College Real Estate Coach

Are you using the wrong loan for your rental property? ​ The financing strategy you choose can dramatically impact your cash flow, return on investment, and long-term wealth — especially in high-demand college towns like Tuscaloosa, Auburn, and other university markets. ​ In this episode of The College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner sits down with Jeff Welgan, Vice President of Investor Lending at Blueprint Home Loans, to break down how real estate investors and parents are financing college-town rental properties today. ​ If you're wondering: ​ • What is a DSCR loan and how does it work? • Should parents buy a college house as a primary residence or investment property? • What loan options maximize cash flow? • How do interest rates affect rental property strategy? • What mistakes do investors make when choosing financing? ​ This episode answers those questions clearly and strategically. ​ Jeff shares insights from 22 years in the lending industry, including how investors qualify for rental property loans without tax returns, when to use conventional financing vs DSCR loans, and why pre-approval and conservative deal analysis matter more than ever. ​ Whether you're a parent considering buying a home for your college student or an investor building a rental portfolio, understanding your financing options is critical to protecting your downside and maximizing opportunity. ​ College-town real estate can be a powerful wealth-building strategy — but only if the structure is right. ​ Client focused . Performance driven   Jeff Welgan IG: @jeff.themortgageexpert  | Facebook Visit his website!   📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner, Realtor®, College Real Estate Expert and Investor 205.422.9713 | [email protected] Follow us on Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/hospitalitynetworkgrouprealtykellerwilliams IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok:  ⁨@hospitalitynetworkgroup⁩ 

Ann Arbor is one of the most stable and insulated college-town real estate markets in the country — but it doesn’t operate like most university towns. In this episode of College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner sits down with Kevin Daum of Daum Group Real Estate in Ann Arbor, Michigan to break down what makes the University of Michigan housing market unique. With over 50,000 undergraduates, a massive medical center, and the largest football stadium in the country, Ann Arbor’s real estate market is driven by long-term demand, education, healthcare, and athletics. In this episode, we discuss: • Whether parents should buy for their college students • Why cash flow is difficult in Ann Arbor • Why long-term equity investing works • Short-term rental restrictions • Game-day property opportunities • The economic impact of Michigan Stadium • How medical residents and fellows approach homeownership If you’re exploring college-town investing, parent purchases, or comparing markets like Tuscaloosa and Ann Arbor, this conversation provides clarity and strategy. Client focused . Performance driven Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams Kevin Daum, Realtor® Daum Group Real Estate 734-604-5055 | [email protected] IG:  ⁨@DaumGroupRealEstate⁩  ; @red_beard_realtor Facebook: www.facebook.com/DaumGroup www.daumgroup.com 📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner, Realtor®, College Real Estate Expert and Investor 205.422.9713 | [email protected] Follow us on Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/hospitalitynetworkgrouprealtykellerwilliams IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok:  ⁨@hospitalitynetworkgroup⁩ 

Most families assume renting is the only option for college housing. This family chose differently. In this episode of College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner sits down with Barbara and Virginia to share why their family purchased a walkable townhome near the University of Alabama instead of signing a lease. If you are considering Tuscaloosa real estate, buying for your student, or exploring college-town investing strategies, this real-life case study walks through the decision-making process step by step. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why walkability to campus and the stadium matters • The truth behind the “October housing myth” • How multi-generational families structure purchases • Why buying near campus can outperform renting • How adding a 19-year-old to the deed can be strategic in Alabama • Why stadium proximity supports long-term appreciation Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or investor evaluating University of Alabama housing, this episode provides clarity on when buying makes financial and strategic sense. Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams Client-focused. Performance driven   📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner, Realtor®, College Real Estate Expert and Investor 205.422.9713 | [email protected] Follow us on Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/hospitalitynetworkgrouprealtykellerwilliams IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok:  ⁨@hospitalitynetworkgroup⁩ 

Think you have to wait until 40 to buy your first home? Think again. In this episode of College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner is joined by Royce Dickerson — who purchased his first home in his 20s while in grad school — and Ken Grodner, co-owner of Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams. They unpack: • Why the “you can’t afford it yet” narrative isn’t always true • How young professionals are buying sooner than expected • The structure behind a vetted nationwide agent referral network • Why referrals don’t cost buyers more — but do protect them • How relocation buyers, renters, and parents of students benefit from expert guidance Whether you’re exploring Tuscaloosa real estate, Birmingham real estate, college-town investing, relocation for UAB or the University of Alabama, or simply wondering if now is the right time to buy — this conversation provides clarity. Real estate isn’t just a transaction. It’s a relationship. And having the right team in your corner changes everything. Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams Client focused . Performance driven   Ken Grodner, Realtor® Hospitality Network Group IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw ; @kengrodner Facebook: www.facebook.com/DaumGroup www.facebook.com/hospitalitynetworkgrouprealtykellerwilliams   Royce Dickerson IG: @roycedickerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royceldickerson   📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner, Realtor®, College Real Estate Expert and Investor 205.422.9713 | [email protected] Follow us on Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/hospitalitynetworkgrouprealtykellerwilliams IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok:  ⁨@hospitalitynetworkgroup⁩ 

Can you use your IRA to buy real estate in a college town like Tuscaloosa? In this episode of College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner sits down with Christina Babineaux of IRA Innovations to explain how parents and investors are using self-directed IRAs to purchase student housing and investment properties near the University of Alabama and other high-demand college markets. If you’re considering buying a property for your college student, investing in game-day rentals, or diversifying your retirement portfolio beyond stocks and bonds, this conversation walks through what you need to know. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What a self-directed IRA is • How to purchase real estate inside your retirement account • IRS rules around self-dealing and family restrictions • How rental income and expenses are handled • How non-recourse loans work inside an IRA • Why there are no capital gains taxes within an IRA • The importance of planning and funding your account properly This episode is ideal for: • Parents buying property for college students • Long-term buy-and-hold investors • Self-employed professionals with SEPs or Solo 401(k)s • Out-of-state investors exploring Tuscaloosa real estate If you're exploring college-town investing strategies in Alabama — especially near the University of Alabama, UAB, or Auburn — this episode provides clarity and practical guidance. Can you really use your IRA to buy real estate in Tuscaloosa or other high-demand college towns? In this episode of College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner sits down with Christina Babineaux of IRA Innovations to explain how parents and investors are using self-directed IRAs to purchase college-town properties — including student housing and game-day rentals. If you're exploring Tuscaloosa real estate, college-town investing, parent purchases, or long-term wealth strategies near the University of Alabama, this episode walks through the rules, structure, and strategy. What you'll learn: • What a self-directed IRA is and how it works • How to purchase real estate inside your retirement account • Rules around self-dealing and family restrictions • How expenses, rent, and property taxes are handled • Whether you can use financing (non-recourse loans explained) • Why there are no capital gains inside an IRA • Planning mistakes to avoid If you’re a parent thinking about buying a property for your college student — or an investor looking for tax-advantaged strategies in Alabama college towns — this conversation could change how you view retirement investing. Christina Babineaux Vice President, IRA Innovations, LLC 205.985.0860 Office 205.985.8674 Fax irainnovations.com Follow Christina on social: LinkedIn Facebook IRA INNOVATIONS FACEBOOK IRA INNOVATIONS INSTAGRAM   📞Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713   Follow us on Social: Facebook IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok: @hospitalitynetworkgroup  

Should parents buy college rental property in an LLC—or their personal name? In this episode, The College Real Estate Coach Vicki Grodner sits down with real estate attorney Rachel Evans to explain how LLCs work, why they’re commonly used in college-town investing, and the costly mistakes parents make when they wait too long to decide. A must-listen for parents buying property for students, especially in Alabama college towns.   Follow Rachel on social: LinkedIn IG: @rachellaurenlane   📞Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713   Follow us on Social: Facebook IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok: @hospitalitynetworkgroup  

Thinking about buying real estate for your college student — or investing in a college-town market? In this episode of The College Real Estate Coach, host Vikki Grodner sits down with Jeff Wu, a Keller Williams agent serving the Washington DC–Virginia–Maryland corridor, to explore how college real estate investing works in major metropolitan markets. They discuss how parents are choosing to buy instead of rent for their college students, how alumni and investors approach university-adjacent real estate, and why long-term factors like job centers, hospitals, and infrastructure often matter just as much as the university itself. This conversation breaks down the realities of buying condos versus single-family homes near universities, the balance between long-term appreciation and short-term cash flow in higher-priced markets, and what parents and investors should know about landlord regulations and rental strategies in different municipalities. If you’re a parent, investor, or out-of-state buyer considering college-town real estate, this episode offers practical insight into how the right strategy — and the right local expertise — can turn college housing into a long-term opportunity rather than just an expense. Contact Jeff at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on social: Facebook IG: @jeffwukaizen    📞Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713   Follow us on Social: Facebook IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok: @hospitalitynetworkgroup  

What if you could build a home for your student — or add valuable rental units in a college town — in half the time of traditional construction? In this episode of College Real Estate Coach, host Vikki Grodner, top real estate agent in Tuscaloosa and Certified Interior Designer, sits down with Stratton Tingle of Wind River Built to explore how modular homes, ADUs, tiny homes, and off-site construction are transforming the way parents and investors approach college-town real estate.   Whether you're investing near the University of Alabama, UAB, Auburn, or any high-demand university market, this episode reveals why modern, factory-built construction is becoming one of the fastest, smartest, and most cost-effective ways to create student housing, game-day rentals, and long-term wealth. In this episode, you’ll learn: How off-site construction can cut build times by 50% The difference between tiny homes, ADUs, modular homes, and HUD-coded units What zoning really means for parents and investors How one university added 104 new beds in just nine months Why small-footprint homes are ideal for student rentals & game-day stays How to evaluate land, timelines, and budget when planning a modular build If you’re a parent buying for your student, an out-of-state investor, a short-term rental host, or someone exploring housing solutions in a fast-growing college town, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy you need to make smart decisions.   Learn more about Wind River Built: https://www.windriverbuilt.com Contact Wind River Built at [email protected] Follow on social: Facebook IG: @windriverbuilt  ' 📞Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713 Follow us on Social: Facebook IG: @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw TikTok: @hospitalitynetworkgroup

Thinking about buying for your student—or investing in one of the fastest-growing college-town markets in the U.S.? Atlanta may be your smartest move yet. In this episode of College Real Estate Coach, host Vikki Grodner sits down with Atlanta real estate expert Michael Hickman (Keller Williams) to break down the real estate dynamics surrounding Georgia Tech, Emory University, Georgia State, Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, and Kennesaw State. You’ll learn: • the major differences between each university’s housing demands • where parents typically buy for their students • why off-market condos near Georgia Tech can be key opportunities • what investors must know about short-term rental restrictions in Atlanta • neighborhoods rising fastest, including Home Park and West Midtown • how massive projects like The Stitch may reshape property values • how traffic patterns literally determine whether a property works for students • where out-of-state investors are (and aren’t) putting their money Whether you're a parent planning ahead, a local buyer, or an investor assessing college-town ROI, this episode gives you the clarity you need to make high-confidence decisions.   Contact Michael S. Hickman, Realtor® 404-444-3446 [email protected]   Follow Michael on Social: Instagram | Facebook   📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713 [email protected]   Follow us on Social:  Instagram | Facebook | TikTok @hospitalitynetworkgroupkw  

🏡 Auburn Real Estate Secrets: How Parents & Investors Are Scoring Big Near Campus Thinking about buying property in Auburn—or any college town? This episode is packed with insider knowledge you won’t hear anywhere else. Host Vikki Grodner sits down with Auburn Realtor Daniel Blessing to uncover why Auburn, Alabama is one of the most unique—and profitable—college towns for buyers, parents, and investors. 👉 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why Auburn’s “handshake is all you need” charm makes it special for buyers & investors ✅ What’s really driving demand for condos, cottages, and game day homes near Auburn University ✅ How parents are buying condos for their students—and turning them into game day getaways ✅ The surprising role of mobile homes in Auburn’s housing market ✅ Why investors across the country are eyeing Auburn for their next purchase 🎧 Whether you’re a parent, investor, or college-town real estate enthusiast, this episode gives you the playbook for buying in Auburn—and insights you can apply to college towns across the country. Subscribe for weekly episodes covering: college-town investing, game day rentals, and smart real estate strategies you won’t want to miss. 📍 Real Estate. College Life. Smart Investing.   Looking to Cash In on Auburn Real Estate? Contact Daniel Blessing. 334-703-9411 [email protected] The Blessing Team at Keller Williams Connect with Daniel Blessing on Social Facebook  |  IG  |  Website 📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713 www.hospitalitynetworkgroup.com Facebook  |  IG

Thinking about buying a property near campus? Whether it’s for your student to live in, a gameday getaway, or a smart long-term investment—how you finance it matters more than you think. In this episode of The College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner is joined by Tuscaloosa lending expert Lindsay Nance to break down the real financial strategies behind buying real estate in a college town. 🎓 Learn the ins and outs of financing options for: Parents buying for their students Buyers investing in short-term rentals Out-of-state investors considering Tuscaloosa or similar markets They’ll cover everything you didn’t know to ask: ✅ Why the name on the loan really matters (and how to get your student on it) ✅ The difference between a primary residence, second home, and investment property—and what that means for down payments and interest rates ✅ What makes a condo “non-warrantable” and how it affects your loan ✅ How to offset mortgage costs by renting by the room (yes, it’s possible!) ✅ What local lenders know that national ones don’t (and why that matters for your deal) 💰 From FHA and VA to jumbo loans and creative financing, this episode is your college-town real estate financing crash course. 📍 If you're a parent tired of paying rent… or an investor eyeing college towns for cash flow and appreciation… this episode will give you the edge you need to buy smart. 🔔 Subscribe now to catch future episodes filled with expert tips, buyer strategies, and market insights tailored for college-town real estate.

Is renting in college just throwing money away? Can buying real estate while in college actually build wealth? In this episode of The College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner teams up with her husband and finance expert Ken Grodner to break down one of the most important decisions college families face: Should you rent or buy in a college town? They cover: ✅ How monthly rent compares to mortgage payments ✅ The hidden power of principal paydown ✅ No-money-down and other loan options (USDA, VA, FHA, etc.) ✅ When it makes sense to rent first, buy later ✅ Why buying young is a wealth game-changer ✅ How parents can invest in their kids’ futures (literally!) ✅ And the best strategy to start building equity right now Whether you're a parent, student, or new investor, this episode is packed with actionable advice that could change your financial future. 👉 Hit subscribe and join us weekly for more insights into smart investing, college town real estate, and how to make real estate work for you! 📩 Got questions about real estate or physician loans? Drop them in the comments or connect with us directly! Want to learn how you can capitalize on real estate in a college town? Contact us today! Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713

Can a TikTok hustle turn into a thriving interior design empire? Yes—and CJ Zucker, owner of Ambyanse Interiors, proves it. In this episode of The College Real Estate Coach, Vikki Grodner sits down with the creative force behind some of Tuscaloosa’s most beautifully designed homes and Airbnbs. 🎙️ From California to Idaho to Alabama, CJ shares how a bold DM to a TikTok influencer catapulted her career into luxury real estate design—completely remotely. Now based in Tuscaloosa, she reveals her top design tips for: Creating tasteful, high-performing Airbnbs in college towns How to style short-term rentals without “throwing up Alabama” What to prioritize for functionality and style The one hack she uses to make student housing feel like home Why knowing who you're designing for is just as important as what you’re designing Whether you’re a real estate investor, parent buying near a college campus, or a design lover dreaming of your next project—this episode delivers real talk, practical advice, and a few design secrets you’ll want to steal. 🔗 Be sure to like, subscribe, and check out CJ’s resources below! Instagram: ‪@LifebyCJ‬ TikTok: lifebycj www.Ambyanse.com www.instagram.com/ambyanse/ www.facebook.com/people/Ambyanse-Interiors/100087298757299 📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713

Are you a medical student, resident physician, or parent trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home during med school or residency? You’re not alone—and this episode of The College Real Estate Coach is your ultimate guide to making the smartest financial move in your medical journey. Join real estate experts Vikki and Ken Grodner as they uncover why buying real estate during medical school or residency can be a game-changer for your financial future—and how doctor home loans (even with high student debt) make homeownership possible now, not later. ✨ Inside This Episode: ✅ Should medical students rent or buy? ✅ How physician mortgage loans work (even with student loan debt) ✅ Low- and no-down-payment options for doctors and healthcare professionals ✅ Why lenders love working with med students and residents ✅ What makes Birmingham, AL a top housing market for doctors ✅ How to turn your first home into a long-term rental investment 🎉 BONUS: Behind-the-scenes of our Match Day celebration at the Birmingham Zoo, how we help medical students transition into homeownership, and what lenders, sponsors, and housing experts are doing to support new physicians! 👩‍⚕️ Whether you’re starting med school, about to begin your residency, or a parent helping your future doctor settle into a new city, this video is packed with real estate tips, financial strategies, and proven pathways to build generational wealth. 📲 Contact The College Real Estate Coach Team for Personalized Guidance: 📞 Vicki Grodner – 205.422.9713 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with other medical students, residents, and physician families navigating the home buying process.

In this episode of the College Real Estate Coach, real estate expert Vikki Grodner sits down with savvy investor Ryan Winzenburg to uncover why college towns—especially those with powerhouse football programs—are some of the most profitable places to buy property in America. Ryan breaks down how he went from Denver to Tuscaloosa, shares his exact strategy for analyzing college markets, and reveals how he cash-flows thousands per month using short-term, mid-term, and long-term rental strategies. 📈 In this episode, you'll learn: – Why college towns like Tuscaloosa and South Bend are rental goldmines – How to find the right college markets using data tools like AirDNA, PriceLabs, and Furnished Finder – How to leverage football weekends and graduation events – Mid-term rental strategies (nurses, professors, insurance housing!) – How to bypass short-term rental regulations legally & more! Whether you’re an investor, parent, agent, or college alum looking to build wealth through real estate, this episode is packed with tactical advice and real-world examples you won’t find anywhere else. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along as we coach you through building wealth in America’s top college towns. 📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Ryan Winzenburg & Intro 04:10 – Why College Towns Beat Big Cities 09:30 – $1,200 Game Day Rentals?! 13:45 – How to Analyze College Towns with Data 17:00 – Northport Workaround: Beat STR Regulations 22:00 – Mid-Term Rentals: Underrated Goldmine 30:10 – PriceLabs, Furnished Finder, & Other Pro Tools 36:50 – Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It—Get Started

🎓💰 Can you really buy a house while still in college? In this episode, we sit down with Royce Dickerson, who made one of the boldest moves you’ll hear from any student: he bought his first property as a senior in college — and never looked back. Royce shares exactly how he did it, how he built credit early (thanks Grandma 👵), and how buying young set him on a path to financial freedom before most people even start paying off student loans. You'll learn: ✅ How to buy your first property as a student ✅ Building credit and securing financing early ✅ Juggling college, real estate, and getting a license ✅ How he balanced MBA studies while managing real estate ✅ Why starting early pays off BIG in the long run ✅ His transition from college to the White House to buying property in Washington D.C. Whether you're a student, parent, first-time buyer, or just curious how early real estate investing works — this is a must-watch story packed with real advice, inspiration, and lessons you can apply at any age. 👉 Make sure to LIKE 👍& SUBSCRIBE 🔔 📞 Contact The College Real Estate Coach team: Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713

College towns = big opportunities. 🏡 Whether you're a parent, student, or real estate investor, this episode uncovers why college towns are some of the hottest places in the country to invest. From skyrocketing rental demand to game day income potential, we break down how to turn campus life into long-term cash flow. 🎓 In this kickoff episode of The College Real Estate Coach, we cover: Why student housing shortages create big opportunities How parents can turn student rent into equity Why Tuscaloosa was named the #1 college town to invest in real estate How game day weekends can mean $3,000+/night in rental income The rise of short-term rentals near major universities Real stories of investors, parents & students who are building wealth in college towns This episode sets the stage for the entire series—your playbook for smart investing in vibrant university communities. Don’t miss it. 🔔 Hit Subscribe for weekly episodes with real estate pros, students, financial experts, and more. Want to learn how you can capitalize on real estate in a college town? Contact us today! Vikki Grodner - 205.422.9713