Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast

How do you come back after losing $50 million — and build it all back stronger? In this episode, Rod Khleif, multifamily investor, mentor to thousands, and host of one of the world's top real estate podcasts, joins Brian Hamrick to share the mindset, systems, and focus that made his comeback possible. Rod opens up about: His journey from immigrant beginnings to owning thousands of units The $50 million crash during 2008 and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild How to create unshakable goals and "burn the ships" commitment Why fear of regret is more dangerous than fear of failure What today's economic uncertainty and AI revolution mean for investors The biggest wealth-transfer opportunities emerging in 2025-2026 How to pivot into new asset classes like senior housing and mobile home parks Why focus, peer groups, and playing to your strengths drive lasting success Rod also explains how he's using AI to streamline his business and training systems, and why he believes this next decade will

Most real estate investors have never heard of surety bonds, yet these little-known financial tools can determine whether a project finishes on time—or falls apart. In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Gary Eastman, attorney turned entrepreneur and founder of Axcess Surety and Swiftbonds, two of the nation's leading surety bond brokerages. After 17 years as General Counsel for Fortune 500 companies, Gary discovered how surety bonds quietly drive the $22 billion construction and development industry. Gary explains why every developer, investor, and property owner should understand how surety bonds protect capital, guarantee performance, and keep projects moving even when contractors fail or materials run short. You'll learn: What a surety bond actually is—and how it differs from insurance How surety bonds protect investors from contractor default, liens, and delays Real-world examples of bonds preventing multimillion-dollar losses Why material shortages and labor constraints are making bonds more

Billions of dollars in office and retail buildings are trading at deep discounts right now. While most investors see risk, Scott Sherman, Founder and Principal of Torose Equities, sees opportunity. Scott has built a $700M+ portfolio by buying, repositioning, and re-tenanting distressed commercial assets — from South Beach retail to Florida office towers. In this episode, he joins Brian Hamrick to break down: Why the best deals are hidden inside distressed office and retail How to spot management problems and operational inefficiencies that destroy value The strategy behind buying retail condos and mixed-use ground floors before they're built How to work with institutions and family offices to finance value-add projects Why office space isn't dead — it's just being repriced The 2026 outlook for commercial real estate, from Florida to national markets Whether you're an investor, developer, or property owner, you'll learn how to turn distress into profit — and why the next wave of opportunity may a

It's tax season — and the rules have changed again. With new updates to the 1031 exchange and bonus depreciation, real-estate investors have more ways than ever to defer taxes and build wealth in 2025. In this episode, Brian Hamrick welcomes Dave Foster, one of the nation's top Qualified Intermediaries and founder of The 1031 Investor. Dave breaks down what the new "Big Beautiful Bill" means for real-estate owners, and how to use the latest tax provisions to maximize returns and preserve legacy wealth. You'll learn: What's new (and now permanent) in the 1031 exchange rules How bonus depreciation and cost segregation help you eliminate taxable income this year How to combine 1031 exchanges with bonus depreciation for massive savings Why the step-up value in basis creates tax-free generational wealth The difference between Section 179, Section 121, and 1031, and how each applies to real-estate owners The role of LLCs, trusts, and estate planning in preserving tax benefits Creative strategies like

Kolaiah "Fuzzy" Jardine, co-founder of HUI Mastermind, joins Brian Hamrick to share how he overcame adversity and built a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio across Hawaii—developing over 100 affordable homes for local families. From growing up in a multi-generational household on leased agricultural land and serving time in federal prison to becoming a real estate developer and mentor, Fuzzy's story is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, he reveals how he builds homes in Hawaii's lava zones, why he focuses on affordable housing, and how his "Pono Way" approach honors both the people and the land. You'll learn: How Hawaii's unique land and housing challenges create opportunities for developers What it takes to build in "lava zones" and why local lending still supports these projects The philosophy behind people before profits and respecting the land How Fuzzy scaled from $0 to over 150 completed homes How the HUI Mastermind is empowering Native Hawaiians and locals to

The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference (MREIC) is back April 27–28, 2026 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and this year's theme is Thrive. This quick special announcement features Erika Farley, Executive Director of the Rental Property Owners Association of Michigan (RPOAM), breaking down what's new, who it's for, and why you should lock in your ticket now. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) You'll hear how the 2026 agenda is built around systems, real-world strategy, and operating resilience, including major focus on AI integration and a grounded economic outlook for 2026 that investors can actually use. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) Conference Theme Thrive, with a clear emphasis on "Where Strategy Meets Systems" and building portfolios that can perform in changing market cycles. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) What we cover in this conversation Why "Thrive" matters right now and what attendees should expect to walk away with AI keynote with Steve Brown (former

Creative financing opens amazing doors for real estate investors—but it can also destroy deals when done wrong. In this episode, Caleb Christopher, founder of Creative TC, breaks down how to use Subject-To and Seller-Financing strategies safely, legally, and ethically. Caleb shares real-world stories from the trenches—like taking over a mortgage where the sellers actually paid him—and explains what to watch out for when banks threaten the due-on-sale clause. You'll learn: What creative financing really means (and when you should—or shouldn't—use it) How to protect sellers, buyers, and your reputation The biggest legal and ethical mistakes wholesalers make What happens when banks call a loan due—and how to fix it How Caleb uses AI to streamline contracts, due diligence, and compliance If you've ever been tempted to close a deal "subject-to," this conversation will show you how to do it right—and keep yourself out of trouble. Find out more: Homepage: https://calebchristopher.io/ Creative Finance Con

Artificial intelligence is transforming every corner of real estate—from how we analyze deals to how we manage tenants, leads, and operations. But most investors still don't know where to start. In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Clay Lehman, a longtime investor, property-management expert, and AI educator who helps entrepreneurs and agents use today's tools to save time, make better decisions, and grow their business. You'll learn: The fundamentals vs. hype of AI in real estate investing How to use Google Gemini, Notebook LM, and Claude for research, analysis, and automation Ways to map your ideal client using AI and psychographic data How to build AI-driven processes that improve communication, marketing, and customer service What's coming next: agentic AI tools like Manus and Comet that can complete multi-step tasks for you Clay also shares real-world use cases—how he runs a title company with AI assistance, automates team training, and even experiments with voice and text AI agents to f

Every successful real estate development starts long before the first shovel hits the ground. From concept and capital stack to design, construction, and operations—understanding the process is key to building with purpose. In this episode, Steve Achram and Peter Skornia of Cella Building Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, share a step-by-step guide to sustainable development and walk us through their Wealthy & Sheldon project—an example of how thoughtful design, solid financial modeling, and community collaboration can turn a vision into a high-performing building. We cover: What goes into a bulletproof proforma and capital stack How to conduct site due diligence and align with municipal priorities Using grants and incentives like the Emerging Developer Grant in Grand Rapids The full timeline from concept to construction to operations How sustainability and community equity drive long-term value Lessons learned from the Wealthy & Sheldon mixed-use development Why affordable and attainab

Underperforming properties are where the biggest money is made—if you know how to fix them. That's where expert property management comes in. In this episode, Brian speaks with Craig Marquardo, VP of Multifamily at VCS Property Management, who has over 20 years of experience cleaning up operations, boosting tenant retention, and maximizing NOI. Craig pulls back the curtain on how property managers really operate and what every owner needs to know to protect their investment. You'll learn: Tenant Psychology: How residents think about rent increases and what keeps them paying on time. Reducing Delinquencies: Why 80% of late rent is due to management neglect—and how to fix it. Spotting Red Flags: How to audit your management company and avoid hidden fees, sloppy files, and missing leases. Owner Oversight: Why annual administrative reviews are just as important as physical inspections. Development Mistakes: Why property managers should be involved before you break ground to avoid costly design flaws.

Negotiation, deal structure, and legal traps—these can make or break a real estate investor. Few people understand this better than Bob Diamond, a seasoned real estate attorney, investor, and developer featured on Fox, NBC, NPR, and TLC's Flip That House. With 30 years of legal and investing experience, Bob has personally negotiated more than $100 million in real estate transactions and authored three books on real estate investing. In this episode, he shares powerful strategies investors can use today to thrive in a shifting market, including: Overages 101: How to claim surplus funds left over after foreclosure auctions and turn them into a cash business without buying properties. Foreclosure Creative Plays: How reinstating loans and taking over existing mortgages can save investors cash and avoid personal guarantees. Commercial Property Opportunities: Why distressed office buildings and loan workouts are prime for repositioning into housing. Negotiating with Local Lenders: How to build relationships

One of the biggest challenges for rental property owners is ensuring residents pay on time—and keeping them motivated to stay. What if you could turn rent into a win-win, boosting your cash flow while helping tenants improve their credit and earn rewards? In this episode, Brian talks with Lily Liu, founder and CEO of Pinata, a fast-growing platform that transforms rent payments into financial progress. Lily shares how Pinata helps: Renters build credit by reporting on-time payments to all three bureaus Property owners increase on-time payments by 20% or more Landlords and managers reduce turnover with rewards that matter—groceries, utilities, everyday essentials Owners generate ancillary revenue with resident benefit packages With over a million renters already using Pinata, Lily explains how the system works, what it costs, and why forward-thinking landlords are adding it to their toolkit. If you're looking for practical ways to improve collections, boost retention, and give your tenants real value

For investors, developers, and property owners, the future of real estate isn't just about location—it's about building smarter, cheaper, and more sustainably. In this episode, Brian Hamrick sits down with Josh Dorfman, climate entrepreneur, media personality, and co-founder of Plantd, a carbon-negative building materials company recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative in the world. Josh has spent his career at the intersection of business and sustainability. You may know him as the creator of The Lazy Environmentalist (Sundance Channel, Sirius XM, and two books). Today, he's focused on practical climate solutions that save money, boost NOI, and increase property values—without forcing investors to change how they build. Topics we cover include: How carbon-negative panels are replacing OSB and plywood in new construction—and why DR Horton placed a 10 million-panel order. The role of AI and smart HVAC systems in cutting energy costs up to 25%. Game-changing retrofits like aerosol sealing

Most real estate investors love hunting for great deals—but few think about the unglamorous step that can make or break a transaction: title insurance. In this episode, Brian Hamrick sits down with Drew Wischhover, Founder and CEO of Inspired Title Group, who brings over 20 years of experience in navigating the hidden risks of property ownership. Drew has seen everything from divorce decrees gone wrong to fraudulent deeds and wire scams—and he explains why title insurance is one of the most important safeguards you can have as an investor. You'll discover: The difference between owner's policies and loan policies, and what each one protects. How title insurance works differently from homeowner's insurance. Real-world horror stories—identity theft, tax sale mistakes, mechanics liens, fraudulent cashier's checks, and wire fraud—that can derail deals. Why wire fraud is on the rise, and how to protect your funds before closing. How new technologies like AI and blockchain may change the title industry—an

What does it take to grow from a single duplex to managing 85 units worth nearly $10 million—and then set your sights on 500 doors? In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Bob Biggins, a Michigan-based investor, licensed realtor, and YouTube creator who has been in real estate for nearly 30 years. Starting with a house-hack duplex in the 1990s, Bob slowly built his portfolio while working a corporate job. Today, after exiting that career, he's fully focused on multifamily investing and scaling up. You'll learn: How Bob used education and persistence to build a solid foundation in real estate. Why his mindset shift from "thinking small" to "thinking big" is fueling his current growth. The challenges of managing and rehabbing older housing stock common in Michigan. Why self-managing has allowed him to reinvest, increase property values, and build cash flow. The role of mentorship, networking, and platforms like YouTube in sharing knowledge and attracting opportunities. How Bob plans to make the le

How do you scale short-term rentals into a hospitality brand for large groups—and use bourbon tourism to keep your calendar full? In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Andrew Llewellyn, founder of Super Stays, about how he's turning old office buildings into boutique-style short-term rentals that host bachelor parties, weddings, and corporate retreats of 8 to 42 people along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Andrew shares: Why large group stays outperform traditional Airbnbs How to brand and differentiate your STR business from the competition The power of upsells: private chefs, curated bourbon tastings, and luxury vans How bourbon tourism fuels consistent demand and high occupancy Lessons from scaling his first 15-bedroom property and building his next one The role of AI automations in streamlining guest communication If you're exploring short-term rental investing, hospitality branding, or large group travel, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiration. Find out more: https

What if your rental properties could deliver strong cash flow and transform lives? In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Jim Boad, founder of Shelton Housing and author of Group Home Accelerator, about how investors can build profitable, non-licensed group homes—specifically sober living homes—that provide safe, structured housing for people in recovery. Jim has launched more than 14 recovery homes in just two years, with more on the way. He shares: Why the demand for sober living and recovery housing is exploding nationwide The difference between licensed vs. non-licensed group homes (and why non-licensed is often easier) How to structure your properties for maximum occupancy and accountability Typical costs, rents, and how investors are earning 5–10X more cash flow than traditional rentals The challenges, community concerns, and fair housing rules you need to know How Jim leverages AI to streamline his business and even secure grants If you've ever wondered how to combine real estate inves

What if the answer to West Michigan's—and America's—housing shortage isn't massive new developments, but small homes tucked into the neighborhoods we already live in? In this episode of the Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast, Brian Hamrick talks with Nathan Biller, accredited ADU specialist and co-founder of My Backyard Build. Nathan has built his own ADU, permitted several more, and is helping shape local policy as a member of Grand Rapids' ADU Task Force. You'll learn: What exactly an ADU is (granny flats, carriage houses, basement conversions, detached units, and more). Why investors should consider ADUs—from the math behind rental income to the 1% rule and reduced land costs. Local and national trends—how California, Portland, Seattle, and Denver have embraced ADUs, and what's happening in Michigan cities like Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City. Financing and cost considerations—real numbers on what it takes to build an ADU and how investors are paying for them. Pra

What does it really take to bring a crumbling historic building back to life—and turn it into a thriving, income-producing community space? In this episode, Brian Hamrick sits down with Brad Andrus, commercial real estate investor, broker, and developer behind the ambitious restoration of the Fine Arts Theater in Denton, Texas. Brad shares the full story: from its beginnings as an undertaker’s shop in the early 1900s, to its heyday as a bustling single-screen theater, to decades of vacancy after fire damage—and now, its rebirth as a live performance, film, and event venue. You’ll learn: The hidden challenges of historic renovations—from roof failures to unexpected structural issues. How federal and state historic tax credits can make or break the capital stack. Why city and community partnerships are essential in adaptive reuse projects. How to balance profitability with legacy-minded investing. The role of AI tools in Brad’s real estate business and his new podcast Weeks Ahead AI. Whether you’re

Episode 511 – Meg Epstein | CA South Development What happens when a UCLA finance grad skips Wall Street during the 2008 crash and instead dives into $60 million Bel Air construction projects? For Meg Epstein, that pivot led to a thriving development career and the founding of CA South, a Nashville-based real estate firm with over $380 million in projects across industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use. In this episode, Meg shares: How she went from walking luxury job sites in Beverly Hills to reshaping urban neighborhoods in Nashville Why great design is her secret weapon in a sea of bland multifamily builds How she’s pioneering short-term rentable condos as a hybrid between investment and lifestyle What industrial outdoor storage (IOS) really is — and why it’s her next big bet Her take on urban planning, walkability, and the future of Southeastern U.S. cities How she’s leveraging AI to streamline due diligence and investor communications The unique opportunities found in non-institutional, niche