiggerPockets Profile Rookie Podcast 34: School Teacher Making $72,000 a Year in Cashflow with Amy Barber Nerds Guide to FI Rookie Podcast 23: From Dave Ramsey Disciple to No-Money-Down Real Estate Investor with Sarah Brandenberger Ryan Dossey's Instagram Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie37 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BiggerPockets Senior Producer Kevin Leahy shares some news about a change in the Real Estate Rookie host lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Gary Janica, a Jacksonville, FL investor who loves his "stress-free job"... but realized he needed side hustle income to better support his family. Enter real estate investing! Gary's portfolio is on the smaller side – he owns 2 duplexes – but he's been able to drastically change his financial picture by house hacking and extracting hidden value with "garage apartments." If you share similar goals, check out this episode to get inspired and learn something new – and connect with Gary by leaving a comment on the show notes page. Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Podcast Bailey's Health and Fitness Realtor.com Zillow The Stack: The Perfect Blueprint To Scale Quickly In Real Estate by Brandon Turner BiggerPockets Youtube Channel Impact Theory Simon Sinek Marcus by Goldman Sachs BiggerPockets Podcast 365: Ret. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink on Embracing Discomfort and Leading Through Extreme Ownership (+ His Real Estate Investing Tips!) Buildium Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie36 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From $25,000 purchase prices last week to $300,000+ group houses this week! We head to the Bay Area today to meet pharmacist Ryan Chaw, who ventured about an hour away from his hometown and began buying 1 house per year and renting them by the room to college students. Ryan collects nearly $11,000/month from 18 tenants, and is creating the kind of generational wealth his grandfather used to put both him and a sibling through college. Does renting to college kids sound like a disaster waiting to happen? Well... Ryan has found several ways around this, and in this episode he outlines the checklists, systems, and "personal touches" he uses to self-manage without the headaches. Ryan opens up about an early failure, too. He wasn't getting all his rooms filled, and he realized he wasn't doing a good enough job advertising. So he developed step-by-step, "P.R.I.M.E." marketing method to attract a steady stream of qualified applicants... and you'll learn each step today. If you're struggling how to figure out just how to create cashflow in a spendy market, follow Ryan's lead! Get creative, consider rent-by-the-room and other outside-the-box strategies, and reap the rewards of greater appreciation and stability that come with high-priced areas. In This Episode We Cover: How Ryan is succeeding in one of the most expensive markets in the country, the Bay Area Using his job as a pharmacist to get conventional financing Creating generational wealth through real estate How he saved up to buy 1 property per year, 4 years in a row Why he rents his houses to college students The systems he uses to manage 18 tenants and avoiding roommate drama Unlocking hidden value and boosting rental income by adding bedrooms Lessons learned from a difficult tenant who smoked weed and played loud music Why "buy then wait" beats "wait then buy" And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Podcast Rentometer Yelp Zillow Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie35 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you get when you combine Dave Ramsey-style frugality with aggressive deal-finding tactics? You get teacher Amy Barber and her fiancé, Jay – and their $6,000 monthly cashflow in rural Iowa. In this episode, Amy shares her strategies for buying foreclosed ranch houses in cash, cleaning them up, then refinancing so she can repeat the process again and again. Think no one's doing deals during the pandemic? Well, she's bought 4 houses in the past 4 months, and plans to keep going until she's making enough to comfortably leave her W-2 job. If you're looking for guidance on how to build the financial foundation so you can invest in real estate from a position of strength, Amy's story will fire you up and get you ready to take that most important next step toward "getting rich slowly" just like her. By the way, Amy came to our attention through the Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. If you find other awesome investors who would make a great fit for the show, tag us or send them to biggerpockets.com/guest so they can apply. In This Episode We Cover: How Amy got started as an "accidental landlord" during the Great Recession Buying 4 properties in the last 4 months Finding deals through her fiancé's job in foreclosure preservation How they bought a foreclosed house and created $50k in equity Taking Dave Ramsey's course to get her finances under control Delaying gratification and making sacrifices to create enough cashflow to quit her W-2 job Working 2 jobs and doing real estate on the side And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Podcast Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey Airbnb Outdoorsy Mint Cozy Stessa Apartments.com Asana Zillow Brandon's BiggerPockets Profile BiggerPockets Money Podcast Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie34 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we bring you another mentor/mentee conversation, where Joe Roberts shares his experience working alongside Steve Rozenberg to buy his first long-distance investment property. Joe is a U.S. Marine helicopter pilot who regularly deploys to combat zones, so efficient systems are a must for him. Steve, a commercial airline pilot and experienced investor, loves designing standard operating procedures. Perfect fit! The two got paired up when Joe won Mynd Property Management's $20,000 mentorship contest, and today they reveal how Joe found the perfect market, neighborhood, and property for his first BRRRR. You'll love hearing how Joe and Steve developed their strategy based on Joe's goals for appreciation, equity, and cashflow; how he analyzed the numbers in several markets before settling on Atlanta; how he documented his process to he can repeat the process over and over again (even while deployed)... and why he'd rather hire property management than deal with tenants himself. This show gives you a peek into a real-world mentorship and breaks down the mistakes and lessons learned along the way. Let us know what you think of this episode in the comments at biggerpockets.com/rookie33, and we'll see you next week! In This Episode We Cover: How Joe got started in real estate while serving as a Marine helicopter pilot Why Steve chose Joe as the winner of the $20,000 Mynd mentorship contest Why Steve and Joe chose to buy a long-distance deal in Atlanta, GA How they crunched the numbers once they chose a market Why they pulled out of two deals after bad inspections Getting aligned with your spouse or partner regarding your real estate goals Using BiggerPockets' market-specific sub-forums to find an agent Time management strategies for busy people (you!) And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Conference BiggerPockets Podcast 352: No Driver’s License, No Money, No Excuses: How Diego Corzo Blazed a Trail to 18 Doors BiggerPockets Agents Cozy BiggerPockets Youtube Channel Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie33 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frontline healthcare worker... Air Force Reservist... real estate investor! 24-year-old Prescott Williams is a renaissance man committed to building real wealth through real estate while serving his community and his country. Today he walks us through his first 2 deals, and the 3 deals he's currently working on in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area. Prescott shares some great shortcuts for investors who work full-time – from creating a "rental requirement list" with your personalized criteria to publicly posting your real estate goals (you never know who will send you a lead!). A lot of our guests choose their real estate agent as their MVP, but for Prescott it's his mortgage lender. You'll learn how he finances his rehabs and new construction deals by partnering with a small local bank – a strategy you can model (if you're willing to put in a little legwork!) Give Prescott a follow on Instagram @prescott_williams -- and follow us by joining our Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group: just search "Real Estate Rookie" and answer the screening questions to join 15,000 other like-minded investors. In This Episode We Cover: Prescott's strategy for graduating college debt-free Finding a flexible local "portfolio" lender Persuading his parents to take out a HELOC to help him get started in real estate investing Sleeping on an air mattress while renovating a house His "rental requirement list" criteria How he uses the "1% rule" (rent = 1% of purchase price) to guide his purchasing decisions The stress-free way to handle maintenance calls How he's gotten deals just be posting his goals on social media And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast 348: Full-Time Job, Full-Time Mom, and Full-Time Wealth From Rentals with Ashley Kehr BiggerPockets Podcast 329: Financial Freedom Before 30 Through Just 10 Deals With Felipe Mejia BiggerPockets Podcast 012 : Wholesaling and Marketing with Sharon Vornholt Zillow  Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie32 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So... how do partnerships work in real life? Today, you'll learn how – from two new(ish) real estate investors: Amy Swayze and Chris Lawrence. Amy breaks down her partnership with her adult son, who used his retirement fund to jumpstart their investing career earlier this year (right before COVID hit!). Here's the arrangement: Amy's son brings the money and crunches the numbers; she manages rehabs and gets tenants in their BRRRR rental properties. Chris is a more experienced investor, having left his sales job to start investing full-time in the Rochester, NY area. Still – when he first jumped into real estate investing, he realized he was missing a few pieces of the puzzle (including liquid $$$). So what did he do? He found a partner! Like Amy, Chris and his partner split everything 50/50. They use a HELOC to borrow money at a low interest rate... so they can make cash offers when they're looking for flips and wholesale deals. This is a real-life look behind the curtain to see how two rookie investors are running their business, and using partnerships to supercharge their wealth-building. Don't miss it... and if you enjoy it, share it with a friend or family member. Who knows, he or she might want to partner up with you someday! In This Episode We Cover: How Amy partnered 50/50 with her son, an electric line worker who likes the tax advantages of real estate How she and her son divide duties Using hard money to fund their BRRRR deals Starting out in real estate investing right before COVID-19 hit How Chris' partner complements his skill set How he evaluates various exit strategies A deep dive into one of Chris and his partner's recent fix-and-flips And SO much more! Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie31 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I know partnerships can help me build wealth, but how do they actually work in practice?" This is one of the most common questions we get... and today Felipe and Ashley outline 6 rules for partnering on your real estate investments. From identifying the missing piece that's holding you back, to defining clear lanes and avoiding common pitfalls... this show is a must-listen for any new investor who realizes she can't do it all herself. Be sure to come back next week for Part 2 – where you'll hear the details of real-world partnership case studies, as told by a handful of investors who have made it work! In This Episode We Cover: Identifying the "missing piece" to get a deal done Knowing your numbers and being prepared Making your official presentation (finances, experience, deal analysis) Offering an opportunity rather than begging for help Various financial structures you can use How Felipe found a partner to do the books Why Ashley partnered with a construction expert on a full gut remodel And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast 352: No Driver’s License, No Money, No Excuses: How Diego Corzo Blazed a Trail to 18 Doors BiggerPockets Podcast Investor Girl Britt's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast 320: Hands-On BRRRR Investing and DIY Secrets with Instagram Star Brittany Arnason Rookie Podcast 25: What Appraisers Look For and What it Means for You with Investor/Appraiser Josiah Smelser Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expensive market? Busy with a career and other priorities? There are a lot of compelling reasons to consider turnkey investing in a more affordable area – where a local "operator" sells you a tenanted property designed to pump out cashflow from day one. All you have to do is "turn the key," hand things off to a property manager and... voilà! You're rich. You can now kick back and sip margaritas on the beach. Right? Well, it's a little more complicated... as you'll learn today from seasoned turnkey investors Whitney Hutten and Lance Robinson. Both have bought rental properties from turnkey operators in several different markets, and they tell us all about the highs and lows, reveal what they wish they would have known, and offer candid advice for anyone considering this niche. When you're done with this show, you'll know the exact questions savvy investors ask prospective turnkey providers about neighborhoods, construction warranties, property management contracts, and how operators handle evictions and major repairs. You'll also know how to handle a home inspection to ensure you know exactly what you're getting into! Look – there are a lot of turnkey operators active on the BiggerPockets forums. A lot of them are great teachers, too. But this episode is told from the investor/customer's perspective... and it's well worth a listen – or two! In This Episode We Cover: What turnkey investing is Doing due diligence to find a trusted turnkey operator Why it's always worth flying out to walk the property before purchasing Hiring your own home inspector! Whitney and Lance's turnkey winners and losers Managing your property manager Handling an eviction The role of cash reserves when buying turnkey properties The "BRRRR-key" business model And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Quickbooks BiggerPockets Calculators David Greene Turnkey Reviews BiggerPockets BiggerPockets Forums Appfolio Buildium Zillow Apartments.com FEMA Deal Check  Stessa Quickbooks Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie29 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have the same 24 hours per day... so be like Marsay Winder and make the most of them! He calls himself the "Property Pastor," and he owns 8 properties (24 units) in the Virginia Beach, VA area. Marsay juggles his business with his family life and a full-time career in manufacturing, so landlording systems are a must – and he breaks them down for us in this episode. You'll also hear about his MVP mentor, how he avoids time-wasting distractions, and the books and resources that helped him build a formidable portfolio in just 3 years. Enjoy this one... and if you're getting value out of the content here, please do us a favor and give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It takes less than 30 seconds, and it really helps us climb the rankings and spread the gospel of financial independence through real estate investing! In This Episode We Cover: Working on his properties on nights and weekends while working full-time Going big on his first deal: a 4-unit building bought from a wholesaler Buying from tired landlords How to frame a rent increase with tenants Using Cozy and QuickBooks to manage his rentals Hiring a property management company How to successfully approach a real estate mentor Involving his kids in his real estate investing business What happened when his tenant joined his church, then stopped paying rent And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Robert Kiyosaki Cozy Deal Machine Quickbooks BiggerPockets Calculators Rookie Podcast 12: What Works (and Doesn’t) in a Recession & the Untold Story of J Scott’s Messy First Flip Google Forms Google Voice Cashflow Board Game Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie28 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Chapman ran into major obstacles on his first 2 real estate deals... obstacles you might face as you launch your own investing career. Wouldn't you like to know how to react when you're turned down for a loan? Today, you'll learn how! From a duplex purchase that seemed doomed when he lost his job while in escrow... to a triplex purchase that a bank wouldn't touch, this Louisville, KY investor breaks down how he reached 5 doors by age 24 – and his exact roadmap to reach financial independence by age 30! Oh, and don't miss the story of how Aaron wound up on the show (hint: his fiance is the real MVP!). Before you go, here's a challenge for you: who in your market would make a great guest for this show? Send them over to biggerpockets.com/guest and we'll take a look at their application. In This Episode We Cover: His "work backwards" plan for achieving financial freedom ($10k/month) by age 30 Aaron's process for "driving for dollars" Living for free through house hacking Buying a "1% rule" triplex using seller financing How he achieved a 47% cash-on-cash return How he and his fiance adjusted when he lost his job while under contract on his first deal! Getting your spouse or partner interested in investing And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Money BiggerPockets Business BiggerPockets Podcast 329: Financial Freedom Before 30 Through Just 10 Deals With Felipe Mejia Robert Kiyosaki Cozy Stessa Deal Check Deal Machine Zillow Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie27 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek Tellier didn’t start investing in real estate until he was over 40. Unhappy with what was going on in his life, a friend plugged him into healthy eating, exercising, and long-distance running. Once his health was back on track, he realized he didn’t like the trajectory his life was on, and made major changes. That same running friend introduced him to real estate investing. Derek got licensed, joined his friend’s real estate team, and bought his first real estate deal - a cabin that he rents out short-term in the Smoky Mountains. Derek has parlayed that into a career, helping people invest in short term rentals in the Smoky Mountains Derek’s Rookie Deal is a BRRRR property that needed a LOT of work. He financed it using private money and after his rehab he was able to pull out ALL of the money he had into the deal. It even cashflows $350 per month! Derek has had some growing pains along the way, like a true real estate investor. He shares tips for finding contractors, finding lenders, and finding deals in this episode, along with discussing numbers and the importance of having reserves. If you think you waited too late to start investing in real estate, this episode can help change your mindset and show you that it’s never too late to get started. In This Episode We Cover: How a midlife crisis made him start investing in his 40s Buying short-term rentals during COVID How he funds deals using private money His BRRRR strategy How his mentor helped him get 7 deals in 6 months How he got the word out there by starting his own meetup And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Rookie Podcast 23: From Dave Ramsey Disciple to No-Money-Down Real Estate Investor with Sarah Brandenberger Rookie Podcast 19: Going Full-Time as a Rookie Right Out of College With Arvi Carkanji and Dave Arlaud Rookie Podcast 09: Finding Off-Market Deals, Step by Step with Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 1 Rookie Podcast 13: How Drew Pulled 6 Deals From His First Direct Mail Campaign With Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 2 BiggerPockets Podcast 364: Snowballing 6-Figure Short-Term Rental Profits Into Passive Investments with Avery Carl The Short Term Shop Airbnb Uber Vrbo BiggerPockets Podcast 352: No Driver’s License, No Money, No Excuses: How Diego Corzo Blazed a Trail to 18 Doors The Daily Stoic Podcast Ryan Holiday Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here, by popular demand: the Appraisal Episode! Josiah Smelser – podcaster, two-time BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast guest, and Certified General Appraiser – is here to answer your many questions, and he delivers the goods. We played some questions from the Rookie Request Line and touched on subjects like which data and documents you can provide an appraiser, how to challenge an appraisal, and how to keep your emotions in check when estimating After Repair Value. Whether you're a rookie who plans to flip, BRRRR, or invest in rental properties, understanding how properties are appraised – and the mindset of an appraiser – is key to coming out on top. So enjoy this episode, and tell Josiah what you think in the show notes at biggerpockets.com/rookie25. In This Episode We Cover: Getting inside the mind of an appraiser What information you can and should provide an appraiser The top 3 variables that determine value Approaching the appraisal process with "data and humility" How appraisals vary by market The Sales Comparison Approach vs. the Income Approach Kitchens, bathrooms, and added square footage How doing unpermitted work can come back to bite you Why you should never outright ask an appraiser to come back with a specific number The right way to challenge a low appraisal And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast 382: No Money Down BRRRR Investing with Josiah Smelser (Part 1, Recorded Pre-Coronavirus) BiggerPockets Podcast 382.5: Surviving When the BRRRR Hits the Fan with Josiah Smelser (Part 2, Post-Coronavirus) CBRE Rookie Podcast 11: Using Home Inspections to Spot “Deal Killers” and Negotiate Better Prices with Rose Buckley USPAP BiggerPockets Glossary Grant Cardone Rookie Podcast 23: From Dave Ramsey Disciple to No-Money-Down Real Estate Investor with Sarah Brandenberger Craigslist Zillow Trulia Instagram Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show: how U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Naaman Taylor is combining house hacking, partnerships, and VA loans to build himself a comfy retirement... all while serving his country overseas! This episode has something for everyone – from structuring partnerships to stretch your dollar farther, to hiring property managers and identifying a trustworthy mentor. Be sure to let Naaman (he said we could call him "Taylor") what you thought of the show by visiting our show notes page at biggerpockets.com/rookie24 and leaving a comment... or sharing your thoughts in a post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. In This Episode We Cover: Planning for a financially secure retirement while working a steady military job How to use VA loans more than once Common mistakes when using a VA loan Duplexes vs. single family homes Overcoming an early bad experience with a tenant Using Dave Ramsey's principles to save money for down payments The advantages of a 50/50 partnership Generating "truly passive income" rather than creating a job for himself How to interview property management companies Taking advantage of the "2 in 5" tax rule with your primary residences How to vet a potential real estate investing mentor And SO much more! Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interested in real estate investing... but wary of taking on debt? That's the situation Sarah Brandenberger found herself in, and today shares her journey from a staunchly anti-debt "penny pincher" to a creative financier raising private money! Sarah also gives us the goods on portfolio loans – including a ninja tip that allowed her to tap the equity in multiple properties and use those funds to take advantage of a smokin' deal. You'll learn what documents to bring when asking for a loan – whether you're meeting with a bank or a private individual. And Felipe throws in a Home Depot shopping hack for good measure. Give Sarah a follow on Instagram (@nerdsguidetoFI) and let her know what you thought of this episode... and share this episode with a friend or family member who would find it inspiring. In This Episode We Cover: How Sarah changed her mindset about "good debt" 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages The data and documents she shares with potential lenders House hacking by turning her basement into a rental Unlocking "the power of a cash offer" with private money Tapping the equity on multiple properties at once The loan that's invisible to other banks Using checklists to estimate rehab costs (even when you're brand new) Using Avail to manager her rentals And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Cozy Zillow Buildium Dave Ramsey Mr. Money Mustache Madfientist Paula Pant Stealthy Rich BiggerPockets Forums Rookie Podcast 01: From 4 Years of Analysis Paralysis to 4 Cash-Flowing Properties with Lauren and Kyle Clugston The Home Depot Avail Rentals to Wealth Investor Girl Brit Real Estate Old School Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie23 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curious how to manage a rental portfolio in your limited free time? Learn from today's guest Ruben Galindo, who had his hands full managing hundreds of law enforcement officers in Texas... but didn't let that stop him. Ruben is 48 years old, and in the past five years, he's acquired five rental properties that require about an hour of his time each week. In this episode, he'll teach you how he uses Cozy and Docusign to do everything virtually, how door knocking led to one of his best deals, and how he leverages his 401(k) in his real estate business. Ruben didn't jump in until his 40s, but he already has experience with buying a foreclosure, helping a seller avoid foreclosure, a short sale, and a straightforward live-in flip (where he currently lives). Not bad for a relative rookie! If you pick up any tips from Ruben or have questions for him, leave a comment in the show notes at biggerpockets.com/rookie22. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. In This Episode We Cover: How Ruben automates his rental property management Building and maintaining a network of contractors The accounts where Ruben, Ashley, and Felipe hold their reserve funds (Rookie Request Line question! 1-888-5-ROOKIE) Buying a HUD foreclosure Helping a family avoid foreclosure by temporarily taking over payments Hiring an attorney on a tricky pre-foreclosure deal How door-knocking helped him beat his competition How to avoid over-leveraging yourself as a rookie And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Cozy Zillow Venmo Cash App HUD Home Store Rookie Podcast 15: 5 Steps to Reach Financial Freedom in 15 Years Through Long-Distance Investing With Elyse Rasmussen AppFolio Buildium BiggerPockets Podcast 352: No Driver’s License, No Money, No Excuses: How Diego Corzo Blazed a Trail to 18 Doors BiggerPockets Events and Meetups Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rookie FAQ time! Today Ashley and Felipe run through the top 5 questions from the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group and the Rookie Request Line (leave us a voicemail at 1-888-5-ROOKIE). From finding and financing deals to the infamous LLC question and beyond, our co-hosts offer their advice and discuss various approaches new investors can use to build momentum. Plus, former BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast guest Whitney Hutten makes a cameo to offer her two cents on how to properly vet turnkey providers. What did we miss? Let us know, and make sure you're subscribed to the show so you won't miss an episode. In This Episode We Cover: Various approaches to financing a deal Methods for finding deals when you're new to the game The one question you should ask every turnkey company (you probably haven't thought of it) Owning property an in LLC How to decide whether to get your real estate license And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Calculators BiggerPockets Forums Facebook Marketplace Craigslist Rookie Podcast 09: Finding Off-Market Deals, Step by Step with Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 1 Rookie Podcast 13: How Drew Pulled 6 Deals From His First Direct Mail Campaign With Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 2 Ryan Dossey's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast 340: How a Mom with a Full-Time Job Bought 10 Houses Her First Year with Whitney Hutten  Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today: how Lexington, KY investor Charlie Ashley uses lines of credit and construction loans to build his portfolio while working full-time. Charlie walks us through his year-long education phase, his first couple deals, and the expensive lessons he learned while renovating a property he lovingly calls "The Pit"! Sure... finding deals is important. But today you'll learn how understanding financing has helped Charlie gain a lot of momentum quickly – and how every new investor can do the same. Thanks for spending time with us every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, let us know with a rating and review in Apple Podcasts... or share this episode with a friend or family member! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast 329: Financial Freedom Before 30 Through Just 10 Deals With Felipe Mejia BiggerPockets Podcast 384: Losing $60k on His First 2 Flips so You Won't Have To with Spencer Cornelia Rookie Podcast 17: 3 Rentals in His First Year & the Power of a Real-Life ‘Rich Dad’ Mentor with Derrick Ziglar Jr. Google Sheets Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, you'll meet a power couple who both immigrated to the U.S. seven years ago and soon decided real estate would be their path to financial freedom. Arvi Carkanji and Dave Arlaud are Nashville-based flipper-investors, who are dividing and conquering to run a successful business while building a stable of rental properties. Arvi handles acquisitions (listen for the Rookie Request Line about direct mail), while Dave is a licensed contractor who takes charge of construction. Together they walk us through their approach to renovating houses and working with subcontractors and dive into the deal that motivated Arvi to quit her first (and quite possibly last) "real job." If you're thinking about taking on "value-add" projects—and you probably should be—listen close to hear these two rookies walk us through their process! In This Episode We Cover: How Arvi and Dave wound up as real estate investors just a year out of college How they work with contractors, step by step Dave's "25-25-50" payment plan for contractors The different stages involved in renovating a house Red flags to look for when inspecting work Due diligence and permits Transforming a single-family home into a duplex Raising private money as a newbie Renting staging furniture from companies like Rent-A-Center And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Rookie Podcast 09: Finding Off-Market Deals, Step by Step with Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 1 Rookie Podcast 13: How Drew Pulled 6 Deals From His First Direct Mail Campaign With Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 2 BiggerPockets Forums Rent-A-Center Rookie Podcast 15: 5 Steps to Reach Financial Freedom in 15 Years Through Long-Distance Investing With Elyse Rasmussen Rookie Podcast 17: 3 Rentals in His First Year & the Power of a Real-Life 'Rich Dad' Mentor with Derrick Ziglar Jr. Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She read Rich Dad Poor Dad, got angry at herself for not having built multiple income streams... and decided to do something about it! Tricia Baxter is a real estate rookie who got in the game in her mid-40s. In this episode, she shares how she built a healthy portfolio of small multifamily properties on the Jersey Shore. Tricia's a busy professional with her own law practice, but she still decided to self-manage when she got started—namely, to learn the ropes and create standard operating procedures, which came in handy when she eventually hired a property manager (spoiler: that's her MVP!). This episode is full of great tips for anyone who aspires to treat their real estate investing like the business it is! In This Episode We Cover: Self-managing your first property as a learning exercise Why Tricia chose to buy long-term rentals in a touristy area How she finds great vendors using private Facebook groups How to handle raising below-market rents Her tips for financing deals creatively Juggling real estate with a demanding career The importance of multiple income streams And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Tony Robbins Robert Kiyosaki BiggerPockets Insights BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine BiggerPockets Calculators Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie18 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From humble beginnings... to Division 1 football, military service, and now three rental properties in his 20s! Derrick Ziglar Jr. is a man on a mission, and today he shares how he converted a wrong turn into a $30K duplex purchase that kick-started his journey toward generational wealth. If you're interested in securing your financial future, then don't miss Derrick's tips on how he finds deals, how he uses a personal line of credit, and the lessons he's learned about managing contractors. Plus, we go in-depth on how he built a life-changing relationship with a mentor/father figure and the importance of casting a long-term vision for your real estate business—no matter your goals. Derrick is an impressive rookie investor, and he doesn't hold back in this one... so hit play now. And if you enjoy this episode, please leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Zillow Redfin Audible The Biggerpockets Magazine Rookie Podcast 15: 5 Steps to Reach Financial Freedom in 15 Years Through Long-Distance Investing With Elyse Rasmussen Robert Kiyosaki Grant Cardone Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie17 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What better way to learn a concept than a real-life, real-time case study? Today, we listen in on rookie investor Jamie Gallagher as he compares and contrasts two markets. Meanwhile, BiggerPockets' data wiz David Meyer is there to walk him (and us) through the numbers. You'll learn how to use population growth, rent-to-price ratio, rent-to-income ratio, and historical performance to weigh the pros and cons of various markets so you can compare apples to apples. These aren't the only factors to consider, but this episode will give you a solid grasp of the basics and put you way ahead of most investors in your search for a market that makes sense for you and your goals. Be sure to check out BPInsights, the new Pro member benefit bringing you fresh, local real estate data, at biggerpockets.com/insights (use the promo code "ROOKIES" for a discount if you're upgrading to Pro!). And you can find more of David's work in BiggerPockets Wealth magazine at biggerpockets.com/magazine. In This Episode We Cover: The most important data points to consider when choosing a market What rent-to-price ratio is What rent-to-income ratio is How to look at a market's performance throughout economic cycles How job and population growth affects appreciation What types of employers to look for Quality of life factors Analysis of Cleveland vs. Columbus, Ohio Advice for a future house hacker And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Rookie Podcast 15: 5 Steps to Reach Financial Freedom in 15 Years Through Long-Distance Investing With Elyse Rasmussen BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine BiggerPockets Pro Case-Shiller Index BiggerPockets Insights Zillow BiggerPockets Calculators BiggerPockets Podcast 379: What the Numbers Reveal About Today’s Rents, Prices, and Top Cashflow Markets with Data Scientist Dave Meyer  Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie16 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2017, she had done zero deals. Today, she's got 20 units and is nearing her goal of financial freedom by age 45. In this episode, Elyse Rasmussen shares five tips for rookies interested in long-distance investing... although each can easily be applied to investing in your own backyard, too. Check out her Instagram page @investingforfinancialfreedom for some #landlordmemes, and be sure to join the Real Estate Rookie Facebook group to tell us what you think of this episode! In This Episode We Cover: Elyse and her husband's plan to reach financial freedom by age 45 What to look for when choosing a market out of state (climate, natural hazards, tax policies, etc.) Joining a network of long-distance investors to find referrals Finding and vetting a dual property manager/real estate agent Her approach to insurance policies for 19 properties Buying properties at online auction, step by step And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast How to Buy Real Estate & Build Your Portfolio Fast! ("The Stack!") Marshall Reddick BiggerPockets Glossary BiggerPockets Guest National REIA Meetup App BiggerPockets Events and Happenings Brandon Turner's BiggerPockets Profile Auction.com Xome Cashflow Quadrant Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between his career and a podcasting side hustle, Robert Leonard's a busy guy. So how does he—and how can you—build a small but mighty rental portfolio in your spare time? For Robert, it comes down to 4 major elements: 1. Use a series of house hacks to lower expenses and build equity. 2. Find an MVP real estate agent. 3. Align with a partner. 4. Invest out-of-state. In this episode, Robert goes into detail on each of the above and explains how they helped him break through "analysis paralysis" in his early 20s. If you pick just one of these strategies and do it well, you'll be way ahead of the game. When you combine several, you're on your way to financial freedom. Be sure to check out Robert's two podcasts, Millennial Investing and Real Estate Investing over on The Investor's Podcast Network, and subscribe to Real Estate Rookie so you won't miss our next show. Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram Rookie Podcast 11: Using Home Inspections to Spot “Deal Killers” and Negotiate Better Prices with Rose Buckley BiggerPockets REI013: Getting Started in Rentals and Flips With J Scott City Data Axiom Bank BiggerPockets Bookstore BiggerPockets Podcast Cozy Stessa BiggerPockets Podcast 383: Finding Your Perfect Partner and the Top 6 Factors When Choosing a Market with Ben Leybovich & Sam Grooms Zillow Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything you've ever wanted to know about direct-to-homeowner marketing... but may have been afraid to ask! From exactly what Drew writes in a letter, to how he builds rapport when running an appointment, to making offers and getting to the closing table, it's all here in plain English. This episode follows up on show #9, where mentor/mentee duo Ryan Dossey and Drew Wiard broke down how Drew built a brand and zeroed in on his target market. Today, they walk us through everything that happens after a lead comes in, including how Drew was able to close three deals and get three more under contract in the past three months—despite the pandemic. If you're tired of seeing all the good deals go to other investors, take matters into your own hands and put some of their tips into action! And be sure to subscribe to Real Estate Rookie in your favorite podcast app so you won't miss the next one. In This Episode We Cover: Drew's results from his first direct mail campaign Marketing to an "absentee owners with equity" list Keeping your marketing message simple Why Drew's letters don't acknowledge the homeowner's hardship Why response rate is the wrong metric to focus on Using "75% of ARV minus repairs" to formulate offers Overcoming objections when you're negotiating a price Putting an inspection period in your contract Finding real estate agents who work with cash buyers Drew and Ryan's personal real estate investing MVPs And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram Rookie Podcast 09: Finding Off-Market Deals, Step by Step with Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 1 Rookie Podcast 12: What Works (and Doesn’t) in a Recession & the Untold Story of J Scott’s Messy First Flip Rookie Podcast 11: Using Home Inspections to Spot “Deal Killers” and Negotiate Better Prices with Rose Buckley Build The BEST Cash Buyers List In 2020 (Ryan's Video) PropStream REsimpli  Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie13 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BiggerPockets legend J Scott was once a rookie, and he's got the stories (and scars) to prove it! Today J stops by to give us a primer on economic cycles and how they impact real estate investors. You'll learn what to expect when housing prices soften and which strategies work best in each economic phase. Plus, J shares the tale of his first (years-long) flip, tells us what he's learned along the way, and delivers a surprising top tip for today's rookie real estate investor. For more on this topic, pick up a copy of J's newly updated book Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing here. In This Episode We Cover: Economic cycles throughout history Which strategies tend to work well at each point in the cycle J's first flip as a complete newbie The systems he developed over the years How he's shoring up his cash position Opening credit lines Adjusting to a new lending environment And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram BiggerPockets Business Podcast BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast BiggerPockets Bookstore BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Blogs BiggerPockets Podcast 381: 5 Rules for Investing in a Down Market with Tucker Merrihew Rookie Podcast 07: 6 Things New Investors Should Be Doing Right Now Brandon's BiggerPockets Profile Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OK, you've got a property under contract. Now the real work begins! In today's episode, you'll learn all about about a crucial step in the home-buying process: home inspections. Find out how they work, how much they cost, and how they could wind up saving you a boatload of cash—or help you negotiate a sweet deal! Rose Buckley is a certified home inspector who has walked 1,000-plus homes. And with her background in teaching and translating, she enjoys breaking down this part of the business for up-and-coming investors. Rose shares her tips for finding a great local inspector and reveals which defects are no biggie, which are challenging, and which ones can be "deal killers." And yes. We, too, noticed Rose is a female in a male-dominated profession. That led to a great discussion about how she approaches that challenge, how sometimes it's actually an opportunity, and why training as a home inspector—regardless of your gender—may get you closer to your investing goals. Subscribe to Real Estate Rookie in your favorite podcast app, and if you enjoyed this episode, please pass it on to just ONE friend or family member who might, too. In This Episode We Cover: What makes a great home inspector Using an inspection report in price negotiations The most common issues Rose runs into Why water is the real estate investor's No. 1 enemy The time she spent 8 hours inspecting a single house How to spot sloppy work in a house that's been flipped Termite and pest infestations GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens Rose's experience as a female in a male-dominated industry How becoming a licensed inspector could make you a savvier investor And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast HTTV - TV Felipe's Instagram Ashley's Instagram Summer Maintenance Checklist Fall Maintenance Checklist Winter Maintenance Checklist Spring Maintenance Checklist Rose in T-Rex Costume (Video) Rose's Inspector Story Time (Video) Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie11 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Robinson had every excuse NOT to invest. Expensive local market? Demanding full-time job? Family responsibilities? Check, check, and check. So, how did he pull off his first two deals in a cash flow-friendly market 1,500 miles away? Today, Tony spills the beans: how he got a bank to loan him 100% of purchase AND rehab cost, how he managed contractors from afar, two crucial lessons he learned on his first deal, and much more. Tony shares tip after tip for investors like you—especially if you live in a pricey area (he lives in Southern California and invests in Shreveport, Louisiana). Plus, he dives into the mindset shifts that helped him break through—and how becoming a father at a young age led to a goal of achieving financial independence. We guarantee you'll get value out of this episode. If you agree, subscribe to the show and give us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. See you next Wednesday! In This Episode We Cover: How Tony got past a failed first deal Zeroing in on one zip code when looking for deals Why he chose to invest in Shreveport, LA How he pulled his money out by refinancing Why real estate is "80% mental" Finding a real estate agent and property manager out-of-state Managing renovations remotely using FaceTime How a local bank funded 100% of his projects How a construction loan works and what "draws" are Analyzing local rents Why he locked in his tenants on a 2-year lease And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast Rookie Podcast 08: Why Pay Someone Else’s Mortgage? Ditching $20K/Year Rent with Mallori and Lucas Brandon Turner's Instagram Zillow BiggerPockets Forums Cashflow Game BiggerPockets Conference Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie10 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can't find deals on the MLS? Dreaming about off-market deals, but not sure how to go after them? Today's show lays out a step-by-step, repeatable strategy for those of you who have what it takes to approach homeowners directly. It's not easy. It takes patience. And It costs money (or time). But for those precise reasons, it's where the real money is. Today we bring in Drew Wiard, a Fort Wayne, IN investor with a family and a full-time job. He's joined by his mentor, Ryan Dossey, a former BiggerPockets Podcast guest who built his 100+ unit portfolio by creating a pipeline of off-market deals. The guys walk us through how to build a brand that stands out from the competition, how to establish authority online, and how to pull lists full of juicy leads. This is not vague advice... they reveal the exact systems and resources they're using to find and contact sellers (not all of whom fit the "desperate/distressed" stereotype, by the way)! Plus, we have a great conversation about mentoring in general – how to find and vet teachers, how to deliver value, and how to hold one another accountable along the way. This is actually Part 1 in a series; we're going to invite Drew and Ryan back next month to tackle the second piece of this puzzle: handling leads, negotiating with sellers, and crafting your exit strategy. If you think you have what it takes to find off-market deals, this episode is a perfect starting point. Be sure to subscribe to the show in your favorite app, and we'll see you next Wednesday! In This Episode We Cover: Building a local community-oriented brand when marketing to sellers How to differentiate yourself from other "We Buy Houses" competitors Setting up a Carrot website Creating a web presence to build authority How to identify the hottest zip codes in your area Building "niche" marketing lists using online public records How to generate off-market leads without quitting your day job Eye-catching direct mail pieces The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system Ryan and Drew use How Ryan holds Drew accountable to his goals How to bring value to your mentor How Drew makes time for investing despite having a demanding job and a family And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast Ryan's Member's Blog Carrot Monday ListSource DealMachine BiggerPockets Podcast 335: 70+ Units Per Year and How Exactly to Make a Lowball Offer with Ryan Dossey How to Find Cash Buyers Tutorial (Max Maxwell) REsimpli Call Porter Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Banks tend to love a certain type of borrower... and Mallori and Lucas don't quite fit the mold. They're not 9-to-5ers. They rely on tips and seasonal work. And they live modestly but aren't swimming in cash. So, when they took the plunge into real estate investing—in pricey Tacoma, Washington—they had some work to do to become "bankable." Today you'll learn how despite a few roadblocks, they dumped their rent payment and pulled off their first-ever home purchase: a house hack in an up-and-coming area. From shopping around between banks, to securing a "rehire" letter to verify employment, to negotiating "early access" to the property and doing some repairs before closing, this episode is full of great tips for those just starting out. Also—it's a reminder that "sweat equity" doesn't always mean physical labor. Sometimes it's just as important to stay focused and organized when it comes to the huge amounts of paperwork involved in a real estate transaction! Let us know what you think of the show in our Facebook group (just search "Real Estate Rookie"), and subscribe so you won't miss out next week. See you Wednesday! In This Episode We Cover: What Mallori and Lucas learned from a first-time homebuyer class The mindset shift that helped them overcome their fears How they avoided analysis paralysis Getting access to a property to do repairs before closing How they ensured their property passed the appraisal How they got free carpet for their rehab How blue-collar workers can be real estate investors, too How seasonal workers can make themselves more bankable What a "rehire letter" is How they analyzed several house hack deals Why listings with one Google Street View photo can be hidden gems Websites where they check rent comps Why their real estate agent turned out to be their "MVP" And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Youtube Channel Redfin Biggerpockets Calculators BiggerPockets Pro Washington State Housing Finance Commission BiggerPockets Hard Money Lenders Zillow Hotpads Padmapper Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been telling yourself, "I'll invest in real estate when prices come down," well... that time may be coming. So, what should rookie real estate investors be doing now to prepare? Today we outline six action items—from shoring up your financial position to making yourself an attractive partner. Also, we bring back the "Rookie Request Line" so you can hear Ashley and Felipe's answers to a few questions from the audience. If you feel stuck, fearful, or just restless while you're cooped up inside... then check out this episode and take action! If you're enjoying the show, please take 30 seconds to give us an honest review on Apple Podcasts. See you next Wednesday! In This Episode We Cover: How to secure long-term debt now How to make yourself bankable Why now is the perfect time to practice analyzing deals Why you should take a fresh look at your tenants' leases How to make yourself an attractive real estate partner What balloon payments are and how to plan for them Emergency preparedness procedures Getting your mindset right before jumping into real estate investing And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Dave Ramsey Apartments.com Rookie Podcast 03: Coronavirus Crash? Dos and Don’ts from Recession Veterans Joe Asamoah and Steve Rozenberg Rookie Podcast 06: The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Tenant Screening with Lucas Hall Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we tackle the often-overlooked -- but perhaps most important -- element of real estate investing: actually placing a (great!) resident in your property. Our guest Lucas Hall built website Landlordology.com (which he later sold to Cozy, where he now works) and is an expert on best practices for landlords self-managing small portfolios (that's you!). Lucas walks us through his exact process from the moment he lists a property for rent, to the moment he signs a lease -- AND explains what's changed (and what hasn't) since the COVID-19 outbreak began. Want to avoid evictions and vacancy? Listen up...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Lucas has been a landlord for 10+ years, owns 4 properties across 3 states. Yet he still hasn't had to evict anybody. That's not an accident; it's the result of a firm but fair process he follows every time there's a vacancy. Plus, we add a fun twist toward the end of the episode when a rookie investor -- Andrés Bustamante -- jumps on the call to ask some GREAT questions about his own current search for a tenant. This is a timeless episode that will be just as relevant years in the future. Check it out now, and subscribe to Real Estate Rookie so you won't miss the next one. See you next Wednesday! In This Episode We Cover: - The importance of "pre-screening" over the phone - Online tools to run background and credit checks - Why you should always check an applicant's social media profiles - The income-to-rent ratio Lucas uses to qualify tenants - Why gathering social security numbers is overrated - Photo ID checks - Where to find classes on how to be a fair, ethical landlord - How to follow fair housing laws - What Lucas thinks of "cash for keys" - Whether to accept pre-payment of rent - Co-signing/guarantor arrangements when a tenant has no income - How to show properties during the COVID-19 quarantine - Handling late and non-payment of rent And much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, newbies ARE still closing deals out there. This week, we talk to three up-and-coming investors who either recently closed or are currently under contract on investment properties. Despite entire parts of the economy being shut down, real estate continues to be classified as "essential" -- and Jeremy Goldizen (Avon, OH), Kristen Johnson (Columbia, SC), and Rafael Estrada (Denver, CO) are all taking advantage. This episode was streamed as a Facebook live, so our audience pitches in and puts some timely questions to our guests and hosts. How did Jeremy score a 55% discount on a house he plans to BRRRR? How did Kristen find the wholesaler who brought her the perfect rental property? And how did Rafael shift his strategy when coronavirus hit and flipping no longer looked like such a great idea? Hit play, and get answers to all those questions and more. Next week, we'll be talking about how to screen and work with tenants in the current environment. You won't want to miss that one... so subscribe to Real Estate Rookie in your favorite podcast app, and we'll see you next Wednesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we hand the mic over to YOU. Yesterday (March 24) Ashley and Felipe took took live listener calls and real-time questions from Real Estate Rookie Facebook group members. "Should I go through with my deal?" "How do I handle my short-term rental?" "How are more experienced investors shifting their big-picture strategy?" Those are just FEW of the questions we take on in this fast-paced episode. What do you think of this format? Let us know in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook group -- and tell us what topics you want us to tackle next week. This are disorienting times for investors of ALL skill levels... but by sharing information and resources, we put ourselves in the best possible position to build wealth throughout good markets AND bad. See you next Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a new week... and, seemingly, a new world. So -- we've got a new (and very fresh) episode for you... with a twist on our usual format. On Tuesday, March 17, Ashley and Felipe sat down with Joe Asamoah and Steve Rozenberg to discuss the topic on everyone's mind: the COVID-19 outbreak and its inevitable impact on real estate investors. Think of it as a virtual coaching session with two seasoned, successful investors who have withstood several downturns and lived to tell about it. Joe and Steve have a combined 50 years of experience under their belts, so they offer a valuable perspective to younger or less experienced investors -- our fearless co-hosts included -- who haven't yet seen a full real estate cycle. This episode covers it all -- from the mindset successful investors use to accelerate wealth-building through downswings, to the shifting competition you're likely to face, to how to whip your finances into shape and secure lines of credit BEFORE you need them. Plus -- Joe breaks down how renting to Section 8 voucher holders can be a lifeline during a recession (assuming you do a few things exactly right), and Steve shares his tips for designing systems and checklists (he's a pilot after all!) so you can think clearly... even when you're steering into economic headwinds. This episode is GOLD for investors on the hunt for their first, second, or third deal in 2020... Stay safe, everyone -- and we'll see you next Wednesday. In This Episode We Cover: Why the first thing we should all do is "take a breath" The importance of a well-thought-out business plan Learning from local investors who thrived during past crashes Why you're likely to see more flippers leasing out houses Why taking out a HELOC may make sense right now Treating tenants like customers to reduce turnover Why Joe believes "your tenant is the true asset" What Steve learned from 9/11 and Hurricane Harvey Learning from your own (and others') failures And SO much more! Links from the Show Rookie Request Line: 1-888-5-ROOKIE to leave a voicemail Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast 356: 30+ Rentals (in a Pricy Market) Through BRRRR and Section 8 with Joe Asamoah BiggerPockets Podcast 343: Want to Work Less and Earn More? Think Like a Pilot! With Steve Rozenberg National Real Estate Investors Association BiggerPockets Events Grant Cardone on Multifamily Investing and Why You Should Never Buy a House! BiggerPockets Business Podcast BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Mynd.co Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever felt like you're close to breaking into real estate investing, but not quite getting anywhere? Today's guest, Tim Goutos, was right there with you. But after taking a trip abroad to clear his head, Tim narrowed his focus and went ALL-OUT in pursuit of his first deal. He talked to everybody about his goal. He went driving for dollars in his hometown of Lake George, NY. Then, after seeing a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sign, he called the owner on the spot. What happened next? You'll hear the story in today's episode of the Real Estate Rookie Podcast. We'll cover how to manage fear when making a cold call, how to crunch the numbers using government tax records, and how to protect yourself against the worst-case scenario. Plus -- if you know anyone who got burned in 2007-08.. or worry you'll meet the same fate... you'll connect with Tim's story. He had a close relative who lost out in the last downturn, so he had every reason to stay far away. Instead, Tim learned all he could and put together a more conservative game plan. "Captain Tim" is a relatable, down-to-earth guy... and you can learn a lot from his approach of looking to "get on base" rather than hit a home run right away. Tell us what you think of this episode in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook group, and subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app so you won't miss the next show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices