Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

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Episode Credits

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242: Finding Solutions For Your 1031 Exchange Without the Hassle of Management with Ben Carmona May 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Ben Carmona, Managing Partner at Perch Wealth, to break down the mechanics and opportunities of the 1031 exchange. With over two decades of experience, Ben clarifies a complex process that can intimidate even seasoned investors. He shares how real estate owners, especially those nearing retirement, can defer taxes, move into passive income streams, and preserve wealth through tools like the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST).

Jonathan and Ben cover everything from early planning to misconceptions about like-kind exchanges. They also explore how investors can use 1031s to scale smarter, reduce active management headaches, and take advantage of private equity-style syndications.

Whether you're a baby boomer ready to slow down or a younger investor exploring long-term tax strategy, this episode will help you see 1031s and DSTs in a whole new light.

In this episode, you will hear:

What a 1031 exchange is and how it helps defer taxes
How Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) enable passive investing with 1031 proceeds
The importance of early planning and working with real estate-focused advisors
How to avoid common mistakes like mishandling funds or missing deadlines
Why syndications and diversification matter for today's investors

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Supporting Resources:

Perch Wealth website - www.perchwealth.com

Perch Wealth on Youtube - www.youtube.com/@perchwealth

Find Perch Wealth on Facebook - www.facebook.com/perchwealth

Perch Wealth's Instagram - www.instagram.com/perchwealth

Connect with Perch Wealth on Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/company/perch-wealth

Perch Wealth on X - x.com/perchwealth

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

241: Creating Life On Your Terms Through Real Estate Investing with Laura Navaquin May 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Laura Navaquin—a mother, entrepreneur, and real estate investor who built her portfolio from the ground up alongside her husband. Starting with a credit card-funded mentorship and no prior experience, Laura began wholesaling in New Jersey and eventually scaled their portfolio to over 20 doors across six states.

Laura shares her evolution from side hustler to full-time investor, revealing how consistency, networking, and creative financing became the pillars of their growth. She breaks down the realities of managing a diverse real estate portfolio, the learning curve of self-management, and the challenges of rapid expansion. Laura also opens up about her shift in priorities—from corporate success to financial freedom and time with family—and how her mindset helped her embrace uncertainty.

Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your investments, this episode offers a real-world look at how strategic action and steady effort can build something meaningful over time.

In this episode, you will hear:

Wholesaling can be a great entry point, but it takes hustle and realistic expectations
Investing in mentorship is really an investment in yourself
Scaling quickly is exciting, but evaluating portfolio performance is essential for long-term success
Creative financing and networking for unlocking deals that traditional methods can't
Defining your version of success and staying consistent

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Supporting Resources:

Laura Navaquin's website - lauranavaquin.com

Find Laura on Instagram - www.instagram.com/lauranavaquin

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/lauranavaquin

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

240: Investing In Historically Recession Resistant Real Estate Assets with Paul Moore May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Paul Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Wellings Capital, a private equity firm specializing in recession-resistant real estate investments. With a rich background in entrepreneurship and investing, Paul shares his evolution from speculative investor to a disciplined advocate of Warren Buffett's principles, emphasizing the power of saying "no" and prioritizing long-term, stable investments.

The conversation explores the importance of rigorous due diligence, operator selection, and maintaining a conservative investment strategy. Paul explains how Wellings Capital evaluates hundreds of deals to handpick only the most viable ones, ensuring a high margin of safety for investors. He also dives into undervalued asset classes such as self-storage and mobile home parks, highlighting their growing demand and often misunderstood reputation.

You'll gain insight into the mechanics of private equity investing, including how Wellings structures its diversified funds, the role of trust and relationship-building with operators, and the social impact of responsible investing. Paul also shares his firm's commitment to combating human trafficking through philanthropic efforts.

This episode is a must-listen for high-earning professionals looking to deploy capital wisely and anyone seeking a mindful, value-driven approach to real estate.

In this episode, you will hear:

The best investors say "no" to most deals
The importance of discipline
Mobile home parks and self-storage offer stable, recession-resistant returns
Due diligence should be multi-layered and uncompromising
Investing with integrity can align with creating social impact
Diversified private equity funds offer reduced risk and access to top-tier operators

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Supporting Resources:

Wellings Capital website - www.wellingscapital.com

Wellings Capital on Facebook - www.facebook.com/wellingscapital

Paul Moore's Instagram - www.instagram.com/paulmooreinvest

Connect with Paul Moore on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/paul-moore-3255924

Paul Moore on X - x.com/paulmooreinvest

Wellings Capital on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/wellings-capital-llc

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

239: Why Mobile Home Parks Are America's Most Stable Real Estate with Jack Martin May 05, 2025

Show notes

In the real estate world, mobile home parks aren't viewed as a glamorous asset class, but today's guest explains why you should give this asset class a second look.

On today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Jack Martin, co-founder of 52TEN. Jack began his real estate career in Arizona, where he sourced off-market properties and acquired and sold over 2,000 single-family homes, as well as more than 900 apartment units. In 2016, Jack entered the mobile home park business. Since then, he's acquired 1,500 mobile home park lots.

Jonathan and Jack start their conversation with Jack's introduction to real estate investing through Carleton Sheets as an 18-year-old in the military. Jack outlines the misconceptions about mobile homes and parks, what drew him to parks versus single mobile homes, and the two things that excited him about mobile homes over other asset classes. Jack explains why amenities appeal to mobile home park residents, who those amenities attract, how he chooses a geographic location for investment, and the importance of vertically integrating property management into a mobile home park strategy. As their discussion winds down, Jack shares how implementing technology can simplify management, the tax benefits associated with mobile home parks, and what to look for in a park when vetting the investment.

Real estate investors may be sleeping on the opportunities mobile home parks offer, and Jack Martin outlines exactly why this asset class deserves a second look.

In this episode, you will hear:

Jack Martin's introduction to real estate through Carleton Sheets at 18 years old in the military
Misconceptions surrounding mobile homes and mobile home parks
Why Jack began buying mobile home parks versus single mobile homes
The two things that excited him about buying mobile homes versus other asset classes
The most expensive event that occurs for investors with rental property
Creating amenities that appeal to residents and the type of residents they attract
Choosing an appropriate geographic location with net population growth
The importance of management and vertically integrating it into your strategy
Implementing technology in managing mobile home parks to simplify
How Jack educates others on this asset class and the tax benefits that come with it
What to look for when you're vetting a mobile home park investment

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Supporting Resources:

52TEN website - 52ten.com

52TEN on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9mmKx4H8tHQz1kt0k3_Hw

Find 52TEN on Facebook - www.facebook.com/52TENInvestments

52TEN's Instagram - www.instagram.com/52teninvestments

Follow 52TEN on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/18335773

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

238: Why Underwriting and Communication Are Key To Local Home Buying with Wendell Butler May 01, 2025

Show notes

If you're new to real estate investing, understanding underwriting and being a good communicator can be the key to opening the door for great deals.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Wendell Butler, president and founder of Hammerhead Capital. Wendell is an experienced real estate investor, former military officer, and entrepreneur with a background in loan origination. Wendell's real estate portfolio consists of properties in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and now he's helping other real estate investors expand their portfolios.

Jonathan and Wendell begin their conversation with Wendell's decision to pursue real estate as a post-military career. He shares the benefits of leveraging VA loans, his first investment property, and what sets Wendell apart from other investors when it comes to borrowing money. You'll hear the two things you need before asking friends or family for deal money, how he continued a growth trajectory in Charlotte, North Carolina, after leaving New England, and the importance of solving a seller's problem rather than focusing on price. Finally, Jonathan and Wendell discuss how to stand out to sellers with honesty, how Wendell is coaching others to do the same, and the biggest mistakes new wholesalers often make.

Wendell Butler has built his reputation on honesty and effective communication, and he continues to grow his business by leveraging these fundamental principles.

In this episode, you will hear:

How Wendell Butler chose real estate as his next step following his military career
The benefits of leveraging VA loans and Wendell's first property investment with a house hack
The moment Wendell decided he was going to pursue real estate investing full-time
What sets him apart from other investors when it comes to borrowing money
Two things you need before you ask friends and family for deal money, and why they're the easiest place to find money
Continuing a trajectory of growth with fix-and-flips in Charlotte versus the multifamily market in New England
The importance of solving a seller's problem versus money or price
Standing out to sellers with honesty
How Wendell coaches new investors to do what he's doing
The biggest mistakes new wholesalers make

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Supporting Resources:

Hammerhead Capital - www.hhcapitalrealty.com

Hammerhead Capital on Facebook - www.facebook.com/HammerheadCapitalinc

Wendell Butler's Instagram - www.instagram.com/wendellpbutleriv

Connect with Wendell on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/wendellpbutleriv

The Real Estate Take podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-estate-take/id1784328740

Hammerhead Capital on Instagram - www.instagram.com/hammerheadcapitalinc

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

biggerpockets.com/users/AskMikeCoss

Episode Credits

237: How To Succeed as an Investor and a Real Estate Agent with Mike Cossette Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jonathan welcomes Mike Cossette, a seasoned real estate broker and investor based in Austin, Texas. Mike brings over 20 years of expertise in residential and commercial real estate, specializing in luxury homes, multifamily units, short-term rentals, small commercial properties, and portfolio growth strategies.

Gain invaluable insights into why obtaining a real estate license can be a significant advantage for investors, highlighting benefits such as commission savings, direct property access, and essential contract knowledge. Mike shares his personal journey of becoming an investor first during his college days through strategic property investments, including a memorable fraternity house that served as a powerful introduction to real estate profitability.

Jonathan and Mike delve into market timing versus market longevity, emphasizing the critical need for investors to continually adapt strategies to evolving market conditions. They discuss the opportunities currently available in smaller multifamily properties and why now could be the perfect time for such investments, especially considering seller financing options.

In this episode, you will hear:

How obtaining a real estate license is highly beneficial for property investors.
Mike's journey from first property investment to becoming a real estate agent
The importance of adaptability in changing market conditions.
Insights on Airbnb's early growth and house hacking strategies
Strategic benefits of investing in small multifamily properties
How creative investment opportunities can offer both high risks and rewards.
How relationships are foundational to sustained success in real estate investing.

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Supporting Resources:

Website - http://michaelcossette.remax.com

Youtube - youtube.com/@AskMikeCoss

Facebook - facebook.com/AskMikeCoss

Instagram - instagram.com/askmikecoss

LinkedIn - Linkedin.com/in/askmikecoss

Twitter - x.com/AskMikeCoss

TikTok - tiktok.com/@askmikecoss

rem.ax/MikesLink

https://rem.ax/MikeCossCLHMS

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

236: How To Find and Build Your Passive Investing Tribe with Jim Pfeifer Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

If you don't want the hassle of becoming a landlord, passive investing could be your entry into real estate investing.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Jim Pfeifer, the former founder, president, and CEO of Left Field Investors, which is now PassivePockets. Jim is also the co-host of the PassivePockets podcast and a long-time investor in syndications as a limited partner.

Jonathan and Jim start their discussion by outlining the story of Left Field Investors and Passive Pockets. Jim explains what drew him to passive investing versus active investing, the importance of vetting operators, and the downsides of becoming a landlord. You'll hear why you have to recognize that your investments are illiquid, where Jim places money outside of real estate investing, and the necessity of hiring experts to help you make the most of your money. Finally, Jim explains why he prefers personal recommendations over cold leads, the importance of doing your due diligence, and how PassivePockets helps investors vet syndicators.

Jim Pfeifer has a long track record in syndication investing, and if you're interested in this asset class, don't miss his words of wisdom for finding the right investment.

In this episode, you will hear:

The inception of Left Field Investors and how that led to the creation of PassivePockets
What drew Jim Pfeifer to passive investing versus more active investing
The importance of vetting operators in syndications and why it's the key skill in passive investing
Downsides of becoming a landlord
Adjusting to the longer cycles in syndications as a limited partner and realizing your investments are illiquid
One of the biggest mistakes Jim made as he began investing in syndications, and where he places money outside of real estate
Using 1031 exchanges in syndications and finding experts who can help you make the most of your money
Why personal recommendations from the investing community are always better than cold leads
The perfect candidates for passive investing
Funds versus one-off investing and the importance of due diligence
How Jim vets syndicators and what PassivePockets does

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Supporting Resources:

PassivePockets website - www.passivepockets.com

PassivePockets on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@PassivePocketsInvesting

Find PassivePockets on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/passivepockets

Connect with Jim Pfeifer on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jimpfeifer

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

235: Unlocking Value With Carefully Chosen Multifamily Real Estate with Mike Madsen Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Multifamily is an asset class that shows no signs of slowing down, but carefully choosing where to place that money can ensure your investment is worthwhile.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Mike Madsen, Vice President of Acquisitions and Economics at RealSource Residential. RealSource is focused on long-term and sustainable growth and has a multifamily track record with more than $1 billion in cumulative investments and 6,300 renovated apartments.

Jonathan and Mike begin their discussion by exploring what makes multifamily a great investment and Mike's market outlook for housing and multifamily. You'll hear about the pent-up demand for housing, how it will continue to impact rents, and the factors Mike uses to determine where to invest. He also shares his family history in real estate investing, the best markets to move to right now, and Mike's preference for value-add properties. Mike explains how you can mitigate risk in multifamily, where the operational sweet spot is, and what markets he has his eye on right now. He reveals the metrics he uses to evaluate a value-add property, the amenities tenants are looking for in this market, and how RealSource Residential helps investors discover their next investment.

Multifamily continues to be a hot topic in real estate investing, and Mike Madsen outlines his tips for ensuring you make a sound investment.

In this episode, you will hear:

Why multifamily is always an excellent investment
Mike Madsen's market outlook for housing and multifamily opportunities
The pent-up demand for housing and how it's going to continue to impact rents
Factors Mike uses to determine where to invest
His family history in real estate investing and how Mike started his own journey
The best markets to move to right now, based on his evaluation metrics
Out-of-state investing and Mike's preference for value-add properties
Mitigating risk in multifamily and the sweet spot for operational economies of scale
The markets Mike has his eye on right now, the metrics he uses to evaluate a value-add property, and how occupancy rates impact renovations
Additional amenities tenants now look for in a multifamily property
How Mike's company, RealSource Residential, helps investors find their next investment
Mike Madsen's advice for investors looking to get into multifamily

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Supporting Resources:

RealSource Residential website - www.realsourceresidential.com

Connect with Mike Madsen on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michael-madsen-Utah

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

234: Unbiased and Apolitical Economic Forecasting For Now and the Future with Lauren Saidel-Baker Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Politics is often blamed for economic shifts, but there are usually more factors at play. Today's guest is an economic expert who explains how it can impact investors and buyers alike.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Lauren Saidel-Baker, an economist with ITR Economics, the oldest privately-held, continuously operating economic research and consulting firm in the U.S. ITR Economics was founded in 1948.

Jonathan and Lauren start the discussion by explaining how ITR Economics predicts economic shifts and how Lauren became an economist with ITR after a stint in asset management. She shares how politics and election cycles can affect economics, her predictions for 2025, and what real estate investors should look for. You'll hear the disruptions that natural disasters, population shifts, and weather can have on the economy, what regular homebuyers and investors should be looking for with purchases, and the trajectory of the real estate market in the next five years. Lauren outlines the potential opportunities real estate may offer with an economic downturn, her advice for remaining in real estate during economic disruption, and what she's doing to prepare for a potential economic depression.

The economy is frequently in the news, but we don't often hear about the impact it can have on specific industries. Lauren Saidel-Baker makes the case for real estate even during economic turmoil.

In this episode, you will hear:

Lauren Saidel-Baker's explanation of how ITR Economics predicts economic shifts
Her introduction to economics through a job after college in asset management, and what she loves about working at ITR Economics
How election cycles impact economics
Lauren's predictions for 2025 in comparison to 2024 and what real estate investors should look out for
Disruptions that natural disasters can create, and the impact of population shifts and weather
What regular homebuyers and investors should look for when they make a purchase
The trajectory of real estate for the next five years based on current data
Real estate opportunities that are likely with an economic downturn
Population shifts around the country based on affordability
What Lauren suggests for buyers in 2025 and the continued demand for multifamily assets
Her advice for those who want to remain in real estate but are concerned about economic disruption, and how consumers can remain apprised of economic shifts
What Lauren is doing to prepare for the coming economic depression

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If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/234/ to download it.

Supporting Resources:

ITR Economics - itreconomics.com

ITR Economics on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCJx7dfActtS_noNjNq6sumA

ITR Economics on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ITREconomics77

ITR Economics's Instagram - www.instagram.com/itreconomics

Follow ITR Economics on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/itr-economics

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties