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(00:00) Intro

(00:28) BEFORE You Buy

(07:40) Lease Agreements 101

(15:11) Maintenance, Repairs, Tenant Requests

(20:17) Move Ins and Move Outs

(26:39) Security Deposits

(28:05) Best Rental Property Software Best Rental Property Software

(33:49) Landlord-Tenant Laws

(40:23) You’re Ready for Your First Rental!

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The Beginner’s Guide to Finding (and Funding) Small Multifamily Real Estate Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Small multifamily investing might seem scary to a new investor, but what if we told you these properties are less risky than single-family homes and even easier to buy in many cases? In this episode, we’ll bust the most common multifamily myths that keep rookies on the sidelines so that YOU can take down your first multifamily property in 2025!

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Amelia McGee and Grace Gudenkauf return to the show to deliver a masterclass on small multifamily investing. They’ll show you how to find off-market real estate deals at a deep discount, why cash flow is king when analyzing multifamily properties, and which neighborhoods to target for long-term appreciation. We’ll also get into zoning and permitting issues to be wary of—pitfalls that could wipe out your cash flow if you’re not careful!

But that’s not all. Of course, the BIG question on every rookie’s mind is, “How do I get financing for these deals?” and we’ve got the answer! Amelia and Grace will show you how to buy larger properties with low money down and provide you with the perfect pitch for seller financing!

In This Episode We Cover:

Why small multifamily properties are even less risky than single-family homes

Boosting your cash flow by using multiple investing strategies for the same property

Taking advantage of HUGE appreciation by targeting developing areas

Buying multifamily properties with LOW money down by house hacking

The BEST way to pitch seller financing for off-market multifamily deals

Multifamily investing “myths” new investors are taught (and why they’re wrong!)

Common zoning and permitting issues that can kill your cash flow

The keys to managing multiple tenants (and how to keep them happy!)

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Real Estate Rookie 111 - 26 Doors in 1 Year? Here’s How You Can Do It Too!

Get RentRedi for FREE with BiggerPockets Pro Membership

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA

Buy Amelia & Grace’s Book “The Self-Managing Landlord”

Real Estate Rookie 401 - Boost Your Cash Flow in 2024 with These “Self-Management” Tips

Connect with Amelia

Connect with Grace

(00:00) Intro

(02:27) Small Multifamily 101

(08:32) Finding Deals & Choosing Markets

(16:55) Due Diligence & Tenant Management

(25:13) Creative Finance Strategies

(29:20) Key Systems & Processes

(32:11) Connect with Amelia & Grace!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-515

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Stuck at ONE Rental Property? The Secrets to Scaling Your Portfolio Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Is it possible to scale your real estate portfolio in this market? What if you only have one income? Getting past one rental property is a huge hurdle in every investor’s real estate journey, but increasing your rental income and lowering your mortgage costs can help you maximize your cash flow and get over the hump. And in this episode, we’ll show you how!

Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re diving back into the BiggerPockets Forums and answering your questions. First, we’ll hear from an investor who wants to scale their portfolio but feels stuck with one rental. We’ll show them how to squeeze more money out of their property and fund their next purchase. Our next question is from an investor who wants to refinance a “unique” property that doesn’t have comparables. What type of loan do they need? Should they sell the property? Stay tuned to find out. Finally, we’ll help a few landlords with some “unusual” rental maintenance headaches!

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

In This Episode We Cover:

Whether you can build and scale a real estate portfolio on ONE income

House hacking, renting by the room, and MORE ways to grow your rental income

Homeowners insurance, property taxes, and MORE mortgage costs you can reduce

How to turn your accessory dwelling unit (ADU) into a short-term rental

Creative ways to get refinancing for a “non-traditional” rental property

How to handle unusual (or unreasonable) maintenance requests from tenants

What you MUST keep in mind when working with Section 8 tenants

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Land More Off-Market Deals with Crucial Property Owner Contact Information from DealMachine

AirDNA

Ownwell

Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply

Grab the Book “The Self-Managing Landlord”

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

Real Estate Rookie 443 - How to Use “Asset Management” to Build Wealth (Even with a Small Portfolio)

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Scaling with 1 Income

(11:14) Refinancing “Unique” Properties

(17:08) “Unreasonable” Maintenance

(26:05) Section 8 Tenants

(31:37) Ask Your Question!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-514

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Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Housing Market Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

What do you need to know about the 2025 real estate market before you buy your first (or next) investment property? Dave Meyer, host of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast and one of the industry’s most respected analysts, will tell you everything a rookie real estate investor needs to know when buying in 2025. We’re talking about the best markets, predictions, and one type of property that could be a phenomenal buy this year.

Dave believes now is a great time to invest and is backing it up by increasing his investments in 2025. But, he says you need to find the “upside” in your market or your strategy to make more money this year. What does he mean? Dave spells out a few key ways to find often overlooked “upside” potential so you can build wealth even with high home prices and interest rates.

Which markets does Dave believe have the most growth potential this year? He’s laying out his top investing areas and the property types that could see the most demand. Plus, why is it cheaper (and arguably better) to buy a new home in 2025 instead of waiting for homeowners to sell? If you’re ready to invest in real estate, use Dave’s roadmap to invest better than the rest this year.

In This Episode We Cover:

The 2025 state of real estate investing and why Dave sees plenty of “upside” to come

Why Dave is NOT focusing on “cash flow” when buying his real estate deals

Top real estate markets of 2025 and the cities/areas with the most demand

A “big shift” that is pushing more and more renters to certain parts of the city

Free data you can use right now to see which markets will grow or slow in 2025

Why buying a new build could be a much better investment than buying existing homes

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Market Finder

BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

On the Market Podcast

Real Estate Rookie YouTube Channel

Real Estate Podcast 1065 - It’s About to Get Good! (2025 Housing Market Predictions)

Real Estate Rookie 123 - ‘Building’ Wealth as a 24-Year-Old with 12 New Construction Projects w/Donovan Adesoro

Real Estate Rookie 473 - Moving 1,500 Miles Away to Buy His First Rental with Just $25,000 w/Austin Wolff

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-513

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Middle-School Teacher Makes $100K in 6 Weeks on Her FIRST Deal Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Laura Sides had zero real estate investing experience not too long ago. But, within just six weeks, she made $100,000 on her first real estate deal. How is that even possible? That type of profit is usually reserved for expert real estate investors, not middle-school science teachers! Today, Laura is uncovering the fast-flipping formula that helps her do quick, profitable real estate deals even in her competitive market.

During a beach vacation to Florida, Laura read the personal finance and investing classic Rich Dad Poor Dad, and, seemingly overnight, her brain rewired as she became dead set on multiplying her money instead of working for every dollar. So, she took out a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy her first real estate deal, but where would it come from? A chance encounter with a neighbor would set her on a path that would change her life forever.

Now, she’s cracked the house flipping formula, has two killer rental properties she uses as her own vacation homes, and makes significantly more than her teacher’s salary working on her schedule, building wealth her way. Want to be like Laura? We ALL do, and today, she’s sharing how you can do it, too!

In This Episode We Cover:

How Laura made a six-figure profit in just six weeks on her FIRST real estate deal

The house flipping formula Laura uses to buy low-stress, quick flips that make great profits

Why you should ALWAYS be friendly with your neighbors (they might sell you their house)

Using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) to buy your first investment property

What Laura looks for on property listings as telltale signs they’ll be good deals

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Land More Off-Market Deals with Crucial Property Owner Contact Information from DealMachine

Rich Dad Poor Dad

Laura’s Instagram

Buy the Book, “The House Flipping Framework”

How to Start Flipping Houses for Huge Profits in 2025 (Step-by-Step!)

Connect with Laura

(00:00) Intro

(01:02) ZERO Investing Experience

(04:49) I’ll Buy Your House!

(08:56) $100K Profit on FIRST Deal!?

(12:41) From 1st Flip to Beach House

(19:55) Laura’s Portfolio

(22:32) The Fast Flipping Formula

(26:41) Finding Deals

(34:18) Connect with Laura!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-512

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5 Things to Know Before Buying a Duplex, Triplex, or Quadplex (Rookie Reply) Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Thinking about buying a duplex, triplex, or even a quadplex? Small multifamily properties are often some of the BEST investments for cash flow, especially if you plan to live in one of the units! But how does this type of property differ from a single-family home? What do you need to know before buying? Listen in to find out!

Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we’re scouring the BiggerPockets Forums and answering more of your questions. After covering the ins and outs of small multifamily investing, we’ll get into financing your first property. What’s the best loan for first-time home buyers—FHA, conventional, or another option entirely? We’ll put them head-to-head and point you in the right direction! Finally, we’ll discuss several ways to use your home equity to grow your real estate portfolio. From 1031 exchanges to lines of credit, there are all kinds of options!

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

In This Episode We Cover:

What you NEED to know before buying a small multifamily property

The pros and cons of FHA and conventional home loans

Putting twenty percent down versus paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) with less money down

How to defer capital gains tax through a 1031 exchange

The BEST ways to leverage the home equity in your rental property

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

FreddieMac PMI Calculator

Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply

Buy the Book “The Multifamily Millionaire, Volume 1”

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

Real Estate Rookie 261 – How Nancy Rodriguez from ‘Love Is Blind’ Hit Financial Freedom BEFORE Fame

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-511

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How I Spent My $36K Home Renovation Budget for the Highest Rents Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Home renovations can substantially increase your equity and cash flow on a rental property, but when doing one, there are two key things you need to pay attention to: budgets and timelines. Today, rookie real estate investor Rene Hosman is back to teach you how to do both after just finishing a three-month, $36,000 rental renovation where she turned an outdated apartment into a cash-flowing condo!

Rene was able to rehab the entire unit (two bedrooms, one bathroom) with a budget of around $30,000, and although she may have gone slightly over, her returns look nothing less than phenomenal. How did she do everything—new floors, electrical, bathroom, AND furnishings—with such a reasonable budget? If you’re ready to renovate your home or rental property, take her tips.

Rene goes through every aspect of the project: the good (renting it out right after finishing) and the bad (a BIG flood in the master bedroom), plus everything in between. She’ll share what she chose to DIY, what was smarter to hire out, and how she paid for it all. We also get the final numbers of the renovation—what the property appraised for AND how much it’s renting for now!

In This Episode We Cover:

How to stay on budget and on timeline when doing your next home renovation

Unexpected costs that led to thousands of more dollars in renovation expenses

Whether you should buy the materials or let your workers buy them instead (cost-saving tip!)

Furnishing your rental property for cheap and where Rene finds low-cost, quality furniture

How to negotiate with your bank so you can get a LOWER interest rate when you refinance

How much cash flow Rene will make off of this small (but mighty) medium-term rental

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

$1,000,000/Year with 22 Rentals by Focusing on This Ultra-Profitable Niche w/Jesse Vasquez

BiggerPockets Forums

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA

Join BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Supercharge Your Investing This Year

Grab Your Copy of “The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs”

Find Investor-Friendly Lenders

How to Do Your FIRST House Flip in 2024: Budgets, Renovations, and Loans w/Rene Hosman

Connect with Rene

(00:00) Intro

(01:07) Property Renovation Progress

(03:35) How to Hit Your Renovation Timeline

(06:56) Staying On-Budget

(11:38) Unexpected Costs...

(19:29) Building Your Renovation Budget

(21:18) Paying for Materials and Rehab Expenses

(30:42) Furnishing the Property

(32:18) Refinancing and Rent Numbers

(40:12) Connect with Rene!

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-510

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How to Invest in Real Estate in 2025 (For Beginners!) Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Want to start investing in real estate but don’t know where (or how) to begin? Even as a brand-new beginner, you can buy your first investment property in 2025, regardless of how high home prices and interest rates get. Today, we’ll break down how to find your first investment property, finance it, build a team (so you’re not doing all the work), and manage it to start building real estate wealth.

Feeling scared to start? Thousands of rookies were in your shoes at the start of 2024 and are now experienced investors. It’s common to feel fear before buying an investment property, which is why, in this episode, we’re going over the common worries and pitfalls that stop investors from starting and how you can get around them!

We’ll even share the exact markets we’re looking to buy in this year, what types of properties we think have the most potential, and get into interest rate predictions for 2025! Don’t sit on the sidelines; this is your chance to get into the game!

Join BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to supercharge your investing this year!

In This Episode We Cover:

How to start investing in real estate in 2025, even if you have zero experience

Beginner steps to start and the two things you MUST do now before you buy

The real estate markets we’re looking to buy in during 2025 (copy our strategy!)

What to do if you’re too scared to start and stuck in analysis paralysis

Building your investing team so you don’t have to do all the work

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Calculators

BPCon2025

BiggerPockets Forums

Real Estate Market Analysis for Beginners | Rookie Resources

Landlord-Tenant Laws of the US

Join BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Supercharge Your Investing This Year

Grab the Book “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing”

BiggerNews: This Area Has the BEST Cash Flow Potential in the Country (Lake Effect Cash Flow)

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-509

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The BEST Ways to Find “Rare” Off-Market Real Estate Deals in 2025 (Rookie Reply) Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Are great real estate deals gone for good? Not so fast! High interest rates, inflated home prices, and low inventory have made things difficult for investors, but by looking beyond the multiple listing service (MLS), you could uncover off-market properties that fly under the radar. In today’s episode, we’ll show you how!

Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! If you’re struggling to make the numbers work in today’s housing market, you’re not alone! Tune in to learn how we find “rare” rental properties that are either undervalued or overlooked. Not sure where to start your investing journey? We’ll share three key factors that will help you narrow down your options and pinpoint the best real estate market for you. Stick around till the end as we discuss lease renewals, tenant turnover, and how to deal with a renter whose financial situation has changed!

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

In This Episode We Cover:

Creative ways to find more off-market real estate deals in 2025

Three key factors to consider when choosing a market to invest in

Why proper deal analysis is even more crucial when buying off-market

How to determine whether you should offer tenants lease renewals

Keeping your BEST tenants and avoiding costly tenant turnover

And So Much More!

Links from the Show

Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply

Buy the Book “Finding and Funding Great Deals”

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

Real Estate Market Analysis for Beginners | Rookie Resources

Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-508

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Renovations 101: Estimating Costs, Working with Contractors, & Managing Rehabs Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Fixing up a distressed property might be the BEST way to add value, whether you’re looking to flip houses, BRRRR (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), or charge higher rents. But to avoid losing money, you’ve got to know what you’re doing! Today’s guest is an expert in home renovations, and in this episode, she’ll walk you through the entire process!

Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Investor Serena Norris has done over 200 deals (including more than 130 flips) in just TEN years, so she knows a thing or two about home improvements! Today, she will show you how to complete a rehab project, step-by-step. You’ll learn about everything from forming partnerships and analyzing rentals to creating a pricing sheet in a new market, building a scope of work, and effectively managing your contractors.

Whether it’s your first time managing construction or you’re looking for systems and processes that will help your jobs run smoothly, you don’t want to miss this renovation masterclass. Serena offers plenty of nuggets that will help you finish your projects on time AND on budget!

In This Episode We Cover:

Serena’s BEST renovation tips, tricks, and hacks (learned from 130+ flips!)

How to manage a home renovation project from start to finish

How to divvy up responsibilities in a real estate investing partnership

Building your pricing sheet when diving into a new market

How to estimate rehab costs and create your own scope of work

The two most common mistakes new investors make on rehab projects

And So Much More!

Links from the Show