Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

272: Unlocking Your Legacy With Turn-Key Real Estate with Lindsay Davis Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Lindsay Davis, CEO of Spartan Invest, to explore the world of turn-key real estate. Lindsay shares her journey from college landlord to building one of the leading turn-key investment companies in the Southeast. Their discussion covers the advantages of passive investing, the realities of property management, and how Spartan's approach makes real estate accessible for investors nationwide.

Lindsay began her investing journey as a college student in Alabama, renting rooms to reduce tuition costs. After a rocky start as a landlord and a stint in corporate America, she shifted to flipping houses before finding stability and scale in rental properties. This led her to co-found Spartan Invest, a full-service turn-key provider offering single-family homes in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

For investors hesitant about the headaches of being a landlord, Lindsay explains how Spartan handles property acquisition, renovation, tenant placement, and ongoing management. By focusing on durability, affordability, and transparency, Spartan delivers rental properties designed for long-term performance and reduced maintenance.

Jonathan and Lindsay also discuss the profile of today's turn-key investors, from W-2 employees seeking diversification to high earners priced out of their own markets. They cover the importance of choosing landlord-friendly states, understanding pro forma numbers, and staying engaged with your property manager. With entry points averaging around $165,000 and financing options that include competitive rates, Spartan opens the door to investors ready to grow their portfolios without the grind of flipping or self-management.

If you've ever wondered how to build a real estate legacy with minimal stress, this episode provides a clear look at how turn-key investing works and why it's an attractive strategy in today's housing market.

In this episode, you will hear:

Lindsay's first experience as a college landlord and the lessons it provided
Spartan's shift from flipping to rental properties
Advantages of a one-stop-shop turn-key model
Renovation priorities designed for long-term durability
Types of investors who benefit most from turn-key investing
Key factors to evaluate when choosing property managers
The role of consistency and early investing in building wealth

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Spartan Invest website - spartaninvest.com

Spartan Invest on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@SpartanInvest

Find Spartan on Facebook - www.facebook.com/spartanturnkey

Spartan Invest's Instagram - www.instagram.com/SpartanInvest

Connect with Lindsay Davis on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-davis-3996a778

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

271: Creating Net Gains Through Property Management with Derek Morton Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Property management may not be flashy, but it's essential to successful real estate investing.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Derek Morton, founder and owner-broker of Netgain Property Management in Utah. Since 2016, Derek has built his company around balancing landlords' expectations with tenants' needs. With over 14 years of real estate experience, he shares stories, lessons, and practical strategies that show why effective property management is about more than just collecting rent.

Derek explains that many landlords underestimate what it takes to own rental property. Too often, investors assume hiring a property manager means they can step away entirely. Instead, he stresses the importance of staying engaged and managing the manager. He discusses how becoming more selective with clients improved both his business and his quality of life, and why setting expectations early with both tenants and owners prevents conflict later.

Technology is central to Derek's approach. From maintenance platforms to financial reporting tools, automation helps his team streamline processes and reduce repetitive tasks. This frees up time for meaningful conversations and allows them to "people better" when human connection really matters. With these systems in place, Derek has scaled his business across Utah while maintaining a strong focus on service.

Jonathan and Derek also touch on the realities landlords rarely anticipate—emergency repairs, tenant job loss, and unexpected life events. Derek highlights the importance of financial reserves and has redesigned his onboarding process to include an owner's manual, welcome box, and annual reviews. These steps educate landlords and align expectations from the start, reducing long-term issues.

Looking ahead, Derek sees rental payments shifting to match how tenants manage money. Flexible or weekly payment options, along with security deposit alternatives, are becoming more common. He believes these changes reflect economic realities and can ease pressure on tenants while ensuring landlords get paid.

Jonathan underscores that property management isn't a set-it-and-forget-it function. Investors who hire managers still need to stay involved, ask questions, and build trust. Derek's philosophy of preparation, transparency, and accountability shows how effective property management strengthens portfolios, reduces stress, and creates long-term net gains.

Whether you're new to rentals or scaling a portfolio, this episode highlights the systems and mindset that turn property management into a true asset for long-term success.

In this episode, you will hear:

Common mistakes landlords make when hiring property managers
Why clear expectations with owners and tenants are essential
How technology streamlines communication and operations
The role of owner onboarding, education, and reviews
Derek's take on the future of rental payments and landlord-tenant relationships

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Netgain Property Management - netgainpm.com

Netgain on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOgBlJeD3dDhW8ScHbutUA

Find Netgain on Facebook - www.facebook.com/NetGainPropertyManagement

Netgain on Instagram - www.instagram.com/netgainpm

Connect with Derek Morton on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/derekdmorton

Netgain's TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@netgainpm

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

270: The Ins and Outs of Real Estate Fund Administration with Mike Zane Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mike Zane, a real estate fund administrator at Lexcraft Advisors who specializes in supporting fund managers through the complexities of launching, managing, and scaling investment funds. With a background in accounting and years of experience working inside and alongside real estate funds, Mike offers a clear look at how fund administration works and why it's critical to an investor's long-term success.

Mike explains that many investors underestimate the operational and compliance demands of running a fund. From regulatory filings and investor communication to accurate financial reporting, fund administration is more than bookkeeping. It's a system that keeps funds running smoothly and legally. He and Jonathan discuss the differences between starting a fund as a new manager versus transitioning from syndications, the importance of building strong investor relationships through transparency, and the role of a fund administrator in protecting both the manager and the investors.

They also cover why newer managers often underestimate the time and resources needed to manage a fund, how to streamline back-office operations without sacrificing accuracy, and the potential pitfalls of trying to handle everything yourself. Mike shares advice for setting up a fund correctly from the start, including knowing when to bring in outside help, the technology tools that make administration more efficient, and how proactive reporting can boost investor confidence.

For anyone considering starting a real estate fund or enhancing the one they already manage, this episode breaks down the process into manageable parts. It highlights the support systems that make the difference between chaos and control.

In this episode, you will hear:

The core responsibilities of a real estate fund administrator
The differences between launching a fund and running syndications
How proactive communication builds trust with investors
Common mistakes new fund managers make in operations and compliance
Why streamlined processes are crucial for scaling successfully

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Lexcraft Advisors website - lexcraftadvisors.com

Connect with Mike Zane on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzane

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

269: How To Start Living Off Rentals with Kirby Atwell Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Kirby Atwell, an Army veteran, real estate investor, and host of the Living Off Rentals podcast. Kirby's journey from military service to financial freedom offers a practical roadmap for investors seeking a sustainable, high-cash-flow strategy.

Kirby's interest in real estate began in 2006 while stationed in El Paso, Texas, after reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad." His first purchase, a turnkey property across the street, sparked a career that would include multiple rental acquisitions before leaving the Army in 2011. Initially, Kirby built a high-volume house-flipping business, completing around 75 projects in five years. While the operation looked successful from the outside, the overhead, contractor management, and constant pressure to "feed the machine" made it an unsustainable treadmill.

Recognizing that his initial goal was freedom, not endless hustle, Kirby pivoted. After a short return to corporate work, he began acquiring long-term rentals in Northwest Indiana. A chance experiment, turning a basement apartment into an Airbnb, netted $22,000 in one summer, far exceeding the annual income from some of his long-term units. This discovery led him to transition entirely to short-term rentals, focusing on modestly priced multi-unit properties that could also work as long-term rentals if needed.

Kirby now manages 39 short-term rental listings, primarily clustered near Michigan City and Valparaiso, Indiana, with additional properties in southwest Florida. By concentrating on one region before expanding, he built economies of scale in operations, supply management, and cleaning services. His strategy centers on risk-averse investing—buying affordable properties in areas with steady demand drivers, from national parks to local universities—while maintaining the flexibility to pivot between rental strategies.

Jonathan and Kirby discuss the power of "reps" in real estate, why clustering investments boosts efficiency, and how to vet short-term rental opportunities by analyzing local competition. Kirby also shares his process for furnishing units cost-effectively, his rule of thumb for net returns (1% of purchase price monthly), and the importance of avoiding over-leverage.

Today, through his Living Off Rentals platform, Kirby coaches other investors to build similar portfolios. His philosophy combines conservative acquisition criteria with creative income strategies, allowing investors to create both cash flow and long-term equity without the burnout of high-volume flipping.

In this episode, you will hear:

The importance of taking action before having everything figured out
Why scaling a flipping business often leads to burnout and thin margins
How an experimental basement Airbnb reshaped Kirby's investing approach
The advantages of clustering short-term rentals in one market
Identifying risk-averse properties with strong cash flow potential

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Living Off Rentals website - www.livingoffrentals.com

Living Off Rentals on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@LivingOffRentals

Find Living Off Rentals on Facebook - www.facebook.com/LivingOffRentals

Living Off Rentals on Instagram - www.instagram.com/livingoffrentals

Connect with Kirby Atwell on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kirbyatwell

Living Off Rentals on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals

4 Steps to Living Off Rentals - www.livingoffrentals.com/start

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

268: Designing and Operating a Boutique Wellness Resort with Diana Ossa and Josh Dobken Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Diana Ossa and Josh Dobken to discuss the creation of their boutique wellness resort in Palm Springs. As a couple with a shared vision for conscious living, they transformed their dream into a real estate venture focused on wellness, sustainability, and community.

Diana and Josh walk through the real estate challenges and rewards of developing in a foreign country. They talk about their approach to design and development, why they chose Palm Springs, and how they're creating a guest experience that's intimate, personalized, and grounded in nature. Their project isn't just about hospitality. It's about building something that reflects their values and lifestyle.

Jonathan explores how they approached the design process, from layout to material selection, and how they balanced the creative aspects with logistical and financial realities. They also discuss the importance of timing, trusting their instincts, and building a brand that speaks to a like-minded audience. Their story offers a firsthand look at how intentional living and real estate investment can align.

This episode is an honest and inspiring look at what it takes to create a boutique experience that blends business with purpose.

In this episode, you will hear:

Designing a resort around wellness, simplicity, and intentionality
Bringing a personal lifestyle vision to life through real estate
Prioritizing community, sustainability, and guest experience in every decision
The power of trusting intuition and moving at a deliberate pace
Lessons from shifting careers into hospitality development

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Design - Invest website - www.designinvestfi.com

Design - Invest on Instagram - instagram.com/d.i.fi

Terra Palm Springs website - www.terrapalmsprings.com

Terra Palm Springs on Instagram - www.instagram.com/terrapalmsprings

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

267: Investing in Real Estate From a Position of Strength with Scott Trench Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Scott Trench, former CEO of BiggerPockets, co-host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, and author of "Set for Life." Their conversation dives into how Scott achieved financial independence through real estate and frugality, and how new investors can build the confidence and skills to invest from a position of strength.

Scott shares how his own path began with house hacking and strict expense management while working as a financial analyst. These early habits laid the foundation for his first duplex purchase and ultimately his real estate success. He explains that the core pursuit behind investing for most people isn't financial wealth. It's time freedom. Real estate offers one of the most accessible paths to achieve that, especially for everyday Americans with median incomes.

The conversation highlights the importance of personal accountability and developing an in-person community. While online education has its place, Scott emphasizes the lasting value of learning from real people, joining masterminds, and taking action on knowledge, not just theory. He also explains how engaging directly with tenants, even when difficult, builds the playbook necessary for long-term success.

Jonathan and Scott discuss why now might actually be an excellent time to buy, especially in smaller multifamily sectors. While high interest rates have sidelined many investors, price adjustments in certain markets have created new windows of opportunity. Scott reflects on his experience with both direct ownership and passive investing in syndications, candidly sharing why he prefers the control and reliability of local real estate over national trends.

They also touch on the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and what early retirement actually means. For Scott, financial freedom isn't about never working again. It's about creating more choices. He encourages listeners to ignore the noise, avoid overpriced guru programs, and focus instead on sustainable investing strategies that fit their lives.

Throughout the episode, Scott keeps the advice actionable. He urges new investors to think critically, avoid fads, and build a strong foundation through frugality, education, and reps in the field. Whether you're house hacking, looking at syndications, or considering commercial opportunities, the key is to approach each decision with discipline and awareness. The ultimate goal? Gaining control over your time, finances, and future.

In this episode, you will hear:

The mindset shift that turned Scott Trench from employee to investor
Why house hacking creates a low-risk way to build skills and equity
Where many new investors get stuck and how to get unstuck
The importance of being a transparent and human landlord
Strategies Scott uses to handle difficult tenants without evictions
The hidden value of investor forums and local meetups
Why it's smart to stay skeptical of real estate fads
The case for small multifamily in today's market
Scott's view on FIRE and time freedom as the real end goal
Ways to assess college vs. trade school from an ROI perspective

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

BiggerPockets website - www.biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets on YouTube - www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney

Find BiggerPockets on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney

Scott Trench's Instagram - www.instagram.com/scott_trench

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/scott-trench-53056a22

Scott's TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@strenchbp

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

266: How To Get Steadier Returns and Less Volatility Through Real Estate with Daniel Angel-Mejia Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Daniel Angel-Mejia, managing partner at Apex Investments, for a conversation about sustainable real estate growth, building solid operations, and finding your way into development the smart way. Daniel brings international experience and a background in finance to his work in residential real estate, combining strategic planning with on-the-ground execution to drive long-term returns.

Daniel's investing career began in Colombia, working with institutional clients before moving to the U.S. and landing in Atlanta. Initially focused on single-family fix-and-flips, he gradually shifted toward building portfolios, multifamily acquisitions, and now, ground-up residential development. He explains how this progression unfolded, the importance of starting where you are, and why consistency beats shortcuts when trying to scale.

One of the key themes of this episode is building vertically integrated operations for long-term efficiency. Daniel shares why his team is transitioning property management in-house, even before hitting massive scale, and how that decision aligns with their larger strategy. He also breaks down how he and his partner approach market selection, development planning, and build-to-rent (BTR) versus for-sale projects.

Jonathan and Daniel discuss how communication with tenants and communities plays a role in stabilizing properties, particularly when repositioning mom-and-pop multifamily assets. Daniel explains how they've created win-win situations by being transparent, planning thoughtfully, and offering quality upgrades that residents appreciate.

Whether you're early in your investing journey or ready to shift into development and management, Daniel's experience offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build durable, profitable systems that adapt to changing market conditions.

In this episode, you will hear:

How Daniel Angel-Mejia shifted from international investing to U.S. residential development
What his early single-family flips taught him about scaling responsibly
Why his team is moving toward full vertical integration with property management
Ways tenant communication affects long-term occupancy and turnover
How Apex Investments is growing its build-to-rent portfolio in the Atlanta market
Lessons learned from working with both institutional and mom-and-pop sellers
Operational changes that make small-scale developments more efficient
The importance of staying specialized while remaining open to future opportunities

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Apex Development Group website - www.apexinvestments.us

Apex Development on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ApexDG

Find Apex on Instagram - instagram.com/apexdevelopmentgroup.us

Connect with Apex on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/apexdevelopment

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Episode Credits

265: Unlocking Tax Incentives for Real Estate Investors with Gian Pazzia Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Gian Pazzia, chairman and chief strategy officer of KBKG and a pioneer in the cost segregation field. With more than 25 years of experience, Gian has worked on everything from casinos to single-family rentals. He breaks down how real estate investors can legally and strategically use tax incentives, especially cost segregation and bonus depreciation, to significantly reduce taxable income and increase buying power.

Gian explains how cost segregation allows real estate investors to accelerate depreciation, what types of assets qualify, and why even single-family rentals can benefit from the strategy. He also highlights the importance of working with credentialed cost segregation professionals, not just general CPAs, to avoid errors and IRS scrutiny.

The conversation moves beyond cost segregation into estate planning, bonus depreciation, short-term rental strategies, and how real estate professional status can shift an investor's entire tax position. Gian shares how he and his wife use these strategies in their own 40-unit portfolio, where she handles active management to qualify for real estate professional tax benefits.

From legacy wealth to smarter tax planning, Gian outlines the tax tools that real estate investors often overlook, whether due to skepticism, lack of awareness, or misinformation. His deep expertise makes this a must-listen for anyone serious about optimizing real estate returns through better tax strategy.

In this episode, you will hear:

Ways cost segregation accelerates depreciation to maximize early returns
How paper losses can offset income while keeping cash flow intact
Benefits tied to the return of 100% bonus depreciation in 2025
The strategic tax edge of owning and managing short-term rentals
Property types that yield the strongest cost segregation outcomes
The link between estate planning and the timing of depreciation
What to consider when selecting a qualified cost seg partner
How real estate professional status transforms tax exposure

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

KBKG website - www.kbkg.com

KBKG on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@KBKGTaxIncentives

KBKG's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/KBKGTaxIncentives

Find Gian Pazzia on Instagram - www.instagram.com/gianpazzia

Connect with Gian on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/costsegregationservices

KBKG on X - x.com/KBKG

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene