Real Estate Rookie - podcast cover

Real Estate Rookie

BiggerPocketswww.biggerpockets.com
Ready to build your real estate empire… but not sure where to begin? Think of us as your personal trainer. From detailed breakdowns of real-world deals… to one-on-one coaching sessions and a warm, welcoming community… hosts Ashley Kehr and Tony J Robinson bring on a wide range of guests to tackle the “newbie” questions you've wondered about but might be afraid to ask. Looking to 10X your real estate investing business this year? This show isn’t for you. Looking for your first, second, or third deal -- or envisioning a more modest portfolio? Step right up.  Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we’ll arm you with the tips, tools, and roadmaps you'll need as you embark on your journey toward financial freedom.
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Episodes

He Had No Money for His First Deal: 5 Years Later, He Owns 17 Properties

Rookies think they need millions to invest in commercial real estate , but that’s only a myth, and today’s guest is about to show you why. In this episode, we’re talking all about an asset that might sound big and scary but is actually much easier to buy than you probably think: self storage ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Cameron Barsanti has owned single-family homes , multifamily properties , and other assets. But his favorite? Self storage. These large metal boxes have no ...

May 20, 202645 min

From No Time or Money to Doing 6-Figure Real Estate Deals (With 8 Kids!)

Don’t have enough time or money to invest in real estate ? These are, by far, the two most common roadblocks for new investors. Today’s guest didn’t let them stop her. Instead, she used creative means to find and fund real estate deals without much free time or a big bank account. If you follow her blueprint, you’ll be able to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Beth Decler is a homeschooling mother of eight—yes, eight —children , but somehow, some way, she’s also makin...

May 18, 202636 min

Should I Keep or Sell My Rental Property? (Huge Equity Gains) (Rookie Reply)

Have some home equity built up in one or more of your rental properties ? What should you do? Get a line of credit? Sell ? You have more options than you think, and in this episode, we’ll help you crunch the numbers and weigh your options so you make the best possible decision! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! There’s a property you want to buy. It’s affordable, it’s in a decent market, and it cash flows . Should you pull the trigger? Not so fast! Sometimes the property that looks like a steal ...

May 15, 202626 min

The 2-Year Blueprint for Buying Your First Rental Property (Starting from Zero)

You want to buy a rental property , but there’s one problem: you don’t have the money! The good news? You’re not as far away as you probably think. If you want to save as much money as possible for a down payment , today’s guest will show you how. In just two years, she went from zero to building a strong financial foundation and taking down her first property! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! When Mimi Fall was laid off from her W-2 job, it was the last straw. In that moment, sh...

May 13, 202636 min

Making $10,000/Month Cash Flow from 5 Rental Properties in Just 5 Years

Had enough of the nine-to-five grind ? Then it’s time to start engineering your exit with assets that will give you more time, flexibility, and financial freedom : rental properties . Today’s guest will show you how to replace your salary with cash flow and finally start living on your terms! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Jamie Trickett had the cozy, corner-office job most people dream of, but it wasn’t enough. With a three-hour daily commute on top of a 40+ hour workweek, she...

May 11, 202646 min

Should You Ever Buy a Rental Property with Negative Cash Flow? (Rookie Reply)

Everyone keeps saying we’re in a “ buyer’s market ,” but if that’s true, where are all the real estate deals ? It’s easy to get discouraged after hearing “no” after “no,” but in today’s episode, we’re sharing the secrets to landing off-market properties and overlooked rentals on the MLS ! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Struggling to find real estate deals at the right price ? Ashley and Tony will show you how to modify your approach and get your next rental property under contract much faster...

May 08, 202623 min

Should You Ever Buy a Rental Property with Negative Cash Flow? (Rookie Reply)

Tired of your rental properties making just $50 or $100 a month? What if you could squeeze several thousand dollars out of the same properties instead? That’s exactly what today’s guest is doing—taking ordinary properties that you’d find on the MLS and turning them into money-making assets with one powerful investing strategy : residential assisted living . And in today’s episode, he’ll show YOU how to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Hans Stone has built a real esta...

May 06, 202648 min

From Zero to 11 Real Estate Deals in 6 Years by Buying Properties 99% Ignore

You don’t need a huge savings account or even a ton of life experience to start investing in real estate . At just 18 years old , today’s guest used her entire life savings to buy her first real estate deal . It was just an empty parcel of land, but it ended up becoming a $120K home-run deal that catapulted her toward 10 more deals over the next six years ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Tiffany Da Silva had just graduated from high school when she decided to go (literally) all...

May 04, 202641 min

How to Estimate Rehab Costs from Scratch (Materials & Labor) (Rookie Reply)

Need help estimating rehab costs ? This is a huge unknown for many rookie investors . But not to worry—in this episode, we’ll show you how to do this as accurately as possible so you have fewer surprises once you’re under contract and it’s time to get your hands dirty! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! If you’re stuck with a property that’s giving you negative cash flow , you have two choices: hold (and figure it out) or sell . The answer is more nuanced than you probably think, but we’ll point ...

May 01, 202624 min

BRRRR vs. Turnkey: Which Rental Strategy Actually Wins? (Not What You Think)

Before you buy your first rental property , you’ll need to pick an investing strategy . Should you opt for the convenience of a turnkey rental property or swing for more upside with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) ? We’ll help you make the right choice! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about turnkey real estate and value-add rental properties . To make sure we’re comparing apples to apples, we’ll use th...

Apr 29, 202626 min

From Extreme Job Burnout to Breakthrough with 2 Rentals (He Quit His W2)

Feel stuck in a career that’s slowly wearing you down? Rentals give everyday people a clear path to financial freedom and flexibility , but few take it. When today’s guest had finally reached his breaking point, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, trading his W-2 job for real estate ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Brian Flint had his “dream job,” or so he thought. After two decades of mentally and physically demanding work, a traumatic work incident caused him to rethi...

Apr 27, 202652 min

Should You Self-Manage Your Rentals or Hire a Property Manager? (Rookie Reply)

Offer accepted! Congratulations—you’re well on your way to buying a rental property . But first, your earnest money deposit (EMD) is due. How much do you need to put down? What about due diligence fees? And what happens if the home inspection comes back with major issues? In today’s episode, we’ll show you what to pay and how to protect yourself! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Your earnest money deposit is often the first big financial commitment you’ll make to your investment property. Ashle...

Apr 24, 202621 min

Need Money for a Down Payment? Try These 8 Side Hustles (That Actually Work)

Don’t have enough cash for a down payment or enough income to qualify for a mortgage ? You’re not alone—many rookies have been (or are) in your shoes. If money’s the one thing standing between you and your real estate investing goals , stay tuned, because we’re bringing you eight side hustles that could help you buy a rental property ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Today, we’re sharing our favorite side hustles to start alongside your nine-to-five job. We’re breaking down ever...

Apr 22, 202637 min

How to Turn Your “Stuff” Into Cash-Flowing Assets (And Buy More Rentals)

If you could create a few income streams that gave you an extra $10,000, $20,000 or more per year , how would it change your life? Today’s guest has made a habit of turning her liabilities into cash-flowing assets , using everything from normal rental properties to mobile home parks , campers, and trucks to make more money. Stay tuned, and she’ll show you how to do the same so you can reach your financial goals sooner ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! During her time in the Air ...

Apr 20, 202637 min

Should You Buy a Single-Family Rental or a Duplex? (Rookie Reply)

Looking to buy a rental property ? First, you’ll need to decide between a single-family home and a small multifamily property . Which makes more money? And which is the better long-term investment? We’re breaking it all down in today’s episode! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! You’ve just received good and bad news. The good news? Your tenant gave you a heads up that rent will be late this month . The bad news? Rent will be late this month! What should you do—try to work with your otherwise-gre...

Apr 17, 202623 min

The 5-Step Framework for Investing in Real Estate with Your Spouse (or Partner)

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to buying a rental property isn’t finding real estate deals , or funding them , but getting your significant other on board ! This is a major barrier for many new investors, and today, we’re helping you break through that barrier. In just a few months, your partner could be a full-fledged real estate rookie , too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! In this episode, we share our five-step framework for getting your spouse on board with rental property ...

Apr 15, 202624 min

He Lives Overseas, But His 3 Rentals Cash Flow While He Sleeps

You don’t need hundreds of rental units to design the life you want. Today’s guest is busy traveling the world and only wants a handful of rental properties that can pay him while he sleeps . Since he’s unable to put roots down in any one market, he’s built reliable teams that keep everything running smoothly. If he can do it, YOU can too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Nearly 20 years ago, David Epstein became an “accidental” landlord , despite having a mountain of law school ...

Apr 13, 202640 minEp. 704

Inheriting Tenants: How to Raise Rent & Protect Yourself (Rookie Reply)

You’ve bought a rental property , but there’s one curveball: you’re inheriting tenants ! On one hand, you’re able to start earning rental income on day one . But on the other hand, how do you know you’re inheriting a quality tenant, and how do you go about raising rent ? In today’s episode, we share everything you need to know—before and after closing! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Which Airbnb markets are “oversaturated,” and how can you tell? Tony, our resident short-term rental expert, sa...

Apr 10, 202618 min

Don’t Make an Offer Without Including These 10 Items (Save Thousands)

What’s worse than losing a real estate offer ? Winning one on a “headache” rental property ! Sometimes, the difference between a “good” deal and “bad” one comes down to what’s written in your offer. Many real estate investors (and even agents) overlook crucial terms, and these oversights can lead to costly regrets. Today’s guest is breaking down exactly what to include so your next real estate deal doesn’t come back to bite you. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Laila Smith brings...

Apr 08, 202643 min

He Built a Thriving Business: Now He’s Trading It for Financial Freedom with Rentals

What if the life you dream of is just a few rental properties away ? You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Today’s guest knew close to nothing about real estate investing when he bought his first rental, but it was one of the best decisions he could have made for his future self! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Justin Whitted has been cutting hair for over 20 years, and while he’s built a thriving small business in that time, the 55-hour workweeks are starting to t...

Apr 06, 202636 min

How to Use Home Equity to Buy Your Next Rental Property (3 Ways) (Rookie Reply)

Don’t think you have the money to buy a rental property ? Maybe you’re just looking in the wrong place! Today, we’re talking about different ways to invest in real estate using your existing home equity . Whether you’re buying your second, third, or fourth property, this simple strategy could help you build your real estate portfolio much faster ! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! We’re back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums , the first of which is all about home equity lines of...

Apr 03, 202625 min

She Bought 3 Properties in 3 Years: Now She’s Refinancing (Here’s Why)

Is now a good time to refinance your mortgage ? If you bought a rental property in the last few years, you may be watching mortgage rates and waiting for the next best opportunity to refinance. But how does the process work, how much does it cost, and when should you pull the trigger ? Today’s guest will tell you everything you need to know! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Last time we spoke with Danielle Daly , she had just bought her very first rental property. Since then, she...

Apr 01, 202642 min

Making $5,000/Month Cash Flow from One Rental Property (And Retiring in 4 Years)

Want to retire with rentals so you can buy back your time and travel the world ? Despite a successful 35-year engineering career, today’s guest was still financially dependent on her nine-to-five— until she pivoted to real estate investing . In just four years, she has bought four rental properties and left her W-2 job for good. How? Stay tuned and she’ll show you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! When Sandy Lee’s 50th birthday arrived, she realized she wasn’t quite where she wan...

Mar 30, 202648 min

The Best Types of Rental Properties for Beginners to Buy in 2026 (Rookie Reply)

What’s the best type of rental property for a beginner to buy? This is one of the first decisions every rookie needs to make, but between single-family homes, multifamily properties , condos, townhomes , and others, the options can be overwhelming. But not to worry—in today’s episode, we point you in the right direction! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Ashley and Tony are back with three recent questions from the BiggerPockets Forums . Imagine you’re hearing about real estate investing for the...

Mar 27, 202619 min

10+ Things to Inspect Before You Buy a Rental Property (Foundation to Roof)

How do you know if the property you’re buying is a cash-flowing investment or a money pit ? Too many investors think they’re getting a great deal, so they rush the due diligence process, waive home inspections , and hastily close on properties without knowing what’s really lurking beneath the surface. Don’t let that be YOU! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Ellie Ridge was walking properties, scaling rooftops, and exploring crawl spaces with her contractor father at an early age. ...

Mar 25, 202643 min

8 Real Estate Deals in 2 Years While Working Full-Time (Raising 4 Kids)

How badly do you want to leave your nine-to-five job , retire early , or travel the world ? For this mom of four, working until traditional retirement age was never an option. She’s already taken down eight real estate deals in just two years , which has allowed her husband to quit his W-2 job. And she’s next in line! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Molly Shepard is a U.S. Army veteran, busy mom, and full-time loan officer, and yet she’s been able to carve out time to work on th...

Mar 23, 202647 min

The “Boring” Rental Strategy That Could Retire You by Your 40s (Rookie Reply)

Do you dream of reaching financial independence (or retiring!) in the next 20 years ? Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, it’s never too early or too late to buy rental properties . Today, we’re sharing a clear, 20-year roadmap that could give you a sizable real estate portfolio and more than enough cash flow to live on ! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Today’s first question comes from the BiggerPockets Forums , and it’s from an investor who’s been priced out of their own market. Wh...

Mar 20, 202619 min

The Lazy Investor’s Guide to Real Estate Syndications (Passive Income)

Do you want the benefits of investing in real estate without the hassle of being a landlord ? There’s an investing strategy that could give you more passive income , access to much bigger deals, and diversification across multiple properties and markets: real estate syndications . Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Today, we’re talking all about syndications—how they work, how they make you money, and what goes on behind the scenes. You’ll learn about the two main roles in a syndic...

Mar 18, 202640 min

She Started Investing in Her 50s, Now She’ll Retire with Rentals!

Fear you’ll never invest in real estate because you’ve been dealt a bad hand? Today’s guest had a struggling business, a $70,000 tax lien, a pending divorce, and was on the brink of bankruptcy , but through hard work and persistence, she was able to completely flip her circumstances. Now, she owns a real estate portfolio of cash-flowing rentals, despite starting in her 50s ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Beth Smart is the ultimate real estate success story. Despite juggling a ...

Mar 16, 202645 min

How to Buy Rentals (Faster) with Real Estate-Related Skills (Rookie Reply)

Do you have ANY skills that could help fast-track your real estate investing journey ? Many rookies do! Whether you’re good at finding deals , remodeling kitchens , or managing rental properties , there are several ways to use these in-demand skills to your advantage. In this episode, we’ll show you how! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Ashley and Tony are back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums . First, we hear from someone who wants to use their remodeling skills to grow t...

Mar 13, 202628 min
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