This week’s question comes from Joey on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Joey is asking: Was driving in a new part of town and came across a house that had a yard that hasn’t been maintained in months and the house looks unkept.  Any suggestions on how I should go about finding the owner and asking if they would be interested in selling?  We had a ton of great responses in the Facebook group, but Ashley and Tony will do their best to answer based on their own experience and their preferred style of skip tracing. You can do this both for free or for a fee, it all depends on which information you need! Here are some suggestions: Look up your city’s GIS mapping website and find the owners on the title  You can also use Propstream to skip trace the owners for a small fee Reach out to neighbors and ask them if they know anything about the owner If the owner is an LLC, go to your Secretary of State’s website to look up the LLC owner  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 Propstream Realtor Airbnb Real Estate Rookie FB Group Real Estate Rookie Youtube  Kyle and Lauren Instagram  Check the full show notes here: https://biggerpockets.com/rookie90 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, new real estate investors tend to forget about the other types of real estate investing outside of single-family and multifamily homes. What about self-storage, or commercial, or in Matt Racker’s case, warehouses? All these options can make you passive income, sometimes with far less hassle than managing residential properties. Matt caught the real estate bug doing his first live in flip. He saw a house being remodeled, took a look inside, and decided he could finish the job. Just like that, he called the contractors, found the flippers, and offered to take it off their hands. With some sweat equity, Matt was able to completely renovate his primary residence off of a construction loan, while leaving $0 in the property. I think it’s safe to say we’d all like a new house for free! Then, Matt started thinking about what else he could invest in. Since he runs his own office furniture and cubicle system business and had a pretty good handle on warehouse leases, he decided to use his expertise to start buying commercial warehouses as rental properties. Matt walks through exactly what you need to analyze a warehouse, which metrics matter most, and how to structure your leases (triple net, single net, etc.). In This Episode We Cover Putting in sweat equity so you can 100% finance your home How to analyze commercial warehouses depending on their square footage Partnering with family and how to create an org chart Bidding on duplexes at a virtual auction Triple net leases and why they’re common in commercial real estate And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Podcast Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Wrike Monday Sonar The OG Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast 388: The 7-Step “Playbook” for Scaling Your Real Estate Business With AJ Osborne Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie89 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we have a question from Ashley to Tony, on a subject he has a lot of experience in. Ashley wants to know: How do you analyze a market for short-term rentals? Which factors come into play and how can you stay away from the markets that won’t work for short-term rentals? This is a perfect time to ask Tony, especially since he’s looking to find a third market to invest in (outside of Joshua Tree and the Smoky Mountains). Here are some suggestions from Tony: Make sure you aren’t buying in an area that heavily relies on seasonality Focus on mature vacation rental markets that have the infrastructure for short-term rentals  Double check regulations and zoning laws so you know you’re allowed to host a short-term rental  Look at the availability in the current market (are there any houses to buy?) 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 Airbnb Vrbo Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie88 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Young love is beautiful, but what’s even more beautiful is young love that produces residual income together! That’s exactly what Sam and Nick of Eagle Hill Homes have done. Even though they have been together since their teenage years, Sam still had to be nudged by Nick to get into real estate investing. Once Sam started designing, planning, and executing on rehabs, she knew that this was the life for them. Now, Sam is a certified general contractor and Nick is a loan officer. But these weren’t the couple’s original jobs, far from it actually. Nick was in corporate insurance sales while Sam was in marketing. Once they had 6 units under their name and they were making enough money to pay for their lifestyle, they quit their W2s and jumped into the real estate industry! Now they’re rehabbing, renting out, and house hacking anything that has “value add” potential for them. They’ve taken very smart steps to renovate houses for far higher cash flow and ARV, gotten mortgages with 90%+ financing, and used their own specific skills to grow a flourishing rental portfolio! In This Episode We Cover Leaving a W2 job to pursue a career in real estate Finding “value add” potential in deals Finding off-market properties and negotiating with sellers Understand the “why” behind a seller’s reason to offload their property House hacking tips and how to keep your sanity when living close to tenants And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Tony's Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast Cozy MLS Apartments Rookie Podcast 02: Going All Out to Secure Deal No. 1 (For Sale By Owner!) with Tim Goutos Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie87 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Adri on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Adri is asking: I came across a seller financed mobile home park, this would be my first out of state investment. What should I be looking out for on MHP (mobile home parks) and is this a huge jump to make while still being a rookie? While we can’t answer how ready Adri is for investing in a mobile home park (we believe in you), we can answer questions about what to look for when evaluating a MHP deal. Before you consider investing, you’ll need to look at some mobile-home-park-specific factors. Here are some suggestions: Make sure you get accurate financials, especially a T12 rent roll  Look at the utilities and see whether they’re public or private (wells and septics) Look at the capital expenditures (capex) of the entire park Find out who owns the trailers/mobile homes and evaluate whether the current ownership is advantageous to you If you’re still nervous, partner up with someone more experienced! 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 Facebook Group Rookie Podcast 65: Multifamily, Mobile Home Parks, and Commercial Deals: All in 2 Years! with Tommy Polise Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie86 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming up with capital isn’t easy when you’re just starting out. How are you supposed to get 20% down for one property, let alone multiple when trying to grow your portfolio. This was the predicament Justin Munk was in until he found out about the BRRRR strategy. When implementing the BRRRR strategy, Justin was able to use a fraction of the money he would need as a down payment to get a renovated, highly desirable rental property.  Justin invests over 1,000 miles away in Ohio and manages all his rehabs remotely. Most investors would stray away from remote rehabs, but Justin has so many “checks and balances” set up that he feels confident to do them. His rehabs have to go through an inspector, a contractor, and a leasing manager before they’re put on the market. This allows Justin to have extreme confidence that he’s rehabbing a property to get the highest rent, with the lowest headache to management.  Justin gives some valuable advice to new investors that are struggling with analysis paralysis: don’t sabotage your own deals by finding problems in every property!  Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Podcast Brandon Turner Instagram BiggerPockets Agents BiggerPockets Podcast 212: Buying a 115-Unit Apartment Complex for No Cash Out of Pocket with Brian Murray BiggerPockets Podcast 126: From 0 to 400+ Units Through Value-Add Investing with Brian Murray Biggerpockets Forums Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie85   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Joaquin on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Joaquin is asking: When you purchase a property with a tenant already in the middle of their lease can you increase their rent or do you have to wait until their lease is up? Inevitably, you’re going to come across some deals that have renters in place, but whether you want to keep them on as tenants is up to you. During this time of eviction moratoriums, you may be questioning whether or not an inherited tenant is worth the hassle. Here’s what Tony and Ashley think: An inherited tenant can save you a lot of hassle, but you need to be sure they’re a tenant you want If there isn’t a lease in place, make sure you get an estoppel agreement signed Request rent rolls from the seller to make sure tenants are paying You can raise the rent once a lease is up, but be sure to check with local laws on how quickly you can do so If you’re inheriting problem tenants, make sure you get the property at a deep discount  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). Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie84 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many landlords decide to switch from renting by the unit to renting by the room in order to maximize cash flow per unit. Renting by the room is usually best situated for students and for properties nearby sizable universities. This type of strategy is exactly what Hastings College track and field coach, Ryan Mahoney, has done with his 2 units that have a combined 10 rooms being rented out. After a bit of over-leveraging in the early 2000s, Ryan found BiggerPockets and knew landlording was something that could help him reach financial freedom. When some of his athletes started complaining to him about the sub-par conditions they were living in, Ryan decided to start competing with the local student rentals, providing better living conditions at a more manageable price. Now, Ryan is exclusively renting out his properties to students on 9 to 10-month leases. He’s had to pivot a bit since COVID-19 shutdowns took students off-campus, but has a solid amount of reserves and enough flexibility with students that he doesn’t have to worry. Ryan talks about how he found great contractors, used the BiggerPockets investment calculators to secure financing, and what you should (and shouldn’t) do when renting out to students. In This Episode We Cover How to manage, rehab, and rent out student rentals  Using the BiggerPockets calculator reports to secure financing  Never buying as much house as you can afford Why inspections are almost always worth the price The screening process for students when renting by the room And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Business BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Money Cozy James Dainard's Instagram BiggerPockets Instagram BiggerPockets Facebook Realtor Buildium RentRedi Stessa Turbo Tenant Biggerpockets.com/pro Biggerpockets.com/calc Real Estate Rookie Youtube Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie83 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Jimmy on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Jimmy is asking a couple of great questions about those in partnerships going in on a property: 1. How do we split the cost of buying a property 50/50 and keep the funds in one place?  2. How would it work right now as 50% of the money is with him and 50% of the money is with me?  Many real estate investors will come across the same question that Jimmy has, especially since partnerships and joint ventures are common as you grow your portfolio. Both Ashley and Tony have partnerships and answers to these questions! Here are some suggestions: Lay out how the responsibilities, costs, and profits will be split Use an attorney to draft up an operating agreement or joint venture agreement  Set up a new joint bank account for each property you acquire Make sure your assets are liquid before committing funds to a partnership Follow “seasoning” regulations for any money put into the joint account 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). Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie82 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A familiar voice pops in for this episode of the Rookie Podcast, it’s David Greene! The real estate agent, investor, entrepreneur, and co-host of the BiggerPockets Real Estate podcast joins us to talk about making the transition to top real estate agent and what new investors can do to find better deals and a great agent. Most newbie investors want to be hand-held, which makes sense when you’re just starting out. That being said, that may not be the best way to find a great agent who can help you find a profitable deal. David talks through why so many new investors never end up buying, why you aren’t “hiring” an agent, and how to work together to achieve a win-win scenario. As he puts it, you’re in a partnership together, meaning it’s a win-win or a lose-lose. If you’re trying to become a great agent, make sure you jot down some notes on David’s “medicine and delivery system” analogy where he talks about how he had to change his perceptions to succeed as a real estate agent. Many new agents (and investors) want to wait until they get their first sale/deal to become confident, but you’ll need confidence before you can get the first one! In This Episode We Cover What exactly an “investor-friendly” agent is How David Greene built one of the top real estate teams in America  How new investors should look at their investor/agent relationships  Making sure you manage client expectations as an agent especially when working with investors Who should (and shouldn’t) become a real estate agent  Using social media to boost your credibility and industry presence And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Rookie Youtube Channel BiggerPockets Podcast KellerWilliams BiggerPockets Podcast 353: Turning $5K Into $5K/Month and Retiring at 40 with Tim Rhode BiggerPockets Podcast 226: From “D-Student” to $400,000 in Annual Rental Property Cash Flow with David Osborn Real Estate Rockstars Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast 190: Building 61 Different Passive Streams of Income with Pat Hiban Keller Wiliams Bold Keller Williams Ignite BiggerPockets Podcast 406: 51 Units and $900/Month in Pure Cashflow on a “BRRRRnB” with Shelby OsborneShelby Osborne LAPS System BiggerPockets Money Podcast BiggerPockets Business Podcast BiggerPockets Store Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie81 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Bryan on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Bryan is asking:  How do PM (property management) companies handle maintenance? Do they fix the issue and submit invoices to the owner or withhold the amount from monthly payments to the owner?   This is a great question for those who want to transition from self-management to hiring property managers. Both Ashley and Tony have the same type of payment setup with their property managers, but it can vary company to company. Here are some answers/suggestions: Both Ashley and Tony have a maintenance threshold for small repairs Anything over the threshold needs to be approved One the job is done, the cost is deducted from the rent  You can always go with a PM’s repair/remodel bid, but it may save you money to hire an outside contractor you know and trust Try and get PM companies with software, so you can see the exact invoice online 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). Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie80 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wholesaling is a tough game. Most investors who try their hand at wholesaling quit after only a few months, while those who have the grit to stick it out can end up making a much-deserved profit. Even real estate veterans have a hard time getting into wholesaling, but what about a 19-year old college student without experience in real estate? Isabelle Zukowski just happens to be that 19-year old college student wholesaler. Isabelle had been working at a local restaurant when the COVID shutdowns started, she was released from her job and had to go on unemployment. While she was getting her unemployment money, she started listening to stock market, real estate, and business podcasts. She was interested in real estate, and when her friend told her about real estate wholesaling, she decided to try it out. Isabelle joined a bunch of Facebook groups, contacted well-known agents and wholesalers in her area, and started building out her network. After 3 months of hard work, calling 300+ people a day, she landed her first deal. The wholesale fee? $18,000! In This Episode We Cover Real estate wholesaling with no experience or money 3 tips for getting your first wholesale deal Skiptracing and the best lists to pull for cold calling Building relationships with everyone in your specific niche/space The best way to estimate rehab costs and ARV And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Call Magic Leads BiggerPockets Podcast 255: Six-Figure Real Estate Investing in Just 20 Hours a Week with Elliot Smith BatchLeads BiggerPockets Bookstore Platinum Home Buyers Real Estate Rookie Youtube Channel Realtor.com Craigslist.org Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie79 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Gre on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Gre is asking: How do you find accurate property tax info, including school taxes, when running numbers on a potential investment property? Great question Gre! Running your numbers accurately is super important when making sure a deal will be profitable, thankfully, there are many online (and in person) resources where you can find accurate property taxes within minutes. Here are some suggestions: Find the county assessor’s online website and look up the property address/parcel number Use third-party tools like Propstream to find property taxes Ask other investors in your area what they are paying in property taxes Call the county office and ask what they think property taxes will be when re-assessed Make sure you’re including school, village, and county taxes (when they apply) And More! 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). Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie78 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda Han is a familiar face to the BiggerPockets audience. She’s been featured on the BiggerPockets podcasts before and has written multiple books published by BiggerPockets (The Book on Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor & The Book on Advanced Tax Strategies). Amanda has worked with lots of real estate investors and invests in real estate herself, so she’s answering some common questions that rookie investors have about taxes. We run through a mix of topics such as deductions, depreciations, home-office write-offs, expenses, legal entities, and when you should get a CPA. Amanda also talks about some of the most common deductions that rookie investors miss. She also talks through different software for tracking your business expenses, recording your mileage, and keeping your business finances up to date. It may seem like a lot of information to keep track of, especially when you’re in the middle of a rehab/flip or even just managing your rental. Amanda stresses how important it is for you not only to find a high quality, real estate friendly CPA, but also that you keep them in the loop. If you’re thinking of buying, selling, or transferring property, it’s incredibly important to keep your CPA notified on all things related to your real estate business. That way, you keep more money in your pocket and are able to grow your portfolio even faster! In This Episode We Cover The most common tax mistakes that rookie investors make The best way to track your expenses (and your different options) When you should consider, interview, and hire a CPA  The best questions to ask a CPA if you’re interviewing them Home office deductions, mileage deductions, and more When the best time to form a legal entity is (if needed) What to write off when you’re house hacking  And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Quickbooks Excel Appfolio Buildium Rookie Podcast 75: From Working on Oil Fields to Passively Investing in Real Estate with Travis Watts BiggerPockets Pro and Premium Membership BiggerPockets Pro Perks (Exclusive deals like Amanda's Course) Jumpstart Your Tax Savings as a Real Estate Investor Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie77 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before cooking at Michelin star restaurants, Ellen Bennett worked as a lottery announcer, an English tutor, and a “booth babe”. All of these jobs taught her to be comfortable in uncomfortable positions. When her head chef told her that he needed new aprons for all the cooks, Ellen took to the challenge, with no business plan, no connections, and no experience designing aprons. The deadline, uncomfortability, and challenge pushed her to deliver the aprons on time, and start Hedley & Bennett. Now, Ellen runs this multi-million dollar business that delivers to Michelin star restaurants and at-home cooks alike. Ellen talks about the necessity of committing to something scary, even when you don’t know how to handle it. She used the same approach when buying 3 rental properties nearby her home in Los Angeles, all of which have appreciated dramatically. The mantra used in creating a successful business, investment, or anything else is Dream First, Details Later, which also happens to be the name of Ellen's new book! An entrepreneur can get bogged down so easily with the details of any venture, so much sometimes that it could push them away from accomplishing something great. In This Episode We Cover How Ellen accidentally started an incredibly successful apron business  Using the pandemic to think differently about products and needs Looking at challenges as a gift and an excuse to grow How to plan when you know that things won’t go as planned Setting your employees up for a failure-first mindset (so they succeed!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums MySpace Walmart Ford Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie76 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Watts grew up with frugal parents. They taught him about coupons, buying the off-brand products, and basic financial 101, but never taught him about real estate investing. In 2009, as the market was hitting unprecedented lows, he decided to start investing in real estate. He purchased a single family home to start, then started house hacking, moved on to some fix and flips, bought some vacation rentals, and before he knew it, he was a very active real estate investor. There was one problem though. Travis was working 90+ hour weeks in the oil industry, often working overseas for long periods of time. Travis was trying to run his active investing with his hectic schedule, but often found it hard to put a high level of effort into his rentals when so much of his energy was being exerted from his job. In 2015, Travis made the decision to become a passive investor. Passive investing isn’t for everyone, especially for those who want to be making the big decisions. Luckily, Travis didn’t mind having general partners make decisions for the syndications he invested in, if anything, he preferred it. Travis walks through what you need to look at before putting money into a syndication, including the general partners, the market, and the deal. He also talks through how to identify whether or not a syndication is being run well, and other passive investing strategies like investing in REITs. Many real estate investors will find themselves with lots of projects, lots of experience, lots of money, but little to no time. If you feel like this, it may be a good idea to start balancing some of your active investing with more passive cash flow opportunities! In This Episode We Cover The benefits of passive and active real estate investing Syndications and who they’re meant for 506(b) and 506(c) syndications and the differences between the two How to identify good general partners running syndications Becoming an accredited investor  REITs (real estate investment trusts) and other passive income strategies  How much money passive investors can make And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Charles Schwab Janus Henderson BiggerPockets Podcast 227: From Single Family Houses to $130,000,000 in Multifamily with Joe Fairless Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie75 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Jennsey on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Jennsey is asking: what’s the next step after your first property, as far as financing and steps to scale to a larger portfolio. If you’ve gotten your first property, congratulations! Now you have the momentum and experience to go get more! The next steps that are most important are finding the money for your next deal, getting your systems and processes in place, and letting others know you’re a real estate investor looking for deals. Here are some suggestions: Save up for a conventional mortgage, link up with a partner, find a hard money lender, or find a private money lender Understand the fees and structures in each of these types of financing Put together a binder showing your past deal, your experience, and your goals Know how many doors you want to acquire and lay the foundation for that goal Every time you do something with financing, tenant management, or underwriting, make sure you document how you’re doing it And More! 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). Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie74 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Believe it or not, Tony and Ashley haven’t met each other in real life...until now! They’re recording from the BiggerPockets headquarters in Denver, and they brought their partners! Tony’s wife Sarah and Ashley’s business partner Joe are here to answer the most common questions about partnerships and investing with someone else. What makes a great partner? Tony, Sarah, Ashley, and Joe all agree that a good partner has to have complementary strengths to you. Do you know how to do financing but are terrible at design? You should find a partner who loves design but doesn’t want to touch financing. Although it may not be the easiest task, one of the best ways to find a partner is to look at your weaknesses, your strengths, and look within your circle to find someone who could be the yin to your yang. Ashley also talks about the “partner presentation”. You may have heard this term before on the show. A partner presentation is essentially a binder including a bank statement, credit report, personal finance statement, and past deal history. This helps you show a potential partner that you’re coming from a position of strength and that you possess the competence to tag team a deal. Ashley, Tony and their partners also go over things like goal setting, partnership structures, LLCs, life insurance policies, and more. While many rookies feel they don’t have the experience to bring to a partnership, it’s important to know that you running the numbers, listening to the podcast, and having interest in real estate already puts your skillset above many others! In This Episode We Cover What Ashley and Tony look for in their partners What a good partner looks like and what you should avoid when partnering up Preparing your “partner presentation” for a prospective partner Setting goals and staying on the same page as a partner How to structure your partnerships so everyone is on the same page Umbrella policies, life insurance policies, and other partner protections And So Much More! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Calculator Airbnb Asana BiggerPockets Events Learn the In's and Out's: How to Structure Partnerships as a New Investor Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie73 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Ricky on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Ricky is asking about the pros and cons of using a cash out refinance vs. using a HELOC (home equity line of credit), especially since you can pay down a HELOC and use it over and over again. Many real estate investors take advantage of HELOCs since you can get them for your primary residence or a rental property. That being said, HELOCs can come with variable interest rates and can be closed once up for renewal.  Here are some points to consider: First see if your primary home qualifies for a HELOC, if not, go the commercial route Primary residences will get better interest rates compared to commercial HELOCs Cash-out refinances are a great way to get equity that's been built over time with a low interest, long-term loan HELOCs may require you to take out from them every year, or be penalized  You may be able to get HELOC closing costs waived, unlike on a refinance  And More! 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). Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie72 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Neal started his career as a police officer during the great recession. His family convinced him to buy a condo since prices were near rock bottom, this is when Martin was bit by the real estate bug. When he was transferred to another police station, thus doubling his salary, he knew it was time to do something with the condo. He paid off the loan and set up a HELOC (home equity line of credit) so he could purchase cash flowing rentals! Now Martin uses the BRRRR strategy to buy homes that need rehabbing, rehab them, rent them out, and get them into conventional loans. As of now he has 11 properties with 16 doors, most of which was picked up just in the last 3 years. Martin has done what many investors advise against, worked with his family. He has his dad running management on some of his properties and helps when rehabbing them as well. How did Martin work with his dad without jeopardizing their relationship? He sat down with his father, laid out the roles and responsibilities of the project, and paid him for his time. It’s tough finding trustworthy workers and partners in real estate, so don’t disregard family just because they’re family! Martin also gives some great advice on finding high-quality section 8 tenants, many of which helped his real estate portfolio through the COVID-19 shutdowns due to their government subsidized rent. He also talks about buying homes off of auction sites, but making sure you’re able to do your due diligence before putting in an offer. In This Episode We Cover Using HELOCs to fund your future BRRRRs Having a defined plan so you can scale faster and with less headache  Having the bravery to buy more units, even when it pushes you into new territory Why townhouses may be an attractive asset in specific parts of town Working with family (without destroying your relationships) Buying homes at auctions  And So Much More! Links from the Show Rookie Podcast 55: Combining House Hacking and Live in Flips with Tyler Madden BiggerPockets Forms BiggerPockets File Place Google Spreadsheets Auction.com Cozy.co Tresta BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast 248: From Shop Teacher to Multifamily Syndicator with Todd Dexheimer BiggerPockets Podcast 075: Mobile Home Investing and Getting Started With John Fedro Brandon Turner's Instagram BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Facebook Group BiggerPockets Forums Rookie Rockstar Facebook Post Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie71 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Dane through Ashley’s DMs on Instagram (you can find her @wealthfromrentals). Dane is asking: should I sell or rent out my primary residence?   Whenever you’re moving from your current home to a new home, you have the option to sell or rent. While there isn’t one solid answer for everyone, you can find out whether selling or renting is the best option by looking at your market and your specific financial situation. Here are some suggestions: Get comps (comparables) on market rents from homes like yours Search through recently sold homes that are comparable to yours and find the median sales prices Pull out a home equity line of credit on your primary home to help buy your next primary home or more rentals Run the numbers as a sale and a rental, does it cash flow? Refinance for a lower mortgage payment and rent it out Run the numbers for EVERY scenario and make long-term decisions And more! 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). Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie70 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becky Nova didn’t have a linear path to real estate like many others. She’s had times in her life when she was poor and times in her life when she was rich. Becky knew that she didn’t want to go back to those poorer times in her life, so when she was about to marry her husband, she was pushed to get herself out of debt and into a much more stable position. She worked a consulting gig, got herself debt-free, and decided she wanted to start house hacking! Now, Becky is off in the Dominican Republic, running her entire portfolio of 10 houses completely remote. Even more impressive, Becky used traditional financing for those rental properties! So how does she manage properties all the way in upstate New York while she’s thousands of miles away on the beach? Well-tailored systems and procedures is what Becky relies on. She refers to her phone as one of the best tools for real estate, since she can call her agent, her tenant, or her contractor whenever she needs something. Becky proves that you can run a rental portfolio long distance, and do it successfully to boot! This did take Becky some time, though. She designed the life she wanted and made her rental properties fit around that life, which is sometimes the opposite of what us busy real estate professionals do. Now, she can relax and enjoy her time travelling because she put the systems in place to automate her business! In This Episode We Cover Understanding what you really want and making your business fit your ideal life Getting off the “paycheck to paycheck” hamster wheel How Becky got 10 units in just over 2 years Joining local networking groups and your chamber of commerce to find deals How to find the best plumbers, contractors, electricians, and more through referrals Having systems in place so your business can run itself And So Much More! Links from the Show Brandon Turner Zillow Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Dave Ramsey DealCheck Rentometer Realtor.com BiggerPockets Calculators BiggerPockets Insights Rookie Podcast 10: 2 Long-Distance Rentals with $0 Down with Tony Robinson Lady Landlord's Financial Cheat Sheet  Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie69 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not uncommon that we make excuses for ourselves, especially when it comes to our businesses. A contractor may have let us down, or a tenant took advantage of a poorly-written lease, or our partner isn’t doing a job as well as we’d like. Are these problems fully forming because of the other person, or ourselves? Today we talk to Julia Galef, author of The Scout Mindset and host of the “Rationally Speaking” podcast. Julia is trying to answer a big question: how do we improve our reasoning and our decision making? For her, there is a big difference in mindset. Sometimes we have a scout mindset, which allows us to be more exploratory and see what really is going on. Then we also have a soldier mindset, which is when we’re seeing only our pre-existing beliefs. How do you know if you’re using your scout or soldier mindset? Ask yourself if you’re rationalizing your situation or just making excuses. This can be hard as business owners and investors because we often are the first to blame someone else for our problems. We even downplay our shortcomings, like when a novice flipper thinks he or she can do the electrical, plumbing, foundation, and flooring work without any prior experience. It’s important for us as people and investors to get honest feedback not only from our clients, tenants, contractors, and partners, but also from ourselves. In This Episode We Cover The difference between a scout mindset and a soldier mindset How to get out of fooling yourself into believing something that isn't true Jeff Bezos’s “30% Success” story  Implementing feedback in a way that is beneficial for you and those around you Leaning into confusion and finding the underlying causes Being a better real estate investor And So Much More! Links from the Show Jeff Bezos Amazon Tony Robbins Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie68 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After moving from his home state of Georgia to Oklahoma, Dee Brock discovered a burning desire to buy rental properties. He had bought himself a primary residence and cosigned with his mother on her home, but knew he wanted to accrue units that could be cash flowing. He was then able to get a HELOC (home equity line of credit) on his primary and use it to buy a foreclosure.  Everything was going well, but Dee wanted more structure, more advice, and more of a game plan. Someone at his church group suggested going onto a site called BiggerPockets, which later became a huge resource to Dee (and hopefully to you reading this now)! Now Dee knew how to vet tenants, get a cash out refinance, and run numbers like the pros.  Dee developed a bit of a formula for how he sends in offers on houses. He finds a house he likes, sends it to his agent to get comps (comparables), averages those comps, multiples it by 80% (cash out refinance amount), then subtracts closing and maintenance. That’s the offer Dee puts in on the house and gives him the numbers he needs to feel confident about buying it.  What if a house doesn’t appraise for the amount needed? Dee also has a workaround for that! Dee’s local credit union that lends to him allows him to use their ARV (after repair value) number OR an appraisal. This saves Dee tons of time and money if an appraisal isn’t needed! Now Dee is setting his sights on a new venture, self-storage units. We’ve seen a lot of successful real estate investors transition from residential buildings to self-storage, and for good reason. Less management, less maintenance, and other benefits described by Dee makes self-storage a no brainer for where he’s at in his investing career.  In This Episode We Cover Using conventional primary residence loans to fund foreclosures  Section 8 tenants and the pros/cons of having them in your rentals Getting your spouse and family on board with real estate investing Opting for a bank’s ARV number instead of getting an appraisal The benefits of owning self-storage units Giving your tenants a rent reduction if they pay on time And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Brandon Turner Zillow Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Loopnet AJ Osborne's Instagram Realtor.com truepeoplesearch.com whitepages.com TurboTenant Dave Ramsey BiggerPockets Podcast 395: From Car Valet to $100k/Month… Seriously! with Thach Nguyen BiggerPockets Podcast 427: The 12 Week Year and The Danger of Long-Term Goal Setting with Brian Moran Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie67 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Mitch on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Mitch is asking two questions: How do you close on a property sight unseen and how do you finance off-market deals? Our two lovely hosts have expertise in both of these areas. Tony has bought a fair amount of property sight unseen and Ashley has used some very creative strategies for financing off-market deals. Here are some suggestions for both of Mitch’s questions: Get your agent, inspector, and general contractor to inspect a prospective sight unseen property Don’t waive the inspection clause, especially if you’ve never been in the property Look for lenders that aren’t traditional banks, especially those that work with investors Ask local banks if they offer any products that could help with your funding Use a line of credit or borrow against your stocks/other assets Ask for seller financing whenever possible And More! 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). Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie66 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate investing works differently for different people. Some people like to gradually buy small properties, then start looking for larger deals, and then go into commercial financing for big deals. Tommy Polise always knew he wanted to buy real estate and had spent five years analyzing markets and educating himself, but never bought any properties. In 2019, that changed. Tommy had been looking into single family homes but found that he’d only be walking away with a small amount of pure cash flow each month. While he now feels that single family homes are a great investment, at the time, he didn’t think the cash flow was worth the effort. So he and a partner went in on a multifamily deal together. It worked out well and he gained some experience and connections, so he decided to go bigger and better. Now, two years later, Tommy and his partners are sitting on 30 units. This includes single family homes, multifamily properties, and a land deal that includes 10 mobile home lots, 8 storage units, 3 single family homes, and a 5 unit apartment complex. He even has a laundromat with a residential property attached to it as well! So how does a real estate rookie like Tommy go from 0 units to 30 units in the span of 2 years? Tommy says you need to develop good relationships, get great partners, understand your financing, and continuously take risks! In This Episode We Cover How to get commercial financing if you’re just starting out in real estate Finding a great partner that will work with you, even when you make mistakes Why single family homes may work for some investors more than others The appeal of doing large commercially financed deals  How to do a thorough inspection when you’re closing on a large property Calculating your “worst case scenario” and knowing your risks Developing the confidence to pursue bigger and more complicated deals And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Brandon Turner Clubhouse Zillow Buildium BiggerPockets Podcast 348: Full-Time Job, Full-Time Mom, and Full-Time Wealth From Rentals with Ashley Kehr BiggerPockets Podcast 423: Who Not How: Stop Doing the Things You Hate, Free Up Time, Be Happier and Richer with Dan Sullivan BiggerPockets Business Podcast Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie65 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: How do I place properties under a newly acquired LLC? Before you place your properties in an LLC, you’ll need to ask yourself if you need an LLC in the first place. This really depends on your goals as an investor and whether you have a partner or not. Many investors skip the LLC route and put a rental property solely in their name, while other investors that work with partners choose to either start a new LLC or put the new investment property in their current LLC. Here are some suggestions: Make sure you know the financing options for LLCs vs. buying in your own name Get an umbrella policy if you don’t have an LLC Speak to a trusted attorney or submit LLC paperwork yourself (if not too burdensome) Get commercial financing for your LLC and purchase the house in its name And Much More! 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). Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie64 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s hard to leave a comfortable job, especially when you’re working with family. What happens if you can’t make your entrepreneurial dreams work, what if you need health insurance, what about your bills? This is the predicament that Sean and Ann Wayne were in, only a couple short years ago. Thankfully, they made the jump, and now they’re flipping more than ever! Sean and Ann left college with around $93,000 in debt, but were able to pay it off quickly due to their thrifty lifestyle and saver skills. After they had paid off their debt, they wondered where they could put their leftover money into. Sean stumbled upon BiggerPockets and knew that something within the realm of real estate was the best option. Luck would have it that Sean and Ann’s landlord at the time was a flipper and a real estate agent. After some discussions, their landlord decided to mentor them through their first flip. If you’ve listened to this podcast long enough, you know what’s coming next. They were hooked! Sean knew he had to leave his corporate job to pursue flipping, even if it meant less stability. Now this dynamic flipping duo has done 12 deals. Sean focuses on the rehab and Ann focuses on design. If you’ve wondered about what the best ways to paint and design your flip are, Ann drops some knowledge on what is worth risking, and what isn’t. Together, they’re an unstoppable team, and will definitely be on the Real Estate Podcast soon enough! In This Episode We Cover Why you should tell EVERYONE what you do and what you’re interested in How to talk to a mentor to convince them that you can provide benefit to them Tackling both the mental and financial barriers to leaving a corporate job Funding deals with hard money and private money Splitting up your roles as a team, whether you’re business partners or partners in life Resources for finding the best designs for your flip Keeping your partner “in the know” so your flips runs smoothly Fighting imposter syndrome as an intermediate real estate investor And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Brandon Turner Pinterest Lowe's Home Depot Target Overstock Wayfair Christian Healthcare Ministries BiggerPockets Money Podcast 94: 18 Options for Healthcare in Early Retirement with Lynn Frair Financial Peace University Google Drive Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie63 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Kaylee on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Kaylee is asking: When looking for a lender (specifically 203k) what is the best most effective way to find them? Do I need to find someone local? Am I overcomplicating? Whether it’s a 203k loan, or any other loan, having a consistent and quality lender is incredibly important when building up your real estate portfolio. Ashley and Tony have both used a handful of lenders to fund their different types of deals. Here are some suggestions: Start with local lenders, especially ones you have relationships with already Call or email all the banks in your area or the area you’re looking to buy in Tell loan officers your plan, they may have a loan that fits exactly what you need Even if a loan officer doesn’t have the right type of loan for you, keep up the relationship! Get referrals from other investors in your area And More! 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 Calculator BiggerPockets Forums Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie62 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While traveling throughout southeast Asia, Michael Su asked what he could be doing to protect himself if he ever didn’t have stable income. As a digital nomad, travelling from country to country, all while working at a startup, Michael was used to risk. He realized that the best way to mitigate and reduce the risk of him ever being in a dire financial situation was to make his own income. The best way to do that? Buy rental properties! Michael had already been following some popular real estate influencers, and decided to do what they were doing. He even contacted BiggerPockets’ very own Craig Curelop and asked him to be his agent in Denver and help him house hack. From then on, Michael reached out to more investors in other areas of the United States and began using their strategies. Now, only one year into real estate investing, Michael has over 15 homes, with two under contract, in five regions in the US! This doesn’t just happen by luck. Michael had a strong grasp on financing strategies, investment strategies, and real estate economies of scale. He even read the SEC filings for major REITs to see how they scaled their businesses and dealt with problems. Now Michael can continue building his real estate portfolio, while traveling, and working at a job he loves. All possible through smart investing! In This Episode We Cover Thinking long term on wealth accumulation and passive income strategies How to create a portfolio that works with your life, not the other way around Buying in different markets with different investing strategies Reaching out and interviewing investors, agents, and real estate influencers The multiple different ways to finance your real estate deals Section 8 and the pros/cons that come with it How to mitigate and manage the risk you face when real estate investing And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Blueboard Inc. BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Episode 423 - Dan Sullivan Zillow House Hustle BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast 406 - Shelby Osborne Hemlane Appfolio Rent Manager MLS BiggerPockets Calculator Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie61 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re asked a lot on how to analyze short-term rentals. Since short-term rentals have different expenses, rent estimates, and occupancy rates, running a short-term rental analysis may seem tricky at times. Both Ashley and Tony own short-term rentals and know the often overlooked costs of running a profitable getaway. If you’re still looking for the best way to analyze your short-term rental prospect, Ashley and Tony may offer some much needed guidance! Here are some suggestions: Understand your average nightly rate, occupancy rate, and annual expenses Use tools like AirDNA and Mashvisor  Use Tony’s short-term gross revenue formula  Try out the BiggerPockets Airbnb Calculator Know the permitting laws and fees of the area you’re looking into Add regular business expenses to your calculations (accountants, insurance, taxes, etc.) And more! 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 Airbnb MLS Amazon theyoungretireeby33  Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie60 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting out as a rookie investor means you most likely have a lot of questions that need to be answered before you dive in and buy your first home! Whether it’s a primary residence, a house hack, or an investment property, you’ll need to know about loans, agents, inspections, and more. With us today is Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen, co-hosts of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast and authors of the new book First-Time Home Buyer. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular questions asked on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook group and asked the experts their opinions on them. Questions include: Should I use an agent-referred lender or a mortgage broker? Is more or less of a down payment better? Does my agent need to find off-market deals? How do I shop for loans? Would you buy an as-is property as your first deal? And more! Scott and Mindy have definitive answers to each of the above questions and sprinkle in a bit of their own experience, so you don’t make the mistakes they did. If you’re about to purchase a house, getting into the planning phase, or just starting to learn about real estate investing, make sure you get a copy of First-Time Home Buyer! In This Episode We Cover How to find a lender and how to compare the ones you find How loan applications affect your credit score Getting inspections on your home and using them for price reductions Buying an as-is property and what that means for your budget Running your numbers 3 different ways Keeping a healthy safety reserve, regardless of if your home is a primary residence or an investment And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Podcast Rose Buckley episode Zillow realtor.com BP Insights Craigslist BiggerPockets Calculator BiggerPockets Forums MLS HomeReady Homepossible USDA Eligibility Map Redfin Your 48 point DIY Home Inspection Checklist Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie59 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question is a very common one that has frequently come from novice and experienced real estate investors alike. If you own rentals, you may be thinking about this as well. When do you do the work yourself vs. hire it out? The answer depends on different factors, such as where your rentals are located in relation to you, how solid of a team you have, whether or not you have experience doing the work, and more. Tony and Ashley both have different experiences when it comes to swinging hammers and laying down floors. One thing they agree on: you want to be in a place where you can hand off the work if needed. Here are some suggestions to make the decision easier: Create systems that allow you to step away if possible Have a great team in place so you always have work to outsource Make a checklist whenever you do a new task Look at your goals and hire out accordingly Read Who Not How, The E-Myth, and Traction 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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody knows someone who has attended some kind of course, workshop, or “guru” consulting. Maria Acosta attended one after watching HGTV, and ended up buying her first rental property from someone at the conference. What she thought she was getting was a turnkey duplex that had professional management and was rented out on both sides. What she actually got was a trashed duplex without tenants and a roach infestation.  Bad luck right? Thankfully, Maria isn’t a quitter, and all that did was inspire her to be more diligent with her future deals. Now, that same property has healthy cash flow each month (and no roaches). Maria has gone on to do a few flips, a couple wholesale deals, and owns 8 units throughout the United States. She’s learned some impactful lessons along the way, like how to fire and hire a property manager, what to look for in a pre-foreclosure property, and how to get a subject to deal under contract. Maria has been through some tough scenarios that many experienced real estate investors would have never dreamed of. Ever had to track down the brother of a partner of a seller who has no address? Maria has done it. Ever had to get a father who is in a correctional facility in another state to sign a power of attorney for a property? Maria has done it.  She’s hired multiple VAs, set them up on a system and schedule to find off-market deals, and created a small real estate empire that is growing day by day. This is what hustle and grit looks like in a rookie!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Cory on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Cory is asking: Owner financing would buy me some time to get the property rented and cash flowing as well as build some equity before taking it to my bank for conventional financing. Any tips, suggestions, stories on doing this?  Many real estate professionals have an opinion on owner financing (also called seller financing). Some love it, some hate it, and some just haven’t had any experience with it. Ashley has had some great experience not only owner financing a package of properties for sale, but also being the owner who has financed her property when selling it.  Here are some of Ashley’s suggestions: Show the seller that you’re financially stable with some key documents  Work with the seller to find terms, interest rates, and payment options that work for you both Ask the seller what they need to make this deal work for them Draw up a letter of intent and attach an amortization schedule  Get it structured and drawn up legally with your lawyer  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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking to Tyler Madden for any more than a minute, you can tell that he’s a smart guy. But would you ever guess a general contractor and real estate investor has degrees in biology and chemistry? Probably not! Tyler went to school to be a doctor, but after leaving school he found himself in the restaurant industry. He was serving tables, which later turned into bartending, and later managing the restaurants himself. He enjoyed the growth he found in the restaurant industry but realized that there was a cap to the success.  At the same time, Tyler was fixing up his primary residence every so often, learning new tricks of the trade from online. He got so good at fixing up his own house, other people started asking him to take care of projects on their houses. Tyler loved fixing up houses, and decided to get his general contractor license and start up his own business.  Tyler was even inadvertently house hacking and doing a live in flip/rehab on his first primary home without even realizing it. He rented out a room in his house while he was fixing up the property, which helped him cover a lot of costs. When Tyler and his wife decided to move into another house, they kept it as a rental property, and held on to a LOT of equity that he is now using to pursue future deals. He’s had a fire in a home, a break-in, and at one point had 40 cop cars surrounding him with guns drawn (he shares in the episode). Tyler is an interesting guy, and has a lot of knowledge to share on rehabbing, contracting, cost estimating, and financing!  In This Episode We Cover: How doing a great remodel can boost up the price of your house significantly Taking out HELOCs (home equity lines of credit) and keeping them around for future financing options Starting an LLC so you can take advantage of financing later on Using high-end finishes vs. using standard finishes for rentals How to get your spouse on board when they are worried about real estate risk Making offers on and off market so you can get a deal in an expensive area And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Redfin Zillow Rookie Podcast 48: 4 Ways Newbies Can Finance Deals with Richard Kelly BiggerPockets Podcast 189: 500 Deals, the $100,000 Wholesale Paycheck, & the Systems That Make it Work with Tarl Yarber BiggerPockets Podcast 438: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Finding GREAT Deals in ANY Market with Anson Young PropStream Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie55 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s topic comes from our hosts, Ashley and Tony. They’ve heard many rookies ask the same question: what are the BEST real estate apps to have? Well, Ashley and Tony have rounded up their favorite apps and created a list so you and your partners can invest more successfully and with less headache! Ashley and Tony break down some of the best apps that they use in their real estate investment careers. Here are some of their suggestions: Stessa: Manage the accounting and documents of a property Propstream: An easy way to get lists for off-market deals Wrike: Project management made easy Dealcheck: Run your numbers quicker  Google Voice: Keep your tenants and vendors off your personal cell phone with a FREE business number Everlance: Mileage tracking for business traveling And More! 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 QuickBooks Propertyware Appfolio Podio Zillow onX Hunt LandGlide Personal Capital Google Tasks Google Calendar Google Drive Asana PriceLabs Smartbnb Click here to check the full show notes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie54 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristie LeSage didn’t mind her 9-5 much before she went on a hiking trip to Yosemite. When she turned her phone off for a few days, hung out with friends, and spent time in nature, she realized that she wanted more freedom in her life. After that hiking trip, she returned home to her husband and told him it was time for her to quit. The problem? She didn’t know how she was going to make money when she left her job. After doing some options trading and making money off of it, she made the decision to leave her job by the end of summer 2019. While she was trading, her husband was getting into the BiggerPockets community, and through some of her husband’s suggestions, Kristie found another way to make money. In August of 2019, they closed on a 4-plex in San Diego. A year and a half later, Kristie and her husband have an impressive 24 doors! Kristie walks through the benefits and struggles of owning multifamily properties both in and out of state. She also talks about the different types of funding she used in order to get them under contract, including conventional loans, HELOCs (home equity lines of credit), and commercial loans. Even without a W2 or 2 years of 1099 income, Kristie proves it’s possible to start your real estate journey regardless of where you’re at.  In This Episode We Cover: The advantages of buying rentals in your state or out of state Why multifamily properties made the most sense for Kristie’s situation How to leverage an array of financing options to get houses under contract How to avoid mistakes when vetting tenants (plus what to look out for) Calculating your DTI (Debt-to-income) ratio before applying for financing Self-managing multifamily properties even when they’re out of state How to show a house remotely (and safely) And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram BiggerPockets Forums Cashflow Game Rookie Podcast 42: Bed and Breakfast House Hacking with Lauren Keen Aumond Rookie Podcast 49: Targeting New Builds to Get Around the W-2 Requirements for House Hacking with Andres Bustamante GuestHouse Netflix Zelle Venmo Cash App QuickBooks Stessa Mint Budget RentRedi Buildium Appfolio Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie53 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s question comes from Meghan on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Meghan is asking: How do I keep up the momentum after closing on two deals, when my debt-to-income ratio is too high to get another loan? I’m too new to bring experience to the table, and without much cash or financing, what do I bring to the partnership? We’ve heard this A LOT from rookies, and this is one of the main reasons that rookie investors get stuck and stop investing consistently. Ashley and Tony both have some great advice on keeping the ball rolling so your investment portfolio keeps growing! Here are some suggestions: You always have some amount of experience that is valuable to a partner Find strengths in yourself that partners may lack Share what you’re doing with other investors or in your social circles Be confident on future deals: you’re bringing partners an opportunity Look into other types of lending like commercial lending  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). In This Episode We Cover Debt-to-income (DTI) ratios and how they affect loans Getting your personal finances together to show investors you’re responsible What you should say to ANY investor who may be interested on partnering up Finding a strategy that fits into your lifestyle And More! Links from the Show David Greene's BiggerPockets Profile BiggerPockets Meetups Brandon Turner's BiggerPockets Profile Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie52 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate investors are very busy people, and often, rookie investors become busier than ever as they’re learning the tricks of the trade. Kevin Christensen is no different, he works a full-time job, runs a retail store with 5 locations, and self-manages his long and short-term properties, all while doing some handyman work himself! As a United States Marine, Kevin was used to the “improvise, adapt, and overcome” mentality, which has served him well in his investing career. Kevin only started actively investing in real estate around 2 years ago, but has so far done 18 deals, won a lawsuit, and hired two full-time contractors for his properties. He runs a very tight ship, and doesn’t let much slip through the cracks. Kevin’s secret to success is centered around just being himself: work hard, be kind to others, and focus on customer service. As you’ll hear in the episode, Kevin was able to get a $350,000 house reduced to $190,000 simply by listening to the seller’s needs and being courteous throughout the transaction, something that the other wholesalers in his area failed to do. If you’re interested in subject-to properties, it will serve well to heed Kevin’s advice. He was sued in the middle of a subject-to deal while renting out a house as a short-term rental. Kevin walks through exactly why the sellers were suing, how he protected himself, and how he pulled in $14,000 of revenue in only around 2 months! You’ll probably hear Kevin on the BiggerPockets Real Estate podcast soon, because even though he’s a rookie in years, he’s a pro in experience! In This Episode We Cover: How to be a better wholesaler and listen to what sellers need Getting your spouse on board for real estate investing What a subject-to property is and how to facilitate a subject-to transaction The best property management software (that’s also free!) The importance of having a W2 income if you’re going to BRRRR, flip, or buy long-term rentals Why short-term rentals can be serious cash-flowing investments When to BRRRR and when to flip (depending on your goals and finances) And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Rookie Podcast 32: Debt Free with 2 Rentals and Counting with 24-Year-Old ICU Nurse Prescott Williams Cozy Smartbnb PriceLabs Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie51 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first Rookie Reply episode of the Rookie podcast! We’ll be taking questions from Facebook, Instagram, the BiggerPockets forums, and maybe even the Rookie Request Line (Call us at 1-888-5-ROOKIE). This week’s question comes from Trevor on the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. Trevor is asking: What was the hardest part of getting started? What helped you overcome that obstacle, and how do you mitigate analysis paralysis?  This is a question we often get, so it’s perfect for the first Rookie Reply show. Here are some suggestions: See the first deal as a learning opportunity  Don’t let it become emotional Verify your data and numbers Have another exit strategy Get an accountability partner 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! In This Episode We Cover How to overcome analysis paralysis  Why you should know your “worst case scenario” and adjust accordingly to it Having other exit strategies for your property  Having reserves (or a partner with reserves) Taking the emotion out of the deal And More! Links from the Show BP Insights Rookie Podcast 12: What Works (and Doesn’t) in a Recession & the Untold Story of J Scott’s Messy First Flip Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not many college students get their real estate license while in college, let alone during freshman year. Andres Bustamante did just that, becoming a leasing agent so he could cover his housing and tuition costs. Andre didn’t know if he would go into real estate full-time after college, but when he found the BiggerPockets Podcast in the Summer of 2019, he decided to make the jump. Andres reached out to a guest on the show, who later became his mentor and asked Andres to join his team! In his first year of full-time real estate Andres managed to sell 15 houses, with 15 more under contract as we speak. He lives in a house hack, has another house hack under contract, and bought an AirBnB as a short-term rental. Since Andres had 1099 income he wasn’t able to take the traditional route to house hacking that W2 employees have available to them. Instead, Andres found new construction projects going up, put down earnest money for them, and locked in the deal. As Andres describes, he was able to get into these projects at “stage 1”, so as the builders were building, Andres was guaranteed a price for a house that was appreciating everyday in his growing market. As Andres has been house hacking he's come up with some great ways to verify that tenants will work for you and for your profit margins. He talks about what he provides, what he puts in his leases, how he decides on tenants, and more helpful tips for any aspiring house-hacker! In This Episode We Cover: How to get a property for house hacking when you don’t have a W2 What you’ll need to get a new build under contract How earnest money differs from a down payment The criteria you should have in place for househack tenants How to split utilities among tenants when house hacking How to make equity profit from new builds And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Podcast 352: No Driver’s License, No Money, No Excuses: How Diego Corzo Blazed a Trail to 18 Doors BiggerPockets Podcast 329: Financial Freedom Before 30 Through Just 10 Deals With Felipe Mejia Diego Corzo’s Instagram Stessa Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie49 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Richard Kelly shadowed a veterinarian for the day, he realized that his passion wasn’t performing surgery on animals, it was actually money. This led him to become a banker and after he was given the book Rich Dad Poor Dad, his interest in real estate investing was sparked. After deciding he wanted to become a landlord, Richard found BiggerPockets and started listening to every episode of the podcast he could. After feeling confident enough in the real estate investing education space, he made his first jump into flipping, buying a short-sale home with some creative financing via hard money loans. After some very heavy hard money fees paired with long nights working to get his flip finished, he walked away with a solid profit, and knew that he wanted to park it in buy-and-hold investing. Currently, Richard has completed 2 flips and owns 2 rentals (a single family and a duplex), and knows exactly what (and what not) to look for when using hard money and creative financing. Now, he’s here to share the knowledge with all of us. Richard has done 4 deals, with 4 completely different ways of financing. From private money, to 401(k) loans, and using a fan favorite, the 203(k) construction loan. He also talks through how to find deals, who to partner up with, and why you need a great real estate agent especially when you’re just starting out. In This Episode We Cover: Why short sale properties may be a great buy for new investors  The importance of having reserves when going through hard money lending How to get comfortable with making offers (before you see the place) Financing through hard money, 401(k) loans, and 203(k) loans  Finding quality partners that make deals easier How to find off-market deals, wherever you are Richard’s favorite tools for finding and managing properties And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Yes Man Trulia Zillow Redfin Realtor BiggerPockets Hard Money Lenders Propstream BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Real Estate Show BiggerPockets Money Podcast Genius Scan Stessa Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie48 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andres Bernal came to America to play tennis with only $500 in his pocket. He thought that professional tennis is what his life would end up revolving around. After playing for 2 years and being burnt out from work, Andres decided to take some advice from his family members: start buying real estate. After buying his primary residence, he started looking into multi-family homes that could make him some cash flow each month. He later put down 3.5% with an FHA loan to purchase a triplex, and rented out the bottom 2 units while he lived in the upper 3rd unit. He sold his condo, had some cash, and was ready to start investing more. Andres had some pretty creative ways of getting funding for his real estate deals. He started calling every contact in his phone, asking if they were interested in real estate, and if they were, he packaged up a deal for them. The trade? He does the work and the analysis, they do the financing. These types of partnerships have worked well for Andres and they can work for other rookies as well. His advice is to test the partnership, build the trust, and use the BiggerPockets Rental Property Calculator! The rest will fall into place. In This Episode We Cover: Why FHA loans are a great first financing tool for rookie investors Calculating out your “worst case scenarios” on houses How to treat tenants so they want to stay (and will respect your home) Why investors need to solve a problem for tenants (especially those that cause you the most trouble) Finding local investors and investors within your existing circles The profitability of student housing as an investment Using social media to grow your existing network How to set expectations for contractors And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Bookstore BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Meetups Find a Real Estate Agent Brandon Turner Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie47 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most rookie real estate investors want to hit a home run on their first deal, Annie and Trey Johnson did it completely on accident. Neither of them were interested in being landlords or real estate investors, but after they made six figures profits on their first home, they realized there was real money in the real estate game. Annie and Trey were looking for a home to raise their family in. They found the perfect plot of land which had a new manufactured home and a scenic view. After living in the home for a few years they decided to move elsewhere to be closer to family, and instead of selling it, they decided to rent it out for a year. Now they were landlords by accident, and as the money started to flow in every month they questioned “is this something people are normally doing to make money?”. Fast forward a year, they subdivided the land, sold the home, and walked away with profits exceeding $200,000. Not bad for a couple of rookies! Annie and Trey now invest out of state, building up their real estate portfolio by rehabbing inexpensive homes. They’re so into real estate, that Annie even hosted her own socially-distant meetup during 2020! This investor couple walks through their keys to success, the players on their team that make the biggest difference, and how they went from just homeowners to real estate investors! In This Episode We Cover: How to use your primary home to make more money The ability to cash flow using ADUs and mother-in-law suites How to parcel out lots of land to sell them separately (and make more money!) Why writing a “love letter” may be a good move when submitting home offers How a good or bad property manager can make or break your long-distance investing What to do when there are no meetups in your area (or COVID has limited them) The best advice for new rookies who are looking to find their first deal How to find funding for your BRRRR And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Bookstore BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Podcast BiggerPockets Meetups Rookie Podcast 43: Defeating 5 Years of Analysis Paralysis to Do 4 Deals in 2020 with Jacqueline Smith Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie46 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not one, not two, but three real estate rookies join us on the first Real Estate Rookie episode of 2021! Beth Henson, Jackson Seedott, Jordan Crockett all started their real estate investing careers in 2020, but are in different stages of the game. They each have contrasting strategies, goals, and visions for 2021, making this interview even more interesting! Beth acquired 6 units in 2020! She’s also got 3 more units under contract and is ready to close in early 2021. Beth is also flipping houses as well and has a BIG revenue goal to hit in 2021 for her flipping business. Jackson is still looking to get his first deal under contract but made a very impressive personal finance transition in the 2020. He doubled down on his side business during COVID-19 and has seen revenue triple, which is going directly into his investing fund. He’s analyzing deals, calling agents, and ready to get his first deal in Q1 of 2021! After joining the “How to Get Your First Rental in 90 Days” webinar, Jordan made it his mission to get his first rental property under contract. Jordan bought a duplex within that 90 day timespan and house hacks one side of it. He’s looking to add more rentals and start wholesaling in 2021.  These 3 investors talk about their visions for 2021, how they accomplished success in 2020, and what new investors can do to maximize their efforts for the coming year. In This Episode We Cover: The importance of having a profitable side business Why daily consistent action is the driving force behind goal accomplishment The reason real estate investors vet contractors, agents, and partners so thoroughly Why it’s okay to not know everything, especially if you’re just getting started Defining your “worst case scenario” and making a plan to tackle it How to follow up on your action items for your 2021 goals And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Dave Ramsey BiggerPockets Bookstore Zillow Craigslist BiggerPockets Money Podcast 151: From Single Dad w/ $61K in Student Loans to Financially Savvy Real Estate Investor with Tony J Robinson BiggerPockets Webinars Rookie Podcast 24: 13 Units Despite Being Stationed 5,000 Miles Away with Naaman Taylor BiggerPockets Podcast 398: 22 BRRRR Properties in Under 10 Hours Per Week with Tarl Yarber BiggerPockets Forums Cozy QuickBooks Stessa Appfolio Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie45 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You asked, we answered! This week we’re tackling the most common and most interesting questions asked on the rookie request line! If you’ve sent in a voicemail, you may be featured on this week’s episode! Questions such as: What is better, LLCs vs. Sole Proprietorships for buying properties? How to find a great real estate agent What do you do after you’ve bought your first rental? The best investment types that AREN’T real estate How to start buying rentals after bankruptcy And many more great questions! These will all be answered by our two experienced co-hosts, plus a special cameo from our senior producer, Kevin! If you’ve been wondering about a certain aspect of real estate or just want to know what you can do to get started, this is the episode for you! In This Episode We Cover: How LLCs can limit or expand your financing for rental properties  What factors make a great agent (and which one’s definitely don’t) The importance of shopping around for many different financing options What other asset classes real estate professionals invest in Subletting and AirBnB arbitraging How lenders look at income when two different partners are in on a deal Whether you should pay off debt or add more investments And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group BiggerPockets Find an Agent Rookie Podcast 43: Defeating 5 Years of Analysis Paralysis to Do 4 Deals in 2020 with Jacqueline Smith Dave Ramsey Debt Free Community on Instagram BiggerPockets Money Rookie Podcast 23: From Dave Ramsey Disciple to No-Money-Down Real Estate Investor with Sarah Brandenberger BiggerPockets Keyword Alerts How I Used Real Estate to Pay for My Newborn Daughter’s College Education (Brandon Turner's Blog Post) Cashflow Board Game Be a Guest on the Podcast! Check the full show notes here: http://biggerpockets.com/rookie44 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacqueline Smith knew that she didn’t want to have a big loan on her first house. The way she solved the problem: buy a foreclosed home and do a live in flip! It worked out so well, that she later decided to do it again, on her second home. Her and her husband then had the idea to go at it full time. Even during COVID-19, Jacqueline and her husband have 4 flips in the making, and are looking to add more when deals pop up. She’s been through a lot in her short flipping career, from a tornado coming through a house she was working on, to builder tools being stolen while they were housed on site. This only made Jacqueline find better and more efficient ways to do her flipping. Many of the deals Jacqueline has worked on have come from realtors and investors she’s met through organizations like BiggerPockets and her local REIA. She strongly urges any new investor to join their local real estate groups, talk to investors, and present deals to other experienced professionals when they have the ability to. Jacqueline’s husband now is able to work on their flips as his primary business, plus get paid for the labor! Even in a crazy year like 2020, Jacqueline and her team have decided to go bigger, when many other investors were holding back. In This Episode We Cover: How to find foreclosed homes that are perfect for flips The importance of building equity in order to fund your future deals How to stop “analysis paralysis” from creeping in Why you should attend meetups and networking events How to introduce yourself to other real estate professionals, whether you’re at a meetup or just getting coffee What to look for in a partner, especially if you’re new to flipping Whether or not to put in an “escalation clause” when submitting an offer Why you should always have security cameras on site And SO much more! Links from the Show Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Ashley's Instagram Tony's Instagram Hubzu Mike Butler's Website BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Meetups Dave Ramsey DISC Profile Quickbooks Security National Mortgage Company Rookie Podcast 27: 5 Doors by Using Seller Financing for the First Time with Aaron Chapman Delayed financing highlights from Jacqueline's Friend at SNB Jacqueline's Excel Spreadsheet Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rookie43 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices