Be A Better Landlord

In this episode of Be a Better Landlord, host Ashley Kehr sits down with Scott McGillivray, longtime HGTV star, award-winning executive producer, real estate investor, contractor, entrepreneur, and educator.Best known for shows like Income Property, Moving the McGillivrays, Buyers Bootcamp, Scott’s Vacation House Rules, and Renovation Resort, Scott shares how he went from a broke university student to building a real estate portfolio across North America.Scott breaks down the story of buying his first rental property using a student loan, why cash flow matters more than “location, location, location,” how leverage can increase returns, and why the right tools are essential for analyzing rental properties in today’s market. He also shares hard-earned lessons from bad tenants, late-night toilet plunging, contractor problems, fires, market crashes, and even accidentally buying 33 houses in Cleveland.Whether you’re buying your first rental, scaling from five properties to ten, or trying to become a better landlord, this conversation is packed with practical advice on cash flow, financing, portfolio optimization, and getting rich slowly through real estate.Learn more about Scott McGillivray:Hootsuite: hootbio.com/scott_mcgillivrayWebsite: scottmcgillivray.comInstagram: instagram.com/scott_mcgillivrayFacebook: facebook.com/EverythingScottMcgillivrayTikTok: tiktok.com/@scott_mcgillivray

Want to buy a rental property in 2026 but don’t have a ton of cash? In this video, Ashley Kehr breaks down 3 proven strategies investors are using right now to fund their first (or next) deal from traditional down payments to assumable mortgages and seller financing.If you’ve been stuck waiting for the “perfect time” or the “perfect deal,” this is how you actually get started.Follow Ashley Kehr:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthfromrentalsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WealthFromRentals

Should you buy a rental property in 2026 or wait it out? In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, Ashley Kehr sits down with Tony J. Robinson to break down what’s actually working in today’s market.From short-term rentals to long-term strategies (and even renting by the room), we cover how smart investors are adapting to higher rates, tighter regulations, and shifting demand. If you’re wondering whether 2026 is a good time to invest or where to even start this is the clarity you’ve been looking for.Want more STR strategies and real-world investing advice?Follow Tony here:Instagram: @tonyjrobinsonListen to the Real Estate Rookie Podcast (BiggerPockets)

Most landlords think they own a rental…Steve Rozenberg says they’re wrong.In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, Steve breaks down the mindset shift that separates struggling landlords from real business owners. From his unexpected career pivot after 9/11 to building and exiting a 1,000+ door property management company, Steve shares the systems, mistakes, and strategies that actually create long-term wealth.Steve's Youtube -   /@steverozenberg  Steve Rozenberg - https://steverozenberg.com/

There are now 600,000 more home sellers than buyers… but homes are still selling. So what’s actually going on?In this episode of Be a Better Landlord, Ashley Kehr breaks down one of the most confusing shifts in today’s housing market. The headlines make it sound like everything is slowing down but when you look closer, the story isn’t that simple.Some markets are seeing homes sit, price cuts stack up, and sellers scramble for attention. At the exact same time, other markets are moving fast, with properties selling in days and offers coming in over asking.So which version is real?The answer and what it means for you as an investor or landlord comes down to one critical factor most people overlook.Before you make your next move, you need to understand what’s actually happening beneath the surface of these numbers.Connect with Ashley Kehr:Instagram: @wealthfromrentalsYouTube:@wealthfromrentals

Raising rent is one of the toughest decisions landlords face. Raise it too much and you risk losing great tenants. Raise it too little and your investment falls behind the market.In this episode, host Ashley Kehr breaks down how landlords can increase rent the smart way while keeping good tenants happy and minimizing vacancy. From understanding market rent to communicating increases the right way, these strategies can help you protect your cash flow without driving tenants away.Whether you own one rental or a growing portfolio, knowing when and how to raise rent can make a huge difference in your long-term returns.Follow Ashley for more real estate investing insights:@wealthfromrentals

Being a landlord does NOT mean you have to be available 24/7.In this episode, we break down how to set clear tenant communication boundaries, avoid burnout, and create a system that keeps all messages and maintenance requests organized in one place.If you’re overwhelmed by constant texts, late-night calls, or unclear “emergencies,” this will help you take back control without sacrificing professionalism.In this video, you’ll learn:• How to set communication expectations in your lease• Why you shouldn’t use your personal phone number• How to separate emergencies from non-urgent requests• How to streamline maintenance requests• How to protect your time while still serving tenants wellAshley shares her early mistakes managing a 40-unit property and how she went from carrying two phones to creating a structured communication system that protects her sanity and improves tenant clarity.Subscribe for more landlord strategy and real-world rental advice from Be a Better Landlord and TurboTenant.How do you handle tenant communication? Drop your system in the comments.Follow Ashley Kehr:Instagram: @wealthfromrentalsYouTube: @wealthfromrentals

In this episode, Ashley Kehr breaks down the 1-year rule that allows you to buy a primary residence, live in it for one year, and then convert it into a rental property, often with better financing, lower down payments, and no refinance required.Ashley walks through a real example from her own portfolio, explains how to avoid over-improving your property, and shows how to decide whether upgrades will actually increase rent in your market. This strategy is especially powerful for renters, first-time landlords, or anyone already planning a move.If you’re thinking about buying a home, moving soon, or getting started in rental real estate, this is one of the simplest ways to build long-term wealth.Follow Ashley Kehr on Instagram:@wealthfromrentals

Tenant screening mistakes are one of the most expensive lessons a landlord can learn. Many problem tenants show warning signs early, but those signs are easy to overlook if you do not know what to look for.In this episode of Be a Better Landlord, Ashley Kehr breaks down 10 tenant red flags landlords should watch for when reviewing rental applications and meeting prospective tenants. From incomplete applications and fake pay stubs to poor communication, undisclosed pets, and questionable landlord references, Ashley walks through real examples and explains why each red flag matters.Ashley Kehr Instagram@wealthfromrentals

Thinking about buying a rental property but not sure whether to choose a short-term rental (STR) or a long-term rental (LTR)? In this episode, Ashley Kehr breaks down the real differences between the two strategies — and explains why the right choice has everything to do with YOUR goals, time, money, and market, not just cash flow.Before you jump into Airbnb or sign a year-long lease, ask yourself these 4 critical questions. Ashley reveals:✔ What long-term rentals actually excel at✔ Why affordable housing is the foundation of a stable portfolio✔ The hidden time commitment behind short-term rentals✔ How STR regulations can make or break your deal✔ Why “headache properties” aren’t worth the cash flow✔ How to avoid picking a strategy that doesn’t fit your lifeWhether you're brand new to real estate or trying to pivot strategies, this video will help you make the smartest call for your investing future.👉 Which strategy are YOU considering — STR or LTR? Comment below and Ashley will answer your questions.

Most landlords wait until April to think about taxes—and by then, it’s too late. In this video, I’m sharing how I saved thousands in taxes on my rentals by making smart year-end moves that anyone can do.We’ll cover how to get organized, find every deduction, and make your accountant’s job way easier. From bookkeeping habits to write-offs and entity strategy, these are the real steps that save money.💼 Here’s what we’ll cover:How to clean up your books and separate business from personalCommon landlord write-offs most people forgetWhat counts as a repair vs. a capital improvementWhy cost segregation and depreciation matterHow to review your LLC or retirement setup for better tax benefitsSimple systems to stay organized year-roundMost investors only focus on cash flow — but the real money is in what you keep. Don’t wait until April. Start now and make this your most profitable tax season yet.#LandlordTaxTips #RealEstateInvesting #TurboTenant #TaxSeason #RentalProperty

When the rent doesn’t show up on time, it can put you in a difficult position as a landlord. In this video, we’ll walk through what to do the moment a rent payment is late including timelines, communication best practices, late fees, and when (and when not) to escalate.Understanding the process protects your cash flow and helps you stay compliant with local laws. Don’t guess your way through this, use a clear, step-by-step plan.

You just bought your first rental property and inherited a tenant. Now what? In this video, we’ll walk through The First 30 Days with Your First Tenant and everything no one tells you about becoming a landlord.From reviewing lease agreements and estoppel forms before closing, to setting expectations on rent, maintenance requests, and communication, this guide covers the real-world steps every new landlord faces in the first month.We’ll cover:- What to do before you close on a property with tenants- How to set expectations and avoid scams- Creating a Tenant Handbook and handling your first maintenance calls- Setting up TurboTenant, autopay, and lease renewals- What questions to ask about rent increases, addendums, and insurance- Why your first week can feel like a crash course in property managementWhether you’re a first-time real estate investor or just want to avoid rookie mistakes, this is the blueprint for surviving your first 30 days as a landlord — and coming out confident.