Real Estate Rookie

Real Estate Rookie 429 - The Investing “Map” You NEED to Uncover Hot Markets, Neighborhoods, & Deals

Real Estate Rookie 47 - 0 to 7 Deals in a Year Using Other People’s Money with Andres Bernal

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Real Estate Rookie 463 - The “Lazy” Landlord’s Guide to Finding (And Keeping) Tenants & Raising Rents

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How to Start Investing in Real Estate with $25,000 or Less (Rookie Reply) Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

Do you have around $25,000 saved? Good news—you can invest in real estate! There are several ways to get started, but which investing strategy reigns supreme? We’ll show you how to get the best bang for your buck so you can buy your next investment even faster!

Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We went back into the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group and found more investing questions from beginners just like you. Today’s first question comes from an investor who’s struggling to pick a market. Should they hone in on a single area, or will scouring multiple markets speed up their search for the perfect deal? You might be surprised to hear where Ashley and Tony land on this one!

Then, we’ll hear from an investor who has saved $25,000 to put towards their first rental property. Like many rookies, they’re looking to scale their real estate portfolio fast, so we’ll share our favorite strategies for doing just that—including a few outside-the-box ideas. Finally, how do you vet a co-signer when screening tenants? We’ll show you how to cover all your bases!

Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!

In This Episode We Cover

How to start investing in real estate with just $25,000 (or less)

The best ways to put low (or no) money down on a rental property

How to pick the right market to invest in (and when to pick multiple!)

The key to finding more real estate deals with a “narrow” buy box

How to properly vet a co-signer for your new tenant’s lease

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-544

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How I’m Finding Profitable Properties in 2025 (Shotgun Method) Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Have high interest rates and home prices affected your ability to buy cash-flowing real estate deals? If you’re struggling to find properties that pencil out, you don’t want to miss this episode. If there’s anyone who can teach you how to find great deals, even in this housing market, it’s today’s guest. He wrote the book on it!

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by fellow investor, On the Market co-host, and author of Real Estate Deal Maker, Henry Washington. Given today’s difficult market conditions, is Henry pivoting to another investing strategy? Nope! He’s sticking to “boring,” single-family and multifamily properties that he either rents out to tenants or flips for a profit. But he is changing how he analyzes deals, and he’ll show YOU how to do the same in today’s episode!

Stay tuned if you want to know how to buy your first or next rental property in 2025. Henry will show you the four-step approach he uses to find undervalued deals today and how to buy discounted properties from builders looking to move old inventory. But that’s not all. You’ll also learn how to fund these deals using small local banks, retirement accounts, and other people’s money (OPM)!

In This Episode We Cover:

The four-step “shotgun” approach to finding real estate deals in today’s market

Why the way you analyze deals must evolve (even if your strategy doesn’t!)

Creative ways to source “undervalued,” off-market real estate deals in any market

How to fund your next property by leveraging your retirement accounts

Buying discounted properties from builders looking to “offload” inventory

How to get your spouse on board with your real estate investing goals

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Grab Henry’s Book, “Real Estate Deal Maker”

Henry’s Instagram

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

5 Ways to Find Off-Market Real Estate Deals Like a Pro

(00:00) Intro

(00:45) Breaking Into Real Estate

(03:18) Funding His First Deal

(08:48) Analyzing Deals in THIS Market

(12:48) “Conservative” Underwriting 101

(22:18) How to Find Deals TODAY

(29:57) Getting a Spouse on Board

(37:34) Connect with Henry!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-543

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$6,000/Month Cash Flow from 4 Rentals in 2 Years (Without a Ton of Money) Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Making $6,000 in monthly cash flow from just four rentals?! Given the current housing market, it seems impossible, but today’s guest is about to show you the secrets to building a profitable real estate portfolio. There are opportunities out there—you just need to know where to look!

While many beginners hope to one day earn enough rental income to quit their W2 jobs, Jamie Banks did the reverse—leaving her job to go all-in on real estate investing. This risky move paid off, as in just two years, she has already built a portfolio with enough income to replace her salary. She started out co-hosting, and while this strategy helped her learn the ropes of residential investing, it wasn’t going to help her build wealth. So, she turned her attention to buying rental properties instead—using her superpower, networking, to find private money lenders who could help fund her deals!

Jamie’s journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. She has heard “no” more times than she can count, tried several investing strategies, and bought a property that barely breaks even. But despite the setbacks, she has always found a way to learn and grow. And Jamie isn’t taking her foot off the gas any time soon. Stay tuned to hear how she plans to scale to $10,000 in monthly cash flow and break into commercial real estate!

In This Episode We Cover

How Jamie scaled to $6,000 in monthly cash flow in just TWO years

The secret to finding “unlimited” money to fund your real estate deals

Two strategies you can use to make money before you buy rental properties

Using “inside information” to uncover the next up-and-coming markets

How to pin down the perfect investing strategy for your long-term goals

Getting a mix of stability and high cash flow with medium-term rentals

And So Much More!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-542

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Do You Need an LLC When Buying Your First Rental Property? (Rookie Reply) Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Many “experts” say you need a real estate LLC once you buy a rental property, but are they right? They also say you need money and great credit to invest in real estate, but we know of other creative ways to get started. Stick around to learn how!

Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony have pulled more of your recent questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and today’s first question comes from an investor who just bought their first rental property. Do they need to set up a limited liability company (LLC) right off the bat, or can they hold off until they grow their real estate portfolio? We’ll show them the best ways to protect their personal assets!

We’ll also hear from an investor who wants to get into house hacking. The only problem? They live in an expensive market, and the deal they’re looking at doesn’t pencil out. Could pivoting to another investing strategy make it profitable? Finally, a lack of money keeps many beginners from breaking into real estate, but it doesn’t have to. We’ll share some creative ways to kickstart your investing journey if you don’t have a ton of money or credit!

Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!

In This Episode We Cover:

Whether you need a limited liability company (LLC) for your first rental property

The differences between umbrella policies and LLCs (and which one YOU need)

How to create more cash flow from a house hack (even in a pricey market!)

How to start your real estate investing journey without much money or great credit

Learning the industry and making extra money with real estate side hustles

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

The Millionaire Next Door

The Psychology of Money

Build Your Investing Network at BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Grab “The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down”

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

Real Estate Rookie 105 - Don’t Lose Your Portfolio to Lawsuits! Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Real Estate Rookie 106 - Asset Protection for Rookies: 7 Wealth-Saving Answers from an Expert

(00:00) Intro

(00:31) Do You NEED an LLC?

(06:32) House Hacking in a Pricy Market

(13:50) Investing Without Money or Credit

(23:56) Ask Your Question!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-541

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The 4 Best Types of Rental Properties for New Investors to Buy in 2025 Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

So, you want to invest in real estate…but where should you start? What’s the best type of rental property for a beginner? It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options, but in this episode, we’ll provide the four-step framework you need to make the right choice!

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! First, we’ll share four steps that will help you pin down the right investing strategy for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Then, we’ll introduce you to a few of the most beginner-friendly types of rental properties. Are you light on cash? House hacking could help you take down your first investment property with relatively little money out of pocket.

Are you looking to scale your real estate portfolio as quickly as possible? The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is one of the fastest ways to build wealth in real estate. Would you prefer your real estate investments to be mostly hands-off? Perhaps a long-term rental is more your speed.

Stick around till the end to learn about the three most common mistakes we see new investors make and what YOU must do to avoid them!

In This Episode We Cover:

The four BEST types of rental properties for new investors

The four-step formula for choosing the right investing strategy

Creative ways to get into real estate investing when you’re light on cash

The secret to scaling your real estate portfolio quickly (without a ton of money)

Three common rookie investing mistakes (and how to avoid them!)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Buy the Book, “Start with Strategy”

Monarch Money

RealBricks

Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals?

(00:00) Intro

(01:05) Step 1. Define Your Goals

(03:44) Step 2. Determine Your Involvement

(07:32) Step 3. Assess Your Finances

(13:04) Step 4. Know Your Market

(15:49) House Hacking

(17:24) The BRRRR Strategy

(22:12) Short-Term Rentals

(25:20) Long-Term Rentals

(29:51) Analysis Paralysis

(32:25) Shiny Object Syndrome

(35:22) Taking Bad Advice

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-540

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Making $2,400/Month Cash Flow and Getting Rich Slowly with “Boring” Rentals Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Want the time-tested investing strategy that will make you rich 10, 20, or 30 years from now? Despite market uncertainty, buying rentals is still a savvy move if you’re playing the long game. That’s what today’s guest is doing—using a mix of steady cash flow and appreciation to reach financial freedom!

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! After a bad experience with a financial advisor, Anthony Finger decided to take control of his investments. He started with everyone’s favorite “boring” investment, index funds, and before long, he had brought his slow and steady approach over to real estate—buying seven long-term rentals over seven years. Today, his real estate portfolio brings in $2,400 in monthly cash flow, and Anthony has already built up over $600,000 in total equity!

The conservative approach might not be as “sexy” as Airbnb or as exciting as flipping houses, but it’s a surefire way to build wealth with real estate. Tune in as Anthony shares the perks of investing in your own backyard, the benefits of buying turnkey rentals, and the secret to buying new construction at a discount!

In This Episode We Cover:

How Anthony scaled “slowly” to seven properties in seven years

“Safe” investments that will put you on the path to financial freedom

Building a stable portfolio with low-maintenance, turnkey rental properties

How to achieve a mix of equity and cash flow in THIS housing market

The benefits of investing in your own backyard (and when to look elsewhere!)

The crucial mindset shift you need to succeed in real estate

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Calculators

Rent to Retirement

Anthony's Instagram

Get Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Grab “The Book on Rental Property Investing”

Property Manager Finder

Real Estate Rookie 123 - “Building” Wealth as a 24-Year-Old with 12 New Construction Projects

Connect with Anthony

(00:00) Intro

(00:51) Buying His First Rental

(05:30) Crucial Mindset Shift

(09:34) Anthony’s Portfolio

(14:45) Tough Lessons Learned

(21:44) Scaling “Slowly”

(28:25) Cash Flow AND Equity

(35:09) Connect with Anthony!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-539

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5 Things You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong When Analyzing Deals (Rookie Reply) Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Anyone can analyze a rental property, but if you’re not careful, it’s easy to overlook significant costs that wipe out your cash flow and put you in the red. Thankfully, we’ve got some timely tips that will help you avoid these critical mistakes!

Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and BiggerPockets Facebook groups. Worried that your “good” real estate deal might not be a good deal after all? We’ll show you some of the things you must account for before you buy! Next, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of real estate partnerships. Whose name should go on the mortgage? How do you ensure that both parties own the property? We have the answers!

Finally, how do you make an offer on a property you haven’t seen? What if you receive a low appraisal? We’ll show you how to find “boots on the ground” in any market, renegotiate with the seller, and close on your property for a great price!

Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!

In This Episode We Cover:

Costs you must account for when analyzing a rental property

The biggest pros and cons of turnkey real estate investing

How to properly budget for capital expenditures, maintenance, and repairs

Why you need a five-year exit plan when structuring a partnership

How to find “boots on the ground” when investing out of state

Renegotiating with the seller after receiving a low appraisal

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Calculators

Grab Our Book, “Real Estate Partnerships”

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

Real Estate Rookie 326 - The Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the BEST Off-Market Real Estate Deals

(00:00) Intro

(00:18) Good or Bad Deal?

(07:31) Structuring Partnerships

(17:32) Making Offers (Out of State!)

(28:25) Ask Your Question!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-538

Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com.

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BUILD, Don’t Buy: The Rookie-Friendly Investing Strategy with 6-Figure Upside Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

A single-family home could give you some extra cash flow, but what if there was a way to make six-figure returns from “rentals” that breathe new life into your town? Today, we’ll share a rookie-friendly investing strategy that allows you to do just that, all while using very little (if any) of your own money!

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Katie Neason is a big believer in “investing where you’re invested” and has built a real estate business that allows her to make huge returns while revitalizing her hometown of Bryan, Texas. Unlike normal real estate development, which involves new construction on raw land, redevelopment is the process of taking an area that was previously built on and giving it a new purpose. The best part about redevelopment? Your city might actually want you to do it—meaning you could get all kinds of grants and tax breaks to bring your vision to life!

In this episode, Katie will give you a detailed walkthrough of her most recent deal, show you the perfect “gateway” redevelopment project for a new investor (step by step), and teach you how to get started with this strategy using other people’s money (OPM)!

In This Episode We Cover:

Redevelopment explained (and why it’s even better than new development)

Making huge returns and revitalizing neighborhoods with the new BRRRR strategy

The perfect “gateway” project into redevelopment for new investors

How to fund a redevelopment project with little to no money

A step-by-step walkthrough of Katie’s most recent redevelopment deal

How to determine whether your town or city is “developer-friendly”

And So Much More!

Links from the Show