PODCAST · business
Real Estate Rookie
by BiggerPockets
Ready to build your real estate empire… but not sure where to begin?Think of us as your personal trainer.From detailed breakdowns of real-world deals… to one-on-one coaching sessions and a warm, welcoming community… hosts Ashley Kehr and Tony J Robinson bring on a wide range of guests to tackle the “newbie” questions you've wondered about but might be afraid to ask.Looking to 10X your real estate investing business this year? This show isn’t for you.Looking for your first, second, or third deal -- or envisioning a more modest portfolio? Step right up. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we’ll arm you with the tips, tools, and roadmaps you'll need as you embark on your journey toward financial freedom.
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739
3 Ways to Fund Your First Real Estate Deal Without 20% Down
What’s stopping you from buying your very first rental property? For most rookies, it’s rarely ever the market, the interest rates, or even the competition–it's a number in their head. Today, we’re breaking down that barrier with real rookie use cases that will inspire you to take that next step in your real estate investing journey! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, we’re sharing three ways to fund real estate deals that have actually worked for past Rookie guests. None of these creative financing options require 20% down, none of them require a traditional bank, and one of them doesn't involve a lender at all! We dive into how hard money loans work and when they make sense, how to find a seller who'll say yes to seller financing, and the levers you can pull to structure your deal. Ashley also shares her hard money horror story so you don't have to learn those lessons the expensive way! If you've been sitting on the sidelines because you don't think you have enough money to invest, this conversation will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started today! In This Episode We Cover Hard money—what it is, how lenders make money, and when it actually makes sense for a rookie Ashley's hard money horror story and the exact questions you need to ask How to structure a seller financing deal as a complete beginner Real seller financing case studies (from past Rookie guests!) The right (and wrong) reasons to bring in an equity partner on your real estate deal And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-738. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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738
He Started Investing in His 40s, Now He’s on Track to Retire with Rentals
Not everyone gets into real estate investing when conditions are perfect. Some, like our next guest, get in because they have no other choice. The path Brent Beard was on just wasn’t cutting it anymore–especially when people were depending on him. If your back’s against the wall and you want to build a better life for your family, rental properties could be the answer! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Brent is a real estate agent in training and investor in the Kansas City area who bought his first duplex in 2025. He did it while working a full-time W-2 job, serving in the National Guard, studying for his real estate licence, and raising his granddaughter. Owning rental properties wasn’t always on Brent’s radar, but last July, he picked up a book that changed his whole philosophy. Despite starting in his 40s, Brent has closed on his first deal and is aiming to retire in 10 years! Brent isn't here with a polished success story, but a real one. He dives into the property tax mistake nobody warned him about that nearly doubled his bill overnight, the buy box he had to abandon to find a deal that actually cash flowed, and the one thing he wishes someone had told him before he closed! If you have a full schedule, real responsibilities, and every reason to keep putting real estate on the back burner, Brent's story is proof that the biggest mistake is simply not starting! In This Episode We Cover What finally pushed Brent to take action on his first real estate deal Juggling a W-2 job, military service, and real estate without dropping the ball The rookie-friendly tools and processes Brent used to analyze his first duplex The property tax mistake that nearly doubled Brent’s bill (and what to check before you close!) The huge investing advantages you get by becoming a real estate agent And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-737. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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737
My Property Is Losing Money: Should I Sell or Pivot? (Rookie Reply)
The property you spent months working on is about to lose you money. What should you do? Sell? Pivot? Invest for long enough and you’re bound to run into this scenario at some point. But not to worry—today, we’re showing you exactly what to do when things go south! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. One investor is about to lose money flipping a house and needs a way out or a reason to stay in. Another is about to form a real estate investing partnership but is missing one critical element that could change the entire deal. And if you’re in the exciting final stages of closing on a rental property, or you're already sitting with the keys, wondering what on earth to do now that you're a landlord, we’ve got the answers! Ashley and Tony have been in all three of these situations, and Tony’s in one of them right now! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover When to sell a struggling flip (at a loss) or convert it to a rental property The one thing almost nobody considers before creating a real estate partnership Why a 50/50 equity partnership is actually fairer than it feels when one partner brings all the money The biggest differences between a joint venture and an LLC (limited liability company) Why forming an LLC on your first partnership deal might be a mistake What to tackle in your first 30 days after closing (and what can wait!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-736. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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736
Making $29,000/Month from One “Boring” Property (1,000 Miles Away)
What if the best real estate investment isn’t the one with tenants, toilets, or employees, but the low-maintenance property everyone else is ignoring? Today’s guest is making thousands each month from one of these properties, and there are many more just like it. She’ll show you exactly how to find them! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today we're sitting down with Bree Hartman, who went from one “accidental” rental property to building a $6 million self-storage portfolio–all while pregnant, working her W-2 job as a personal trainer, and cold calling self-storage owners on her lunch breaks. She did all of this as a complete newbie to commercial real estate from the other side of the country! Bree breaks down how she finds off-market self-storage facilities using a single tool, the exact cold calling script she uses to get baby boomer owners talking, and how she structured her very first seller financing deal. She even shares the five-point blueprint that shows YOU exactly where to invest. If you've been sleeping on self-storage, our conversation with Bree will wake you up to one of the most underrated assets right now! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How Bree finds off-market self-storage deals hiding in plain sight The exact cold calling script that gets bored retirees to sell (and a live example!) Buying a $3.1 million facility with zero commercial experience The seller financing trick that got an owner to say yes–it's not what you'd expect The five-point blueprint for finding markets where you'll never compete with the big players And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-735. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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735
How to House Hack Your Way Out of $200K in Student Loan Debt!
At 31, James sat down at a kitchen table with his wife Aida, ran the numbers on the next 30 years, and didn't like what he saw—$200,000 in student loans and a retirement plan neither of them believed in. So they stopped waiting for a change, and built something instead. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Our guest, James Doren, and wife, Aida, didn't have a trust fund or an obvious path forward. They had a spreadsheet, a private money lender, and an empty space above their garage. This accessory dwelling unit (ADU) solution added 50% value on their equity, wiped out their student loans, and set them on a path that most investors never consider: intentionally shrinking their portfolio from 10 doors to 4. But the deal that surprised them most didn't come from an agent or Zillow. It came from a tenant who knocked on their door with a problem the bank couldn't solve! James breaks down the house hack that started it all, how he convinced a private money lender to fund the build, and the rent-to-own agreement he structured for his tenant that gave both sides exactly what they needed. If you've ever sat at your own kitchen table and wondered if there's a better way…James's story is your proof that there is! In This Episode We Cover How James and Aida used weekly money dates to align on their financial goals and take their first step into real estate The ADU build that created $160K in equity How to approach a private money lender and handle the tough questions Why James intentionally sold 6 properties and why owning fewer doors actually made him more money! The rent-to-own agreement a tenant brought to them: how it works, what an option fee is, and why it removed all their risk And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-734. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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734
The Real Estate LLC Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands (Rookie Reply)
Do you need a real estate LLC, and should you form one before or after buying a rental property? This is a very common rookie question, and liability protection is one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate investing. But not to worry—today we’re setting the record straight and showing you how to build bulletproof protection for you and your assets! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Does a rental property have to make positive cash flow for it to be considered a “good” deal? If you’re using the house hacking strategy, maybe not! In today’s episode, we’ll share exactly why this is often the exception to the rule. Finally, what’s the best way to fund rental renovations? In most cases, lenders will help you finance the purchase of a rental property, but you’ll have to scrounge up the money for your renovations—except if you use an FHA 203(k) loan. How do these loans work, and what are the pros and cons? Stick around to find out! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Whether a rental property needs to cash flow if you’re house hacking LLCs, umbrella policies, and other types of liability protection explained Whether you need to form an LLC before buying a rental property What to know before transferring ownership from your personal name to an LLC How to fund your purchase and renovations with a 203(k) loan And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-733. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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733
The Easiest Ways to Find Off-Market Properties in 2026 (Our Exact Playbook)
Many rookies assume the best real estate deals are already listed on the market, but what if that’s not the case? The truth is, it’s getting harder and harder to find rental properties on the MLS that actually pencil out. Thankfully, there are dozens of ways to find profitable off-market properties that can make you more money, and today, we’re sharing our exact playbook! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! The term “off market” is thrown around as an easier way to buy real estate, but most rookies don’t actually know where to start. In this episode, we’re breaking down how we found, funded, and closed our very first off-market deals—as complete beginners. You’ll hear about Ashley’s 12-unit acquisition that doubled in value and Tony’s very first wholesale real estate deal that made him $30,000! But that’s not all. Beyond driving for dollars and direct mail, we’re sharing our favorite strategies to use in 2026. With all kinds of tips for sourcing deals, structuring offers, and negotiating with sellers, there’s no reason why you can’t go out and buy your first off-market property this year! In This Episode We Cover How Ashley bought six duplexes (12 units), off-market, from ONE seller How Tony pocketed $30,000 on his very first wholesale deal The one major advantage rookies have when buying off-market properties How to use the driving for dollars strategy to uncover “hidden” real estate deals Why you should always make multiple offers on an investment property The main difference between assumable mortgages and subject-to deals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-732. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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732
She Lost $85,000, Then Made It All Back with a Single Rental Property
Real estate bookkeeping might not be the most thrilling part of owning a rental property, but it’s often the difference between bleeding money each month and earning cash flow you can count on. Today’s guest will show you exactly how to get your books in check so you can make your properties even more profitable! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Grace Wills is a CPA, a homeschooling mom, and a self-described “risk-averse” investor. So, when her husband suggested they buy an investment property back in 2018, she was skeptical. However, it didn’t take long for that first property to start generating plenty of cash flow, at which point Grace saw that real estate investing was far less “risky” than many other investments. Fast forward to today, and Grace owns a real estate portfolio that’s creating long-term wealth for her family, despite losing money on three different house flips. In this episode, she shares the importance of having a mentor to help you navigate the ebbs and flows of real estate, why bookkeeping is one of the most underrated skills, and some of her favorite tools and software for new investors! In This Episode We Cover Why Grace never gave up on real estate (even after three “failed” house flips) The four people every real estate investor needs in their corner The two-part software “stack” every new investor should have The biggest challenges when going into real estate investing with family What to know before putting your rental property in an S corporation Why you should always speak to multiple lenders before getting financing And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-731. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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731
The Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords (Rookie Reply)
Thinking about self-managing your rental property? Then, you’ll need property management software to help with things like processing applications, collecting rent, and managing maintenance requests. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite tools so you can pick the right one for your portfolio! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! There are dozens of property management tools floating around, but which ones are best for new landlords? Ashley breaks down the different categories of landlord software and shares four steps to finding the right option for you. Next, are regulations slowly killing the short-term rental industry? The short answer is no. However, there are two things every investor should do before committing to a short-term rental market, and Tony’s going to tell you what they are! Finally, we’ll get into wholesaling, a strategy that could help kickstart your real estate investing journey without having thousands of dollars to deploy. We’ll show you how the entire wholesaling process works and three easy ways to find deals today! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The best property management tools for beginner landlords Four steps to finding the right property management software for you What heightened regulations mean for the future of short-term rentals Whether short-term rentals are still a viable investing strategy in 2026 Three ways to start wholesaling today (with low money!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-730. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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730
Big Changes I’m Making to My Portfolio This Year (That Will Make Me Richer)
Many rookies think things become easy once you’ve built a large real estate portfolio, but that’s far from true. Even with 26 short-term rentals, a 13-unit hotel, and a few house flips under his belt, Tony deals with many of the typical rookie challenges. In today’s episode, he’s sharing the lessons he’s learned and the rental pivots he’s making so YOU can grow and scale like him! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Last time we checked in with Tony about his real estate business, he was in the process of stabilizing his new hotel. Now, with an entire calendar year in the books, we’ll revisit the property and how it’s performing today. We’ll also hear about Tony’s next hotel investment and how he’s approaching it differently now that he has proof of concept. Tony also outlines the best course of action for new investors who want to break into the short-term rental space in 2026. Finally, what does a day in the life of a full-time real estate investor look like? Tony gives you an inside look at the flexibility he enjoys by owning rental properties that you don’t get with a nine-to-five job! In This Episode We Cover Rental pivots Tony’s making in 2026 for even bigger returns Updates on Tony’s rental portfolio and his 13-unit hotel investment The biggest pain points when investing in a smaller real estate market What Tony’s average week looks like as a full-time real estate rental investor First steps for rookies looking to invest in short-term rentals in 2026 How to build a real estate business that gives you more freedom and flexibility And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-729. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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729
She Started Investing in College and Already Has 5 Rental Units (And Counting)
The real estate investing moves you make today could change your life. Those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s often look back and regret not starting sooner. Today’s guest isn’t letting that happen, and in this episode, she’ll show YOU how to take advantage when that next rental property comes your way! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Megan Chou’s father challenged her to read the personal finance classic, Rich Dad Poor Dad, little did she know it would completely alter her life’s trajectory. The book’s lessons on building wealth inspired her to stash her money away in a brokerage account and, at just 20 years old, buy her very own rental property—a townhome she house hacked with her best friend. Then, only two years later, right as she was graduating from college, she took down a fourplex—renovating each unit while living in it, one by one. Stay tuned as Megan shares how she leveraged her home equity to buy it, what went wrong after buying the property, and how she stayed resilient when her property started fighting back! In This Episode We Cover How Megan bought her first two rental properties (while still in college!) How to fund your next investment property using your existing home equity What Zillow, Redfin, and the MLS can’t tell you about properties or neighborhoods Bouncing back from ice, raccoons, and plumbing failure on the same property Two crucial things to do when experiencing a setback with your property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-728. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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My Rental Property Has Zero Appreciation: Should I Hold or Sell? (Rookie Reply)
Do you have home equity sitting in your primary residence? You could use it to buy your first or next rental property! There are several ways to do this, and in today’s episode, we’re sharing them so you can make your money work harder! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Whether it’s a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a cash-out refinance, there are multiple ways to access the equity in your home. But which option is best? Stay tuned and we’ll help you determine the right move for your situation. Next, if you’re preparing to open an Airbnb, the days leading up to launch can be nerve-wracking. Thankfully, our resident short-term rental expert, Tony, has some game-changing tips that will help you create the best possible guest experience and bring in plenty of five-star reviews! Finally, what do you do if your investment property hasn’t appreciated at all over the last one, two, or even five years? Should you hold or cut it loose? The answer is more nuanced than you might think, but we’ll help you reach the right decision for your real estate investing goals! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to use your primary residence to buy your first rental property Three ways to access your home equity (and fund your next property) How to create a five-star Airbnb experience (and get more reviews!) What every rookie should know before launching a short-term rental When to sell a rental property that has low or negative cash flow Whether a rental property with low (or no) appreciation is a bad investment And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-727. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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727
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Off-Market Properties (As a Complete Beginner)
Struggling to find great real estate deals on the MLS? What if we told you some of the best rental properties are often found elsewhere? If you want better cash flow and bigger margins, you may need to start looking for off-market properties. Thankfully, today’s guest is an expert on these types of deals and will show YOU exactly how to find them! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Janelle Carlson first started investing in real estate several years ago, she would find properties like most new investors do—on the MLS. But around 2021, something changed. With record-low mortgage rates and properties often selling for above asking price, the deals started drying up. So, Janelle started looking off-market instead and had enormous success. Today, she does over 30 off-market deals per year! With a little time, effort, and Janelle’s blueprint, you could buy your first or next off-market property this year, too. In this episode, she shows you where to look for leads, the different types of strategies to use, and the secrets to negotiating a home-run deal! In This Episode We Cover How to find and buy off-market properties as a complete beginner The biggest differences between off-market and on-market deals Finding deals within your buy box using the pay per lead (PPL) strategy Everything you need to launch your own real estate direct mail campaign How Janelle was ghosted by her partner on her very first deal (and lost $35,000) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-726. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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726
He Was Making Just $12/Hour: Now He Owns 7 Rental Properties (10 Units)
You don’t need a big market, huge salary, or even a college degree to invest in real estate. Today’s guest had a very simple goal when he started: replace his $12/hour construction job. He’s already achieved that, and today, he owns seven rental properties…and counting! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Nathan Shelby has dabbled in several investing strategies, from mobile home lots to fixer uppers. But he’s recently landed on a strategy that allows him to use the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) on new construction homes—just without the renovations. Despite investing in a relatively small town, one of these properties appraises for roughly twice the cost to build it, allowing Nathan to pull 100% of his cash out for the next one! Nathan has found his groove in the last couple of years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. In this episode, he shares some of the biggest mistakes he made early on—pitfalls you can easily avoid. Stay tuned to learn about the systems and tools you should implement on day one, how to dial in your tenant screening process, and why new construction is often easier than renovating! In This Episode We Cover How Nathan scaled to 10 rental units without a big salary or college degree How to find highly profitable real estate deals outside of the MLS Why new construction is often easier than rental renovations Must-have systems and tools to build and scale your real estate portfolio Three of the biggest mistakes new investors make (and how to avoid them) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-725. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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725
How to Pay (Much) Less in Taxes as a Real Estate Investor (Rookie Reply)
Rental properties can give you cash flow, appreciation, and loan paydown from tenants. But tax benefits are often the unsung hero of real estate investing. Today, we’re sharing some of the best real estate tax strategies so you can keep more of your hard-earned money from Uncle Sam! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Should you do a cost segregation study? Many investors use this tax strategy to accelerate depreciation and create massive paper losses, but what’s the catch? Stay tuned as we break down the potential pitfalls and everything you need to know before getting started. What about a 1031 exchange? This strategy allows you to defer capital gains taxes when selling a rental property, but what if you’re flipping houses? Every landlord wants a great tenant in their rental property, but how do you find them? From credit scores and income requirements to employment verification and background checks, we show you how to dial in your tenant screening criteria so that you make the best possible decision! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Real estate tax strategies that will help you keep more money from the IRS How to accelerate rental property depreciation with a cost segregation study Offsetting your active income with the short-term rental tax “loophole” The two ways to qualify for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) How to select the best tenant for your rental property (fairly and legally) Whether you can do a 1031 exchange when flipping a house And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-724. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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724
How to Get a 3% Mortgage Rate on Your Rental Property (Still Works in 2026)
Did you know that you could get a 3% mortgage rate on your next rental property? With rates hovering around 6%-7%, this would shave hundreds of dollars off your monthly mortgage payment and save you a few hundred thousand dollars in total interest. That alone could flip a deal with negative cash flow into a profitable one. But rates don’t appear to be coming down any time soon. So, how is this possible? Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re talking about assumable mortgages—existing loans that have rates as low as 3%. These aren’t “goldilocks” properties that only the luckiest investors find. There are millions of them all across the U.S., and we’ll show you exactly how to find them. Stay tuned to learn everything you need to know about these loans, like how to cover the “equity gap” that many of these properties have, a six-step process for taking over an existing mortgage, and the biggest pitfalls to avoid along the way. If you’re struggling to find properties that cash flow, this investing strategy could be the answer you’ve been looking for! In This Episode We Cover Everything you need to know about assumable mortgages before you buy The main difference between assumable and subject-to deals The three main types of government-backed, assumable loans Six steps to find, buy, and close on an assumable mortgage The “equity gap” explained, and how to find “sweet spot” properties The best places to find assumable properties for sale online And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-723. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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723
Making Over $10,000/Month with Just One Rental Property
Fear your market is too competitive for you to stand out? Today’s guest bought her first rental property right before developers started buying up the land around her. Thankfully, she didn’t back down. Since then, her property has already climbed to the top 1% of Airbnb listings and now brings in over $10,000 a month! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Erin Robinson had always wanted to invest in real estate, but she didn’t just want another boring rental property. She wanted to build her own “luxury” stay—a private retreat that could double as her own vacation rental. And that’s exactly what she did, strategically investing in high-value amenities and highlighting her property’s best features. Despite only launching recently, Erin’s property already makes five figures per month and is booked nearly three months out! From unique design features that will help your property pop to booking tips that will maximize your revenue, Erin has all the secrets to designing a successful short-term rental. If you want to launch a high-performing Airbnb property from scratch, this episode is for you! In This Episode We Cover How Erin turned her first rental into a profitable Airbnb (making $10,000/month) The best “luxury” items to prioritize when designing your short-term rental Tips and tricks to get your rental property to the top 1% of Airbnb listings How to create the ideal guest experience (and get more five-star ratings) The two biggest mistakes Erin made when renovating her property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-722. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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722
Paying Off a Rental Property vs. Buying More: Which One Wins? (Rookie Reply)
Should you pay off your mortgage early or buy more rental properties? The first option gives you peace of mind, while the other allows you to build wealth much faster. In this episode, we’re fleshing out both strategies so you can make the right choice! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! What’s better—a debt-free property or a larger real estate portfolio? The answer depends entirely on the investor, but we’ll help you determine the best path for you. As a new landlord, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to make repairs to your property. But what if that “repair” is something major, like replacing an HVAC unit? We’ll show you how to prepare for the worst before you buy! Finally, how do you know if you’re analyzing a rental property correctly? It might look like a good deal on the surface, but what if you’re overlooking some major red flags? Follow our tips, and you might just dodge a mistake you could regret later! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Paying off your mortgage early versus buying more rental properties Using your home equity to scale your rental portfolio faster How to budget for major rental property repairs and maintenance How much every rookie investor should have in reserves (per property) Common red flags you can’t afford to miss when analyzing real estate deals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-721. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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721
He Had No Money for His First Deal: 5 Years Later, He Owns 17 Properties
Rookies think they need millions to invest in commercial real estate, but that’s only a myth, and today’s guest is about to show you why. In this episode, we’re talking all about an asset that might sound big and scary but is actually much easier to buy than you probably think: self storage! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Cameron Barsanti has owned single-family homes, multifamily properties, and other assets. But his favorite? Self storage. These large metal boxes have no toilets, no tenants living on the property, and less maintenance than residential real estate. Since zeroing in on self storage just five years ago, Cameron has scaled to a $70+ million portfolio spanning nine states! Today, he’s giving you a complete crash course on the asset—how it works, how it makes money, and everything you need to know to get started. We get into analyzing markets, the ideal tech “stack” for new investors, and much more. So, if you’ve ever wanted to know how to get into self storage, without a ton of money, this episode is for you! In This Episode We Cover How to start investing in self storage facilities in 2026 The number one skill every self storage investor must learn Creative ways to find mom-and-pop self storage facilities for sale The easiest way to find and fund your first self storage deal in 2026 The most important factor when analyzing a self storage market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-720. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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720
From No Time or Money to Doing 6-Figure Real Estate Deals (With 8 Kids!)
Don’t have enough time or money to invest in real estate? These are, by far, the two most common roadblocks for new investors. Today’s guest didn’t let them stop her. Instead, she used creative means to find and fund real estate deals without much free time or a big bank account. If you follow her blueprint, you’ll be able to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Beth Decler is a homeschooling mother of eight—yes, eight—children, but somehow, some way, she’s also making time for real estate investing. In fact, she and her husband have done five real estate deals and made six-figure profits with the live-in flip strategy, all while running their own on-farm business. In this episode, Beth shows you how to find off-market properties (without cold calling), bypass the banks with seller financing, and save thousands in taxes. Now that Beth has used the power of real estate to scale up to her “forever” home, she’s eyeing another investing strategy—one that’s less hands-on but will allow her to keep growing her net worth! In This Episode We Cover How this investing mom is doing six-figure flips (while raising eight kids!) Selling investment properties for tax-free gains using the live-in flip strategy How to negotiate seller financing for your next real estate deal Creative ways to find off-market properties for sale (without cold calling) How to fund real estate deals without traditional bank financing And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-719. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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719
Should I Keep or Sell My Rental Property? (Huge Equity Gains) (Rookie Reply)
Have some home equity built up in one or more of your rental properties? What should you do? Get a line of credit? Sell? You have more options than you think, and in this episode, we’ll help you crunch the numbers and weigh your options so you make the best possible decision! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! There’s a property you want to buy. It’s affordable, it’s in a decent market, and it cash flows. Should you pull the trigger? Not so fast! Sometimes the property that looks like a steal is actually a trap—one that many new investors fall for, including Ashley when she was starting out. Stay tuned to find out why, and then stick to her advice! Next, maybe you have an investment property that has appreciated by six figures since buying it a few years ago. Rather than letting the equity sit there, we’ll show you several ways to put it to good use so you can scale your real estate portfolio further. Finally, do you need a landlord-tenant lease agreement when house hacking? Without a doubt, yes. We’ll show you where to find one (or create your own) so you’re fully protected! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The best ways to tap into your investment property’s home equity When to sell a rental property and realize the home equity gains The difference between return on investment (ROI) and return on equity (ROE) Deferring capital gains taxes on a property sale through a 1031 exchange Whether you should ever buy the “cheap,” cash-flowing rental property Whether you need a landlord-tenant lease agreement when house hacking And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-718. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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718
The 2-Year Blueprint for Buying Your First Rental Property (Starting from Zero)
You want to buy a rental property, but there’s one problem: you don’t have the money! The good news? You’re not as far away as you probably think. If you want to save as much money as possible for a down payment, today’s guest will show you how. In just two years, she went from zero to building a strong financial foundation and taking down her first property! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! When Mimi Fall was laid off from her W-2 job, it was the last straw. In that moment, she decided to take responsibility for her financial future, and that meant getting a better job, cracking down on spending, and throwing every extra dollar toward savings. All of Mimi’s hard work paid off, as within two years, she was able to buy her very first rental property. Today, she rents out rooms to tenants, and the total rental income covers her entire mortgage payment and then some. In this episode, she shares her step-by-step roadmap for getting your finances in check, her favorite personal finance tips and tools, and property-saving advice for all new landlords! In This Episode We Cover How to save money (faster) and buy your first or next rental property Mimi’s journey from being laid off to chasing financial freedom Covering your mortgage (and then some) with the rent-by-the-room strategy How to lay a strong personal finance foundation (starting from scratch) How to pin down your long-term real estate investing goals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-717. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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717
Making $10,000/Month Cash Flow from 5 Rental Properties in Just 5 Years
Had enough of the nine-to-five grind? Then it’s time to start engineering your exit with assets that will give you more time, flexibility, and financial freedom: rental properties. Today’s guest will show you how to replace your salary with cash flow and finally start living on your terms! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jamie Trickett had the cozy, corner-office job most people dream of, but it wasn’t enough. With a three-hour daily commute on top of a 40+ hour workweek, she had very little time left for her boys. Something had to give. So, Jamie took a leap of faith and bought her first rental property. What was initially intended as a retirement asset quickly evolved into another steady income stream. Just two years later, she quit her W-2 job to go all-in on real estate investing and has stacked five rental properties in five years. Jamie hasn’t just scaled to $10,000 in monthly cash flow. She’s also saved six figures in taxes through cost segregation studies and other overlooked tax deductions. You don’t need dozens of rentals to do what Jamie’s doing. Stay tuned to learn how YOU can copy her success with a “small and mighty” portfolio! In This Episode We Cover How Jamie quit her job with a “small and mighty” real estate portfolio Making $10,000 in monthly cash flow with just five rental properties Replacing your W2 income with rental property cash flow How to save thousands in taxes with a cost segregation study Building a real estate business that gives you control of your time How to stop “shiny object syndrome” from derailing your investing goals And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-716. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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716
Should You Ever Buy a Rental Property with Negative Cash Flow? (Rookie Reply)
Everyone keeps saying we’re in a “buyer’s market,” but if that’s true, where are all the real estate deals? It’s easy to get discouraged after hearing “no” after “no,” but in today’s episode, we’re sharing the secrets to landing off-market properties and overlooked rentals on the MLS! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Struggling to find real estate deals at the right price? Ashley and Tony will show you how to modify your approach and get your next rental property under contract much faster. Next, should you self-manage or hire a property manager? Each strategy has its pros and cons, but the right one for you depends on a few factors that we’ll get into! Finally, is it ever a good idea to buy a rental property that will give you negative cash flow? Most people don’t get into real estate investing to lose money each month, but we’ll show you a scenario in which taking a modest loss today could pay off long-term! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover The secret to finding discounted real estate deals (in any market) The number one mistake new investors make when looking for off-market properties Whether you should self-manage your rental property or hire a property manager The best tools, software, systems, and processes for self-managing landlords Whether you should ever buy a rental property with negative cash flow And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-715. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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715
Should You Ever Buy a Rental Property with Negative Cash Flow? (Rookie Reply)
Tired of your rental properties making just $50 or $100 a month? What if you could squeeze several thousand dollars out of the same properties instead? That’s exactly what today’s guest is doing—taking ordinary properties that you’d find on the MLS and turning them into money-making assets with one powerful investing strategy: residential assisted living. And in today’s episode, he’ll show YOU how to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Hans Stone has built a real estate business that brings in not $2,000, or $5,000, or even $10,000, but upward of $40,000 per month, per property. How? There’s an entire generation that’s starting to age out and needs private care, and Hans is providing it. And there’s so much demand for these properties that, once he stabilizes the property, he rarely deals with vacancies or evictions! If you’re done with the tight margins and want a strategy that will not only generate more cash flow but also help you make a difference, Hans is giving you the entire blueprint to get started! In This Episode We Cover Making $40,000 per month (per property) with residential assisted living How to find investment properties you can turn into assisted living houses The biggest risks and challenges to be aware of with assisted living investing How to protect your real estate business from a liability standpoint Why assisted living is much more about hospitality than healthcare And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-714. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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714
From Zero to 11 Real Estate Deals in 6 Years by Buying Properties 99% Ignore
You don’t need a huge savings account or even a ton of life experience to start investing in real estate. At just 18 years old, today’s guest used her entire life savings to buy her first real estate deal. It was just an empty parcel of land, but it ended up becoming a $120K home-run deal that catapulted her toward 10 more deals over the next six years! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Tiffany Da Silva had just graduated from high school when she decided to go (literally) all-in on real estate investing. Despite having no credit and just $12,000 to her name, she took the plunge, using every last dollar to bid on an empty parcel of land at a tax deed sale. What was going to be a simple land flip turned into a rental property that has made her over $120,000! With proof of concept, Tiffany went back to the well, buying up several more real estate owned (REO) properties at auctions and even dabbling in new construction. Whether you feel you’re too young to invest, too old to start, or somewhere in the middle, anyone can follow Tiffany’s blueprint and copy her success! In This Episode We Cover How Tiffany bought her first real estate deal at just 18 years old Tiffany’s journey from zero to 11 real estate deals in six years How to buy discounted properties at tax deed sales and auctions Using hard money to fund your off-market real estate deals Real estate owned (REO) properties explained (and how to find them!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-713. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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713
How to Estimate Rehab Costs from Scratch (Materials & Labor) (Rookie Reply)
Need help estimating rehab costs? This is a huge unknown for many rookie investors. But not to worry—in this episode, we’ll show you how to do this as accurately as possible so you have fewer surprises once you’re under contract and it’s time to get your hands dirty! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! If you’re stuck with a property that’s giving you negative cash flow, you have two choices: hold (and figure it out) or sell. The answer is more nuanced than you probably think, but we’ll point you in the right direction. Next, whether you’re using the BRRRR method, flipping houses, or simply updating an existing rental property, every real estate investor must perform renovations at some point. Stay tuned to learn how to accurately estimate these costs and avoid over-improving your property. Finally, agents and sellers can become frustrated by “lowball” offers, but is there such a thing as an offer that’s too aggressive? We’ll show you how to find discounted deals without burning bridges along the way! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover How to accurately estimate rehab costs (step by step) How to avoid losing money by over-improving your property What to do when your rental property is giving you negative cash flow Whether you should hold or sell an underperforming property What to know before making an “aggressive” real estate offer And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-712. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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712
BRRRR vs. Turnkey: Which Rental Strategy Actually Wins? (Not What You Think)
Before you buy your first rental property, you’ll need to pick an investing strategy. Should you opt for the convenience of a turnkey rental property or swing for more upside with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat)? We’ll help you make the right choice! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about turnkey real estate and value-add rental properties. To make sure we’re comparing apples to apples, we’ll use the same example property, crunch the numbers, and cover both processes from start to finish—your all-in costs, project timelines, cash flow, and much more. Which strategy is more rookie-friendly? Which makes more money? Which has the biggest risks? You’re about to find out! We provide a checklist of things you’ll need to do before committing to one strategy or the other, and then help you make a decision that aligns with your lifestyle and investing goals. Whether you’re starting from square one or have already begun narrowing down your options, this episode will give you the confidence to move forward! In This Episode We Cover The convenience of turnkey properties versus the upside of value-add real estate How to choose an investing strategy that fits your long-term goals The biggest investing risks to consider when using the BRRRR method Four crucial questions to ask before committing to an investing strategy The “checklist” to complete before buying your first investment property And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-711. Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Ready to build your real estate empire… but not sure where to begin?Think of us as your personal trainer.From detailed breakdowns of real-world deals… to one-on-one coaching sessions and a warm, welcoming community… hosts Ashley Kehr and Tony J Robinson bring on a wide range of guests to tackle the “newbie” questions you've wondered about but might be afraid to ask.Looking to 10X your real estate investing business this year? This show isn’t for you.Looking for your first, second, or third deal -- or envisioning a more modest portfolio? Step right up. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we’ll arm you with the tips, tools, and roadmaps you'll need as you embark on your journey toward financial freedom.
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