Real Estate Investing School Podcast

Ryan Barone, CEO and co-founder of Rent Ready, joins Joe Jensen to break down how he accidentally stumbled into building one of the most practical landlord tools on the market. What started as Ryan trying to solve his own problem as a first-time renter in NYC (missing out on an apartment because he was unprepared) turned into a much bigger idea once independent landlords told him the tenant side was only "the tip of the iceberg." That insight shaped Rent Ready into a platform designed to make things smoother for both landlords and tenants, creating better experiences while reducing turnover and vacancy. Joe and Ryan dig into what actually drives landlord stress at scale, with Ryan sharing insights from surveying landlords across all 50 states. The biggest worry: on-time rent payments. Ryan explains how Rent Ready tackles that with automated reminders, streamlined rent collection, and automatic deposits into the right accounts, which becomes especially helpful once landlords scale into multiple properties and LLCs. The episode centers on reducing the repetitive, mentally draining tasks that slow landlords down, so owners can manage their portfolio with more predictability and far less follow-up. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram RentRedi.com

Steve Luther, founder of Cord Real Estate and Cord International, shares how a life-threatening COVID battle reshaped his priorities and ultimately led him and his wife to Panama. What began as a search for a Caribbean lifestyle shifted into a deeper focus on world-class healthcare, safety, and long-term optionality. Steve explains why Panama stood out, including its strong medical infrastructure, relative ease of doing business from the US time zone, and a dollar-pegged currency system that reduces currency risk. The conversation breaks down what investing in Panama can look like for Americans, including local financing options, typical deal sizes tied to residency-by-investment thresholds, and realistic return expectations. Steve also clarifies tax considerations, such as Panama's territorial tax structure, low property taxes, and key limitations like not being able to use a 1031 exchange on foreign real estate. The episode closes with practical ways to get started, including Steve's Invest Panama Summit experience designed to tour projects, meet vetted local partners, and evaluate opportunities firsthand. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram ChordRealEstate.com

Jeremy Beland joins Joe Jensen to share how getting crushed in the 2007–2009 recession, nearly facing foreclosure, and joining the Air Force at 33 reset his life and ultimately set the stage for his real estate comeback. At 40, he made a bold move selling his townhouse, downsizing hard, and investing in coaching to start wholesaling in 2017, landing his first deal within 90 days and building momentum from there. His story highlights how fast life can change, and how real estate became the vehicle that gave him stability, options, and long-term control. The conversation dives into Jeremy's real strategy today: mastering off market acquisitions first, then choosing the best exit per deal including wholetails, flips, burrs, novations, and wholesales. He explains why wholetailing is one of his favorite plays, using true private lenders to buy deals, clean them out, and list them with minimal rehab, and why having multiple exit strategies helps him pivot through shifting markets. Jeremy also breaks down novations as a legal way to pre-market a deal for a retail buyer when an assignment won't work, and closes with a simple reminder: build a life you never want to retire from, and develop the acquisition and negotiation skills that turn leads into real closings.

Stephen Morell joins the Real Estate Investing School podcast to break down why tax lien investing has quietly been one of the most consistent real estate backed return plays for institutional investors and how his company, Jurisdeed, is working to open that world up to everyday investors. As a former title attorney with deep experience in property law, Stephen explains that tax liens are not really a "get cheap properties" strategy for most people. They are primarily a redemption play where the homeowner pays back the delinquent taxes plus interest and costs. The catch is the process is brutally complex, state by state rules vary, and small compliance mistakes can wipe out your position. Jurisdeed's mission is to make tax liens feel like a true investable asset class, simplifying the experience in a way similar to what Robinhood did for stocks. Stephen dives into the real problems investors face after buying liens, including time sensitive notice requirements, legal documentation, and ongoing monitoring while the lien matures. He explains typical timelines, why foreclosure is not automatic, and why even foreclosure does not guarantee you end up owning the property since auctions and legal steps vary widely. The bigger vision is building infrastructure that creates liquidity and clarity in a market that has historically been a manual good old boy system, including a future secondary marketplace and potential financing options. The episode closes with a practical warning about due diligence, the importance of volume and averages, and why the real edge in tax liens is systematizing compliance so investors can focus on strategy instead of paperwork. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Jurisdeed.com

Patrick Grimes, founder of Passive Investing Mastery and a former robotics engineer, shares how getting burned in the 2007–2008 crash reshaped his entire investing philosophy. Instead of chasing "get rich quick" returns, Patrick now treats real estate as one slice of a broader portfolio and focuses on building true financial security through non-correlated alternative investments, assets that do not all rise and fall together. He explains why resilient portfolios often include real estate alongside lesser-known options like legal and litigation finance, energy, and other niche strategies that behave differently during downturns. The episode dives into two big opportunities Patrick sees in real estate right now: buying distressed commercial assets at low prices (especially with cash) and lending at higher rates where banks have pulled back, particularly in small-balance commercial deals. Patrick also breaks down litigation finance in simple terms: lending against a diversified pool of late-stage contingency cases, cross-collateralized to reduce risk. The conversation closes with actionable portfolio thinking: do not over-index into one volatile asset class, diversify for resilience, and a simple reminder Patrick would text the world: choose loving over hate.

In this episode, I sit down with Debbie DiMaggio, a top-producing Northern California agent who's been in the game for decades, and we talk about the real difference between being an investor and being an agent. As an investor, you can move fast and get creative, but when you're representing a client and a brokerage, it's a whole different world. Debbie breaks down why disclosure matters so much, why agents have to walk a straight line, and how liability changes everything when you're the "trusted expert" for someone else. We also get into how messy certain markets can be, especially places like California and New York, where tenant laws can turn into a full-blown nightmare if you don't know what you're getting into. Then we go practical. Debbie lays out what actually wins deals in competitive markets, and it's not being aggressive, flashy, or pushy. It's being the agent people want to work with. She talks about building relationships with listing agents before offer day, staying on top of communication, writing clean offers, getting buyers truly pre-approved, and removing friction wherever possible so the deal feels like a guaranteed close. Her mindset is simple but powerful: colleagues, not competitors, because your reputation travels fast in real estate. And at the end of the day, Debbie reminds us why this business matters. You're not just selling houses, you're helping real people move into a better chapter. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Debbie Dimaggio

Texas-based entrepreneur Brad Andrus joins the Real Estate Investing School podcast to unpack his journey from commercial banking to building multiple successful companies across brokerage, development, property management, self-storage, and even AI-powered business services. Brad shares the fascinating story behind his latest project — the revival of Denton's historic Fine Arts Theater — a massive, community-driven redevelopment blending creativity, commerce, and legacy-minded leadership. From navigating historic tax credits to structuring a $10M project that intentionally prioritizes community value over pure profit, Brad reveals what it really takes to bring a forgotten landmark back to life. Brad also opens up about the evolution of his investing career, transitioning from single-family rentals into cash-flowing commercial assets, and how he now leverages AI to streamline decision-making and operations across multiple businesses. He shares the lessons that shaped him — including big mistakes, mindset shifts, and the operational discipline required to scale sustainably. If you're interested in commercial real estate, creative deal structuring, or embracing technology to gain an edge, this episode is packed with wisdom from an operator who truly understands the long game. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, Joe Jensen sits down with Matt Lavender, founder and president of New Again Houses, one of the fastest-growing home-flipping franchise systems in the country. What started in a tiny roofing shop in 2008 has grown into a nationwide network of 50+ franchise locations powered by proprietary software, in-house lending, and a model designed to help everyday entrepreneurs flip houses consistently and profitably. Before building this national operation, Matt was a college professor and soccer coach—and he shares how his unconventional background shaped his philosophy on leadership, perseverance, and building a business instead of just flipping a house. Matt breaks down the metrics that actually matter when analyzing deals (including the "risk factor" most investors ignore), why consistent volume is the key to reducing risk, and how partnerships—with contractors, suppliers, and even Lowe's corporate—drive competitive advantage. He also explains why real estate is never passive, how to scale without sacrificing your life, the difference between building a business vs. chasing deals, and why most investors fail without a clear strategy. From franchise insights to hard-earned flipping lessons, this conversation is a masterclass in creating sustainable success—whether you flip 2 houses a year or 30. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, Joe Jensen sits down with Melissa Nash—a real estate investor, educator, mother of four, and wealth strategist who built a $5M+ rental portfolio using what she calls The Lazy Investor Method. After losing her business in the 2008 crash, Melissa went searching for a safer, more predictable path to financial freedom. She found it in buy-and-hold real estate—modeling the quiet generational wealth her husband's grandmother built by steadily acquiring rentals over decades. In this conversation, Melissa breaks down the early failures that taught her what not to do, the power of out-of-state investing, and the systems that allowed her to scale past 50+ deals without ever swinging a hammer, managing contractors, or even visiting most properties in person. Melissa also shares how she leverages turnkey teams, vetted property managers, creative lenders, new builds, cash-out refi strategies, and a network she carefully built over ten years to acquire properties with minimal friction—sometimes with as little as $6–7K all-in. From avoiding bad contractors to choosing landlord-friendly markets, from building tax-saving structures to combining appreciation and cash flow strategically, Melissa reveals how everyday people can create freedom through simple, repeatable systems. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by real estate, this episode is a masterclass in how to start small, stay consistent, and build a portfolio that truly supports your life—not the other way around. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram

On this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, Joe Jensen sits down with multifamily investor, certified money coach, and father of six, Gino Barbero. With 1,800 units and over $350M AUM—all without syndications—Gino breaks down the truth behind building a real estate portfolio the right way. He shares how he went from running a family restaurant to partnering with Jake, buying their first 25-unit deal, scaling thoughtfully, and creating long-term wealth through operations, strong systems, and strategic market selection. Gino also dives deep into the mindset behind money—how childhood beliefs shape financial behaviors, why clarity matters more than motivation, and how understanding your relationship with money creates freedom. From valuation through operations, to avoiding predatory partnerships, to teaching money principles to his own kids, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons, transparency, and timeless wisdom. If you care about building wealth the right way, this episode is a masterclass. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram barbaro360.com jakeandgino.com

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, Joe Jensen sits down with lifelong entrepreneur and self-storage expert Joe Downs, co-founder of The Bellrose Group. With a background spanning securities, mortgages, hospitality, and commercial real estate, Joe has carved out a unique path by targeting niches within the niche—specialized asset types like pro storage, boat & RV storage, industrial outdoor storage (IOS), military car storage, art storage, and more. Joe breaks down how shifting consumer habits, logistics demands, and supply chain pressures have created massive opportunity in these overlooked corners of the storage world—often with far less competition and far higher returns than traditional multifamily or standard self-storage. Joe also shares how raw land can become a cash-flowing asset with minimal overhead, how iOS lots are generating 10–12%+ returns with almost no maintenance, and why technology has made boutique operators more competitive than ever. From understanding zoning and deal flow to structuring developments, finding tenants through land brokers, avoiding overbuilding, and preventing costly operational mistakes ("mind the kitchen"), this episode opens investors' eyes to wealth-building opportunities hiding in plain sight. Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned operator looking to diversify, Joe's practical insights and creative strategies will expand how you see real estate forever. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Joe Down's email: joe@belroseam.com

In this episode, Joe sits down with Rob Marucci, a Connecticut-based real estate broker, licensed contractor, and long-term investor who started in 2007—right before the crash. Rob shares the hard-earned lessons from buying properties at the worst possible time, bleeding for years, and still coming out ahead by staying in the game. His biggest takeaway is simple but powerful: never buy a property that loses money from day one, and if you want long-term freedom, focus on quality tenants and quality properties instead of chasing complicated strategies. Rob also reveals the "game-changing" program he built through his brokerage and contracting team: a no-upfront-cost home prep service where his company handles repairs, cleanup, and cosmetic upgrades up front, then gets reimbursed at closing—helping sellers avoid the "as-is" trap and capture tens of thousands more in profit. They wrap with a refreshingly simple investing blueprint: buy one self-sufficient property per year for 15 years, let tenants pay down the mortgage, and build a portfolio that creates real options—whether you flip, rent long-term, Airbnb, or pivot as the market changes. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram

On this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, Joe Jensen sits down with commercial real estate titan Ben Reinberg—founder and CEO of Alliance Consolidated Group of Companies. With more than 30 years of experience, thousands of transactions, and leadership over a 50-person national team, Ben breaks down how he built a true hard asset empire across office, industrial, retail, medical office, and multifamily. From raising his first $2M in his early twenties, to structuring complex commercial deals, to leading one of the nation's top medical office portfolios, Ben pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in commercial real estate—even if you're starting from zero. Ben also shares the insights behind his new book, Hard Assets and Hard Money for Hard Times, which teaches everyday people how to build, compound, and protect generational wealth. He dives into the steep learning curves of commercial deals, the value of investing with "smart money," how to choose the right niche in your local market, and why medical office assets are his number-one pick for long-term, recession-resistant wealth. From mindset and data protection to deal structure, team building, and avoiding costly mistakes like overleveraging—this episode is a masterclass for anyone wanting to elevate their game from residential to commercial. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Ben's Instagram

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School podcast, host Joe Jensen sits down with Nathan Turner, widely known as The Canadian Note Guy. Nathan has carved out a unique niche in real estate by focusing on mortgage notes, an often-overlooked strategy that allows investors to generate passive income without the headaches of property management. As the President of Ernest Inc. and Manager of Ernest Investing LP, he shares how he transitioned from flipping houses in Canada to becoming a leading note investor in the U.S., managing assets for accredited investors and running the Diversified Mortgage Expo, a top-tier industry event. Nathan breaks down the fundamentals of note investing, explaining how it compares to traditional real estate strategies and why he prefers being the lender rather than the landlord. He walks through his approach to buying performing and non-performing notes, the multiple exit strategies available, and how investors can turn seller-financed deals into liquid cash by selling their notes. Whether you're looking for a truly passive investment or want to learn how to structure notes for long-term financial growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Earnest Investing Website

Welcome to the Real Estate Investing School podcast. In this episode, host Joe Jensen interviews Wendell Butler, founder of Hammerhead Capital, Inc. At just 30 years old, Wendell has rapidly built a real estate investment business that spans single-family flips, multifamily rentals, and syndications, including being a general partner on a 32-unit multifamily deal. Despite only going full-time into real estate within the last year, Wendell has accumulated over 40 rental units and is systemizing his fix-and-flip operation to scale up to 50 properties a year. His journey began somewhat unexpectedly, as he originally pursued a path toward becoming a physician assistant but took a one-year break from school that exposed him to entrepreneurship. That pivot led him to real estate, leveraging nine-to-five jobs like sales and lending to build valuable skills and insider knowledge before taking the full leap into investing. Throughout the conversation, Wendell emphasizes the importance of strategic networking, due diligence, and conservative underwriting—advice he credits to both his lending background and personal experiences. His first "aha moment" came from a simple live-in flip of a condo, which netted him $70,000 tax-free after a year of ownership, proving to him the power of real estate. From there, he moved into house hacking with a duplex, using VA loan benefits and creative financing through family connections. Wendell shares valuable insights on structuring partnerships, particularly how he and his partners tackled their first larger multifamily deal without the expensive and complex syndication route, instead opting for a joint LLC structure with active investor participation. He underscores the importance of not relying solely on assumptions like rezoning or subdividing when underwriting deals and focuses on building long-term relationships and reputation as the keys to continued success. Wendell's story is an inspiring example of how consistent action, leveraging existing skills, and maintaining a learner's mindset can accelerate growth in real estate investing. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Wendell's Instagram

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, host Joe Jensen sits down with Mike "Big Mike" Zlotnik—CEO of TF Management Group, host of the Big Mike Fund podcast, and author of How to Choose a Smart Real Estate Investment Fund. With over two decades of experience as a passive investor and full-time fund manager since 2009, Mike shares how he navigates market cycles with logic, discipline, and data—not emotion or speculation. He breaks down his core principles for evaluating deals, including cap rate vs. interest rate spreads, discounts to replacement cost, and recognizing signs of distress-driven opportunities in today's commercial market. Joe and Mike also dive into the differences between syndications and funds, the pros and cons of each, and how investors can leverage asymmetric risk opportunities for consistent cash flow and long-term growth. Whether you're a passive investor or active operator, Mike's approach is a masterclass in removing emotion from investing and letting the numbers lead. If you've ever wondered how fund managers evaluate deals, or how to truly protect downside while growing wealth, this episode is packed with tactical insights, timeless principles, and plenty of "Big Mike" wisdom. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Brent's LinkedIn

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, army officer turned "Land Shark" investor Brent Bowers joins host Joe Jensen to share how buying and selling vacant land allowed him to escape the grind, be present with his family, and still build serious wealth. Brent walks through his journey from broke in 2008, moving in with his in-laws, to discovering land flipping while still deployed and working long hours in the military. He explains his first few deals, how he mailed simple handwritten postcards to tax-delinquent landowners, turned a $285 parcel into thousands in profit, and eventually built a land business that replaced his military income through seller financing and consistent monthly cash flow. Joe and Brent dive into the nuts and bolts of land investing—how to find discounted deals, price land using tools like Redfin and Zillow, structure seller financing, and protect yourself with solid due diligence. They compare land to traditional rentals, discussing the pros (no toilets, tenants, or termites, low expenses, huge returns) and the cons (no depreciation, tax hits, and the need for discipline and systems). Brent also shares painful (and expensive) mistakes, like buying non-buildable land and dealing with wetlands and the EPA, and talks about using land profits to buy cash-flowing properties and mobile home parks. If you've ever wondered how people "print money legally" with dirt, this episode breaks it down in a simple, actionable way. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Brent's LinkedIn

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, host Joe Jensen sits down with Ryan Cadwell—veteran investor, managing partner at Resolute RDM, and all-around real estate realist. With over $100M in transactions across development, flipping, brokerage, and asset management, Ryan brings 17 years of boots-on-the-ground experience and a refreshing "no-Kool-Aid" perspective. He shares how his career evolved from a dream of passive income to building a life he doesn't want to retire from. The two dive deep into how to design a business that aligns with your values, avoid ego-driven deals, and focus on investment value over market hype. Ryan also opens up about his journey from ministry to agnosticism, why real estate is never really passive, and how he's found purpose supporting transitional youth through his board work with 91 Place. This conversation covers everything from emotional decision-making and buyer psychology to using Google alerts to track job trends in your market. If you're tired of the guru fluff and want real talk about what it takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling investing career, this episode delivers in spades. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Resoluterdm.com

Welcome back to the Real Estate Investing School Podcast. Today, we're in for a treat as we sit down with not one, not two, but three guests who share their thrilling journey from Oregon to Nashville in search of real estate deals. Derek, Chris, and Jeff are known as the Wild West Boys. This dynamic trio, once mentors and now partners, dives into the intricacies of flipping houses and mastering wholesale deals, all while emphasizing the power of taking action and forging authentic connections. The Wild West Boys recount their inaugural deal, revealing a unique strategy: renovate for the seller and split the profits. Their approach extends to relationships, advocating for making investments, and appealing to potential partners without directly asking for money. In each episode, the Wild West Boys stress the significance of relationships. They share insights on creating contracts that are fair and protective, formalizing deals through title companies, navigating the unexpected delays that come with real estate transactions, diving into the nuances of flipping versus wholesaling and, unpacking the 3 C's: Cash Conversion Cycle. Resilience is a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the unpredictable real estate landscape. The Wild West Boys provide a blueprint for success, from flip rules to profit calculations. Their dream deal involves luxury rebuilds, and they emphasize the human connection behind every dollar. Believers in Christ, they underscore the importance of people skills and finding trustworthy contractors. Join the Wild West Boys on this real estate adventure, where investors seasoned or beginning alike can learn from their journey. Having a hard time finding deals in today's market? If so, book a free strategy call with us in the link below to see how we can help you! Show Links: Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Wild West Boys' Instagram

Welcome back to the Real Estate Investing School Podcast. Today we have Cam Cathcart on our podcast. Cam shares his journey from being a youth pastor making $40,000 a year to becoming a successful real estate investor as well as how he accomplished his goals by having a clear vision of living in Hawaii and achieving a net worth of $5 million. Cam worked tirelessly, putting in 18-hour days and immersing himself in real estate education. He started with the BRRRR method and scaled his business, eventually moving to Maui and building a rental portfolio of over 50 properties. He also created Cathcart Capital, a single-family rental fund, to cover the capital tied up in deals due to high interest rates. Cam emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and taking massive action to achieve success in real estate. He goes onto shares his journey in real estate investing and the importance of having a clear vision and a meaningful 'why'. He emphasizes the value of being able to live in a place you love and spend time with your family. Cam's vision is to teach people how to invest in single-family real estate and use it to pursue their passions and dreams. He believes in teaching with authenticity and integrity, focusing on the long-term benefits of real estate investing rather than just the money. Cam's ultimate goal is to be present in every aspect of his life and create lasting memories with his loved ones. If you're wanting to pursue your dream in real estate, book a free one on one strategy call with one of our experienced real estate coaches with the link below to see how we can help you! Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Cam's Instagram