Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

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

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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.

212: The Current State of Multifamily Syndications with Drew Breneman Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Syndications can be an excellent way to add passive income to your real estate portfolio. Today's returning guest sits down with Jonathan to explain the current state of multifamily syndications.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes back Drew Breneman, founder and CEO of Breneman Capital. Breneman Capital is focused on helping its investors create passive income streams through multifamily syndications.

Jonathan and Drew start by delving into the big changes for real estate investors over the past couple of years. Drew explains why many people are choosing to rent versus buy with the ever-increasing cost of housing and shares he is also a renter. You'll hear the potential downsides of markets, Drew's criteria to decide on one, the markets still doing well in the Midwest, and how he manages their properties remotely. Jonathan and Drew explore the deals Drew never buys, which ones make the most money, and what he will look for over the next two years as the market shifts.

If syndications are on your radar, returning guest Drew Breneman outlines what you can expect in the near future.

In this episode, you will hear:

The big changes over the last couple of years for real estate investors
Consciously choosing to rent versus buy with the ever-increasing cost of housing
Looking at the potential downsides of markets and the criteria Drew Breneman uses to make a decision
The markets still doing well in the Midwest despite perception
Average unit count across all of Drew's syndications and how they manage their properties
The deals he never buys and the deals that make the most money
Drew's take on the best cost of capital buying multifamily with five units and up
What he's looking for over the next two years
The average cycle time for one of Drew's deals and how he calculates when to sell

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Supporting Resources:

Breneman Capital - www.breneman.com

Breneman Blueprint on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@brenemanblueprint

Breneman Capital's Facebook - www.facebook.com/people/Breneman-Capital/100084325985153

Find Breneman Capital on Instagram - www.instagram.com/brenemancapital

Connect with Breneman Capital on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/brenemancapital

Drew Breneman on Twitter/X - twitter.com/drewbreneman

Drew on Facebook - www.facebook.com/drewb

Drew's Instagram - www.instagram.com/drewbreneman

Connect with Drew on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/drewbreneman

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

211: The Business of Home Building with Jose Berlanga Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Real estate wasn't the end game for today's guest, but he always loved the idea of being an entrepreneur. He and his architect brother put their heads together to create a successful construction company, eventually leading to a thriving real estate career.

On today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Jose Berlanga. Jose has more than 30 years of experience in real estate, acting as CEO of several construction companies dedicated to investing, designing, and developing residential projects in Houston, Texas. Jose is also the author of "The Business of Home Building: How to Start and Operate a Residential Construction Company."

Jonathan and Jose begin their conversation by delving into the lessons Jose learned from his father about business. The discussion shifts to Jose's decision to start a construction company with his architect brother, the challenges of building affordable housing today, and the best time to make the most money. You'll hear why it's critical to understand your market and customers, the value of being the best in your sector versus moving around to find a market, and how Jose is finding land to develop in Texas. Jonathan and Jose cover the importance of knowing when to say no to a deal, the recent shift in Jose's business model, and why it's still a good time to buy.

Land is becoming a hot commodity in today's real estate market, and Jose Berlanga outlines how he's still building affordable housing in Texas.

In this episode, you will hear:

The lessons Jose Berlanga learned from his dad about business and what he learned not to do
Jose and his architect brother's venture in construction and what it taught them about real estate
The challenges of building affordable housing in today's market
The best time to make the most money and why commitment and experience matter
Understanding what to build in any given location and identifying your consumer
Being the best in your particular sector versus moving around and trying to find the right market
How Jose is finding land to develop today in Texas and the strategies he uses to continue finding new areas
Knowing when to say no to a deal and avoiding over-leveraging yourself
The recent shift in Jose's business model from spec houses to "build to rent" and the safety of the Texas real estate market
Why it's still a good time to buy and what Jose foresees for the Texas market
Jose's book, "The Business of Home Building," and who it's written for

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Supporting Resources:

Jose Berlanga's website - joseberlanga.com

Find Jose on Facebook - www.facebook.com/authorjoseberlanga

Jose on Instagram - www.instagram.com/authorjoseberlanga

Connect with Jose on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jose-berlanga-900a9518

Joses Berlanga's books - joseberlanga.com/books

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

210: Building a Generational Real Estate Legacy with Marcia Socas Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Today's guest was introduced to real estate by her mom, and now she's creating a path for her son to continue the generational real estate legacy.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Marcia Socas, an on-market agent at Castro Realty Group. She is a long-time real estate investor and a budget home flipper with extensive DIY and family experience.

As Jonathan and Marcia start their conversation, Marcia explains her initial interest in real estate through her mom's career and when she fell in love with it. You'll hear about her favorite homes to buy in the Florida market, how Marcia makes them stand out, how she got her son involved in real estate early, and her favorite parts of the real estate game. She shares why she recommends holding a real estate license as an investor, the importance of seeing a home in person, and the shift that needs to occur in the real estate market. Finally, Marcia explains why she began creating videos of rehabs she does and why single-family assets are still her favorite asset class.

Marcia Socas had her son's future in mind when she began investing for him as a baby, and now that he is a young adult, she's seeing the results of building a generational real estate legacy.

In this episode, you will hear:

Marcia Socas's initial interest in real estate through her mom's real estate career and how she fell in love with it
Her favorite homes to buy in the Florida market and how Marcia makes them stand out
Getting her son involved in real estate investing in addition to the Florida prepaid college fund and the surprising results from real estate
Marcia's favorite parts of real estate and the importance of asking for a five-star review at the outset
Holding a real estate license as an investor and why she recommends it
Seeing a home in person and learning about the property and the geographical area
The Orlando market and the shift that needs to occur in the market
Creating videos on rehabbing properties and the satisfaction that comes from changing them
Why single-family assets remain Marcia's favorite and what she wants to try next

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Supporting Resources:

Marcia Socas's website - marciasocas.com

Marcia on YouTube - www.youtube.com/marciasocas

Find Marcia on Facebook - www.facebook.com/marcia.socas

Marcia Socas's Instagram - www.instagram.com/marciasocas

Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-castro-a8a9169

Find Marcia on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@myhomegoals

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

209: How To Use Wealth Funds To Diversify Your Portfolio with Jeremy LeMere Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Maintaining a diverse portfolio is one key to real estate investing success, and today's guest outlines why.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Jeremy LeMere, Co-Principal at Navigator Wealth Management, where they direct and offer investment opportunities, which are client-direct fund investments in specific deals. Jeremy began his career in flips and apartment investing. In 2018, he started passively investing in out-of-state assets, offering hard money loans, and syndicating various assets to create diversification in his own portfolio.

As Jonathan and Jeremy begin their conversation, they delve into the importance of remaining diversified in real estate and knowing when to pass on a deal if it doesn't fit the goals of your portfolio. Jeremy outlines the reasons for retaining a W2 for as long as he did, creating win-win deals, and when the BRRRR method isn't a good strategy. You'll hear some of Jeremy's property regrets, where he's buying property today, and his current favorite asset class. He explains Navigator Wealth Management's goals, mezzanine debt and how it's used in real estate investing, how insurance impacts property deals, and the benefits of RIAs.

Diversifying a portfolio is one of the best ways to ensure success, and Jeremy LeMere is sharing how wealth funds can help you achieve both.

In this episode, you will hear:

The importance of remaining diversified in real estate
Knowing when to pass on a deal if it doesn't fit your portfolio goals
When to leave a W2 and focus on real estate full-time
Being accessible to the buyer of a property and creating a win-win for both parties
Using the BRRRR method and when it isn't a good strategy
Property regrets and how Jeremy LeMere is making decisions about where to buy today
His current favorite asset class and why
The creation of Navigator Wealth Management and what Jeremy does there
What mezzanine debt is, and how it works
The impact of insurance rates on property purchases
The benefits of RIAs and the importance of stabilization

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Supporting Resources:

Navigator Wealth Fund - www.navwf.com

NWF on Facebook - www.facebook.com/NavWF

Connect with NWF on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/navwf

Jeremy LeMere on Twitter/X - x.com/jeremylemere

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

208: The Secrets of Vertically Integrated Turnkey Real Estate with Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Turnkey real estate investing isn't always the most lucrative option, but with vertical integration and solid core principles, it can be a long-lasting path to successful real estate investing.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr of Mid South Homebuyers. Terry is the President, and Liz is the Director of Investor Relations. Mid South is the oldest turnkey provider in the U.S., operating in Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas.

As their conversion begins, Jonathan, Liz, and Terry explore how Liz and Terry met and their entrances into turnkey real estate investing. You'll hear why real estate hasn't changed as much as people think, the importance of keeping tenants happy, and the benefits of having slightly under-market rents. Liz and Terry explain the vertical integration of Mid South Homebuyers, why they keep their properties maintained, and where they source deals. Jonathan, Liz, and Terry discuss the adjustment in the buyer pool, why they maintain a warehouse that stores supplies, and their intent to remain focused on the Memphis and Little Rock markets.

Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr's strategy involves keeping tenants happy, and you'll hear how this makes all the difference in their turnkey investing model.

In this episode, you will hear:

Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr's entrance into turnkey real estate investing
Why real estate hasn't changed as much as people think it has
The importance of keeping tenants happy
Benefits of having slightly under-market rents in place and why they don't charge application fees
Vertical integration that allows Liz and Terry to offer a top-notch product
Keeping your properties maintained and experiencing the positive ripple effects from that
Sourcing deals and what Liz and Terry focus on buying
The adjustment in the buyer pool and who their typical investors are
Where they source their materials from, why they have a warehouse that houses them, and how they get better pricing with contractors
New construction, how that impacts their business model, and why they're focused on Memphis and Little Rock for now
Their ideal investor avatar

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Supporting Resources:

Mid South Home Buyers - midsouthhomebuyers.com

Terry Kerr's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@Rehab2Riches

Mid South Home Buyers on Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057060956060

Connect with Liz Nowlin on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/liz-nowlin-176b2626

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

207: Multifamily Real Estate Development Without The Hassle with Justin Goodin Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Many people are looking for a truly passive income–the kind where they can be completely hands-off. Real estate is often very hands-on, but syndications can be the answer for those looking for the hands-off option.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Justin Goodin, founder of Goodin Development. Goodin Development builds premium market-rate communities throughout Indiana and helps busy professionals invest in real estate without the hassle of analyzing properties, managing tenants, or handling repairs.

Jonathan and Justin start by exploring Justin's first investment, a single-family property, and why single-family assets were a good stepping stone to Justin's career but not his ultimate goal. Justin shares his "sniper" approach to direct marketing campaigns, what it was like to raise capital for the first time, and his tips for vetting a syndication investment. Justin explains his buy box, who his investors are, and why he has no plans to expand his business outside Indiana. Finally, Justin shares the size of the apartments he builds, the tenants' demographics, why syndication may not be right for everyone, and what he learned about construction as a first-time developer.

Real estate can be as hands-on as you want, but if you're the type of investor who wants to take the passive approach, a syndication could be the way to go.

In this episode, you will hear:

The $44,000 single-family home that got Justin Goodin started in real estate investing in 2017
Why single-family assets were a great stepping stone but not what he wanted long-term
The differences between single-family and multifamily syndications
Creating direct marketing campaigns and the "sniper" approach he takes
What Justin looked for in his first deal and why that turned out to be a value-add property
Raising capital for the first time, what he learned from that process, and how to vet a syndication investment
Justin's current buy box and how that can simplify your process
Who his investors are, and how he finds land to develop
The appeal of remaining in Indiana and creating new developments versus renovating
Different sizes of apartments in developments and the demographics of Justin's renters
His ideal avatar and why syndication may not be right for everyone
Learning construction as a first-time developer and Justin's tips for new investors

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Supporting Resources:

Goodin Development - goodindevelopment.com

Justin Goodin's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@JustinGoodin

Justin on Facebook - www.facebook.com/justin.goodin.16

Find Justin on Instagram - www.instagram.com/justin.goodin

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodin

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

206: How To Navigate International Real Estate Markets with Ladislas Maurice Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

Buying properties internationally is one of the least explored versions of real estate investing. Still, today's guest explains why it should be on your radar with changing political environments at home and abroad.

On today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Ladislas Maurice. As the founder of The Wandering Investor, Ladislas is dedicated to helping others navigate global investing. He is an international investor and consultant with experience in nearly 100 countries, has lived in twelve of them, and speaks five languages.

As Jonathan and Ladislas begin their conversation, Ladislas explains how he was introduced to travel as a kid and why he wanted to implement it into a business model. You'll hear about the lack of real estate data available in emerging markets worldwide, the issues that can arise with money when buying abroad, and how you can mitigate your risk by hiring an attorney specializing in issues with foreign buyers. Ladislas describes his experiences buying in countries like Uzbekistan and Serbia, why he started The Wandering Investor, and how to know which countries are worth investing in. Finally, Ladislas outlines some up-and-coming international markets, why younger generations may look outside the U.S. for real estate opportunities, and the countries on Ladislas's shortlist right now.

If you're seeking opportunities outside the norm in the U.S., consider looking abroad, as Ladislas Maurice is putting new locations on your radar.

In this episode, you will hear:

How Ladislas Maurice was introduced to travel and real estate as a kid through his father's professor contracts at universities around the world
The lack of real estate data available in emerging markets around the world
Finding overseas properties and the issues with banking, money, and mortgages in international markets
Mitigating risk by hiring an attorney who specializes in issues with foreigners and the variances in regulations
Ladislas's experience buying real estate in countries like Uzbekistan and Serbia
The catalyst for starting his company, The Wandering Investor
Knowing which countries are worth the effort to invest in, managing expectations, and identifying objectives
Up and-coming areas for buying real estate internationally
Making "home" wherever you are and why younger generations may look outside of the U.S. for opportunity
The countries on Ladislas's shortlist

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Supporting Resources:

The Wandering Investor - thewanderinginvestor.com

The Wandering Investor on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC1EOqi1UVw2Byy8jc-glFMQ

The Wandering Investor on Facebook - facebook.com/thewanderinginvestor

Find The Wandering Investor on Instagram - instagram.com/thewanderinginvestor

Connect with The Wandering Investor on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/the-wandering-investor

The Wandering Investor on Twitter/X - twitter.com/wander_investor

The Wandering Investor on Telegram - t.me/thewanderinginvestor

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

205: Finding Freedom Faster By Flipping Dirt with Ligia and Mike Deaton Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Land is often overlooked as an investment vehicle, but today's guests explain why it could be perfect for you.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Ligia and Mike Deaton, the founders of Flipping Dirt. Their Flipping Dirt coaching program is designed to help others grow their own real estate ventures, produce mounds of cash flow, and enable a lifestyle transformation.

Jonathan, Ligia, and Mike discuss the importance of getting your spouse on board in real estate investing. You'll hear how Ligia and Mike broke out of the W2 world to become entrepreneurs, why the simplicity of land drew them to it, and the challenges they faced as they got started. Ligia and Mike explain the importance of maintaining marketable skills as a backup plan, setting expectations for land flipping, and why success can take a while. Finally, you'll hear the unique qualities of land, Ligia and Mike's tips for getting started, why they try to stay below $50,000 for a land purchase, and what makes this asset class so appealing.

If you feel like real estate is too expensive, you won't want to miss Ligia and Mike Deaton making the case for land investing.

In this episode, you will hear:

Getting on the same page with your spouse for real estate investing and how they broke out of the W2 world as a couple
The simplicity of land and the challenges Mike and Ligia Deaton faced
The allure of land in cost and ROI
Why entrepreneurship wasn't on Ligia's radar as a kid and Mike's exposure to it growing up
Maintaining marketable skills as a backup plan
The two types of personalities who want to flip land and how Mike and Ligia set their expectations
What went wrong with their first deal and why it can take a while to find your success
The unique qualities of land and why there is a buyer for every type
Mike and Ligia's tips for getting started in land and how they customize plans for their clients
The properties they target and why they try to stay below $50,000
Land's lack of maintenance, what makes that appealing, and how to market it

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Flipping Dirt - flippingdirt.us

Ligia and Mike Deaton on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@mikeandligia

Find Ligia and Mike on Facebook - www.facebook.com/mikeandligia

Ligia and Mike on Instagram - instagram.com/mike_and_ligia

Connect with Mike Deaton on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbdeaton

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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