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Dive into the complete episode list for Real Estate Rookie. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Turn Your Equity Into Rentals with a HELOC or Cash-Out Refi (Rookie Reply) | 16 Oct 2026 | 00:28:40 | |
Pulling equity out of your home to buy your next rental can feel like free money, but it isn't. Whether you use a HELOC or a cash-out refinance, if you don't run the numbers the right way, it can eat up your cash flow…fast. But if you get it right, the equity you've already built can fund your next down payment without draining your savings, while growing your portfolio!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's first question comes from an investor who has owned a long-term rental for eight years, with significant equity. Now, she wants to use that equity to buy her next rental, but doesn't know how to account for the new debt. We break down how a HELOC (home equity line of credit) and a cash-out refi actually work, and how Tony used a HELOC on his own home to help cover his next down payment! We also run through the one test every deal has to pass before you tap your equity.
Ever wanted to help a family member find a stable place to live? We go head-to-head on whether to buy a condo or build an ADU, and share how to protect your investment (and your family relationships) if plans change. Finally, if you're ready to hire a property manager so you're not the one taking every tenant call, we’ll walk you through how to vet one, which fees to inquire about upfront, and the questions to ask before you hand over the keys!
Whether you're tapping your equity, housing someone you love, or handing off the keys, this episode will help you make your next move with confidence!
In This Episode We Cover
The difference between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance
How to underwrite your next deal when you're borrowing against your equity
The simple test that shows whether your new rental can cover the extra payment that comes from a HELOC or refinance
Stress-testing your interest rate before completing a BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat)
Condo vs. ADU when buying housing for a family member (that’s also an investment)
The questions to ask before hiring a property manager
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-784.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| Long-Term Rentals: Everything You Need to Know Before You Self-Manage | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:37:47 | |
Thinking about investing in long-term rentals? Finding the property is only half the battle. Getting it rent-ready, landing great tenants, and keeping everything running smoothly is where successful landlords get it right. So today, we're flipping the script and bringing Ashley into the hot seat to share exactly how she does it, and the costly mistakes to avoid along the way!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Tony has spent years running short-term rentals, but in just three weeks, he'll be self-managing a long-term rental for the first time. So Ashley, our resident long-term rental expert, is giving him a full crash course on everything she's learned from owning and operating long-term rentals.
Ashley walks us through her make-ready “punch” list—including how to decide what your rental actually needs before you rent it out. Next, we’ll learn why it pays to list your rental early, how to run showings and open houses, and how to move applicants smoothly from first viewing to signed lease. Ashley also breaks down her step-by-step process for screening tenants and spotting red flags, setting clear income requirements, collecting a holding deposit, handling move-in inspections, and what every lease agreement should cover.
Whether you're buying your first long-term rental or deciding whether to self-manage, this episode gives you the full playbook to get started!
In This Episode We Cover
The make-ready “punch” list for turning your home into a rental
How to decide which appliances to leave
Why you should list your rental before you move out
Showings vs. open houses (and why most booked showings never show)
How Ashley screens tenants and spots fake pay stubs
Holding deposits, prorated rent, and move-in inspections explained
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-783.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| He Doesn’t Own These Rentals (But They Helped Him Quit His Job) | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:54:38 | |
Most rookies think you need dozens of rentals before you can walk away from your job. But what if the fastest way to replace your income didn’t require building a huge portfolio?
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ryan Dumka was stuck in long days at his corporate job and missing time with his family, when he took a chance on his very first short-term rental (STR). When he realized how well it worked, he used a 1031 exchange to buy the next. But it wasn’t more properties that finally set him free.
Ryan shares how a simple partnership turned into a thriving STR management business, and how you can do the same with the skills you already have. You’ll learn how to find property owners who are looking for your help, how to turn local agents into a steady lead source, and ways to scale up without losing the freedom you started this for! If you’ve ever thought about Airbnb co-hosting, this episode is your roadmap!
If you’ve got even one property running smoothly, you might be closer to your exit than you think!
In This Episode We Cover
How to get your first Airbnb up and running for around $30K
Using the equity you already have to buy your next rental faster
How to land property management clients without spending a dime on ads
A simple postcard trick that helps you win over struggling Airbnb owners
The pitch that turns real estate agents into your best lead source
How to stack side businesses that make your rentals more profitable
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-782.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| Cash Flow vs. Appreciation: What Matters Most in 2027 (Rookie Reply) | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:25:16 | |
Should a rental property put cash in your pocket each month or build serious wealth over time? Cash flow versus appreciation is the oldest debate in real estate investing, but the answer depends on several factors. Today, you'll learn how to pick the path that fits your goals and get the most out of your investments!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We’re tackling three questions straight from the BiggerPockets Forums. First up, an investor who wants to house hack a small multifamily home is torn between cheaper towns with more cash flow and pricier towns with more appreciation. We have the answer!
Next, a high-income earner is weighing multiple investing strategies, from Section 8 and the BRRRR method to value-add deals and sober living facilities. Ashley and Tony go head-to-head on the best next step forward. Finally, a broker wants to learn the investor side of real estate, from acquisition to exit, before putting her own money on the line–and we discuss what to look out for when getting started!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
Whether you should invest for cash flow or appreciation in 2027
The hidden headaches of “cheap” properties in lower-income areas
How to pick the right investing strategy for your long-term goals
Why a sober living home might be the hardest (or best) first investment
The difference between comfort and confidence, and why you'll never feel "ready"
How to take a smaller swing so your first deal feels less scary
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-781.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| The AI Tools That Save Real Estate Investors Time and Money (Weekly!) | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:30:03 | |
Still using AI like a fancy search engine? Then you're leaving hours of your week, and a lot of money, on the table. Using the right AI tools in your real estate business can help eliminate tedious work, lower your expenses, and free you up to focus on growing your real estate portfolio. Today, we're showing you exactly how to get started!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley puts Tony in the hot seat as our resident AI expert. Tony isn't a developer, but he's used AI to build a custom direct booking website for his short-term rentals (without paying an agency). He also built a master dashboard that shows him how every property in his rental portfolio is performing.
Tony breaks down which AI tools are worth your time and even shows Ashley how AI could take over one of her most time-consuming weekly tasks. It's a live example you can follow to spot the busywork in your own business!
Whether you're just getting started in real estate or ready to scale, you don't need to know how to code. You just need to know the outcome you want and let AI do the heavy lifting!
In This Episode We Cover
The easiest ways to implement AI within your own real estate business
Why using AI like a search engine leaves most of its value on the table
How to spot the repetitive tasks AI can take off your plate
How a non-developer built a custom direct booking website with AI
The one dashboard that tracks every property, account, and booking
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-780.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| From Accidental Landlord to 40+ Apartment Units (While Working Full-Time) | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:51:45 | |
Buying rentals one house at a time works, but what happens when you do the math and realize it'll take 20 years to change your life? That’s the exact wall today’s guest hit, before pivoting his investment journey towards multifamily. We’ll break down why (and how to) make the move, a new perspective on risk mitigation, and why multifamily isn’t as scary as most rookies think it is!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Vaibhav Puranik never planned on being a landlord. An abandoned condo in his HOA turned him into an accidental property manager, and a down market turned his own condo into his first rental. When Los Angeles priced him out, he used the BiggerPockets Forums to find an investor-friendly agent and bought out of state. Five single-family rentals later, he hit a ceiling, so he went bigger.
Vaibhav explains exactly how real estate syndications work, how he landed his first general partner (the operator) spot with one condition, and how he now owns stakes in multiple apartment buildings across California! You'll also hear the one money mindset that killed his fear of tenant calls, why understanding CapEx vs. OpEx changed everything, and how he knew it was time to leave his tech career to invest full time.
If you're stuck wondering whether you're "ready" for multifamily, Vaibhav’s story and advice will leave you feeling confident to enter the market with a fresh perspective!
In This Episode We Cover
How an abandoned condo turned Vaibhav into an accidental property manager
Using the BiggerPockets Forums to find an agent in a market you’ve never seen
Why buying one house at a time may feel too slow to change your life
How Vaibhav became a syndication general partner on his very first deal
The one mindset shift that takes the dread out of tenant calls
Why you don't need a portfolio of rentals before investing in multifamily
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-779.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| How Much Should a House Hack Make in 2027? (Rookie Reply) | 02 Oct 2026 | 00:21:32 | |
Can the numbers on your house hack still work when your tenant's rent doesn't come close to covering the mortgage? And if it won't cash flow, how much should a house hack actually make in 2027? Today, we're uncovering the hidden benefits and forgotten expenses that change the math!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we're answering three questions most house hackers have asked at some point. After running the numbers, one investor would still be paying over $2,000 a month out of pocket. Is house hacking a thing of the past in expensive markets? Not quite! We'll redefine a “winning” house hack and share ways to squeeze more income out of the same property with investing strategies like renting by the room, mid-term rentals, or what we’re calling the "mega house hack."
Another investor looking to house hack is getting wildly different advice about what cash-on-cash return to expect. We'll show you why there's not one "right" number, what to weigh besides cash flow, and how a tighter buy box reveals what a deal can really earn. Plus, we settle what "break-even" really means and share the tools that ensure you never miss an expense.
Don't let imperfect numbers talk you out of a good first house hack, or into a bad one! By the end of this episode, you'll know how to run your numbers the right way and spot a great deal you might have passed on otherwise.
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
Whether house hacking still works in expensive markets
Redefining a "successful" house hack when the tenant can't cover the mortgage
The "mega house hack" that stacks strategies to boost income on both sides
What "break-even" really means (and the expenses most rookies forget)
What cash-on-cash return you should expect in today's market
How a tighter buy box helps you predict your real returns
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-778.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| How to Go From 1 to 10 Rentals with "The Stack" Method | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:28:25 | |
The idea of building and scaling a rental portfolio can seem daunting to most rookies starting off. What if we told you there's a realistic, proven formula most rookies don't discover until they've already taken their first step? Today, we're walking you through a method for turning one deal into 10 (or more) without needing a ton of cash!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! If you're a new investor, financial freedom can feel far away, but what if we told you that you could go from a single rental property to 10 units in just a few years? The stack method is a proven formula that helps investors build their portfolios on realistic timelines, with realistic budgets! Today we’re breaking down exactly how it works, and how to double your portfolio size with every deal.
We’ll walk through the full stack playbook step by step, how house hacking combined with HELOCs (home equity lines of credit) can fund your next down payment, how to get that down payment to just 3-5%, and the best markets for stacking in 2026.
You don't need hundreds of thousands of dollars to get started, you just need to follow the easy steps in today’s episode!
In This Episode We Cover
How the stack method turns one rental into a 10-unit portfolio in just a few years
Why house hacking makes your first few stacks dramatically easier to afford
Using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to fund your next down payment without touching your savings
The real numbers: stacking vs. buying single-family rentals one at a time
The best markets for stacking in 2026, and how to spot a strong price-to-rent ratio
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-777.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| Seller Financing His First Rental When No Bank Would Lend | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:50:53 | |
What happens when your first deal turns into the money pit you were afraid of? For a lot of rookies, that fear alone delays buying a rental property for years. But today's guest proves that a rough first deal can still launch a successful portfolio!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Joshua Settimio went from cleaning beach rentals in high school to working as a real estate agent, and then soon realizing that he wanted to buy the deals he was selling. His catch was that no bank would lend to him so early in his career. Joshua decided not to stop there. He found a house with a termite issue and a tenant who hadn't paid rent in over a year, and asked the owner for seller financing. The rest was history!
Today, Joshua estimates his portfolio at 70 properties across four partnerships!
Joshua explains how he got the non-paying tenant out without an attorney, and why the rehab dragged on for about a year. He also shares how a detailed scope of work and an “as-completed” appraisal finally got a bank to say yes, and how he used the property's equity through a line of credit to buy his next deal!
Your first deal doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to teach you enough to get to the next one! Joshua’s approach towards real estate shows that not every investor’s journey is linear, but with the right mindset, anyone can build a portfolio!
In This Episode We Cover
How to buy your first rental when banks won't lend to you
Where empathy ends and boundaries begin with a non-paying tenant
Getting a non-paying tenant moved out without hiring an attorney
How an “as-completed” appraisal unlocks financing for your rehab
Turning one property's equity into your next real estate deal
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-776.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| You've Got a 100% Financing Deal. Do You Take It? (Rookie Reply) | 25 Sep 2026 | 00:26:07 | |
Great deals are hard to find as a rookie, so when one lands in your lap, it can feel like you just struck gold. But how do you actually know if it's the real thing, or if there's a catch? Today, we're breaking down how to evaluate a low-money-down deal when one comes your way, and exactly what to look for before you say yes.
Welcome back to Rookie Reply! First, we’re helping a rookie weigh a 100% financing offer his agent is warning him away from—what actually makes a deal like this worth the risk attached to a “no money down” loan? We map out our best advice moving forward, and how to think about reserves for the unexpected.
We’re also helping a rookie reverse-engineer his very first house hack, working through when to bring an agent into the picture, and how to walk into an FHA inspection. Finally, a 20-year-old dad who's done all the studying but is still too scared to pull the trigger on his first deal. We offer the next best steps on how he can comfortably make that decision without risking hard financial hits!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
How to tell if a 100% financing offer (0% down) is worth the risk
Managing reserves for the deals that don't go as planned
Reverse-engineering your very first house hack (exact steps to take)
Knowing exactly when to bring an agent into the picture on your first deal
Walking into an FHA inspection fully prepared (and what they’ll look for!)
The mindset shift that makes your first deal feel possible
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-775.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| Multifamily vs. Single-Family Investing: Which Is Better for Beginners? | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:36:26 | |
Every rookie investor arrives at the same fork in the road early on: single-family home or multifamily. Which one's actually the better option? The property type you choose first can shape how fast you cash flow and how quickly you're able to scale your real estate portfolio. Today, we're breaking down both approaches so you can make that choice with confidence!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie Podcast! We're covering the real pros, cons, and differences between single-family and multifamily investing, including how your first rental property affects your options down the road. We're also running deal analysis on a similar single-family home and duplex to show you exactly where the major differences lie and dig into the numbers to see which path actually builds more wealth.
While the decision largely depends on your market, budget, and time, this episode shows you exactly how to weigh those factors against your own goals. By the end, you'll know which property type will get you where you want to go!
In This Episode We Cover
Whether you should invest in single-family or multifamily for your first rental
The catch with some high-cash-flow multifamily properties
Real numbers on two deals (including cash flow!)
The challenges of house hacking a single-family home
Why financing becomes more difficult past a fourplex
Which type of rental property we’d buy if we were starting over today
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-774.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| How to Turn One Condo Into a 17-Unit Rental Portfolio! | 21 Sep 2026 | 01:03:58 | |
Getting into an expensive market can feel completely out of reach for a rookie. But today’s guest looked at the numbers and realized that if he worked this in his favor, he could build reliable, long-term wealth. That math led him to 17 doors across three states, and today, he’s breaking down all his tips so you can start, and scale, too!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In December 2009, Rick Albert was a broke college senior when he was introduced to a successful real estate investor. That meeting sent Rick down a path that started with an LA condo that many overlooked. He managed to see past the issues, and house hacked the unit with just 10% down.
That single deal became the foundation for everything: a HELOC that funded an ambitious ADU conversion, a renovation that took three times longer than planned, and eventually a portfolio spanning 17 units across 3 states, with his business partner.
Today Rick breaks down his advice on investing in high-cost markets, the numbers behind his deals, and what he'd do differently if he had to start over with no money. He also covers the unusual trick he used to cover his own closing costs, and what he did with the $228K he walked away with when he finally sold that first condo!
If you've ever assumed a market like LA is off-limits for a rookie, this episode says otherwise!
In This Episode We Cover
How to turn a "problem" property into your first house hack
Why cash flow isn't the only way to build wealth
How to use a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to fund your next deal
Why moving into your own rental can unlock a better refinance without an appraisal
How to keep a renovation alive when the money runs short
What to do with a six-figure gain once you sell
The lender trick that puts money back in your pocket at closing
And So Much More!
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| Don't Buy a House Hack Until You've Checked These Numbers (Rookie Reply) | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:22:30 | |
Investing in your first house hack but not sure whether the deal makes sense in the long run? House hacking is the way most rookies get started in real estate, and we’re breaking down how to analyze those deals to make sure you’re starting off strong!
Welcome back to Rookie Reply! We’re back, answering three of your burning questions straight from the BiggerPockets Forums. In this episode, a rookie wants to try his first house hack but needs to know exactly what to analyze in a duplex vs. a single-family home. We’re breaking down the three factors that decide if it makes sense in their market, including a "supermax" strategy most rookies haven't even considered! We’re also weighing in on whether an investor should buy local or out of state for their first long-term rental, and the one trend rookies need to check before choosing a market!
Finally, a rookie who is torn between a duplex or a vacation home gets an answer with a twist: the tax loophole that could make one option the smarter buy. Three very different scenarios, but all packed with strategies that will help you on your buying journey, and a clear path to building your long-term wealth!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
The three numbers that make or break a house hack deal (always run these)
The "supermax" strategy for maxing out your house hack returns
Why negative cash flow isn't always a bad sign
Backyard vs. out-of-state investing: which wins for your first rental
The tax loophole most rookies have no idea about (very useful if you have a BIG tax bill)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-772.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| 8+ Ways to Find Your First or Next Rental Property in 2027 | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:52:01 | |
Finding real estate deals is a challenge for many rookies. Trying to tell the difference between a great deal and a property that is merely disguised as one is something usually only experienced investors see through. But in this episode, we’re sharing some of the best strategies we use to find real estate deals—including a few options you’ve probably never heard of!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re breaking down eight different ways to find your first (or next) rental property! First, you’ll need to build your buy box so that you know exactly which types of properties to look for and where to find them. But then, we’ll show you how to work through the MLS the smart way, find real estate deals via word-of-mouth, and use seller concessions, wholesalers, and pocket listings to buy undervalued properties. We’ll even share an often-overlooked opportunity that could help you buy an entire real estate portfolio in one transaction!
For each strategy, we’ll get into the real advantages and drawbacks, so you know exactly which of these channels fits where you are right now. Finally, we’ll show you exactly what to track so your hard work actually translates into your next deal!
In This Episode We Cover
The best ways to find great real estate deals in 2027
Why you must build your buy box before searching for deals
How to use the MLS (multiple listing service) like an experienced investor
The secret to finding “hidden” rental portfolios (and how to negotiate them!)
The pros and cons of using word-of-mouth to land deals
What a pocket listing really is, and how to get on an agent's shortlist
How to effectively manage your direct-to-seller outreach campaigns
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-771.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| Two Rentals, $3,000 Each: The Guide to Closing with Close-to-Nothing | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:45:56 | |
You don't have to live near your rental, or bring a huge check to closing, to build a real estate portfolio. Today’s guest closed both her deals with only $3,000 out of pocket for each deal, and in a city she'd never even visited. We’re walking through how she did it, and how you can get started, too!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Thomasina Myresa grew up learning how to save. And while she was good at it, it was only when her career was put on hold that she found BiggerPockets, and the art of investing. After finding her mentor, Thomasina went on to close her first deal just five months later! More impressively, it was out-of-state, and with only $3,000 down.
Thomasina walks us through how she used the seller concession strategy to keep her closing costs tiny—twice, what she looked for in a property management company (and why she fired one within the first week), and how she scaled from a single family rental to now house hacking a $325,000 duplex.
Thomasina’s smart and humble approach to scaling while finding her purpose and niche as a landlord is an all-round inspiring journey, and one that any rookie can relate to! Find out how you can use Thomasina’s strategies to get your journey started in as little as five months!
In This Episode We Cover
The seller concession trick that got her to closing with only $3,000, twice
How a career-halting moment pushed her to pivot into real estate
Saving vs. investing, and the career fool-proofing that real estate offers!
The rent hike mistake that cost her her first tenant, and the lesson it taught her
How to house hack using the rent-by-the-room investing strategy
Why she fired her property manager after just one week
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-770.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | |||
| Should You Keep or Sell a Rental Property That Needs Work? (Rookie Reply) | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:22:32 | |
Your first rental cash flows just fine, but it needs some work, and in order to scale your portfolio, the next big decision hits: Should you hold and repair, or sell it and cash in? Today, we’ll show you how to tell a “keeper” from a potential money pit before you spend a dollar more!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week we’re tackling three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First up, we’ll hear from a couple choosing between house hacking and flipping houses and show them why it might not have to be either/or. Next, an NYC investor is debating between two real estate markets, and we’re breaking down how to *make his money go as far as possible.*
Finally, a landlord’s first long-term rental needs significant repairs, and he’s questioning if it’s worth renovating or if it’s finally time to sell. There’s a crucial step he needs to take before making that decision, and we’re uncovering exactly what it is!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
How to determine whether you should keep (and fix) or sell a rental property
Why it’s crucial to get real repair estimates before assuming the worst
Why house hacking and flipping don’t have to be mutually exclusive
Financing options that can get you into a property with little to no money down
How to choose between two (great) real estate markets
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-769.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| 8 Ways to Get More Passive Income from Your Rental Properties | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:32:28 | |
Every hour you spend chasing rent or coordinating a repair is an hour you could’ve spent growing your real estate portfolio or doing the things you actually enjoy. The fix? It’s not working harder, but building the systems that free up your time. When done right, you can get more passive income from your rentals, and we’ll show you exactly how to do it!
Welcome back to another episode of the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re breaking down eight ways to get your rentals working for you, so that your portfolio generates more passive income and doesn’t just give you a second job.
No rental is ever fully hands-off, but the right tools, systems, and processes can get you much closer. We’re walking through what that looks like, the difference between property management and asset management, and the software that automates the busywork!
If you want real estate investing to feel more like an actual investment and less like a job, this episode is your roadmap!
In This Episode We Cover
The best ways to get more passive income from your rental properties
The difference between property management and asset management
How buying turnkey real estate or new construction limits maintenance
Software that automates rent collection, maintenance requests, and other tasks
How preventative maintenance saves you time (and money!)
When hiring a virtual assistant is actually worth it
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-768.
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| He Started 8 Months Ago. He Already Has 4 Rentals ($6,000 Cash Flow!) | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:31:09 | |
People say it’s just too hard to find real estate deals in 2026, but today’s guest is proving them all wrong. He’s already bought four rental properties that make over $6,000 in monthly cash flow, and he’s been investing in real estate for just eight months.
Joe Crocker is eager to trade his 70-hour workweek for financial freedom, and he’s on track to replace his W-2 income with rental cash flow in the next two years. He’s not finding these properties by building lists, cold calling, or sending mailers. These are regular deals right off the MLS. He buys one, adds some value, pulls his money out, and buys the next one.
It’s a simple investing strategy that anyone can use, yet most people don’t. Meanwhile, Joe has already completed multiple deals this year and is well on his way to building a cash-flowing rental portfolio that gives him the money, time, and freedom he’s always wanted. Follow his model, and there’s no reason why you can’t, too!
In This Episode We Cover
The exact strategy Joe’s using to replace his income with rental cash flow
Scaling to four rental properties in just eight months while working his W-2 job
The simple property tax strategy that can instantly boost your cash flow
How to find overlooked, undervalued real estate deals in 2026 (on the MLS!)
Why you should go into every real estate deal with at least two exit strategies
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-767.
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| How to Buy Your First Multifamily Rental With Low Money (Rookie Reply) | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:23:21 | |
You’ve picked an investing strategy, you’ve studied your market, but now you need the money to get started. You’re not alone, as this is perhaps the most common hurdle for rookie investors. But today, we’ll show you how to work around this and get the funding you need, so you can finally buy your first (or next) rental property!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week, we're tackling three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. One investor has $250,000 saved but is stuck between strategies in a market where the numbers don't easily work, while a SoCal investor is trying to find a more landlord-friendly real estate market to invest in. We’ll share the one habit that quietly derails a lot of new investors once opportunities start rolling in, and when "close to home" is a real requirement versus just a security blanket.
And our last question comes from someone who needs the actual money to buy his first multifamily property. We’ll share our favorite creative financing options, as well as the two skills any rookie can use to attract potential investing partners!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
What to consider before buying in an expensive real estate market
Creative ways to make real estate deals cash flow (even in pricey areas)
How to make consistent, passive returns with private money lending
How to narrow down your ideal market and property type by building a buy box
The skills that make investors want to partner with you (even with low money)
When you should say no to a deal or real estate investing partnership
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-766.
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| Build Your First Rental (DON'T Buy One) in 2026 | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:39:04 | |
Builders are currently offering huge incentives on new construction homes, to the point where buying "new" might be actually cheaper than buying an existing rental property in your market right now. Today we’re breaking down how this overlooked investing strategy is saving rookies much more than you realize!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! This week, we’re making the case for new builds as a very strong rental strategy: why builders are currently offering incentives that are hard to pass on, how to negotiate on a spec home, how to buy them with low money down, and the difference between buying new inventory and building from the ground up.
We’re also digging into walk-in equity and how getting into an early phase of a new community can put you ahead on day one. We’ll also walk you through what to actually budget for land, financing, permitting, and your team before you even commit to a ground-up build.
If you're weighing building versus buying for your next rental, this episode will help you make up your mind. New doesn't have to mean expensive. Sometimes it means a better deal that’s just hiding in plain sight!
In This Episode We Cover
Why many new construction homes are cheaper than resale homes in 2026
Why builders are offering massive incentives (and how to negotiate them!)
The differences between buying a spec home and building from scratch
How walk-in equity works, and how to actually get it on your next property
What to budget for land, permits, and your team before you build
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-765.
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| He Made $60,000 in 2 Months with This “Failed” Real Estate Deal | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:46:55 | |
Every rookie thinks their first deal will go according to plan (it almost never does). Today, we’re bringing on a guest who had a long list of all the worst-case scenarios that happened to him, and still walked away winning (to the tune of $60,000!). He’s walking us through it all, so you can master your first deal, too!
Welcome back to another episode of the Real Estate Rookie Podcast! This week, we’re sitting down with Caleb Smith, a real estate agent who bought his first rental at 21 with next to nothing in the bank, and then watched two very different deals go sideways in two very different ways! One taught him an expensive lesson about lenders. The other got hit by a zoning surprise nobody could have predicted, and forced him to pivot on the spot.
Getting your numbers right isn't always enough. Sometimes the thing that changes everything isn't the market, the property, or the strategy—it's something buried in a permit office you never saw coming!
If you're trying to figure out how to get your first deal done with limited capital, wondering what can quietly derail your plan, or just want to hear how a rookie handles it when things don't go the way he expected—today’s episode has real numbers, real setbacks, and a few hard-won lessons worth taking with you into your next deal!
In This Episode We Cover
How Caleb bought his first rental at 21 with only $2,000 to his name
Pivoting to a live-in flip strategy (and the huge benefits of doing so!)
How to knock on doors to find off-market investment properties
Turning a seller credit into an interest rate buydown
The $10,000 origination fee mistake that taught him to shop lenders
Surviving a falling chimney, botched kitchen, and a zoning reversal mid-deal!
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-764.
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| How to Prepare for Your First Rental Property (Beginner Steps) (Rookie Reply) | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:23:42 | |
Don’t feel ready to buy your first rental property yet? Maybe you just need a better game plan. Today, we’re covering three different but common situations rookies find themselves in leading up to that first deal. Whether you need a few actionable first steps or an extra push, we’ll show you how to get started as soon as possible!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week, we’re tackling three questions from rookies who all have the same underlying worry: they don’t feel ready to invest in real estate. First up, we’ll hear from a college student with one year left to figure out financing, savings, and education before he buys. Someone else is thinking about long-distance investing and building his team, and finally, a listener with some money saved wants to take the next step toward building his real estate portfolio. The catch? He lives in one of the most expensive markets in the country.
We’re breaking down all the possible solutions, including house hacking strategies, how to think about FHA and conventional financing, why cash reserves matter—even on a primary residence—and the remote management tools that make investing from anywhere possible!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
How to prepare to buy your first rental property (step by step)
The software stack that makes remote property management (much) easier
Creative ways to start building a rental portfolio in an expensive high-cost market
How to invest in real estate from long distance (or even overseas)
Why you should always have cash reserves (for each property!)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-763.
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| Starter Homes Are Back. Here’s Exactly Where to Buy One | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:38:47 | |
For years, rookies have heard the same bad news: starter homes are disappearing, and first-time buyers are getting older. But the newest data shows something very different, and we’re breaking down how these recent changes can help you buy your first or next rental property in 2026!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Nationally, fewer than four in 10 non-homeowner households can afford a typical starter home. But in some states, things are getting a little easier. We’re breaking down where this market opening exists, where the headlines can be misleading, and how to turn a smaller new construction home or an overlooked resale home into a profitable investment property.
We’re also sharing our own starter home stories, the difference between an affordable home and a “cheap” one, and a five-part screening checklist that will help you separate the two before making an offer. Whether you’re looking to buy a house or find a more affordable real estate market to invest in, stay tuned to learn exactly how to spot a smart next deal!
In This Episode We Cover
What a starter home really looks like in today's market
Which real estate markets have the most affordable starter homes for sale
The critical difference between an affordable and “cheap” rental property
How to take advantage of builder incentives on new construction homes
Why "mom and pop" resale homes are some of the best real estate deals in 2026
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-762.
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| 20 Rental Units with a Full-Time Job & 7 Kids: She Did It in 5 Years! | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:56:27 | |
What if the biggest obstacle to building wealth wasn't your income, your time, or even your circumstances, but simply believing it was possible for someone like you? Today’s guest made the decision that her past won’t be her children’s future. Real estate made that choice possible!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Angela Wassom is proof that real estate really can be for anyone that puts their mind to it. While working full-time and raising seven kids, she's built a 20-unit portfolio across four states—starting with a rental she was genuinely afraid to take on. Angela breaks down how she built a team in markets she'd never set foot in, spotted a listing mistake that turned into a five-figure win, and used one financing strategy to fund nearly every deal since!
She also shares the story of a lender who finally said yes after everyone else said no, and the tenant placement that brought her whole journey full circle. By the end of this episode, you'll see exactly how much is possible with the time and resources you already have!
In This Episode We Cover
How growing up in HUD housing shaped Angela’s mindset of becoming a landlord
Building a remote investing team in markets you’ll never set foot in
The MLS listing mistake that turned into a $10,000 repair windfall
How a HELOC strategy has funded nearly every deal for Angela
Why every lender said no to Angela’s newest short-term rental, until one didn't (and why it was so worth it!)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-761.
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| Can You Buy a Rental Property With Only $5,000? (Rookie Reply) | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:23:08 | |
Feel like your situation doesn't fit the typical real estate investing playbook? Maybe you’re low on cash, your circumstances are unusual, or your timeline feels tighter than everyone else's. You're not alone, and today's episode proves it. But thankfully, we’ve got answers!
Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from a rookie who has very little money saved: Can you buy a rental property with just $5,000? We’ll share some creative ways to get started with low money down!
Next, we’ll hear from someone who wants to invest in U.S. real estate from another country, pointing them to the tools and resources they’ll need to invest remotely. Finally, is it ever too late to start investing? Maybe you’re already eyeing retirement and wondering if rental properties can even fit into your overall strategy. Stick around until the end to find out!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
A decade-long plan for late starters looking to retire with real estate
How to turn your primary residence into an entire real estate portfolio
Using creative financing (like seller financing) without taking on extra risk
Why you need cash reserves with every real estate deal
How to build your own real estate team when investing remotely
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-760.
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| The Worst Rental Properties to Buy (We’d Never Invest in These) | 19 Aug 2026 | 00:43:47 | |
The best real estate investing advice you'll ever hear is to just get started. But that advice comes with a catch: some rental properties can set you back many years. Today, we're sharing six red flags to watch out for, so you can know if you’re actually buying a good real estate deal—not a trap!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Some deals can be incredibly convincing when you run the numbers. They might look profitable. They may have less competition, a lower purchase price, and a story that makes you believe you've found a diamond in the rough. But beneath the surface, these properties come with all kinds of issues and risks. We're breaking down six types of properties we'd steer clear of—from D-class properties that see very little appreciation to properties trapped inside HOA neighborhoods.
If you're not careful, these properties can drain your time, eat through your cash reserves, and create unnecessary stress. We're telling you exactly what to watch for, and why, especially if you're a rookie investor!
In This Episode We Cover
The six “worst” types of rental properties we’d never invest in
Why D-class neighborhoods may look tempting but give you little appreciation
The HOA red flags that can quietly erode your rental cash flow
Why buying a property with only one exit strategy is (very) risky
Why investing in flood zones can cause your insurance costs to spiral
The dangers of buying 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-759.
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| He Turned One Real Estate Deal Into 13 in Just 6 Years | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:46:07 | |
The first real estate deal is often the hardest. Like many rookie investors, today’s guest had always wanted to invest in real estate but didn’t have a ton of money to buy an investment property. But by getting creative, DIY’ing renovations, and forming strategic partnerships, he’s been able to not only get in the game but also snowball to 13 deals!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jake McVey spent years absorbing everything he could about real estate investing while working in an entirely different industry, but never quite pulling the trigger. At 23, that all changed. He used the “long-term BRRRR” method to turn his primary residence into his first rental property, and six years later, he and his dad have completed roughly a dozen house flips together!
In this episode, Jake breaks down how a HELOC (home equity line of credit) got their real estate investing partnership off the ground, a renovation project so strange that it made them rethink the due diligence process, and the day a finished flip nearly fell apart during an open house. Whether you’re looking to string a few flips together or improve at renovations, Jake’s lessons on “conservative” deal analysis, creative finance, and managing contractors could help you on your very next deal!
In This Episode We Cover
How Jake and his dad have completed 13 real estate deals in just six years
Making a $50,000 profit on one flip, even after his rehab budget doubled
How to turn your primary residence into a long-term BRRRR
Using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to help fund your real estate deals
Why you should always get an inspection before doing renovations
The pros and cons of forming a real estate partnership with family
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-758.
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| What to Know Before Structuring a Creative Finance Deal (Rookie Reply) | 14 Aug 2026 | 00:27:05 | |
You're ready to start investing in real estate, but the next step can look very different depending on your situation. Every rookie’s story is unique, and today, we’re sharing our best advice for three different scenarios so you can get in the game—no matter your starting point!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's questions come straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and they're all about slowing down just enough to make the first move the right move. One investor wants to know if house hacking is realistic in an expensive market. Another rookie wants to know the best way to invest a large sum of money so it can replace their W-2 income.
Finally, a rookie has a seller financing deal in place but is still short and needs to provide proof of funds on a very tight deadline. We’ll not only show them how to structure their creative financing but also offer an alternative option they’re probably overlooking!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
How to structure a creative financing deal on a tight timeline
Different investing strategies you can use to replace your W-2 income
How to make house hacking work (even in an expensive market)
The first step every rookie should take before building their buy box
What “proof of funds” actually means and how to get it fast
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-757.
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| How to Buy a Rental Property with 5% Down or Less (5 Ways) | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:43:06 | |
You’ve probably heard that you need a 20% down payment to buy a rental property. But for the average rookie, that’s just not a viable way to build a real estate portfolio. Thankfully, you don’t need 20%, 15%, or even 10% in many cases. Today, we’re sharing five ways rookies can work around this by putting just 5% down or less!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today we’re sharing five legitimate ways to take down your first or next rental with very little money of your own money. And no, these aren't gimmicks or loopholes. These are real rental property financing strategies that investors are using right now to buy real estate with significantly less money out of pocket.
A couple of these strategies give you a place to live while tenants pay your mortgage. Other creative financing methods allow you to bring as little as zero to the table. There’s even a financing option most rookies have never heard of that actually lets you inherit someone else's low mortgage rate!
Stay tuned as we walk through the pros, the cons, and exactly who each low-money-down strategy is for!
In This Episode We Cover
Five ways to fund your next real estate deal with 5% down (or less!)
Why the "20% down" rule keeps rookies stuck on the sidelines
How to “live for free” while your tenants pay your mortgage
Strategic ways to structure a real estate investing partnership
How to get sellers to say “yes” to financing your next deal
A little-known way to take over someone else's low mortgage rate
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-756.
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| This Couple Replaced Their Salaries with 9 Rental Properties (In Just 4 Years) | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:48:16 | |
Chris and Ksenia Kim had always wanted to own rental properties, but planning for a family and reaching a breaking point with work travel got them to finally take action. They started with a simple property that fell within their budget, but within a few months, it had turned into something much more: the catalyst for quitting their full-time jobs!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Chris and Ksenia were new parents with demanding careers and a goal that felt many years away. But just four years later, they've both left their W-2 jobs and now run 17 short-term rentals together.
How did they do it? In this episode, they share how buying one small property and “accidentally” pivoting to Airbnb spawned an entire real estate portfolio. You’ll hear how they quadrupled their cash flow on one property, used their home equity to fund additional properties, and pinned down the right real estate market and investing strategy for their long-term goals!
If you're struggling to take that first step into real estate investing or are unsure how to scale, Chris and Ksenia’s story is filled with lessons (and answers) to help you through!
In This Episode We Cover
The “repeatable” rental strategy that helped this couple leave their W-2 jobs
Going from zero to nine rental properties (and counting) in just four years
The “accidental” pivot that helped Chris and Ksenia build an entire rental portfolio
How to multiply your cash flow on the same rental property
Funding your next rental property using your existing home equity
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-755.
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| What Most Rookies Get Wrong When Picking a Rental Market (Rookie Reply) | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:21:17 | |
Once you've decided you want to invest in real estate, the questions only get harder. How do you choose a real estate market? How much will repairs really cost? Should you turn the house you already own into a rental property? We’ve all been there! Stay tuned and we’ll steer you in the right direction!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's questions come straight from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, an investor has a down payment for a house hack but doesn’t know where to buy. This is a common rookie struggle, but we’ll show you how to find the right neighborhood!
Next, we’ll share some of the best (and most accurate) ways to estimate rehab costs so your next renovation project stays on budget. Finally, maybe you’re wondering what to do with your primary residence. Should you leverage your home equity? Should you convert your home into a rental? What about selling it to put a larger amount down? We’ll help you make sense of all your options!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
How to handpick the right real estate market for you
Why you should pin down your investing strategy before your market
A simple three-step system for estimating repair costs on any property
How to find great contractors in your area (before you need them!)
What to know before converting your primary residence into a rental property
How to use your home equity to fund your next real estate deal
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-754
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| "Sweet Spot" Rentals Every Rookie Should Buy | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:33:33 | |
There's a rental property out there with your name on it—the “sweet spot” property every rookie investor wants. It's the kind of deal that can give you cash flow, appreciation, and tax benefits and become the launching pad for your entire portfolio. In this episode, we’ll show you what these properties are and where to find them!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re breaking down why buying a small multifamily property is often the easiest and lowest-risk way for a rookie to get started. We’ll walk you through the "stack” method that could help you scale from zero to nine units in just a few years, and we’ll even compare real numbers from a duplex and a single-family home on the same street.
But that’s not all. Stick around until the end, as we reveal some of the markets where these deals are penciling out right now. If you’ve been looking for a beginner-friendly way to start building wealth with real estate, this episode is the playbook you need!
In This Episode We Cover
Why small multifamily is often the best way to get started in real estate
A side-by-side comparison of small multifamily and single-family rentals (with numbers!)
How to self-manage tenants (or guests) without it taking over your life
The "stack” method that could help you scale from zero to nine units in three years
How to research and pick a small multifamily market (as a complete beginner)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-753.
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| Four Properties on a Teacher’s Salary by Buying Small, Affordable Homes | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:41:39 | |
You know what's best for you—that's the advice today's guest offers, and it's the exact mindset that took him from house hacking on a teacher's salary in his mid-20s to quitting his job with a four-property portfolio at 30. If you're still stuck answering to someone else, today's guest will show you that you don't have to!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jake Handler took a bet on himself, from buying his first property on a teacher's salary to building a four-property portfolio and walking away from the career he once expected to keep for life. Jake breaks down how he house hacked his way into real estate after a lender told him no, how he negotiated a seller-financed deal that soon housed his in-laws down the road, and how to score someone else's 2.75% interest rate!
If you have a stable career and every reason to stay comfortable, Jake's story is proof that the biggest risk might actually be staying where you are!
In This Episode We Cover
The advice Jake did NOT take from a lender that led to him buying four properties
Jake’s strategy to landing his first deal on a teacher’s salary
Why Jake left teaching to go all-in on a real estate-first career
Negotiating a stellar seller-financed deal with one big caveat and bad tenants
Managing inherited tenants as a new landlord and getting the bad ones to (peacefully) leave
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-752.
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| 4 Rookie-Friendly Ways to Find Great Real Estate Deals in 2026 (Rookie Reply) | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:23:48 | |
Struggling to find your first (or next) real estate deal? What if we told you there are simple, rookie-friendly strategies that even seasoned investors overlook? Today, we’ll share some of them with you so you can take down a great deal in 2026!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's questions come straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and they're all about getting out of the research phase without rushing into a bad first deal. Is it worth paying for a course, or is self-study enough? Where do you find rental properties for sale when Zillow feels picked over? And how do you choose one investing strategy when there are SO many options?
We're sharing how we learn best, Ashley's exact Zillow strategy for finding motivated sellers, and how to identify the best starting point for your rental portfolio. If you’re stuck at square one or trying to make the numbers work in 2026, we’ve got answers!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
Four ways to find great real estate deals in 2026 (even as a complete beginner)
What most rookies miss when looking for on-market real estate deals
Whether it’s worth paying for real estate coaching, courses, or masterminds
Ashley's favorite Zillow strategy for finding motivated sellers
How to choose the right investing strategy for your lifestyle and long-term goals
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-751.
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| How to Replace a $65,000 Salary with Rental Property Cash Flow (Step by Step) | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:40:38 | |
If you’re trading your time for a paycheck and depending on someone else for financial "security," real estate investing could be your way out, and the path to true financial freedom might be closer than you think. In this episode, we're showing you exactly how to replace your W-2 salary with rental cash flow in a decade or less!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re giving you a proven formula for replacing your salary with rental properties. We’ll break down actual examples you could use to achieve this goal, whether you’re going the house hacking route or buying traditional investment properties. Along the way, we’ll show you how to pick the right market, choose the right investing strategy for your long-term goals, and maximize your per-property cash flow.
By the end of this conversation, you’ll know how to run your own numbers, finance your first deal, and use tax strategies that stretch your cash flow even further. But most importantly, you’ll have a clear roadmap to walk away from your nine-to-five job!
In This Episode We Cover
How Ashley and Tony used real estate to step away from their own W-2 jobs
How many rental properties it takes to replace the average salary
How to pick a market for cash flow, appreciation, or a mix of both
Choosing an investing strategy that aligns with your long-term goals
The numbers on a house hack versus a traditional investment property
Creative ways to maximize your cash flow per rental property
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-750.
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| One Rental Property Saved Me From My 100-Hour Workweeks | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:42:17 | |
Picture this: working two jobs, sleeping during your breaks, and still showing up every single day because you've already decided what your life looks like on the other side! That's exactly how today's guest turned a two-year grind into his very first real estate deal—and if he could unlock his dream life with just one property, you can too!
Welcome back to Real Estate Rookie! Today we're joined by Elijah Ray, who spent two years working 100 hours per week between two jobs, with one goal in mind: to live his dream life. Elijah sat down every week to look at his goals and work backward from them, until he had enough saved to buy his first property at just 26 years old! In this episode, Elijah shares how house hacking one property gave him the freedom to finally quit his job, how he funded his first rental unit, and how his first (and only) property unlocked the life he’s always dreamed of!
If you're grinding through a job you're trying to escape and telling yourself it's not possible yet, this episode is proof it just takes one clear goal and one deal to change everything. Hit play to hear exactly how he did it!
In This Episode We Cover
How Elijah set his goals and bought his first home (even after a two-year struggle!)
Managing evictions as a rookie landlord and the lessons that came with it
Screening red flags Elijah wishes he'd caught on his first rental property
Why less rentals meant more freedom (you don’t need a dozen units!)
How to fund a renovation with credit cards, and whether it’s worth it
The 1% down payment loan that speeds up your buying timeline
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-749.
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| Cash Flow vs. Appreciation: What Should Beginners Focus on? (Rookie Reply) | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:20:10 | |
You’ve read the books. You’ve listened to the podcasts. But you still don’t feel “ready” to invest in real estate. You’re not alone! This is one of the most common rookie struggles, and today, we’re showing you how to break free from analysis paralysis and finally get in the game!
Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums that, together, map the whole path from inaction to actually closing on your first deal. An experienced property manager wants to buy their own rental property but doesn’t know where to start, while another investor needs help analyzing a real estate market for their first house hack. Plus, we're settling one of the oldest debates in real estate: appreciation or cash flow?
If you've been circling your first deal for months (or years) or looking to train up on analyzing rental properties, this episode is the push you've been waiting for. Hit play and let's get you off the sidelines!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
The two biggest hurdles you need to clear before buying a rental property
How to know if you're actually ready to invest in real estate
Whether you should prioritize cash flow or appreciation on your first deal
Why real estate investing “edge” that property management experience gives you
How to pick the right real estate market for you to invest in
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-748.
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| Making $3,000/Month Cash Flow (Per Property) with This Scalable Rental Strategy | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:42:47 | |
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is analyzing rental properties for the best-case scenario. Today’s guest does the opposite. He plans for the worst, and it’s the reason his deals consistently outperform others. In this episode, he’s sharing his secret for getting maximum cash flow with the least work possible!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Luke Frizzell went from owning a primary residence that was draining his bank account, to converting his garage into an ADU and getting a 25% cash-on-cash return. But then, he did an “about face” and pivoted into residential assisted living, where he generates $3,000 in monthly cash flow, per property, without ever dealing with operations!
Tune in to learn how Luke uses the military “SMEAC” framework to turn every deal into a planned mission, why the best next investment might be the property you already own, and how the lease-to-operator model makes assisted living one of the most “hands-free” cash flow strategies available today.
If you've been chasing unit count and wondering why the effort never matches the returns, Luke's story is your permission to think differently.
In This Episode We Cover
How to make more cash flow with the residential assisted living strategy
How to create extra income streams on the property you already own
How Luke generated a 25% cash-on-cash return with his first ADU
The SMEAC framework—what it is and how to apply it to real estate
How to make your investment more “hands-free” with the lease-to-operator model
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-747.
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| She Bought the Property No One Wanted. It Had a Hidden Income Stream ($3K+/Month). | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:32:09 | |
People think you need a dozen rental properties to achieve financial freedom. You don’t. Buy the right property in the right location, and it may only take one. Just ask Hana and Easton Jones, whose tiny back unit pays their entire mortgage and then some—allowing Hana to quit her W-2 job and live out her dream of being a stay-at-home mom!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Hana and Easton were a couple of 25-year-olds with regular jobs. How could they possibly afford real estate around Los Angeles? Driven by the dream of homeownership, they sacrificed, they saved, and when the time came, they bought the house no one wanted. It wasn’t perfect. It needed work. But it also had its own hidden income stream—a small ADU (accessory dwelling unit) that now covers their $3,300 mortgage each month!
In this episode, they break down their exact savings strategy, what it looks like to house hack an Airbnb, and how Hana was able to buy back time with her kids. Whether you live in an expensive city or want a way out from your nine-to-five, this story delivers the inspiration you need to take the next step in your real estate journey!
In This Episode We Cover:
The ADU (accessory dwelling unit) that makes $3,000-$5,000+ per month
How to save aggressively for a down payment (even on a normal salary)
Why Hana and Easton chose to put more money down on their house hack
The “overlooked” property that allowed Hana to step away from her W-2 job
How this frugal couple got creative on a $30,000 renovation budget
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-746.
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| The Housing Market Is Shifting. Here’s What Rookies Should Do. (Rookie Reply) | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:15:58 | |
The housing market looks very different than it did just a year or two ago. Home prices are softening, rates have eased slightly from the highs of 2023 and 2024, and sellers are more willing to negotiate than they've been in years. But rookie investors still want to know: Is 2026 actually the right time to buy?
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today we’re answering three pressing questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. You just got your first rental property under contract–what’s the next step? Is out-of-state investing the answer to areas that don’t cash flow, and if so, how do you manage a property from afar? But perhaps most importantly, does it even make sense to invest in real estate in 2026?
Ashley and Tony break down the 2026 market, the contract-to-closing checklist every rookie investor needs, and the exact steps Tony took to build an investing team over 1,000 miles away!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
Whether it still makes sense invest in real estate in 2026
The one data point that tells you whether a real estate deal is worth it
The full contract-to-closing checklist you need to get your keys on time
What to do when you can’t find cash flow in your own market
How to build your team (from scratch) when investing out-of-state
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-745.
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| Long-Term Rentals vs. Short-Term Rentals: Which Is Best for Beginners? | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:39:21 | |
When buying your first rental property, everyone gives you the same advice: play it safe, get a long-term tenant, and collect the rent. But that same house, run as an Airbnb, can often make two or three times the cash flow. So which investing strategy should you actually use for your first deal?
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re settling this debate once and for all: short-term rentals or long-term rentals? We both grabbed a real, middle-of-the-road property from our own portfolios, put them head to head, and broke down the three things that actually matter for rookie investors: the money, the workload, and the risk.
Ashley’s long-term rental might have the edge when it comes to ease of management, but Tony's short-term rental tax loophole gives certain investors a way to (legally) slash their tax bills by thousands. There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. But by the end of this episode, you'll know exactly which strategy fits your investing goals!
In This Episode We Cover
Real properties with real numbers from Tony and Ashley's portfolios
Why measuring your cash-on-cash return is crucial when comparing these strategies
How much time it actually takes to manage a long-term or short-term rental
The biggest risks to consider before committing to either strategy
How to potentially slash your tax bill by thousands with the short-term rental loophole
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-744.
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| She Built a 3-Property Portfolio in 5 Years While Working Her 9-5 | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:37:34 | |
Your first rental property rarely comes from sitting back and waiting. It usually comes when you put yourself out there, talk to others about what you're building, and stay in the game long enough for the right moment to show up. That’s exactly what today’s guest did, and it led to a wild deal that kickstarted her real estate portfolio!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Stephanie Wagner spent nearly 20 years in a full-time job, putting her real estate dreams on hold through a marriage that wasn't working. Then, she used her divorce as the starting line. Six months later, she closed on her first real estate deal, a duplex she was able to house hack. Today, she owns five rental units and even has her real estate licence!
Stephanie shares about the everyday moment that led to buying an off-market deal, the second deal that involved a tricky tenant situation, and the mindset shift that separates the investors who start from the ones who never do. If you've been holding out for the “perfect” moment to invest in real estate, Stephanie's story is proof that you just need to take action!
In This Episode We Cover
How Stephanie bought three rental properties while working nine-to-five
The pivotal moment that led to Stephanie’s first property (an off-market duplex!)
The benefits of using a real estate agent on an off-market deal
Why the quality of your rentals matters more than your number of doors
Raising rent on long-term tenants with fixed incomes
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-743.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| How to Find and Fund Your First Real Estate Deal (From Scratch) (Rookie Reply) | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:20:38 | |
You've got very little savings, almost no credit history, and you want to buy a rental property. Most people would tell you to wait, but today, we’re giving you clear, actionable steps you can take toward getting that first property under contract!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re answering three questions that cover the anatomy of a first deal: where the money comes from, where the deal comes from, and what it will really cost you.
First, suppose you have no money or credit. Can you still invest in real estate? Another investor wants to know if wholesalers are worth using, and finally, we’ll hear from an actual wholesaler who’s looking for the best ways to estimate rehab costs so he can deliver deals investors actually want to buy!
Tony explains why finding great real estate deals is the number one tool every rookie needs in their toolbelt, and Ashley shares a wholesale real estate strategy that nobody in the industry is using yet!!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
How to invest in real estate when you have low money and no credit
How to save for your first down payment (fast!)
The best investing strategy for buying rentals with low money down
The wholesaling strategy explained (and how to buy a wholesale deal)
How to estimate rehab costs as a complete beginner
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-742.
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| The Exact Investment “Stack” We’re Using to Retire Early (Not Just Rentals) | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:30:18 | |
Don’t want to wait until 65 to retire? With a combination of rental properties and some of the other investments we’re covering on today’s show, you may not have to. Whether you’re starting from zero or diligently building your nest egg, use these eight steps to build a diversified portfolio and reach financial freedom much faster!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today Ashley and Tony are pulling back the curtain on their actual retirement plans—what they're doing, why they're doing it, and what they wish they'd known sooner. They share how they first got into real estate investing and how they’ve adjusted their portfolios over time. They also break down the investment “order of operations,” a sequence of financial moves that will help you build long-term wealth!
Along the way, we’ll get into things like the 401(k) employer match, the triple-tax-advantaged HSA account, and the often-misunderstood 529 college savings plan. Whether you want to gradually step away from your W-2 job or simply have “enough” when you reach traditional retirement age, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for achieving your long-term financial goals!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-741.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| She Bought Her First Rental Property with $0 Down (Her Exact Playbook) | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:38:20 | |
What if the one thing stopping you from buying your first rental property isn’t money, or connections, but the belief that it’s just not possible for someone like you? Today’s guest is proof that with the right game plan, real estate investing offers a path that can set anyone free, including YOU, from the nine-to-five grind!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Crystal Lloyd didn't have connections, a trust fund, or a head start. What she had was a two-hour daily commute and a willingness to do what most people won't. She volunteered at BPCON to get in, and walked out with the relationships that led to her first deal! And in this episode, she breaks down exactly how she bought it, including the grant “stack” that helped her pay zero out of pocket and the “layered” house hacking strategy most rookies don’t want to try.
But that’s not all. Crystal also shares lessons from a bad contractor experience, and the tenant screening process every rookie needs. If you've ever felt like real estate was out of reach, Crystal's about to show you that anyone can start today!
In This Episode We Cover
The exact moment that sparked Crystal’s real estate investing journey
The grant “stack” Crystal used to buy her first deal with $0 out of pocket
How Crystal pays just $50 a month to live in the house she owns
The tenant pre-screening questionnaire every new investor needs
Lessons learned from a bad contractor experience (that you can avoid!)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-740.
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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| How to 2X Your Cash Flow (or More) on the Property You Already Own (Rookie Reply) | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:25:58 | |
What if you could take the rental property you already own and make 2-3 times more? Whether you’re in the red, barely breaking even, or wanting more from your rentals, we’re showing you multiple ways to boost your cash flow!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re answering three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums that cover some of the most searched and most overlooked strategies in real estate investing right now. Is co-living actually realistic, and how do you pivot to the model without losing your mind? Don’t think you have enough for a down payment? The good news is that there are several loans and strategies that require much less than you think. Stick around until the end because we’ve got a couple of strategies most rookies never consider that could make you $10,000 from just one house!
Whether you're trying to squeeze more cash flow from a property you already own, get into your first deal with limited savings, or find an investing strategy that most beginners overlook, this episode has something for every stage of the journey!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
Four ways to double your rental income (or more) on the property you already own
How to pivot from a single-tenant property to a room-by-the-room model
How to buy your first rental property without a big bank account
The loan that could help you get into real estate with as little as $0 down
How the co-living strategy works and why demand is growing
Why assisted living and sober living are some of the most overlooked, win-win strategies
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-739.
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| 3 Ways to Fund Your First Real Estate Deal Without 20% Down | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:37:28 | |
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.
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| He Started Investing in His 40s, Now He’s on Track to Retire with Rentals | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:30:26 | |
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.
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| My Property Is Losing Money: Should I Sell or Pivot? (Rookie Reply) | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:18:03 | |
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.
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| Making $29,000/Month from One “Boring” Property (1,000 Miles Away) | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:46:13 | |
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 advertise@biggerpockets.com.
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