Tired of spending your money on rent or stashing it in a traditional savings account? You could make your money work harder for you and get on the path to financial freedom with real estate investing . Today, we’re going to show you exactly how to buy your first rental property in 2026, step by step! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are going to show you seven steps that will get you off the sidelines and into the game! First, we’ll help you lay a foundation for investing . You’ll not only need ...
Dec 31, 2025•38 min
By the time you finish this episode, you’ll have your exact plan for financial freedom through real estate , starting in 2026. See if you can answer these questions right now: How much money do you want to make every month? When do you (realistically) want to retire? How much real estate will it take to get there? And which strategy will actually get you to the finish line? If you can’t answer all four of those questions, you’re like 99% of real estate investors —buying properties just to “build...
Dec 29, 2025•40 min
So, you want to invest in real estate …but where should you start? What’s the best type of rental property for a beginner ? It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options, but in this episode, we’ll provide the four-step framework you need to make the right choice! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! First, we’ll share four steps that will help you pin down the right investing strategy for your budget , lifestyle , and long-term goals . Then, we’ll introduce you to a few of the ...
Dec 26, 2025•41 min
Redfin just called it. The housing market will “reset” in 2026 …or at least it’ll be the start of it. Chen Zhao , Redfin's head of economics research, has 11 predictions she and her team have formulated for the 2026 housing market . A long, slow period of progress could be upon us, as buyers get what they’ve been asking for : better affordability , a more normal market, and the chance to own where there’s work. But what does this really mean? Will mortgage rates fall? Will home prices drop? We’r...
Dec 24, 2025•41 min
Think you can’t create cash flow in this housing market ? Think again! Today’s guest will introduce you to a strategy that can take a regular rental property and maximize its profits . It’s allowed him to net $5,000 each month and quit his W2 job in just 18 months ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Just two years ago, Andres Martinez was waiting tables and saving every penny possible for a house . But when he was told he still couldn’t qualify for a mortgage , he turned his atten...
Dec 22, 2025•36 min
We’ve all come across that property—the one with the irresistibly low price in the bad area of town. The numbers make it look like a home-run real estate deal , but are there too many red flags to ignore? We’ll show you exactly what to do when analyzing this type of rental property ! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply ! We’ve pulled three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums , and first up, an investor wants to know whether or not they need an umbrella policy for their property. Tune in...
Dec 19, 2025•28 min
Many rookies would invest in real estate if only they had the money. Well, we’re about to share a simple, scalable side hustle that could help you save money and buy your first rental property much faster. Today’s guest has built up this type of small business multiple times over the last six years, and in this episode, he’ll show YOU how to do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Cody Berman had dabbled in countless side hustles and small businesses —some profitable, other...
Dec 17, 2025•53 min
Think you need a big bank account to invest in real estate ? You don’t! There are several ways to either buy a rental property with low money down or turn an existing property into a rental with even less money out of pocket. Just ask today’s guest, whose first property now gives him an extra $1,200 in monthly cash flow ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! For years, Alex Bozzy had wanted to get into real estate investing . So, when the time came to upgrade from his starter home , ...
Dec 15, 2025•31 min
Not knowing the difference between a “good” real estate deal and a “bad” one keeps many rookies on the sidelines . If this is the one hurdle preventing you from buying your first rental property , don’t worry—today’s episode will give you the confidence to find, analyze, and buy a great deal in 2026 ! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply ! We’ve got three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums , the first of which comes from someone who’s struggling to find the right investment property . A...
Dec 12, 2025•25 min
Many rookies assume it’s easier to buy a rental property in their own market, but today’s guest proved you don’t need to by taking down his first deal in another area of the country, sight unseen . And good thing he did, because it not only pocketed him $250,000 but also gave him the confidence to leave his W2 job , move to another country, and go all in on real estate investing ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Stephen Keighery was living in one of the most unaffordable cities ...
Dec 10, 2025•37 min
Most rookies buy rental properties for monthly cash flow or long-term appreciation , but for today’s guest, the enormous tax benefits were the biggest driver. Whether you’re looking to achieve true financial freedom , leave your W-2 job , or keep more of your hard-earned money from the tax man, this episode is for you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Ross Alcorn was very good at his medical sales job, but he was slowly burning out. His breaking point? Paying over $175,000 in tax...
Dec 08, 2025•45 min•Ep. 650
Forming a real estate investing partnership could help you scale your real estate portfolio faster, but if you’re not careful, you could just as easily find yourself in hot water. Want to make sure you structure your partnership in a way that protects you and your assets ? Then you won’t want to miss this episode! Today’s Rookie Reply features more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and answers from your trusted hosts, Ashley and Tony. First, we hear from a rookie who may be on the verge of...
Dec 05, 2025•31 min
Are we seeing a short-term rental resurgence? Since Airbnb’s big boom in 2021 , many investors have shied away from the “oversaturated” short-term rental industry. But is now actually the ideal time for you to buy vacation rentals ? Today’s guests believe there’s more opportunity than you might think! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Today, we’re joined by Jamie Lane of AirDNA and John Bianchi of STR Search , who are harnessing the power of real estate data to find cash-flow -ric...
Dec 03, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Worried you’ll never be able to buy rental properties because you’re “bad” with money? Today’s guest was in the same boat until a much-needed mindset shift set her on the path towards financial freedom . Since then, she has built a debt-free, 45-property portfolio that gives her more than enough cash flow to live on! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Liz Carroll didn’t always have a healthy relationship with money . In college, she would ask her parents to bail her out of credit c...
Dec 01, 2025•40 min
Before you buy a rental property , you’ll need to decide where to invest . Some rookies feel more comfortable investing in their own backyards , while others prefer to handpick a market that will give them enough cash flow or appreciation to reach their long-term goals . But which one will give YOU an advantage? Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Today, Ashley and Tony are tackling more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums . First, they weigh the pros and cons of investing out of state before ...
Nov 28, 2025•29 min
Laura Sides had zero real estate investing experience not too long ago. But, within just six weeks, she made $100,000 on her first real estate deal . How is that even possible, let alone in 2025? That type of profit is usually reserved for expert real estate investors, not middle-school science teachers! Today, Laura is uncovering the fast-flipping formula that helps her do quick, profitable real estate deals even in her competitive market. During a beach vacation to Florida, Laura read the pers...
Nov 26, 2025•38 min
Your first real estate deal doesn’t need to be a home run. If it gives you a little cash flow and the confidence to keep going, it’s worth it. Ashley and Tony had very little real estate investing experience and almost no money saved when they found their first rentals , but they took action, and the rest is history. YOU can do the same! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are breaking down their very first real estate deals, step by step. They talk ...
Nov 24, 2025•28 min
This is supposed to be a good time to buy a rental property , right? People keep saying we’re in a “ buyer’s market ,” and that you have more negotiating power than usual. But how do you find these deals in the first place? If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, we’ve got several strategies, tips, and tricks that will help you find GREAT real estate deals faster ! Welcome to another Rookie Reply ! Ashley and Tony are answering more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums , and first up, you’ll...
Nov 21, 2025•23 min
Hesitant to buy a rental property ? Many rookies think they need more money, experience, or even “perfect timing,” but waiting for these things could just be holding you back from building wealth with real estate . If you’re on the fence about investing, or if you need an extra nudge to get off the sidelines, this is the episode for you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Today, Ashley and Tony are sharing four clear signs that you’re ready to buy your first rental property . As yo...
Nov 19, 2025•30 min
Rookies are often told to stick to one investing strategy , but today’s guest is going against the grain by combining the long-term appreciation of rental properties and the passive income of private money lending . Want to build a diversified real estate portfolio that can weather any kind of market shift or job loss ? He has the blueprint! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Shalom Yusufov’s first real estate deal wasn’t your average single-family rental. In fact, it wasn’t a rent...
Nov 17, 2025•39 min
You’re seeing houses sit on the market for longer . Now could be your chance to snag an underpriced rental property. But your agent doesn’t know if lowballing is the best move. Should you take advantage of this frozen housing market and go for a steep price cut, or get on the seller’s side with a slightly lower offer? Ashley is feeling aggressive. And in this episode, she’s about to tell you why. We’re back with another Rookie Reply where we take your questions and answer them live on the show. ...
Nov 14, 2025•24 min
Think you’ve just stumbled on the perfect real estate deal ? Not so fast! The truth is that some rental properties may look good on paper but are actually much more trouble than they’re worth. Today, we’re going to show you seven warning signs to look out for before closing on your next property ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are breaking down seven of the most common (and costly) red flags that can quickly turn a rookie investor’s “dream deal...
Nov 12, 2025•37 min
Don’t think you have enough time, money, or energy to invest in real estate? Living in an expensive and highly competitive market , today’s guest had every reason not to invest, yet has been able to build her own rental portfolio in just a few years—all while working a normal W-2 job . If she can do it, YOU can, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Esther Simeone was stuck in a pricey market, and after submitting over a dozen offers and missing out on every one, she could have p...
Nov 10, 2025•34 min
If you ever plan on selling a rental property (which you probably should), listen to this Rookie Reply. Halloween is over, but we’ve got two real estate investing stories that would make any investor’s skin crawl. First, a buyer is delaying closing longer and longer, coming up with excuses , lying to the seller, and wants more time. But…they’re your only offer, and it’s getting close to the winter slow season. What do you do? Next, a seller financing deal gone wrong (in every single way). Your b...
Nov 07, 2025•31 min
Buying rentals isn’t the only way to build wealth with real estate —far from it. Today’s guest is making huge returns without fixing toilets or evicting tenants . If you want a more passive way to invest that won’t drain your time or energy , this episode is for you. Stay tuned to hear all about private money lending and how to get started with less money than you probably think! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! Today, Devon Kennard joins the show to break down private money lend...
Nov 05, 2025•48 min
Real estate investing isn’t always pretty. Just ask today’s guest, who quit his W-2 job to focus on real estate full-time and took down 10 deals in just one year , only for common rookie mistakes to derail his investments. If you want to know exactly what to do (and what not to do) when starting out, you won’t want to miss this episode! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! After a “home run” first deal, rookie investor Chris Reichenbach was feeling on top of the world. Eager to scale...
Nov 03, 2025•39 min
Welcome to another Rookie Reply , where Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group . This time, we’re covering questions like: How do you actually begin investing if you’ve been stuck on the sidelines? Are you paying too much for your contractor’s bids—and what should you do if you are? And how do you lock down a high-cash-flow opportunity without overreaching? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here ! Che...
Oct 31, 2025•35 min
Have you seen the headlines lately? If so, you might be tempted to pump the brakes on real estate investing and wait for the economy to pick up. But you could be missing out on huge wealth-building opportunities we haven’t seen in years . Today, we’re sharing how YOU can gain an edge in this housing market ! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! By this point, you’ve probably heard it all: the market has slowed. The economy has weakened. Unemployment is on the rise. Some say we’re sti...
Oct 29, 2025•50 min
New investors are often told to avoid pricey markets and buy rental properties in more affordable areas, but today’s guest did the exact opposite. Now, he owns three duplexes that bring in $9,000 in monthly cash flow and was able to quit his corporate job much sooner than would have been possible otherwise. With his investing roadmap, you could, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast ! James Kitt couldn’t see himself spending the next 40 years of his life working in a cubicle, so wh...
Oct 27, 2025•47 min
Welcome to another Rookie Reply , where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group . This time, we’re covering questions like: How to handle banking and bookkeeping for your rentals What if you can't find a deal? Should I buy this deal? with income and expense breakdown Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here ! Check out more resources from this show on ...
Oct 24, 2025•28 min
