Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

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

Episode Credits

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172: Why (and How) I am Getting Back into Short-Term Rentals Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

After a long hiatus, Jonathan is stepping back into the short-term rental market.

On this solo episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan explains why and where he decided to get back into the STR game. You'll hear the criteria he used to narrow down markets and how he determined Black Mountain, North Carolina, suited what he was looking for. Jonathan also shares why he likes short-term rentals, which you can use for your own enjoyment outside of the busy season.

One of the reasons Jonathan put an offer on the property he chose was its design and the ability to add amenities to make the property more attractive for renters. He explains why becoming an asset to your community and collaborating with other STR owners in your market is valuable. You'll hear why Jonathan is considering developing more properties clustered near his purchase in Black Mountain if it goes well, the generational impact he hopes it will have for his kids, and why short-term rentals don't suit every personality.

This episode reveals Jonathan's personal strategy for purchasing a short-term rental. With his 30+ years of experience in this industry, he outlines what you may also want to consider.

In this episode, you will hear:

Why Jonathan is returning to investing in short-term rental properties
Choosing his market and the criteria he used to narrow it down
The reasons behind his decision to purchase in Black Mountain versus Asheville
Using a short-term rental for your own enjoyment outside of the busy season
Adding amenities to make a property more attractive for renters
The appeal of A-frame homes and the downsides of property management
Becoming an asset to the community you're in
Considering developing more properties clustered near the initial purchase and their generational impact
Short-term rentals don't suit every personality

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Supporting Resources:

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

171: How to Protect Your Properties Against Squatters with George McCleary Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

One of the lesser-discussed aspects of real estate investing is the potential of squatters. Legally, your hands may be tied, but today's guest started a company targeted at helping real estate investors avoid a squatting situation altogether.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with George McCleary, creator of the viral video "I Stole a House." George is the founder of Squatter Defender and Title Fraud Defender. He is also the Principal at McCleary Realty & Development.

Jonathan and George begin their conversation by exploring George's thoughts on squatters and why they feel much more emboldened today. He shares some of the strategies you can use to protect your property from squatters, who professional squatters are, and what makes it so difficult to remove them from your property. You'll hear the "cash for keys" scheme, when it pays to do it, and the story behind George's viral video, "I Stole a House." Jonathan and George also explore how you can avoid becoming the low-hanging fruit for squatters, his path to real estate post-college, and George's first experiences as a landlord. Finally, as the discussion winds down, George explains title fraud, how it relates to squatting, and why it's so difficult to stop. He also explains why he decided to start his company, Squatter Defender.

George McCleary offers some surprisingly simple solutions to deter squatters, and you won't want to miss this episode that reveals one of the hidden issues in real estate investing.

In this episode, you will hear:

George McCleary's thoughts on squatters and why they feel more emboldened today
Some of the strategies you can use to protect your property from squatters
Who professional squatters are, and the difficulty of getting them out of your property
The "cash for keys" scheme and when it pays to take that option
The story behind George's video, "I Stole a House."
How to avoid becoming the low-hanging fruit for squatters
George's path to real estate post-college and his first experiences with landlording
The appeal of tangibility in real estate and creating something
George's current favorite asset class and his reasons for loving it
Title fraud, its relation to squatting, and why you can't stop it
His catalyst for beginning his company, Squatter Defender

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Supporting Resources:

Squatter Defender website - www.squatterdefender.com (use the code Zen for 20% off)

George McCleary on YouTube - youtube.com/@georgemcclearyMRD

George's Facebook account - facebook.com/mrdportland

Find George McCleary on Instagram - instagram.com/mrd_portland

Connect with George on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/georgemccleary

George's Twitter/X - twitter.com/mcclearyre

Find George on TikTok - tiktok.com/@mrd_portland

Title Fraud Defender website - www.titlefrauddefender.com (use the code Zen for 20% off)

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

170: How to Walk the Path to a Mindset of Abundance with Matt King Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Mindset is everything in nearly every aspect of the real estate business. Having an abundance mindset means opening yourself up to opportunities as they arise.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Matt King, CEO of Gobundance. Gobundance is a high-level entrepreneurial group. Matt also manages DRO Investments, a family office based in Austin, Texas, where he oversees multiple companies and leads investment decisions while planning and implementing personal and business functions.

Jonathan and Matt start their conversation by delving into the motivation behind Gobundance and the difference between abundance and scarcity mindsets. You'll hear why there is no such thing as the perfect deal, why your actions must be aligned with your words, and the importance of living in balance and having your life in order, which carries over to your business. Matt shares what the Gobundance Empire Expander offers, how he initially became interested in real estate, and the power of momentum. Finally, Matt and Jonathan discuss what creating generational wealth can do for your family and community, why staying in a W2 job can help position you for the most success, and how to find a mentor the right way.

While mindset may not be your biggest priority when it comes to real estate investing, Matt King makes a case for putting it at the top of your list.

In this episode, you will hear:

The motivation behind Gobundance and the difference between abundance and scarcity mindsets
Why there is no such thing as the perfect deal, and actions have to be aligned with your words
Living in balance and having your life in order which carries over to your business
The Gobundance Empire Expander activity to help determine what changes in your life you may need to make
How Matt King initially became interested in real estate and his very first deal
The power of momentum and saying yes to opportunities aligned with your vision
Creating generational wealth and what it can do for your family and community
Staying in the W2 to position yourself for the most success and putting in the work
Avoiding comparison to others and confirmation bias
Finding a mentor and approaching it in the right way
What Gobundance offers and why it isn't the right fit for everyone

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Supporting Resources:

Matt King's website - themattking.com

Matt on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@matt.kingATX

Matt's Facebook profile - www.facebook.com/matt.king.1441

Find Matt on Instagram - www.instagram.com/mattking.atx

Connect with Matt King on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr

Gobundance website - gobundance.com

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

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

Episode Credits

169: How to Never Buy an Unprofitable Short-Term Rental with Taylor Jones Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

Short-term rentals can be lucrative, but they can become unprofitable weights around your neck if you aren't careful.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Taylor Jones, Head of Acquisition for STR Search. Taylor is also Techvestor's Head of Acquisition. He is an experienced short-term rental investor who knows how to maximize profits from every square foot of a property and teaches others to do the same.

Jonathan and Taylor begin their conversation by delving into how Taylor Jones became a short-term rental expert after a career in sales. Taylor explains how he carved out a niche with STRs by offering amenities and using guest avatars. You'll hear the pros and cons of buying where you like to vacation, Taylor's take on clustering as you build a portfolio, and why STRs are not passive income. Jonathan and Taylor explore the two components you must have in STRs to stand out, dynamic pricing, and Taylor's anti-condo stance. Taylor explains how he creates revenue from every square foot of a property, why he stays focused on one property type, and some emerging and evolving trends in the STR space. Finally, Taylor reveals Airbnb's role in marketing for owners and consumers.

For the savvy and determined investor, Taylor Jones shares how rising tides can raise all boats in the short-term rental market.

In this episode, you will hear:

How Taylor Jones ended up in the short-term rental space after a career in sales
Creating a short-term rental experience for guests, including amenities like game rooms and firepits, using guest avatars
The pros and cons of buying where you like to vacation
Taylor's take on clustering and proximity as you build a portfolio
Why STRs are not passive income and the two components you have to have
The importance of dynamic pricing
Taylor's anti-condo stance and creating revenue from every square foot of a property
Remaining focused on one property type versus multiple types
Sharing information with other investors because rising tides lift all boats
Emerging and evolving trends in the STR space
Airbnb's role in marketing for owners and consumers

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Supporting Resources:

STR Search website - www.strsearch.com

Find Taylor Jones on Instagram - www.instagram.com/mrjonesstrs

Connect with Taylor on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-jones-38997154

Taylor Jones on X - x.com/MrJonesSTRs

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

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

Episode Credits

168: The Unflashy Path to Multifamily Real Estate That Anyone Can Follow with Lee Yoder Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

Finding your real estate investing niche doesn't have to be flashy or complicated. Being a one-trick pony can be a lucrative asset.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Lee Yoder to the show. Lee is the founder and CEO of Threefold Real Estate Investing, which helps investors achieve passive cash flow, growth, and wealth through multifamily properties. Lee also stuck with his W2 physical therapy position while growing Threefold into the company it is today.

Jonathan and Lee open their conversation by delving into Lee's physical therapy career, revealing that his experience with a startup company exposed him to entrepreneurship. Lee shares the difference between wanting to be an entrepreneur and wanting money and why they aren't the same. You'll hear about the compound effect, Lee's intentional decision to start small with gradual expansion, and how he reins in his desire to expand faster than he should while following the 1% rule. He reveals the criteria he uses to buy new properties while building more credibility, what Lee feels is the most challenging part of scaling his business, and when he decided to bring in property management. Finally, Jonathan and Lee discuss where Lee focuses his investing efforts, what you should look for in syndications, why he's sticking to multifamily real estate, and the importance of being an active learner in this industry.

Real estate investing doesn't have to be flashy to succeed. Lee Yoder's story is a prime example of that philosophy.

In this episode, you will hear:

What led Lee Yoder to real estate investing after a career in physical therapy
The difference between wanting to become an entrepreneur and wanting money
The compound effect
Starting small and gradual expansion
How Lee reins in the urge to expand faster than he should and following the 1% rule
The criteria he uses to purchase new properties and earn more credibility
The most challenging part of scaling his business and when to hire property management
Where Lee focuses his investing efforts and what to look for in syndications
Why he's sticking to multifamily instead of branching out
The importance of being an active learner in the real estate business

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Supporting Resources:

Threefold Real Estate Investing website - threefoldrei.com

Find ThreeFold on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@threefoldrei4087

Threefold on Facebook - www.facebook.com/threefold.yoder

Lee Yoder on Instagram - www.instagram.com/leeyoder_threefoldrei

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/lee-yoder-25793215a

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

167: The Path to Passivity Through Mortgage Note Investing with Chris Seveney Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Not all real estate investing involves buying properties. Considering the alternatives can save you the headaches of hands-on asset management.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Chris Seveney, CEO and co-founder of 7E Investments. Chris has a multimillion-dollar asset portfolio, and his background includes the management of construction and rehab of properties worth over $150 million. He also managed an impressive $750 million in new construction, and since 2016, Chris has been in the mortgage note game.

Jonathan and Chris discuss their involvement with the BiggerPockets community and its benefits. They cover what took Chris away from buying properties and toward mortgage notes, which leads to a conversation about why new flippers must be careful, sharing some of Chris's experiences on construction sites. Chris explains the differential between mortgage notes and tax liens and why he finds notes attractive. You'll hear how to avoid FOMO, why taking action doesn't always mean buying right away, and what Chris's first foray into real estate taught him. Finally, Jonathan and Chris dive into purchasing notes, what makes it different from real estate, and the initial blunders Chris made when he began investing. He also shares some thoughtful advice for new investors and why he recommends they understand their investor profiles.

Real estate investing takes many forms, and Chris Seveney discovered mortgage notes were a perfect fit for his style. If hands-on real estate investing isn't your style, you won't want to miss this episode.

In this episode, you will hear:

The benefits of being a part of the BiggerPockets community
What took Chris Seveney away from buying properties and toward mortgage notes
Why new flippers have to be careful
The differential between mortgage notes and tax liens and what makes notes attractive
Avoiding FOMO and what taking action looks like in practice
Chris's first foray into real estate investing and what it taught him
The process of purchasing notes and why it's different than real estate
His blunders when he first started investing in notes and avoiding shiny object syndrome
Chris's advice for new investors and the importance of understanding your investor profile

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Supporting Resources:

7E Investments website - 7einvestments.com

7E Investments on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt_koCOTq6QaH2utGysSUQ

Find 7E Investments on Facebook - www.facebook.com/7Einvestments

7E Investments on Instagram - www.instagram.com/7einvestments

Connect with Chris Seveney on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/christopherseveney

Find 7E Investments on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@7einvestments

How 7E Investments works - go.7einvestments.com/explainer-video

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

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

Episode Credits

166: The Path From Wholesaling to Flipping Houses on TV with Dedric and Krystal Polite Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Going all in on a mastermind could be an expensive mistake or a brilliant way to ensure you take your real estate investing business seriously.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Dedric and Krystal Polite, a home-flipping couple who wound their way from wholesaling to flipping "50/50 Flip," a Hulu and A&E show. Dedric and Krystal are real estate investors, entrepreneurs, mentors, and the owners of Be Polite Properties, a home-buying and acquisition company that is growing into other markets.

Jonathan, Dedric, and Krystal start their discussion by delving into when the real estate bug hit both Dedric and Krystal. They explore their roles in the business, the strategic plan they used to leave their corporate day jobs, and how they operate a virtual wholesaling business. You'll hear why leveraging social media is a critical part of their business, how investing in an expensive mastermind helped them get serious, and why the power of association can help you succeed. Jonathan, Dedric, and Krystal explain the importance of creating a qualified team to help manage your business as you scale, how they landed their "50/50 Flip" show, and how they approach landlording to attract high-end and high-quality tenants.

Dedric and Krystal wanted out of the corporate grind, and when they went all in on real estate, they discovered how well it could work for them. They love helping others learn how to be successful and share some of their secrets to making it work.

In this episode, you will hear:

When the real estate bug hit Dedric and Krystal Polite
Krystal's role as the visionary and Dedric's as the integrator
How they strategically planned to leave their jobs once they got into real estate investing
Their virtual wholesaling business and how they stay on top of what's happening in various markets
Leveraging social media to build a virtual business
Investing in masterminds and taking value away from them
Why the power of association can help you succeed
What networking can offer to new investors
The property that got the Polites started on their journey
Building relationships now to create opportunities later
Creating a qualified team to surround you as the business grows
The genesis of Dedric and Krystal's show, "50/50 Flip"
Attracting high-end, long-term tenants with high-quality materials and using short-term rentals to subsidize creating more affordable long-term properties
Landlording properties as though their moms are living in them

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Be Polite Properties website - www.politeproperties.com

Find Be Polite on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@BePolite

Dedric Polite on Instagram - www.instagram.com/dedricpolite

Krystal Polite's Instagram - www.instagram.com/mrsbepolite

Connect with Dedric on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/dedricpolite

Connect with Krystal on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/krystallpolite

Join the Polite Wealth Portal - politewealthportal.com

50/50 Flip - www.aetv.com/shows/50-50-flip

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

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

Episode Credits

165: Turning Dormant Spaces into Lucrative Storage Assets with Joseph Woodbury Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

Millions of square feet of space sit unused and are often forgotten about. One innovative company is working to change that.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Joseph Woodbury, co-founder and CEO of Neighbor.com. Neighbor's mission is to match people who have vacant spaces with people looking for somewhere to store their cars, RVs, boats, and other personal items. Those providing the vacant spaces for rent have an opportunity to create a truly passive income.

Jonathan and Joseph discuss how Joseph started Neighbor and what differentiates it from other platforms. Neighbor has evolved since its inception, and they explore the low barrier of entry to passive income and why multifamily and commercial real estate are driving its growth. You'll hear why renters love using Neighbor, how rev sharing gets them on board, and the benefits of having a storage space nearby rather than in another part of town. Joseph explains how using ancillary income can help owners maintain appreciation and add value. He also shares the selling point Neighor creates and why it offers more options by presenting an additional source of income on a property. Finally, Jonathan and Joseph cover how Neighbor assists with evictions and the environmental benefits of using existing square footage versus building more.

With some extra land or unused facilities on a property, Neighbor is helping property owners create the ideal passive income scenario.

In this episode, you will hear:

Joseph Woodbury's real estate story and how he started his company, Neighbor
What differentiates Neighbor from other platforms and how it's changed since its inception
The low barrier of entry to passive income with Neighbor and how multifamily and commercial real estate are driving growth
Why renters love using Neighbor for storage
Rev sharing with tenants and what renters love about it
The benefits of having a storage space nearby using Neighbor rather than in another part of town
Using ancillary income to hang on to maintain appreciation and add value
The attrition rates of tenants using Neighbor to locate storage spaces
Creating a selling point and more options by offering an additional source of income on a property
How Neighbor helps clients handle evictions
The environmental benefits of using existing square footage versus building more

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Neighbor website - www.neighbor.com

Neighbor on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMhzAkQu2xcpgOCBSiy0ww

Neighbor's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/storewithneighbor

Get the Neighbor app - neighbor.app

Connect with Joseph Woodbury on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/josephwoodbury

Joseph on Twitter/X - x.com/woodburyjoseph1

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

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