Investing in Real Estate with Clayton Morris | Investing for Beginners

A new government-backed investment program known as "Trump accounts" just launched on July 4th, 2026, creating a new type of IRA for children. Under this initiative, the government will make a one-time $1,000 deposit into accounts for U.S. children born between 2025 and 2028. Today’s guest, Karlton Dennis, is the CEO of Tax Alchemy. He’s joining us on this episode of Investing in Real Estate to share the details of Trump Accounts, including who qualifies, the potential returns, and how to get started.

87% of Americans now say they're living in a cost-of-living crisis. We’re not talking about a rough patch or a temporary setback, but a full-blown crisis that is reshaping life in America as we know it. And yet somehow, the mainstream media won’t touch this topic without putting a positive spin on it.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to cover what’s really happening with the cost-of-living crisis across the United States. You’ll learn the truth about inflation and gas prices, and national debt. Most importantly, you’re going to hear about why the old playbook for creating wealth doesn’t work anymore – and what you can do instead.

For decades, the US dollar has been the undisputed king of the global financial system. Countries across the world trade in dollars. Oil is priced in dollars. Central banks hold trillions of dollars in reserves. And when there’s a crisis anywhere in the world, investors usually run toward the dollar, not away from it. But lately, all of that has started to slowly unravel. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to discuss what will actually happen if the U.S. dollar slowly loses its global power. You’ll learn about the impacts on the economy, the world, and your wallet.

The average American retirement account balance just hit $146,400, and the media is celebrating. But here’s what they’re not telling you: $146,000 and some change is not a reasonable retirement balance. At the standard 4% withdrawal rate, that's about $488 a month, before factoring in things like fees, taxes, and the brunt of inflation.On today’s show, I want to get brutally honest about the 401(k) and its downfalls. You’re going to understand exactly how this retirement trap works, you'll understand why the wealthy don't rely on it. And most importantly, you'll understand what you can do instead.

Right now, anxiety over Social Security is exploding across the country. Not just among retirees, but younger workers too. Americans across all age brackets and income levels are asking the same question: “Will Social Security even be there when I retire?”On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to break down why Social Security is running out of money and why younger Americans are losing faith in the retirement system altogether. Most importantly, you’ll learn what you can actually do to protect yourself financially before this becomes a full-blown crisis. 

Will mortgage rates ever go down again? This is one of the biggest questions in the housing market conversation right now, and it’s one of the main points that’s been keeping buyers on the sidelines.  Because if you experienced the market even just a few years ago, today’s conditions feel totally different. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to break this down, look at the data points, and most importantly, what to focus on moving forward.

Did you know that the dollar has lost 97% of its purchasing power since 1913? And the people managing your money, your financial advisor, your 401k provider, your bank, none of them will ever tell you that. That’s because the moment you understand what's actually happening to the dollar, you’re going to change your strategy, and they will stop making money off of you. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to unpack what’s happening with the decline of the US dollar. We’re going to discuss the national debt, the state of inflation, and how geopolitical tensions are impacting the dollar. Most importantly, you’ll learn about where to put your money before the dollar collapses.

The American Dream is a hundred-year-old ideal, a phrase used to describe upward mobility and the promise of success through hard work. And for decades, the idea of the American Dream has often gone hand-in-hand with homeownership. Is that still the case today? That’s the question we’re going to explore on this episode of Investing in Real Estate. We’re going to talk about the state of the economy and the latest statistics on financial security across the United States. You’ll learn about why real estate can help you achieve financial freedom, why the American Dream is being redefined, and much more!

If you or anyone you know has tried to buy a house lately, you know what the housing market is like right now. For many Americans, the whole idea of the American Dream feels like it’s slipping further and further out of reach. This is a crisis that is hurting a large demographic, but it doesn’t seem like there are any real solutions that can make a dent. Now President Donald Trump says he has the master plan, a strategy that he claims will rescue the American Dream once and for all. But is it genius, or would it backfire and create an even bigger mess? On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re taking a look at what this plan would actually mean for the US housing market.

There have been some major threats to the US dollar’s global dominance over the last several years. Here on the show, we’ve talked about geopolitical shifts, political instability, and the rise of BRICS nations all putting simultaneous pressure on the dollar. But today we’re going to unpack the biggest threat of all: the U.S. national debt. On this episode of The Investing in Real Estate Podcast, we’re going to unpack what’s happening with the national debt. You’re going to learn about what it means for the economy, the future of the dollar, and for everyday Americans.

The wealth gap in the United States just keeps getting more and more vast, and it’s happening faster than most people realize. And no, I’m not talking about the Jeff Bezos or Mark Zuckerburgs of the world.I’m talking about the ways that real, everyday Americans can build lasting wealth. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re unpacking what’s going on behind the scenes with the widening wealth gap in the United States, and what it means for you.

If you thought housing affordability was just starting to get better, that just came to a crashing halt right before our eyes. All of a sudden, the housing market is frozen. Buyers are hesitant, sellers are sitting on the sidelines, and deals are falling apart left and right. And believe it or not, one of the biggest reasons isn’t even happening here in the United States. It’s happening halfway across the world.The escalating war involving Iran has triggered a chain reaction that’s now rippling through the global economy. Now, it’s starting to hit the US housing market in a major way. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to walk through the implications that war has on the economy, inflation, and the housing market. 

In an era of shifting economic tides and mainstream media narratives, finding a safe harbor for your hard-earned savings is more critical than ever. Today, you’re going to get a full rundown on the best place to put your money during times of inflation, war, and uncertainty. Today’s guest is Peter Schiff. He is an economist and the president and CEO of Euro Pacific Capital and Schiff Gold. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, he’s here to share his insights on what’s going on in the economy and the markets.a

For the last couple of decades, Americans have been completely lied to about retirement. And not just misled, but flat-out lied to, by an entire system designed to make you feel like you’re doing the right thing, while draining your accounts behind the scenes.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, you’re going to learn about what’s really going on with the state of retirement in the United States. We’re going to discuss the real statistics, including average balances and what’s going on in the workforce. Plus, you’ll learn how you can use real estate investing to build a retirement plan that works for you.

President Donald Trump has recently floated a groundbreaking idea: eliminate federal income tax altogether, potentially replacing it with tariffs, consumption-based taxes, or other revenue sources.This idea has majorly raised eyebrows, as many Americans can’t imagine a country without taxes. But here’s a fact most people don’t realize: income tax hasn’t existed for most of American history – and that its creation is deeply connected to war, debt, and the modern financial system. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to discuss these intricate connections and how a country without income tax could change things.

If you’ve been watching the markets lately, you know exactly what panic looks like.We saw gold and silver crash at historic rates and then rebounding the very next day. Then of course, there’s news of the dollar declining. Stocks have been up and down, and the markets are panicking.Today I want to break down exactly why stocks, tech, precious metals, crypto, all of it, feels unstable, what the Federal Reserve has to do with this mess, and why boring, predictable assets might be the only thing keeping portfolios stable in 2026.

Too many people think inside the box when it comes to buying real estate. And honestly, it’s not their fault. For most of our lives, banks, lenders, and even well-meaning family members have conditioned us to believe there is only one acceptable path to owning a piece of real estate. So on this episode of Investing in Real Estate, I’m going to walk you through some of my favorite creative financing methods you can use to start or build your portfolio. These are creative financing secrets the banks will NEVER bring up, even though they’re completely legal and legitimate.

The news is true, the dollar is collapsing. On today’s show, we’re going to discuss this recent breaking news, including the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and their disturbing contents. We’re also covering the concept of the Great Reset as discussed at the World Economic Forum. You're going to learn important insights into current events and geopolitics. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to invest to protect yourself from the collapsing U.S. dollar.

This could seriously shake up the US housing market. President Trump recently outlined plans to crack down on big corporations, Wall Street firms, and hedge funds that have been scooping up single-family homes at scale. In short, the idea is to ban or severely limit institutional investors from dominating the residential housing market.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re diving into the politics and economics of this proposal and its potential effects.

Inflation hurts, and everyone knows it. You feel the pinch every time you check out at the grocery store, every time you fill up your gas tank, and every time another bill suddenly shoots up. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that the impact of inflation goes way beyond your grocery bill. Long periods of inflation can trigger recessions, destroy the value of your retirement savings, and erode your wealth without you even noticing.Today, I’m going to break down the secret wealthy people use to beat inflation, and how you can use the same strategy to protect your money, grow your wealth, and stay ahead when everyone else is falling behind.

President Trump recently signed an executive order making it easier for investors to use their 401(k) to invest in alternative assets like crypto and real estate. On today’s show, we’re going to unpack the details of this change and what it means for you. Today’s guest, Mat Sorensen is the Founder and CEO of Directed IRA, a wealth attorney, and entrepreneur. Mat is back for a conversation on the latest changes made to retirement plans and how you can use them to your advantage. Understanding your options when it comes to wealth building is key, and Mat’s insights are incredibly useful.

Inflation is eating your paycheck. Prices keep rising. But have you ever wondered who’s really pulling the strings? What's behind the rising costs at the grocery store and the gas pump? Today, we’re diving into the powerful institution at the heart of the U.S. economy — the Federal Reserve — and uncovering how it influences and shapes inflation.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, you’re going to learn about the history of the Fed and how it became a powerful influence on the economy. You’re going to learn about the Federal Reserve’s main roles, its role in today’s inflationary crisis, and much more.

When done correctly, investing in land can be a great way to make a profit or grow your net worth. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, you’re going to learn the basics of land investing, including how to get started, and how to know if you’re making a solid investment. Today’s guest is Seth Williams, the founder of REtipster. Seth joins the show for a conversation on land investing in 2026. You're going to learn the benefits of land investing, insider tips for beginners, and Seth's predictions for the real estate market in 2026.

If you’ve been paying attention, you know there’s been a lot of uncertainty in the housing market in recent years. Headlines are constantly talking about stubbornly high interest rates, affordability troubles, and buyers who have been completely priced out of the market. That’s been the major story over the last couple years – fear, uncertainty, and a market that’s totally frozen.And while that’s part of the story, what if I told you something different is about to happen? On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re diving into the powerful signals hiding in plain sight that point to not only a recovery, but a major housing boom on the horizon in 2026.

If you’re paying attention, you know that Americans have struggled for years to save for retirement. Now, the worst retirement crisis in history is here, and it's no longer just about money. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to unpack the systemic issues that have led us to this point, and how you can create a better future for yourself. We’re going to talk about the future of Social Security and the problems with popular retirement accounts. You’re also going to hear the latest statistics on the state of retirement across the country, real solutions for everyday Americans, and the importance of generating income into your retirement years. 

If you want to save on taxes in April, your tax strategy actually has to begin the year prior. On today’s show, Mark Kohler from KKOS Lawyers is back on the show to share critical end-of-year tax moves you can make NOW to pay less in taxes. Mark is a nationally-recognized CPA and attorney who is on a mission to help small business owners–including real estate investors–succeed. On this episode, you’re going to learn about everything from employing your family members to setting up tax advantaged accounts like an HSA. Mark is also sharing details about the Big Beautiful Bill, retirement accounts, and more. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or an entrepreneur, Mark is bringing high level tips you can use to lower your tax bill! 

When I say that real estate investing is the number one way to build wealth, that’s not just my opinion, it’s the truth. There’s no other investment type that allows for the numerous benefits that real estate can provide.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we’re going to cover the top 12 reasons why real estate is the best investment vehicles you can use to build wealth.

What’s the difference between bonus depreciation and a cost segregation, and can they coincide? That’s the first question I’m answering on today’s Q&A edition of Investing in Real Estate!This encore episode features three great listener questions on tax strategies, getting started in real estate with no money and bad credit, and the truth about elevated home prices. I’m also going to be sharing some news about the impending bank crisis and the future of commercial real estate. Click play to hear my answers to your real estate investing questions!

If you’re sitting on piles of cash or stale savings accounts, I’ve got bad news for you – you’re not saving money, you’re losing money. Today you’re going to learn why saving money may actually be hurting your bottom line, and three strategies you can use instead. You’re going to learn about the best ways to invest your cash, whether you’re looking to save for retirement or just want a short-term option. If you’re ready to invest your cash like a pro, just click play on this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

Today’s first caller owns a couple of rental properties alongside her husband. As they reach retirement age, what’s the best investment type? Should they open a self-directed IRA or buy properties in other ways? That’s the first question I’m answering on today’s show!This encore episode of Investing in Real Estate features three of your investing questions on topics like retirement, the best incentives of investing in the US from overseas, and how to decide if you should convert your home into a rental property. As always, I appreciate your great questions, and I hope you find this episode helpful on your real estate investing journey.

Start early by building your financial education. I believe that a strong financial education is one of the most overlooked and undervalued things you need to survive in today’s world. Luckily, building a strong financial education is free, and you can start right now.  Listen along with the show for more information!

There are many benefits of investing inside of a retirement account like a self-directed IRA. But if you want to retire early, can a self-directed IRA help you reach your goals? That's the first question I'm answering on this episode of Investing in Real Estate!This encore Q&A episode features three great listener questions on deciding if retirement accounts are right for you, how to determine if you should use your home equity to invest, and how to get into investing if you don't want to invest in the United States.

For years now, the US has been in the depths of a housing shortage, specifically an affordable housing shortage. From a basic economic standpoint, a normal, balanced housing market should have about a 4-6 months’ supply available of houses. Anything less than that is considered a housing shortage.On today's show, you're going to learn how vast the housing shortage is. We're going to talk about some of the major contributing factors to this shortage and how new construction real estate investing can help remedy this situation.

If you own a rental property that needs constant repairs and maintenance, what should you do? Is it better to sell a high maintenance property, or is there a better way to deal with it? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate.Today I'm answering three of your great questions on dealing with repetitive repairs, turning your first home into a rental property, and the rules on using a property in your self-directed IRA.

The affordable housing crisis keeps getting worse and worse. It was recently reported that New York City rents are so high, that less than 5% of rental units are affordable for the average salary.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to dive into what's going on with housing costs across major US cities, mainly New York City. You're going to learn about how the price of rent has risen in recent years, the future of the affordable housing crisis, and much more!

If you want to use a HELOC to pay off your mortgage, the easiest way is to utilize your HELOC as a checking account. But where can you find these types of HELOCs? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore episode of Investing in Real Estate!Today's Q&A episode features three of your great questions about finding HELOC products, rental companies, and how to buy rental properties inside a self-directed IRA.

Over the last several decades, the American retirement system has shifted immensely. Working hard used to result in guaranteed retirement income through a pension plan. But today, a pension plan is no more -- and Americans are left with a shell of a retirement plan.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to cover the history of the pension plan, why the 401k doesn't work on its own, and what you can do instead to create a retirement plan that works for you.

How can you teach your children financial intelligence? What are the best resources you can arm yourself with in order to pass down important lessons about money? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate!This episode features three of your great questions about financial education resources, minimizing high taxes, and deciding what to do with a highly appreciated property with low cash flow.

Due to the state of the economy, Americans have reported being worried about money, cutting back their spending habits, and even dipping into their retirement funds just to make ends meet. On today's show, we're going to unpack what's going on with the average American consumer.We're going to talk about the state of credit card debt in the US, how interest rates are impacting the average American, and the truth about how people are managing their finances today. And most importantly, we're going to cover what to do if you're becoming increasingly worried about money. It's all here on this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

What are the best states to buy rental real estate? And what makes a rental market profitable? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A edition of investing in real estate!On today's episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm answering three of your great questions. We're going to cover topics like rental markets, buydown credits, and how a banking collapse could affect your portfolio.

On today’s show, we’re going to talk about one of the major tax savings strategies that all real estate investors need to know about: the 1031 exchange. All real estate investors need to have this information in their back pocket, because you never know when you might need it.You're going to learn about the basics of a 1031 exchange and how it works. We're going to cover the major benefits of this strategy, who it's for, and so much more.

Our audience asks the best questions, and on today's show, I'm going to tackle a few of them. On this encore episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'll be answering three of your questions on various real estate topics.This Q&A episode features three great questions on topics like investing with a high debt-to-income ratio, how to decide if you should pay off mortgages, and buying a property with a solo 401k.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: the middle class is dead. The last several years have presented hard economic times for the American people. With high inflation, elevated housing costs, and the rising prices of everything, it's never been harder to remain in the middle class.On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to unpack why the middle class is shrinking and what you can do to protect yourself in an ever changing economy.

Insurance is a critical piece of owning and protecting any piece of real estate. Is it a good idea to self-insure your rental property? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A edition of Investing in Real Estate!On today's show, I'm answering three of your great questions about self-insurance, self-directed IRAs, and how to invest in US real estate from Canada. We'll also talk about living the life you want now, the importance of being empowered in your financial freedom, and more.

For years, we’ve been in an affordable housing crisis. Since the great recession, there has been a massive shortage of homes. Builders, of course, have been hesitant to build in droves since getting burned in 2008 and 2009. And we know that in the past few years, the prices of everything have risen dramatically. This includes lumber, land, and labor. It has become very expensive to build a home.Then, there are interest rates. Higher interest rates over the past couple years have put a massive halt on home sales across the country. Today we’re going to talk about the critical connection between interest rates and the housing crisis we’re seeing across the United States.

Today's first caller used a Veterans Affairs loan to house hack. What's the best way for him to grow a strong real estate portfolio? On today's show, I'm answering this great question, and more!This encore Q&A episode features three of your questions on investing with a VA loan, vacancy rates in our rental markets, and my take on the possibility of a global banking crash. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful questions, and I hope you enjoy this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

My general philosophy when it comes to real estate investing is that the credit score isn’t as big of a deal as people make it out to be. If you’re holding back on reaching your real estate goals because of a credit score, I think that’s a huge mistake. There are so many ways to work around a low credit score.However, it’s true that a higher credit score can benefit you in a number of ways. The higher your score, the easier it is to qualify for loans and get access to the best rates and terms. If you’re looking to improve your credit score, this episode is for you. You're going to learn about five specific ways you can boost your score!

If you have access to a big chunk of equity, how much should you tap into to grow your real estate portfolio? And what is the best product to help you reach your goals? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A edition of Investing in Real Estate!On today's show, I'm answering three of your real estate investing questions spanning topics like using home equity to invest, the mechanics of buying US rental properties from Canada, and the cost of setting up a self-directed IRA.

Thanks to skyrocketing home prices, American homeowners are flush with equity in their homes. It was reported that over 47% of mortgaged homes across the United States are considered equity rich. Today, we're going to talk about what this amount of equity could mean for the American homeowner.You're going to learn why now is a great time to leverage your home to buy a rental property, and how to do it. We're going to talk about specific lending products you can use, their pros and cons, and what to consider before you use this strategy.

If you have a mortgage on a rental property that's owned by your self-directed IRA, how does the mortgage need to be paid? On today's show, we're going to answer this question — and more!This encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate features three listener questions on self-directed IRA payments, how to choose a landlord friendly state to buy investment properties, and what investors should consider about taxes when buying raw land.