** My apologies to Jacques and Paul.  When I uploaded their episode there was a technical issue that only allowed the first 20 minutes to be heard.  Now that the issue has been fixed, you can enjoy the full episode! **   Not too long ago, Paul Leason and Jacques Cyr left the corporate world to become full-time real estate investors and real estate agents.  Today they share their experiences with us, as well as the up's & down's they've encountered along the way. We'll be talking about thieving contractors, renting to prostitutes, getting raided for corndogs (yes, we'll explain), red flags to look for when screening tenants, and watching your property go up in flames!  Through all their challenges, Paul and Jacques have managed to find success by watching the numbers and following the data. Jacques also explains the meaning of BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refi, Repeat) and how he's applied those methods in order to force appreciation on his investment properties. Paul shares his experiences with the Grand Rapids Rental Rehab and "Get the Lead Out" programs, and how he's used them to pay for his rehabs. I know you'll enjoy this episode.  Both Paul & Jacques are Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Agents, and work with all types of investors, including out-of-town buyers, to find rental property.  You can contact them through email or their websites: paulleason.com www.rubiconinvestmi.com [email protected] Jacques phone # 617-775-9352

Many Successful Real Estate Investors tend to have one thing in common; They've developed systems and processes that have exponentially increased their deal flow and ability to get deals done. Today we explore that topic with Brittany Calloway, a real estate investor, consultant, and CEO of Top Notch Property Solutions.  Brittany describes how she accidentally became a real estate investor while helping a family sell their distressed property.  Brittany quickly realized that in order to increase her acquisitions and deals, she could use technology that's already available to investors.  Brittany shares her experiences with Virtual Assistants and outsourcing her tasks. Brittany has also systematized how she raises Private Money, and has utilized Linkedin to net over $500,000 in investor funds.  We'll also learn her favorite software application, as well as how she's managed to duplicate her business and move into New Markets. This episode is a "must listen" for all serious investors.  Brittany will also be a featured speaker at the Michigan Landlord & Real Estate Investor FREE Conference & Expo, which is happening February 22-24, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You can register for FREE at www.rpoaonline.org

Many Real Estate Investors have heard that they can save big money on taxes and increase the value of their retirement funds by investing in real estate using a Self-Directed IRA, but they still haven't taken the steps necessary to make it happen. On today's episode we talk with Edwin Kelly, one of the nation's top experts on Self-Directed Retirement accounts to learn why they're such a great tool & vehicle for building legacy wealth.  Edwin also share's his Triple-D, three-step process: DECIDE that you want one and set it up properly, DEPOSIT the money you'll need to work with, and DIRECT that money into the investment vehicle of your choice. Edwin does a great job of simplifying the process in a way that might finally get you to take action.  He also shares stories of his clients who have used SDIRA's to eliminate their credit card debt, shield their wholesaling income from earned income tax, and created thousands of dollars in monthly retirement income off of an initial $4,000 investment. We also bring the conversation to a higher level when Edwin answers my questions about investing in syndications through SDIRA's and the consequences of UBIT and UDFI taxation on leveraged investments. I know you'll get a lot of great, action-able information from this conversation.  Edwin will also be a featured speaker at the RPOA's Annual Real Estate Investors FREE Conference and Expo, which is taking place February 22 - 24, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You can go to rpoaonline.org to register for FREE!

Today we are taking a deep dive into buying properties at Huge Discounts through Sheriff Sales and Tax Auctions. My guest today is Stephen Benedict, an investor in the West Michigan/Muskegon area with over 120 units in his portfolio.  Stephen knows all the in's & out's of buying properties at Sheriff Sales and Tax Auctions, and he has agreed to walk us through the process. Stephen talks about his first Sheriff Sale property, how the process works, why you should buy the first mortgage and not the second, the best & worst deals he's done, mistakes he sees other investors make, and understanding the TRUE costs of acquiring and rehabbing a property. Stephen will also explain the differences between Sheriff Sales and Tax Auctions, and how Tax Auctions changed with the advent of the Land Bank and money laundering rules. Stephen makes it clear that Sheriff's Sales and Tax Auctions are a high risk type of investment, but if you do your proper due diligence the rewards can be extraordinary. Enjoy the show, and please take a moment to give us a review and rating on itunes. If you'd like to contact Stephen, his email is: [email protected]  

For the 100th Episode we decided to shake things up a little.  Charlie Kao is back in the studio and turning the table on host Brian Hamrick, making him answer the questions this time. Charlie gets Brian to discuss the new asset classes he been investing in this past year, including office, self-storage, and notes.  They also discuss the different members of Brian's team, and what he looks for in successful partnerships. Brian shares his outlook on the market and whether or not he believes there will be another real estate bubble, and how he's positioning his real estate assets to protect his portfolio in a downturn. This is a fun and informative conversation marking our 100th episode.  If you've been enjoying our show over the past two years, please let us know by giving us a rating and review on itunes. Enjoy!

At the age of 44, Hunter Carlile lost his corporate job and had to figure out how he would support his wife and three kids.  That was over four years ago, and in that time Hunter has bought/sold or rented over 200 houses!  And he's done it primarily through tax lien investing. Today Hunter shares his tax lien and investing strategies.  We'll talk about how he finds distressed properties, fixes them up, and either sells or holds as rentals.  We'll also discuss the in's & out's of tax lien investing and the pitfalls investors need to be aware of. Hunter also talks about his experiences using direct mail to find motivated sellers of distressed properties, why you should always avoid lender escrows for taxes and insurance, and how he relates to & works with home owners who find themselves in foreclosure. Hunter has also developed software that tax lien investors can use to simplify the process, and he's a coach and trainer as well.  You can find out more by going to his website or contacting him through email: https://www.taxlienvestors.com/ [email protected] Enjoy the show!

When many of us think of Smart Home Technology we picture Amazon Alexa or Google Home turning our lights on and off or telling us the temperature and time.  These devices can be fun and addictive, but how useful are they to real estate investors and rental property owners, and can they improve our profits? Sean Miller is the President of Point Central, a provider of Enterprise-Scale Home Automation Solutions, and today he's going to tell us how Smart Home Technology is revolutionizing the way Rental Property Owners and Managers do business. We'll discuss the true meaning of "Smart Home Technology", and how the Analytics and Real Time Property Intelligence can help monitor your systems and utility usage, as well as identify potential problems before they happen. We'll also discuss the day-to-day practical uses of this technology, such as remotely controlling vendor and tenant access to your units, eliminating the need for keys and re-keying when a tenant moves out, lowering your utility bills, and adding security and video surveillance. Smart Homes can also benefit your tenants and Airbnb guests.  Units with this technology command higher rents and increase tenant retention.  And best of all, owners and investors can see a Return-On-Investment upwards of 25% of the cost of installing these systems. I know you're going to enjoy this fascinating conversation.  You can learn more about Enterprise-Scale Home Automation Solutions by visiting the Point Central website: https://www.pointcentral.com

Tyler Sheff has figured out a way to build wealth by solving other people's problems, mainly by helping them invest in Buy & Hold Real Estate in order to realize tax benefits that will help them keep more of their income. Today we discuss the difference between ordinary income and capital gains, how Flips and Rehabs are taxed differently from Buy & Holds, and things you need to consider before leaving your job and eliminating earned income. Tyler also shares his experiences investing in Airbnbs and non-performing notes, working with the police department to improve his acquisitions, and how he doubled the value of his first Multi-Family Investment in two years. Tyler is also the host of "Cashflow Guys Podcast" and you can learn more about him at www.cashflowguys.com  

Charlie Kao negotiated a Commercial Land Lease for one of his father's properties when he was only 25 years old.  But it wasn't until he had a medical scare that he began taking real estate investing seriously and created a mission statement that would guide him as a "Lifestyle Investor". Today Charlie shares the many types of investments he's succeeded with, as well as the big loss he took on one of his flips.  Charlie discusses the lessons he learned from his father, why he likes to live in his flips, his airbnb experiences, tools he uses to enhance his efficiency, returns he strives for, and why he under-prices his rentals. You'll also learn Charlie's personal reasons for working with certain non-profit organizations as a way to give back to refugee youths, as well as his future plans to invest in self-storage, and the unique criteria he's using that will lead to bigger profits. I know you'll find this episode to be highly informative.  Please take a moment to leave a review & rating on itunes. Charlie can be contacted by email or phone: [email protected] (616) 378-5044 Enjoy!

Pat Sandro is one of the original House Hack Babies.  The duplex that he grew up in was owned by his father, and the rent from the other unit helped pay for his diapers.  From an early age, Pat was paying attention to the way his father invested in real estate and self-managed the 36 units he'd acquired.  But it wasn't until after Pat became a physical therapist that he realized the true benefits of Real Estate Investing. On today's episode, Pat shares the good times & the bad times.  From the huge profits he made flipping condos in Florida before the crash, to the money he lost after 2009.  Pat talks about the multi-family properties he's acquired, the land contracts that provide 'mailbox money', and the 'do-it-yourself' management style he learned from his father. Pat also tells us about the vacant home he purchased and the horrific discovery in the basement.  You'll also learn about Fair Housing Laws regarding Emotional Support Animals, and how Pat found himself in trouble when he unknowingly violated these rules. This is an excellent conversation about the realities of owning and managing your own investment properties, and Pat doesn't hold back from sharing the good and the bad.  Enjoy!

Get Ready to Get Scared by this Special Halloween Episode with Real Ghost Stories from the perspective of Rental Property Owners, Homeowners, and Tenants. Whether you believe in Ghosts or not, sometimes strange and inexplicable things happen that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Our guests today talk about the creaking doors, the footsteps, the feeling of being watched, and the sensation of seeing an apparition of someone long dead. With stories from old and new guests: Ann Finkler, Gary Hall, Steve DeKoster, Brandon Krieg, John Potter, and Sue Dejonge. I know you'll enjoy this episode and I'd appreciate it if you'd share that enjoyment by giving us a review and rating in itunes. Happy Halloween!

Sooner or later every investor must ask the question "Where can I get the money to do my next deal?"  Today James Eerdmans from American Realty Property Management and Finance of America Mortgage will help answer that question. James is a prolific investor who has bought and sold hundreds of properties in the past 20 years.  He's also well versed in the different loan products available to home buyers and investors. In this episode we'll discuss the standard types of loans available to home buyers such as FHA and VA, credit score requirements, Private Mortgage Insurance, and the amount of money you'll need to put down (anywhere from 0% to 25%).  We also discuss FHA 203k loans, which allow homeowners the opportunity to roll their rehab costs into the amount borrowed. James also discusses the differences between Conventional, Commercial, and Private Lending, and how they apply to investors.  You'll also learn how to protect yourself from having your loan 'called in' during the next downturn, the meaning of 'portfolio loan', the number of residential loans you can have, and the different ways banks value your property. If you're unsure of the different loan options available for your investments, or are looking for updated information on the lending industry, I know you'll enjoy today's conversation.  You can contact James by email or phone: [email protected] 616-726-5700  

Todd Warstler learned he was losing his job while attending a Lou Brown Real Estate Seminar.  The news couldn't have been better received, as Todd had already decided that he could make a better living using Lou's techniques. Today Todd and I discuss the "Rent-to-Own" system that has helped him replace his job income, and how he's used this training to provide affordable housing to residents who were not able to acquire traditional financing.  Todd took Lou Brown's lessons a step further by providing Credit Restoration Services that help his residents fix their credit report and improve their credit scores. Todd also shares the returns he shoots for when working with investors, the contractor nightmare he encountered, ways to save money on rehabs, and his opinion on the 'Fix & Flip' Shows made popular on HGTV. There's a lot of great information in this episode for every type of investor.  If you'd like to get a hold of Todd, you can contact him by email, website or phone: [email protected] 866-386-0590 www.nicehomestoday.com  

Ann Finkler describes herself as an Explorer, Entrepreneur, Investor, and High Risk Taker.  Whether she's Buying an empty Industrial or Office Building, turning a Historic House into a Successful Bed & Breakfast, or Restoring Damaged Homes, she has learned to look at everything with a Creative Eye in order to find Profit and Cash Flow in areas other people would avoid. Today on the show, Ann tells us how she looks for properties that she can fit businesses into, and how that led her to purchase an industrial building that was only 30% occupied.  She also shares why she is cautious about taking on commercial debt and how she funds her deals using private money. Ann also shares tips and advice on how to protect your home after a disaster, and why getting to know your insurance agent is so important.  Ann also looks for strategic partnerships, and shares the qualities she likes to see in potential partners.  You'll also learn how Ann was able to retire early, but changed her mind after the events of 9/11. There's a lot of great experience and information packed into this conversation.  Please take a moment to let us know how much you enjoy the show by going to itunes to subscribe, rate & review!  

True Passive Income is the Holy Grail for most Real Estate Investors.  However, its not always easy to separate ourselves from the Day-to-Day Realities of Investing and figure out ways to create a team, systems and processes that will free up more time and energy for other pursuits.  In this episode we're going to discuss why a good plan violently executed today is better than a perfect plan executed next week. Gary Hall is an Entrepreneur, Passive Income Strategist, and the Operations Manager of Westshore Property Management in Muskegon, Michigan.  Gary's going to share concrete examples of the systems he's put in place throughout his career to create passive income while building his real estate portfolio. We also go into detail on a low income 11 unit that he's turning into an Airbnb cash cow, as well as his first 'blind pool' syndication and the lessons he learned while raising over $400,000. Gary also discusses the Financial Business he started while in College, Whether Dave Ramsay's advice applies to Commercial Investors, and his outlook on the West Michigan Market. If you're serious about treating your Real Estate Investing as a Business, then I know you're going to get a lot out of this episode. Gary's contact info: http://www.westshorepropertymanagement.com/ [email protected] [email protected] To share your True Life Ghost Story contact Brian Hamrick @ [email protected]  

Today we take a Deeper Dive into the Un-Sexy, yet Extremely Important, details that can make or break your rental property investments: - why you should always have an Attorney review your Contracts - the importance of Title Companies when you buy a Property - how to avoid Adverse Possession - the Hostile Takeover of your Property - How you can Profit from having a Cell Tower on your Property - How to avoid Land Contract Disasters Brian Durham is a Real Estate Agent and Office Manager for Precision Real Estate. He's also finished law school and is in the process of taking the bar exam. Brian has a background in Telecommunications, business management, and tenant law. In this episode, Brian shares how his first home presented a unique and lucrative profit potential when a large grocery store chain made him an offer he couldn't refuse, what happened when a house he sold on land contract burned down, and why he sees the strong housing market continuing for another two to three years. I know you'll gain a lot of in-depth real estate knowledge from today's conversation. Please take a moment to go to itunes to give us a review & rating. To contact Brian: facebook: Precision Real Estate llc 616-299-5777 [email protected] And share your Real Life Ghost Story by emailing Brian Hamrick @ [email protected]

This episode is dedicated to anyone who's ever owned rental property and has had to decide whether they should self-manage or hire a professional 3rd party property management company. James Loftus and Patrick Spitzley are back in the studio to discuss their experiences managing their rental properties and then handing over their babies to someone else to take care of them. We discuss the pro's & con's of professional management v.s. self-managing, getting rid of intrusive and demanding tenants, and whether or not your bottom-line numbers will improve with professional management. James and Patrick also discuss why they chose not to start their own management companies, the lifestyle they've created with their free time, and whether or not $50 for changing a toilet paper holder is too expensive. I know you're going to enjoy our conversation.  Stick around until the end to hear some bonus 'off-mic' content!

Whitney Nicely believes everyone should control their destiny by investing in real estate as soon and as much as possible.  Today she joins me in the studio to talk about the many types of deals she's done, the techniques she's used, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Whitney LOVES investing in Lease Options, and she tells some great stories of the money she's made, and the headaches she's encountered. You'll also learn the three profit points Whitney focuses on when doing a lease option: The non-refundable lease fee, monthly cash flow, and profit at sale. Whitney also buys vacant land at auctions and tells the story of two purchases that had surprisingly lucrative outcomes.  You'll also find out how she and her boyfriend (now husband) were able to purchase their apartment units with no money down. This is a fun, informational episode that I know you're going to enjoy. You can contact Whitney through her facebook page by going to: www.whitneynicely.com/group

In this red-hot real estate market you need every possible edge to separate yourself from all of the other buyers and investors you're competing with.  There are also tricks and tips sellers need to be aware of to get the best price for their property. Today Joshua Schaub from Icon Realty Group is back in the studio to share up-to-date actionable techniques for buyers, sellers and investors that will give you the edge in today's real estate market. Joshua has 7 tips for buyers that will help them get more offers accepted, 5 tips for sellers that will help them price and market their home effectively, and real-life stories from the trenches that every investor can learn from. We discuss the vacant land he purchased where his development plans were literally 'sunk', why buyers should do a final walk-through before closing, and how he helped sell a house that hadn't received any offers for more money than the seller had been asking through a previous broker. There's a lot of fantastic information packed into this episode.  I'm also thrilled to welcome Icon Realty Group as the newest sponsor for this show.  You can contact Joshua and Icon Realty Group by phone or website: 616-216-2000 http://www.joshuaschaub.com/ http://theiconrealtygroup.com/  

Bill and Jackie Howson have achieved what many Real Estate Investors dream of - They've built a 57 Unit portfolio, weathered the loss of his job, and achieved financial security through Real Estate Investing.  But best of all, they've done it together. Today we discuss how their unique talents and skills compliment each other, and share some funny stories of the arguments they've had along the way.  Bill is the researcher and constant learner, who enjoys the due diligence and acquisition phase.  Jackie is the designer and rehabber, who has earned her respect in a male-dominated industry. Bill and Jackie also share their management philosophies, and tell why they no longer accept residents who have evictions in their past.  They also talk language differences, and how they've had to learn the American meaning of 'yard', 'electrical socket', 'tub', and 'faucet'. I know you'll enjoy this fun and informative conversation.  Please take a moment to go to itunes to give us a 5 star rating and review!

When it comes to buying Commercial Retail, Office or Industrial Investment Property, there's a lot of differences from the Commercial Multifamily and Apartment World.  Here to discuss and compare those differences with us today is Michael Cagen, a Senior Associate with Marcus & Millichap. Michael and I talk about Single Tenant Net Leases in the Retail space, such as those you might find with a Dollar General store or a Walgreens.  We also discuss the different types of leases you might find in an office building such as Gross, Modified Gross, Single Net, Double Net, Triple Net and Absolute Net, and who pays what expenses under each.  Michael shares the factors used in valuing these types of commercial properties, such as price and cost per square foot, cap rate, tenant strength, lease duration, and tenant improvements ("TI").  He also shares real-world examples from investments he's brokered. You'll also get an inside look at how Marcus & Millichap position their client's commercial properties in the market to attract the greatest number of buyers and how that translates to higher purchase prices.  Michael will take us step-by-step through the process of working with sellers and buyers, and what makes a purchase offer stronger than others. This episode offers an in-depth and fascinating look at the different types of commercial investments.  You can contact Michael by email or phone: [email protected] 616-291-6222

Joe Fairless is the host of "The Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever" Podcast and today he's in the studio to tell us how he grew his portfolio from Four Single-Family Rentals to an apartment portfolio worth over $160 Million within the span of three years. Joe shares the details on his 'Best Ever' investment, a 250 Unit complex in Houston Texas, and how he increased it's value from $16.1 Million to $21.6 Million in two years. Joe also discusses the types of apartment investments he buys, his Return on Investment goals, and the steps he takes to increase the Net Operating Income.  He'll also take us through his 3-step approach to scaling his business through strategic partnerships, as well as what he looks for in potential partners and what skills he brings to the table. Joe also has a marketing background, and we discuss how important marketing is to raising money and being a successful investor.  Joe also tells the story of his brief career in stand-up comedy and how that's helped him get past the fear of talking with investors. Whether you're familiar with Joe's podcast or not, I know you'll learn a lot of great information from this episode.  You can contact Joe through his email or website, and by listening to his podcast: [email protected] http://joefairless.com/

In 2011 Tim VandenToorn took a leap of faith and invested $30,000 from his savings and ROTH IRA into a four-unit foreclosure.  That was his first step into real estate investing and he's been going strong ever since, building a portfolio worth over $1 Million dollars.  In this episode, you'll find out how he did it. Tim and I also discuss his previous career in law enforcement, and why he traded that in to work with his family in property management at United Properties of West Michigan.  Tim started as a maintenance tech and has since worked his way up to Managing Partner, where he oversees over 500 properties in the West Michigan area.  Tim also started United Realty, which assists investors with the acquisition of investment properties. Tim shares a lot of the experience he's gained during this time, such as buying multiple properties from tax sales, understanding the true expenses of investment property, the power of using 'other people's money', budgeting for capital improvements, and the functional issues tenants look at when deciding whether they should rent your unit. Tim also spends a lot of time working with first-time investors, and shares his tips on managing your expectations in this hot real estate market, defining your goals, and where he sees the opportunities going forward. There's a lot of great information packed into this conversation.  If you'd like to contact Tim or United Properties, you can do so by email or website: [email protected] https://www.rentupm.com/ Tim can also be found on Bigger Pockets.

Many investors are struggling to find deals in this tight real estate market, and ending up increasingly frustrated by the lack of inventory and high asking prices they're encountering in the Primary market in which these properties are traded. But there is a Secondary market in which these properties can be acquired for a fraction of their value by purchasing the note, or underlying mortgage. Gene Chandler, the Asset Manager for Chandler & Chandler Financial, LLC, is in the studio with me today to share his experiences over the past decade in buying one-off and small pools of distressed assets directly from banks, hedge funds, and private equity groups. Gene will explain the differences between the primary and secondary markets, performing v.s. non-performing loans, and traditional rehabs and flips v.s. 'fixing' a note. You'll also learn the lingo Gene uses when talking to the bank's special asset manager, the types of properties he prefers, and many examples of the notes he's purchased and the profits he's made. There's a lot of great information packed into this episode.  If you've ever wondered what it takes to purchase the note directly from the lender, you owe it to yourself to check out this episode. Gene can be contacted through his website or email: http://chandlerfin.com/ [email protected]    

Abandoned and Dilapidated for the past ten years, it was a two-unit property that no investor wanted anything to do with.  I would drive by and wonder when the city would get around to tearing it down. And then, Mike VanderWoude came along. Mike is a broker at 616 Places, and he saw something that no one else did.  He saw money. Today, Mike takes us step-by-step through the acquisition and rehab of this two-unit property.  How he negotiated the purchase price, acquired a construction loan, and checked with the city to make sure that it was indeed, a 2-unit property. Mike also talks about the dynamics of Grand Rapids' West Side neighborhoods, how he researched what residents want in a home, whether they prefer a tub or shower, and the value of having great photos for marketing. I know you'll enjoy learning from Mike's experience bringing a 2-unit back to life.  You can find out more about Mike on the web: http://www.grandrapidshomesforsale.com/mike-vanderwoude/ Enjoy the show!

Bert Heyboer, President of S&G Property Management Company, has been investing in & managing rental properties since 2003.  Today he shares his stories from the trenches, including the Most Evil Woman on Earth, the Cat Woman, and difficult conversations with tenants who can't pay their rent. Bert also shares his expert advice on how to get started in owning rental property, managing your cashflow expectations, and making sacrifices now so that you can reap the rewards later. Bert's also passionate about the legislation affecting rental property owners, and chairs the RPOA's government affairs committee where he works closely with local & state lawmakers to prevent bad bills from happening. I know you'll enjoy today's conversation with Bert.  You can contact Bert and S&G Property Management by web or phone: www.rentsg.com 616-719-0819  

If you're a buyer or seller of apartment communities in the Michigan and Ohio area, chances are you've talked to Al Beachum, an associate broker with Income Property Organization. Al was recently named a 2016 Costar Power Broker with 47 commercial apartment transactions in 2016.  Since 2007 Al has brokered over 230 multifamily properties worth over a half-billion dollars. Today Al and I discuss his legal background and how it gives him an edge in working through the complex legal challenges that often happen during acquisitions.  We also talk about the differences in scale and efficiencies between single family and apartment investing, and how to strategically deploy funds to improve apartment values. Al works with a lot of first-time apartment investors and shares how he vets potential buyers to determine where their capital is coming from, whether they're properly funded, and what qualifications and track record they bring to the table. We also discuss the Michigan market and Al's outlook on the changes he sees happening in the next several years. If you're interested in investing in apartment communities, then this is a 'must-listen' episode! You can contact Al through Income Property Organization's website: http://incomepo.com/

When it comes to Real Estate Investing, Marty Green has had a wild ride.  He made millions of dollars Rehabbing and Flipping Houses, and then lost it all during the Great Recession.  After licking his wounds for about a week, he decided to start his own property management company, and in the process has flipped the traditional property management style upside down. Today Marty discusses how he took everything he dislikes about traditional property management and created a company that does things very differently.  Marty discusses the philosophy and strategies that align his companies' goals and profit with those of the owners they manage for. Marty also shares some colorful stories of his early days managing rough properties and the confrontations he's had with past tenants.  He also shares the story of how he was recruited by the Grand Rapids Vice Squad to become an undercover informant in order to rid his properties of criminal characters. We're also thrilled that Marty's company, Green Property Management, will now be an official sponsor of this podcast!  You can get in touch with Marty, or Green Property Management by website, phone, or email: http://greenpropertymgt.com/ 1-866-954-7336 [email protected]

Because you Demanded it!  Justin Workman & Rob Minch are back in the studio today to answer more questions from our listeners: How much money should you set aside for maintenance & capital expenses? What repairs should you know how to do yourself v.s. what should you hire someone to do? How do you avoid evictions? Who do you need on your team to make the lender happy? Resources for improving your Negotiation Skills. How do you quit your job and live of of rents? Justin, Rob & Brian also discuss the signs they're seeing in the marketplace and economy that are affecting their decisions & investments. Enjoy the show!

In 2012 Lonnie Shields and his wife were driving down the Beltline when their lives changed forever in an auto accident.  Today Lonnie & I talk about that accident, and the role real estate investing has played on their road to recovery. Lonnie shares his thought process in determining to sell off his small Multifamilies in Grand Rapids and invest in Single-Family Homes in a new, less expensive market.  We discuss the 1031 exchange he's currently doing by selling a 5-unit and purchasing 8 to 10 Single Families in Muskegon, Michigan. We also talk about Self-Directed IRA's, and how Lonnie prefers using his SDIRA as a way to invest in two SFHs instead of the stock market, where he was losing money every year.  Lonnie also talks about reconciling his Christian faith with the realities of being an investor and landlord, and the effect it has on his trust in sellers, contractors and tenants. Lonnie is also a big believer in the benefits of being an RPOA member.  If you'd like to learn more about the RPOA, go to www.rpoaonline.org  And please be sure to give this podcast a review & rating on itunes. Enjoy!

Benjamin Mcclellan grew up with eight brothers & sisters, few material possessions, and even less money.  Many of his meals consisted of rice, beans, and popcorn.  But his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a lifelong passion for learning. That passion has led Benjamin to invest in 14 Buy & Hold Rentals, as well as 3 Flips in the Grand Rapids area.  He's also done what I'd call "Extreme House Hacking" by buying foreclosed properties with no running water, gas or heat, and living there while he does the rehab.  This strategy has led to interesting encounters with homeless squatters, thieving neighbors, and frozen pipes, but its also set Benjamin on the path to financial independence. Benjamin also has a knack for creating relationships with sellers and note holders that has helped him acquire his properties for very little money down with unique deal structures.  He shares the nuts and bolts of those deals in today's conversation. If you want to know what it takes to start with very little and build it into a strong portfolio of real estate assets, then I know you're going to enjoy today's conversation.

Should you be forced to allow residents to smoke medical marijuana in your properties?  Are you concerned about Rent Control Laws affecting your bottom line?  Who should pay the cost of getting rid of Bed Bugs?  Is it your responsibility to make sure your residents are registered to vote? Who is helping to shape the legislation that answers these questions? The Rental Property Owners Association ("RPOA") is, that's who. And today, we talk with Clay Powell, the Director of the RPOA, about a little understood, yet vital function of the RPOA, which is to work with local and state legislators to prevent laws that could make owning rental property more expensive and cumbersome for Landlords and Investors. Clay and I discuss recent successes in preventing mandated inspections for Lead Paint, requiring landlords to register their residents to vote, expensive requirements for new smoke detector technology, and many other issues that affect our bottom line. The RPOA is protecting your rights as a Landlord and Investor, whether you're a member or not.  You can help out by becoming a member: www.rpoaonline.org You can also contribute to the Political Action Committee ("PAC") by calling 616-454-3385 with your donation. Enjoy the show!

A year ago Cameron & Emily Walker, in their own words, 'knew nothing' about buying rental property and real estate investing. Cut to today's conversation where they share how they came across the concept of House Hacking, located & purchased a duplex, and are now living in one unit and using the rent from the other unit to pay their bills. It wasn't an easy learning experience, and Cameron & Emily are going to tell us how they raised money for their down payment from their wedding registry, evicted their tenant while on their honeymoon, and how they're using their extra house hacking income to pay off their student loans. We also debate whether or not they should pay off their Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) immediately, or apply those payments to their next house hack. I know you'll enjoy today's episode.  Cameron & Emily never thought they'd be home owners so soon, let alone rental property owners.  If you're already an investor this conversation will remind you what it was like when you began.  If you're not yet an investor, this episode will inspire you to get started! And if you like what you hear, do me a favor and go to to itunes to give us a review & rating. Enjoy!

As a syndicator in large apartment investments, I've certainly spent a lot of time and effort raising money from private investors. "Magnetic Capital: How to Raise All the Money You Need for ANY Worthy Venture" is a book that I wish I'd had when I was just starting out. Victor J. Menasce, the author, joins me today to share the secrets he's learned about raising Other People's Money.  We'll discuss the five fundamental elements to raising money: Relationship, Trust, Results, Compelling Opportunity, and Allignment, and how they apply to Real Estate Opportunities. Victor will also provide insight into the Psychology of raising money, how to avoid being 'creepy', The Art of the Pitch, Rookie Mistakes to Avoid, and whether or not you need a business plan. Victor has also appeared on "Dragon's Den", which is the Canadian equivalent of "Shark Tank", and he'll share that interesting experience with us. You can purchase "Magnetic Capital" by going to Victor's website: http://www.victorjm.com/ There's a lot of great actionable content in today's episode that I know you'll enjoy.  One action you can take right now is to give us a review & rating on itunes!  

Brad Tacia and Mark Yuschak both come from a successful background in the corporate world, and they've each had their share of real estate success.  So it made a lot of sense for them to partner up, and doing so has had enormous benefits. Today Brad and Mark discuss the two deals they've done together - a 23 unit community in Fowlerville, and a 63 unit Senior Housing Property in Lansing, Michigan. We'll discuss how they found these deals, the negotiations they had with the sellers, and the efficiencies they were able to bring that provided a huge upside in their Net Operating Income.  We also discuss a busted condo community that Brad purchased during the recession, and how Brad and Mark analyze their deals. Brad and Mark are also laying the groundwork for their first syndication, and we discuss the type of deal they're looking for, the types of returns they hope to project, and how they share their information with potential investors. I know you'll enjoy this show.  Please go to itunes to subscribe, rate & review! You can get in touch with Brad and Mark through email & facebook: [email protected] [email protected] facebook: Apartment Investors of Michigan

I first met today's guest, Jordan Anderson, at a Multi-Family Bootcamp several years ago when he had just purchased two-four units in Philadelphia. Today we discuss what Jordan learned at that bootcamp about multi-family, his successful flipping business, and a triplex he purchased recently with vacant commercial space. Jordan also shares what happens when you don't listen to your mentor, the contractor who took advantage of him, and the out-of-town investors who might be overpaying in the Philadelphia market. We also talk about the mindset difference between flipping and multi-family, nurturing relationships with prospective sellers, and using private money. There's a lot of great information in this episode that I know you'll enjoy.  Please take a moment to give us a review & rating on itunes.  

For the first time ever on the podcast we answer questions posed by our listeners. I've invited Rob Minch and Justin Workman back into the studio to help me answer many important questions... "Should I pay $25,000 for Coaching and Training?" "I hired a new property management company and my occupancy dropped to 83%.  Did I make a mistake?" "Should I do a cash-out refinance and pull out over $200,000, or is setting up a line-of-credit a better option?" We answer these questions and more, including the podcasts, books, and people that inspire and educate us.  This is an episode you don't want to miss! If you have questions you'd like to have considered for a future episode, please give us a rating and review on itunes, then email me at [email protected]

In the span of three years, Mike Cowper has grown his wholesaling business to become one of the largest in the Eastern Michigan Tri-State area.  Mike and his partner do 20 deals a month by marketing to homeowner/sellers and assigning the contracts to investors of all specialties. Mike did not achieve this success by accident, and he's happy to share how he systematically and deliberately went about building his multi-million dollar business.  From defining his team and their duties, to instituting systems and processes, and creating a killer website that is addictive and fun. Mike and I also discuss the mastermind group he joined that was instrumental in his growth, how solving other people's problems is a key component of his success, and why you can't always believe what the wholesaling gurus tell you. Mike's contact info: http://webuyroi.com/ [email protected]   You can also hear Mike on the "Just Start Real Estate" Podcast. I know you'll enjoy this episode.  Please remember to go to itunes to give us a star rating & review.

Whether you love or hate those HGTV shows on Rehabbing and Flipping, you're going to really enjoy today's conversation. Ramon Huerta and Jeremy Cole host a 'Property Krawl' every month in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they invite all levels of investors to accompany them on a tour of properties that are ripe for rehabbing, flipping, and buy & hold investing.  Ramon is a realtor/investor, and he chooses the homes to view, while Jeremy uses his contractor skills to help others understand the costs involved in rehabbing the properties.  Together, they strive to help beginning investors understand the complexities of acquiring, rehabbing, and owning rental property, while sharing creative strategies with the more experienced investors who also join in. We also discuss the economic dynamics of Kalamazoo, a city where you can still buy houses for under $10,000. I highly recommend visiting the facebook page for 'Property Krawl', where you can see videos and photos of the events.  You should also take a moment to go to itunes where you can rate and review this podcast! Enjoy!

Joe Delia is the Lead Agent & Owner of The Delia Group, a Keller Williams agency ranked in the top 10 in the state of Michigan with over $65 million in sales last year. Joe comes from an entrepreneurial background that helped him thrive during the Great Recession.  Joe shares his many adventures in real estate; His experience with Trump University, Flipping & Rehabbing homes in Las Vegas & Phoenix, the frustrations of high-end flips, and the reasons why he avoids cheaper properties in 'D' neighborhoods. Joe's wife, Renee, is a Six-Sigma Blackbelt, and he discusses how she was able to bring operations & lean processes to The Delia Group that helped them land a huge corporate account with Quicken Loans and complete over $65 Million in transactions in 2016. If you're struggling with building your team and finding 'A' players, then you'll benefit greatly from this episode.  Joe describes the process he uses to find, hire & promote the best talent and build the strongest team possible. You can contact Joe through his email at:  [email protected] I'd also like you to take a moment and give this podcast a rating & review on itunes. Enjoy!

The RPOA's House Hacking Expert Panel from the Annual Conference was so popular that we decided to record it and make it into a podcast episode. If you've ever wondered what House Hacking is all about, or why it makes sense, this is the episode you don't want to miss.  Our expert panel will talk you through every step: how to find the right property, how to secure financing & renovation loans, and how to find the right tenants. Courtney Sorrell & her husband completed their first house hack last year.  Courtney is the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Davenport University and is the founder of Pika Properties. Courtney was also a guest on the podcast – episode #30 Kevin Murphy also completed his first house hack last year and used a little know loan to acquire the property and roll in $30k for rehab expenses.  Kevin is a Strategic Pricing Analyst for Meijer, as well as a crossfit trainer & public speaker. You can hear Kevin on Episode #31 of the podcast. Allison Koetsier is the Rock Star Realtor who helped Courtney find her first house hack.  Allison works for Compass Realty Services & is the #1 multi-family broker in West Michigan. She’s a board member of the RPOA and runs the millionaire mastermind group. You can hear Allison on Episode #38 of the podcast. Josh Smith was instrumental in helping Kevin remodel his first house hack using an FHA 203k mortgage.  Josh was the owner of Front Porch Group, which focused on the niche of remodeling homes using 203k loans, and he’s currently the sales manager at Treadstone Mortgage, which specializes in residential home mortgages including FHA renovation loans. I know you're going to enjoy this special podcast episode.  Please take a moment to go to itunes to subscribe, rate & review!

With over 20 years of experience buying, managing, and profiting from Single Family and Apartment rentals, Steve Ferris has certainly had his share of up's & downs. Today Steve shares the lessons he's learned about hiring professional management, flipping his first house, creative financing and lines of credit, and why buying a bargain does not always lead to big profits. Steve is a Single Family and Apartment investor in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, Michigan.  His first acquisition was in 1995, and his portfolio grew quickly enough to allow him to quit his day job.  Steve is still actively acquiring rentals in Muskegon, and during our conversation he shares the numbers and returns he's been able to achieve. I know you'll enjoy our conversation today.  Please show us how much by going to itunes to rate & review the show!  

Real Estate Investing offers one of the greatest paths to long-term wealth.  However, one of the most important components of building that long-term wealth is often overlooked, or approached with dread & fear.  Of course, I'm talking about taxes. Today, in an effort to get past that fear & confusion, we delve into the tax benefits and reporting methods of real estate investing with Duane Culver, CPA and President of Culver CPA Group. Duane is going to talk us through year-end tax reporting and what you should know if your are a wholesaler, flipper, rehab-er, or buy & hold investor.  Duane explains terms like 'depreciation' & 'basis', the difference between investment & business income, what is a balance sheet and profit & loss statement, retirement planning & IRA's, as well as common mistakes different types of investors typically make when they fill out their tax forms. If you're about to sit down & do your own taxes, or you have a professional prepare them, it pays to learn as much as possible about tax rules & how they apply to real estate investing.  The more you understand, the more you'll be able to use tax law to your advantage, avoid mistakes, and prevent IRS audits. Duane can be contacted by email, his website, or phone: [email protected] www.culvercpagroup.com 616-456-6464 Enjoy the show, and please take a moment to go to itunes to subscribe, rate & review.

Twenty years ago, Jeff Wilson attended a free Robert Allen Seminar and shortly after purchased his first Single Family Rental Property for $10,000.  That successful investment was the beginning of a portfolio that would take him from Cleveland to Grand Rapids, through boom and bust, and ultimately to a point where he is preparing his properties to see him through retirement. Jeff and I discuss the up's and down's of his investing career, buying HUD properties, selling on Land Contract, working with Section 8 tenants, and his philosophy of improving his properties by putting the cash flow back into capital expenses. Jeff is also a successful entrepreneur, and I know you'll enjoy listening to his straight-forward advice on owning, managing, and profiting from rental property. And if you like what you hear, do me a favor and go to to itunes to give us a review & rating. Enjoy!

If you've ever wondered what it takes to acquire a 40-unit apartment community, then you don't want to miss hearing Josh Sterling take you through the process step-by-step. You might recognize Josh from Episodes 33 & 34 where he discussed his Buy & Hold portfolio in Single Family, Multifamily & Apartment rentals.  Josh is also the owner of Epic Property Management near Detroit, Michigan.  Josh recently acquired this 40-unit in Newport, Michigan, and he's going to walk us through the entire process.  Josh discusses the broker relationship that gained him access to this deal, how he ran his initial numbers, the site visit, the Letter of Intent, negotiating the purchase price, the purchase agreement, due diligence, the physical inspection, working with the lender, committing his own money toward earnest funds and bank fees, raising other people's money through syndication, pro-rating property taxes, closing the deal, and managing the property after acquisition. If you're looking for actionable information that will help you do your next deal, then you owe it to yourself to hear what Josh has to say. And if you like what you hear, do me a favor and go to to itunes to give us a review & rating. Enjoy!

Brad Sumrok is the #1 nationally known educator and mentor for multifamily investing in the country, and today he's going to tell us how he helps people retire in just 3-8 short years by investing in Apartment Complexes. Brad spent 17 years in the corporate world and he shares with us how his first several multi-families allowed him to leave that world for good.  Brad and I discuss Robert Kiyosaki's cash flow quadrants, ESBI, and the difference between being a W-2 employee, self-employed, business owner & investor.  We also talk about Apartment Syndication and real, achievable returns that investment sponsors and passive investors strive for. Brad's personal mission is to help as many people as possible obtain more income, freedom, and security, by transferring his 15-plus years of apartment investing experience to those who attend his training.  And you have a chance to hear him speak on Saturday, February 25th, 2017 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the RPOA's Annual Conference at Devos Place Convention Center.  Registration is FREE at www.rpoaonline.org

35 years ago, Jeffrey Taylor and his wife became accidental landlords.  But they had no way of knowing that long ago, that the mistakes they were making and the challenges they were facing, would someday go on to inspire tens-of-thousands of real estate investors and landlords across the country. Today you will find out how Jeffrey Taylor transitioned from being a full-time school teacher into Mr. Landlord, a highly sought-after speaker, trainer and author who has spent the past 32 years teaching landlords how to treat rental property as a business, increase their cash flow, and reduce their headaches along the way. Jeffrey is going to share actionable tips from his "Take Total Control Program" that includes his non-traditional ideas on how to increase your tenant's satisfaction and create more freedom for you as a rental property owner. But wait, there's more... Because Jeffrey will be speaking at the RPOA's Annual Conference on February 25th, 2017 at the Devos Place in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I highly recommend that you go to www.rpoaonline.org to register for your FREE admission.

Often times in Real Estate, it can be the little things that differentiate your property from the competition.  For Joshua Schaub, it was being located on the right bus line that fueled his early investment success. In our conversation today, Joshua and I discuss his portfolio of High-End Student Housing, and his criteria and strategies for locating, acquiring, rehabbing and managing them for maximum profit.  Joshua also takes us through a case study of his most recent Single-Family purchase. Joshua & I also share the details on things we've found while walking through foreclosed homes, how Joshua house-hacked his first investment property, our take on the current market, and Joshua's advice to recent college graduates interested in earning a living through real estate investment. Joshua is the owner of Icon Realty Group, representing buyers and seller in the Grand Rapids Home Market.  He also owns Pro Properties, LLC to locate, purchase, renovate and manage his properties. You can reach Joshua through his website at: http://theiconrealtygroup.com/about/broker/