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.

232: How To Invest Together and Think Differently About Real Estate with Paul Shannon Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Making mistakes and learning from them is all part of the real estate investing game. Today's guest shares the lessons he's learned along the way, especially when it comes to syndications.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Paul Shannon, a fund manager at InvestWise Collective. Paul has acquired more than 200 residential units by recycling equity and JV. He is a limited partner who has invested in more than 40 deals as a passive investor. Paul is also the co-host of PassivePockets, a BiggerPockets podcast on passive investing.

As Jonathan and Paul start their discussion, they explore how Paul earned his investing stripes and flipped most of his single-family properties. Paul outlines his expectations as a limited partner in a syndication, the advantages of being an expert in your local market, and the one asset class Paul would never handle himself. You'll hear the greatest power an investor has, the importance of diversification, and why you need to understand your risk tolerance as a part of your investment strategy. Finally, Jonathan and Paul cover doing your due diligence, remaining patient, and knowing you have an out for an investment when you need it.

Syndications are becoming more popular for those seeking passive investing opportunities, and Paul Shannon outlines what you should know before diving in headfirst.

In this episode, you will hear:

The first time Paul Shannon heard about syndications and how he earned his investing stripes with his first few properties
How Paul used his single-family properties and why most were flips
His expectations when he invests in a syndication as a limited partner
The advantages of being an expert in your local market and partnering with syndications that are experts in their local markets
The one asset class Paul would never handle himself, and the greatest power an investor has
Remaining diversified to mitigate risk
Understanding your risk tolerance as a part of your investing strategy and the connection macroeconomics has to everything
Doing due diligence and the importance of patience
Being prepared and having outs ready to go when you need them
The formation of Paul's company and podcast, and why he's agnostic about asset classes
Growing interest in syndications and where it's coming from
GPs and a willingness to say no to LPs who aren't a good fit

Follow and Review:

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/232/ to download it.

Supporting Resources:

InvestWise Collective website - www.investwisecollective.com

PassivePockets on YouTube - www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVOQdep-pAiJ9q6LrQzQmVx4cMo9asVS9

Connect with Paul Shannon on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/paul-shannon-68255530

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

231: Creating Impact Equity Through Real Estate Syndications with Randy Smith Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

For many investors, it takes a while to become comfortable with syndications. For today's guest, he tried other real estate investing methods before becoming a syndication expert.

Today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing features Randy Smith, founder of Impact Equity. He brings over 25 years of experience in corporate sales and leadership to real estate investing and launched Impact Equity in June 2022. Randy's company helps investors spend money with world-class operators across several projects. He also launched RAI$E Capital Coaching and Consulting to help new capital raisers start their businesses. Randy is the co-host of The Gentle Art of Crushing it.

Jonathan and Randy start their conversation by exploring Randy's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" background and why it took until he was in his 40s to pursue real estate investing. He shares his first steps to move toward a real estate career, the pros and cons of turnkey properties, and Randy's initial investing mistakes. Randy shares that he moved to syndications after trying out the BRRRR strategy, the importance of doing your due diligence in syndication investing, and why debt is the biggest risk factor in these transactions. Jonathan and Randy cover the current challenges in his portfolio, the importance of diversifying, and why building a community as an investor is critical. As the discussion winds down, Randy explains the importance of understanding your syndication preferences, how he uses fund of funds, and the three most important things to look for in a deal.

With a lengthy career in sales, Randy Smith brings a unique perspective to real estate syndications and offers expert advice on what to look for.

In this episode, you will hear:

Randy Smith's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" background and why he was in his 40s before he got started in real estate
The first steps Randy took to move toward a career in real estate
The pros and cons of turnkey properties and his initial mistakes
What brought Randy to syndications after trying the BRRRR strategy
The due diligence required when buying into a syndication
Why debt is the single biggest risk factor in these deals
Current challenges in Randy's portfolio and the importance of diversification
General principles that apply across multiple asset classes
The importance of community as a real estate investor
Understanding your preferences in a syndication
Fund of funds and how they work
How to find a syndication using Randy Smith's tips for finding the right buy
The three most important things to look for in a deal
What you can learn from Randy's coaching program

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Supporting Resources:

Impact Equity website - www.impactequity.net

Randy Smith on Facebook - www.facebook.com/randysmith637

Randy's Instagram - www.instagram.com/randysmithinvestor

Connect with Randy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/randallmsmith

The Gentle Art of Crushing It - www.impactequity.net/blog/category/podcasts

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

230: Why Notes Are Hands-Off Real Estate Investments with Nathan Turner Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Notes aren't the most conventional method of real estate investing, but this niche can offer benefits other asset classes don't.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Nathan Turner, owner and president of Earnest Inc., which is also Earnest Investing. Nathan began investing in the U.S. real estate market in 2008 by creating notes, which later evolved into buying performing and nonperforming notes.

Jonathan and Nathan start with Nathan's decision to pursue notes versus properties and how he entered the business. Nathan shares his previous entrepreneurial pursuits and eventual pivot to fix-and-flips, leading to notes. You'll hear what Nathan's lightbulb moment was as he bought mortgage notes and realized he could be helping people in trouble with their mortgages. Nathan explains the current lack of nonperforming mortgages, what he sees for the future of the real estate market, and some of the tools he uses to find notes available for purchase. He stresses the importance of education and networking before diving into this side of real estate, the barriers of entry you can expect, and the upcoming Diversified Mortgage Expo conference in Nashville. Finally, Nathan shares his advice for investors interested in this asset class.

If you're curious about what it takes to become a note investor, tune in for this episode with Nathan Turner's expert take on the business.

In this episode, you will hear:

Nathan Turner's decision to invest in notes rather than properties, and how he got into this business
His previous entrepreneurial pursuits with franchises, and why he pivoted to fix-and-flips, which led to notes
Nathan's lightbulb moment from buying mortgage notes and how he realized he could actually be helping people
The current lack of nonperforming mortgages and what's driving it
What may be in the future for the real estate market
Tools Nathan uses for finding notes to purchase, and why education and networking matter
The barriers to entry for note investing and the questions you should ask
The upcoming Diversified Mortgage Expo conference and what you can expect to take away from it
Nathan's company, Earnest Investing, and what they do
His advice for getting started with note investing and preferred markets

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Supporting Resources:

Earnest Investing - earnestinvesting.com

Earnest Investing on Facebook - www.facebook.com/earnestinvesting.re

Find Earnest Investing on Instagram - www.instagram.com/earnest.investing

Connect with Earnest Investing on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/earnest-investing

Following Earnest Investing on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@earnest.investing

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

229: The Secrets of Add-A-Level House Flipping with Gabe DaSilva Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Adding levels to existing homes can be lucrative for flipping homes, especially when your market is saturated with older homes.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes returning guest Gabe DaSilva back to the show. Gabe is the founder and president of the DaSilva Group. He is also the founder of the Add-A-Level Bus Tour, Fix & Flip Foundation, Real Estate Riches Mastermind, and Learn & Earn with the DaSilva Group.

Jonathan and Gabe begin their conversation with how Gabe continues to be successful with home flips despite limited inventory and high interest rates. You'll hear about Gabe's competitive advantage, how he uses systems, syndication, and clustering to increase profitability, and how he's using Zillow Builder and the MLS as sales tools. He explains what you need to know before adding a level to an older home, the amenities that can help a property reach its full potential, and the rise in multigenerational living as homes increase in price. Jonathan and Gabe discuss the challenges higher interest rates present in the market, the benefits of adding levels to homes, and how Gabe qualifies a market for his flips. He shares what he looks for in a home's location, what you can learn from the Add-A-Level Bus Tour he hosts twice a year, and the importance of grit in a successful investor.

Adding a level to an older home is a creative way to increase its value and stand out in a market with limited inventory. Gabe DaSilva teaches new investors how to leverage this strategy successfully.

In this episode, you will hear:

How Gabe DaSilva continues to find success with flipping despite limited inventory and high interest rates
The competitive advantage he has due to his reputation
Systems, syndication, and clustering when flipping properties
Gabe's use of Zillow Builder and the MLS as sales tools and building a narrative around the home
What you need to know when adding a level to an older home
The components a basement needs to be considered as additional square footage in a home
Amenities that help a property reach its max potential
The rise in multigenerational living
The challenges that higher interest rates are presenting in home sales
Benefits of adding levels to homes to increase their value
Qualifying a market for flips and determining whether or not a location works
The bus tour Gabe hosts twice a year for investors, and what people can learn from it
Why grit is crucial for the students in Gabe's program

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Supporting Resources:

Gave DaSilva's website - www.gabedasilva.com

Gabe's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/gabedasilva

Find Gabe on Facebook - www.facebook.com/RealGabeDaSilva

Gabe's Instagram - www.instagram.com/realgabedasilva

Connect with Gabe DaSilva on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/gabedasilva

Fix and Flip Syndicate - www.thefixandflipsyndicate.com/group

Get the "Flip Tips" book - www.fliptipbook.com/optin1651100941998123

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

228: How To Take Short-Term Rentals From Construction To Cribs with Mark Lumpkin Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Short-term rentals are still a popular asset class, but you have to optimize them for your guest avatar to get them right.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Mark Lumpkin, Sales Director at STR Cribs. STR Cribs helps STR owners understand what makes a high-performing short-term rental. They are renovation and design experts for top-performing short-term rentals nationwide.

Jonathan and Mark start their conversation by exploring the features a short-term rental needs to stand out, how you can optimize a property's features, and the importance of addressing preventative maintenance before it becomes a problem. Mark explains why paying attention to guest feedback, performing trial stays at a property with friends and family, and the difference between market-specific and universal amenities is important. You'll hear why data is essential in purchasing the right property in the right market, why you shouldn't overlook secondary STR markets, and adding ADU or disability accessibility to appeal to more guests. Finally, Mark shares how he and his wife began investing in STRs, how STR Cribs can help STR owners design and build their ideal short-term rental, and his advice for investing in an asset you can use and rent out.

Short-term rentals continue to be a popular option for real estate investors, and now, more than ever, they have to stand out from the crowd. Mark Lumpkin offers insights on creating a property you and your guests can enjoy.

In this episode, you will hear:

What drew Mark Lumpkin to short-term rentals, and why each STR has to stand out
Optimizing the features of each property and customizing it to your guest avatar
Addressing preventive maintenance and longevity rather than putting them off
Paying attention to guest reviews and listening to feedback
Staying in your properties and asking friends and family to stay there to address any issues you didn't think about
Market-specific amenities versus universal amenities based on different guest types
Using data to purchase the right property in the right market
Why you shouldn't overlook some of the secondary STR markets
The importance of ADU or disability accessibility in a property
How Mark and his wife began investing in STRs after some international travel where they learned some lessons about what did not fit their lifestyle
How STR Cribs helps STR owners design and build their ideal STR
The lack of top-tier homes available as STRs and the best ROI amenities
Mark's advice for investing in an STR you can use as well as rent out

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

STR Cribs website - STRCribs.com

STR Cribs on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@STRCrib

Connect with Mark Lumpkin on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lumpkin-84b173142

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

227: How To Perfect Your Real Estate Side Hustle with Devon Kennard Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Creating a real estate side hustle can be a great way to hone your skills while continuing to build your primary source of real estate income. Today's guest has a new book that teaches you exactly how to do it.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes returning guest Devon Kennard. Devon is a former NFL pro football player and author of the new book "Real Estate Side Hustle." He is also an investor and a lender.

Jonathan and Devon dive into their conversation by discussing Devon's new book, "Real Estate Side Hustle," and what you can learn from it. Devon shares how he's building systems to create processes using AI, the importance of identifying your side hustle goal, and why he dislikes the lack of control in syndications. You'll hear the difference between fast and slow money, why you should be continuously learning, and the four components of a good real estate team. Finally, Jonathan and Devon cover why cheaper markets and properties aren't necessarily the best investing method and why you should view your real estate business as a ticket to FIRE.

A career in real estate doesn't mean you have to focus on just one component. Devon Kennard explains how creating a side hustle within the industry can help you achieve your goals faster.

In this episode, you will hear:

Devon Kennard's inspiration for his second book, "Real Estate Side Hustle"
Calculated risk and building out systems to create a process using AI
Identifying what's most important in your side hustle and focusing on those goals
Why Devon began lending primarily in his local area instead of across the country
His experiences with syndications and why he dislikes the lack of control in them
Fast versus slow money
Creating a side hustle alongside your career and not idealizing retirement but instead creating time freedom
The importance of continuous learning
Devon's ideal client for 42 Solutions and his preference for experienced borrowers
The four components of a good team: deal finder, contractor, property manager, and lender
Why starting in the cheaper markets and properties isn't always the best investing method
The social media influence to count doors and why it isn't always the best indicator of wealth
Business as the ticket to FIRE

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Devon Kennard's website - www.devonkennard.com

Find Devon on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@devonkennard42

Devon's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/DevonKennard

Devon on Instagram - www.instagram.com/devonkennard/?hl=en

Connect with Devon Kennard on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/devon-kennard-b1080547

Devon's Twitter/X - x.com/devonkennard

42 Solutions website - weare42solutions.com

Get Devon's new book, "Real Estate Side Hustle" - store.biggerpockets.com/products/real-estate-side-hustle

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

226: How To Rebuild Your Financial Future One Property At a Time with Melissa Nash Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Securing a solid financial future is often the biggest reason people enter the world of real estate investing, which doesn't require attaining as many properties as you may believe.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Melissa Nash, founder of Lady Luck Investments, which emerged out of necessity. Melissa built a portfolio that secured her family's financial future in less than six years. Now, she's teaching other women how they can do the same. Melissa wants to change the story of women in real estate and create a legacy of wealth and empowerment.

Jonathan and Melissa start their conversation with the story of Melissa's grandmother-in-law, who began investing in real estate in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Melissa shares her difficulties as a female investor today, her early failures due to her unwillingness to learn, and how a mentor introduced her to turnkey real estate. She highlights the success she eventually found with a Section 8 property, eventually leading to buying some short-term rentals, and explains why she self-manages her properties rather than paying a property manager. You'll hear the importance of being a good host with STRs, using those STRs to generate immediate cash flow to fund other ventures, and what new investors fail to do as they start their portfolios.

Building a financial future with real estate is a method used for generations, and Melissa Nash is creating a legacy of wealth for her family.

In this episode, you will hear:

Melissa Nash's inspiration from her husband's grandmother, who was a real estate investor in Los Angeles in the 1960s and '70s
The difficulties of being a female real estate investor, even today
The failures Melissa experienced before her real estate career took off
Her unwillingness to learn in the beginning which contributed to those early failures
How a mentor introduced Melissa to turnkey real estate
Finding success with a Section 8 property and how that led to short-term rental purchases she self-manages
The importance of being a good host for great feedback
Adding or removing amenities based on requests or negative feedback
STRs as a way to generate immediate cash flow for more STRs or long-term rentals
Using your rentals for your own enjoyment and building a generational legacy with real estate investing
What new investors fail to do as they get their portfolios started
Melissa's mission to educate women on real estate and the potential it offers

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Melissa Nash's website - www.hellomelissanash.com

Melissa's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@hellomelissanash

Lady Luck Investments on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ladyluckinvestments

Find Melissa on Instagram - www.instagram.com/hellomelissanash

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-nash-35aa0745/

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

225: Maximizing Rental Returns Through Stress-Free Property Management with Mo Hashem Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Property management isn't often at the top of a new investor's list when they're thinking about buying a piece of real estate. However, property management can be the ticket to a stress-free investing experience.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mo Hashem, the visionary behind Flat Fee Landlord, one of the country's fastest-growing residential property management companies. He helps working professionals go from owning one primary residence into profitable real estate investments. Mo has worked across the real estate industry in investing, property management, managing and buying multifamily, selling homes, and training real estate professionals. He has more than 4,000 tenants and has worked with over 2,000 investors.

Jonathan and Mo begin their discussion with Mo Hashem's introduction to real estate in college as a career and why he saw it as a vehicle to attain freedom. Mo outlines how he benefitted from a real estate license, the biggest misconception about single-family assets, and how hiring a competent property manager to do the work you don't want can aid your business. You'll hear how to find the right property manager, why scaling is important in real estate, and the importance of maintaining a day job–probably for longer than you thought you should. Finally, Mo shares why you need to be comfortable with your finances, how he started Flat Fee Landlord, and his advice for placing tenants and their pets in your properties.

A great property manager can be a game-changer. Mo Hashem's tips make it easier to identify what you need in a property manager.

In this episode, you will hear:

Mo Hashem's introduction to real estate as a way to earn an income in college
Looking at real estate as a vehicle to attain freedom
Benefitting from a real estate license and the post-2008 economy Mo had to overcome
The biggest misconception about single-family rentals
Hiring a competent property management company to do the work you don't want to do
Finding the right property manager for your rentals and when to hand off management
The importance of scale in real estate
Mo's advice for starting a real estate portfolio while retaining your day job
Staying power in the real estate investing game and treating it like a business
The role of finances in investing and finding the middle ground where you're comfortable
The inception of Flat Fee Landlord and how Mo differentiated it from other property management services
Vetting tenants and choosing where to invest based on state laws
Mo's advice for placing tenants and pets in your properties

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Supporting Resources:

Flat Fee Landlord - Houston Property Management - www.houstonpropertymanager.com

Flat Fee Landlord on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCTA-4GbXo56Ukw6MKMDlhYA

Find Flat Fee Landlord on Facebook - /www.facebook.com/FlatFeeLandlordDFW

Flat Fee Landlord's Instagram - www.instagram.com/flatfeelandlord

Connect with Mo Hashem on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/moahashem

Flat Fee Landlord on X - x.com/flatfeelandlord

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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