
- Do You Need an LLC When Buying Your First Rental Property? (Rookie Reply)
Many “experts” say you need a real estate LLC once you buy a rental property, but are they right? They also say you need money and great credit to invest in real estate, but we know of other creative ways to get started. Stick around to learn how! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony have pulled more of your recent questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and today’s first question comes from an investor who just bought their first rental property. Do they need to set up a limited liability company (LLC) right off the bat, or can they hold off until they grow their real estate portfolio? We’ll show them the best ways to protect their personal assets! We’ll also hear from an investor who wants to get into house hacking. The only problem? They live in an expensive market, and the deal they’re looking at doesn’t pencil out. Could pivoting to another investing strategy make it profitable? Finally, a lack of money keeps many beginners from breaking into real estate, but it doesn’t have to. We’ll share some creative ways to kickstart your investing journey if you don’t have a ton of money or credit! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Whether you need a limited liability company (LLC) for your first rental property The differences between umbrella policies and LLCs (and which one YOU need) How to create more cash flow from a house hack (even in a pricey market!) How to start your real estate investing journey without much money or great credit Learning the industry and making extra money with real estate side hustles And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook The Millionaire Next Door The Psychology of Money Build Your Investing Network at BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab “The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 105 - Don’t Lose Your Portfolio to Lawsuits! Here’s How to Protect Yourself Real Estate Rookie 106 - Asset Protection for Rookies: 7 Wealth-Saving Answers from an Expert (00:00) Intro (00:31) Do You NEED an LLC? (06:32) House Hacking in a Pricy Market (13:50) Investing Without Money or Credit (23:56) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-541 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- The 4 Best Types of Rental Properties for New Investors to Buy in 2025
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 most beginner-friendly types of rental properties. Are you light on cash? House hacking could help you take down your first investment property with relatively little money out of pocket. Are you looking to scale your real estate portfolio as quickly as possible? The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is one of the fastest ways to build wealth in real estate. Would you prefer your real estate investments to be mostly hands-off? Perhaps a long-term rental is more your speed. Stick around till the end to learn about the three most common mistakes we see new investors make and what YOU must do to avoid them! In This Episode We Cover: The four BEST types of rental properties for new investors The four-step formula for choosing the right investing strategy Creative ways to get into real estate investing when you’re light on cash The secret to scaling your real estate portfolio quickly (without a ton of money) Three common rookie investing mistakes (and how to avoid them!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Monarch Money RealBricks Buy the Book, “Start with Strategy” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals? (00:00) Intro (01:05) Step 1. Define Your Goals (03:44) Step 2. Determine Your Involvement (07:32) Step 3. Assess Your Finances (13:04) Step 4. Know Your Market (15:49) House Hacking (17:24) The BRRRR Strategy (22:12) Short-Term Rentals (25:20) Long-Term Rentals (29:51) Analysis Paralysis (32:25) Shiny Object Syndrome (35:22) Taking Bad Advice Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-540 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Making $2,400/Month Cash Flow and Getting Rich Slowly with “Boring” Rentals
Want the time-tested investing strategy that will make you rich 10, 20, or 30 years from now? Despite market uncertainty, buying rentals is still a savvy move if you’re playing the long game. That’s what today’s guest is doing—using a mix of steady cash flow and appreciation to reach financial freedom! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! After a bad experience with a financial advisor, Anthony Finger decided to take control of his investments. He started with everyone’s favorite “boring” investment, index funds, and before long, he had brought his slow and steady approach over to real estate—buying seven long-term rentals over seven years. Today, his real estate portfolio brings in $2,400 in monthly cash flow, and Anthony has already built up over $600,000 in total equity! The conservative approach might not be as “sexy” as Airbnb or as exciting as flipping houses, but it’s a surefire way to build wealth with real estate. Tune in as Anthony shares the perks of investing in your own backyard, the benefits of buying turnkey rentals, and the secret to buying new construction at a discount! In This Episode We Cover: How Anthony scaled “slowly” to seven properties in seven years “Safe” investments that will put you on the path to financial freedom Building a stable portfolio with low-maintenance, turnkey rental properties How to achieve a mix of equity and cash flow in THIS housing market The benefits of investing in your own backyard (and when to look elsewhere!) The crucial mindset shift you need to succeed in real estate And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook BiggerPockets Calculators Rent to Retirement Anthony's Instagram Get Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Grab “The Book on Rental Property Investing” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Property Manager Finder Real Estate Rookie 123 - “Building” Wealth as a 24-Year-Old with 12 New Construction Projects Connect with Anthony (00:00) Intro (00:51) Buying His First Rental (05:30) Crucial Mindset Shift (09:34) Anthony’s Portfolio (14:45) Tough Lessons Learned (21:44) Scaling “Slowly” (28:25) Cash Flow AND Equity (35:09) Connect with Anthony! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-539 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 5 Things You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong When Analyzing Deals (Rookie Reply)
Anyone can analyze a rental property, but if you’re not careful, it’s easy to overlook significant costs that wipe out your cash flow and put you in the red. Thankfully, we’ve got some timely tips that will help you avoid these critical mistakes! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and BiggerPockets Facebook groups. Worried that your “good” real estate deal might not be a good deal after all? We’ll show you some of the things you must account for before you buy! Next, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of real estate partnerships. Whose name should go on the mortgage? How do you ensure that both parties own the property? We have the answers! Finally, how do you make an offer on a property you haven’t seen? What if you receive a low appraisal? We’ll show you how to find “boots on the ground” in any market, renegotiate with the seller, and close on your property for a great price! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: Costs you must account for when analyzing a rental property The biggest pros and cons of turnkey real estate investing How to properly budget for capital expenditures, maintenance, and repairs Why you need a five-year exit plan when structuring a partnership How to find “boots on the ground” when investing out of state Renegotiating with the seller after receiving a low appraisal And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook BiggerPockets Calculators Grab Our Book, “Real Estate Partnerships” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 326 - The Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the BEST Off-Market Real Estate Deals (00:00) Intro (00:18) Good or Bad Deal? (07:31) Structuring Partnerships (17:32) Making Offers (Out of State!) (28:25) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-538 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- BUILD, Don’t Buy: The Rookie-Friendly Investing Strategy with 6-Figure Upside
A single-family home could give you some extra cash flow, but what if there was a way to make six-figure returns from “rentals” that breathe new life into your town? Today, we’ll share a rookie-friendly investing strategy that allows you to do just that, all while using very little (if any) of your own money! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Katie Neason is a big believer in “investing where you’re invested” and has built a real estate business that allows her to make huge returns while revitalizing her hometown of Bryan, Texas. Unlike normal real estate development, which involves new construction on raw land, redevelopment is the process of taking an area that was previously built on and giving it a new purpose. The best part about redevelopment? Your city might actually want you to do it—meaning you could get all kinds of grants and tax breaks to bring your vision to life! In this episode, Katie will give you a detailed walkthrough of her most recent deal, show you the perfect “gateway” redevelopment project for a new investor (step by step), and teach you how to get started with this strategy using other people’s money (OPM)! In This Episode We Cover: Redevelopment explained (and why it’s even better than new development) Making huge returns and revitalizing neighborhoods with the new BRRRR strategy The perfect “gateway” project into redevelopment for new investors How to fund a redevelopment project with little to no money A step-by-step walkthrough of Katie’s most recent redevelopment deal How to determine whether your town or city is “developer-friendly” And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Build-to-Sell Calculator Katie’s Instagram Start Earning Passive Income from Rental Properties with Realbricks Grab the Book, “Raising Private Capital” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Urban Redevelopment & How to Capitalize on a Profitable Trend Katie's BiggerPockets Profile (00:00) Intro (00:59) What Is “Redevelopment”? (04:57) The “Gateway” Into Redevelopment (07:06) Next Steps for Rookies (16:13) How to Fund Your Project (21:41) Katie’s Most Recent Deal (30:55) 4 Tips for New Investors (34:32) Connect with Katie! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-537 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Waiter to Financial Freedom in 18 Months (5 Rentals & $5,000/Month Cash Flow)
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 attention to wholesaling in order to learn more about real estate investing and make some extra money. Little did he know that he would soon stumble upon a strategy that would change his life and give him financial freedom—co-living! After buying a couple of properties, Andres quit his job to go all-in on this strategy. This move paid off, as he’s been able to scale his real estate portfolio to five properties (soon to be six!) and over $5,000 in monthly cash flow. The best part? He’s been able to buy all of his properties using other people’s money (OPM), seller financing, and subject to deals. Stick around as Andres tells you all about his buy box, how he analyzes rental properties, and why co-living might just be the next big thing in 2025! In This Episode We Cover: Making $5,000 in monthly cash flow from five rental properties How Andres was able to quit his W2 job in 18 months with real estate The investing strategy that maximizes your rental property’s profits Why co-living presents a huge opportunity for investors in 2025 and beyond The best real estate side hustles to fast-track your investing journey And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook PadSplit Andres’ Instagram Buy the Book, “Wealth Without Cash” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Co-Living Units Are Helping Investors Generate Higher Returns—Here’s What You Need to Know Connect with Andres (00:00) Intro (00:33) Hustling for a House (07:33) Co-Living 101 (11:40) “Testing” His Strategy (17:51) Andres’ Current Portfolio (24:29) How to Find Properties (27:32) Quitting His W2 Job (31:25) $5,000 Monthly Cash Flow! (32:12) Connect with Andres! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-536 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- If Your Rental Property Is Doing THIS, You Should Sell It (Rookie Reply)
Is it time to SELL your rental property? Not so fast! Bad cash flow isn’t the end of the world if you’re banking on appreciation, and there are several ways to increase your cash flow. But certain problems aren’t worth the headaches, and in this episode, we’ll share some telltale signs that you should sell! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today’s first question comes from a new investor who’s looking to go from buying beginner-friendly, turnkey properties to scaling with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat). Is this a doable next step or should they stick with what’s been working? We’ll show you why this investing strategy isn’t as intimidating as it might seem! Next, we’ll discuss what you should do if your property is bleeding money. At what point should you move on? Maybe you’ve already decided to cash out but are struggling to sell your investment property. We’ll show you how to move that stubborn listing! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover Signs you should SELL your rental property (and when to hold instead) Properly analyzing rental properties so you DON’T get stuck with a bad investment How to use the BRRRR method to scale your real estate portfolio Earning semi-passive income with turnkey rentals How to choose the right real estate investing strategy for YOU Creative strategies for moving an old listing that has been sitting on the market And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-535 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- How to Buy Your First Rental Property in THIS Market (2025 Ultimate Guide)
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 2025, step by step! Despite rising home prices and high interest rates, now is an ideal time for new investors to buy real estate, as they face less competition and have even more leverage. So, 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 to get your financial house in order but also set clear investing goals, determine your purchasing power, and choose your investing strategy. You’ll also learn how to do things like find a lender, choose your market, and assemble your investing team. Then, we’ll start looking at deals! We’ll share how to build your buy box, analyze properties, and negotiate with sellers. Most importantly, we’ll teach you the right way to build your business so that you succeed today AND as you scale your real estate portfolio! In This Episode We Cover: How to buy your first rental property in 2025 (step by step) Why NOW is the perfect time for new investors to get into real estate The three things you must do before buying an investment property How to create your “buy box” and start analyzing rental properties The value of building relationships with small, local banks and credit unions Must-have systems and processes for your real estate business And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook The Rookie’s Cheat Sheet for Market Research (Find Where to Invest in 2024) Real Estate Investing Resources Property Buy Box Worksheet How to Financially Prepare to Buy Your First Rental Property (7 Steps) Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Pick Up Ashley’s Book “Real Estate Rookie” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 523 - The “Secret Sauce” for Buying Rental Properties BELOW Market Value (00:00) Intro (00:36) Why Real Estate? (04:49) Step 1. Lay the Foundation (09:25) Step 2. Talk to a Lender (11:27) Step 3. Choose Your Market (14:59) Step 4. Build Out Your Team (18:49) Step 5. Create Your Buy Box (25:03) Step 6. Make an Offer (31:53) Step 7. Prepare for Closing (33:56) Find Your NEXT Deal! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-534 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Creating $3,000/Month Cash Flow Just by Pivoting to THIS Investing Strategy
Are you stuck with a problematic property? What if you could create thousands of dollars in monthly cash flow just by pivoting to the right investing strategy for your property and market? That’s exactly what today’s guest did, and if you stick around, she’ll show you how to repeat her success! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Aleea Stanton’s grandparents gave up their home to put her through college, so after graduating from law school, she saved up and bought them a house. Little did she know that this would ignite a passion for real estate investing and home renovation projects. Before long, Aleea had gone on to fix and flip eight houses—averaging $40,000 in profit per home—and even pocketed a whopping $200,000 on her most recent flip! Despite the huge profit margins she earned with this lucrative strategy, Aleea decided to diversify her real estate portfolio with buy-and-hold investing. Now, she brings in an additional $3,000 in consistent monthly cash flow, all thanks to a combination of long-term and medium-term rentals. Tune in as Aleea shares her biggest successes and several critical mistakes to avoid! In This Episode We Cover: Making thousands in monthly cash flow by pivoting to another investing strategy Why diversification is one of the most powerful tools in a difficult housing market The number one thing that will make or break your renovation projects Why you should always order your own home inspection (even if you waive one) Creative ways to find off-market real estate deals in a competitive market And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Buy the Book “Start with Strategy” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals? (00:00) Intro (00:35) Buying Her First House (05:35) Flipping 8 Houses! (08:12) Pivoting to Long-Term Rentals (16:58) Finding Great MLS Deals (28:20) Mid-Term Rentals & Off-Market Deals (31:49) Connect with Aleea! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-533 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Stop Buying Rentals (You Have Enough) and Do THIS Instead (Rookie Reply)
Should you STOP buying rentals? How do you structure a seller financing deal? Can you invest out of state without a property manager? Whether you’re looking to improve your cash flow or buy a property without the bank, there’s something for you in today’s Rookie Reply! Our first question comes from an investor who is looking at a potential seller financing opportunity. Should they make multiple offers? How should they structure terms? Tune in to hear the tips Ashley and Tony have used to get low-money-down seller financing in the past! Next, we’ll hear from an investor whose real estate portfolio is barely breaking even. We’ll discuss whether they should stop buying rentals, but we’ll also dive into their assets and see if there’s an even easier (and more passive) way to build wealth with real estate! Finally, is there a cost-effective way to manage your properties from afar while still having boots on the ground to handle things like showings and move-in inspections? Ashley has some outside-the-box ideas you could try! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: How to reach your real estate investing goals without buying more rentals How to pitch seller financing (and negotiate terms) when buying property Whether you should make multiple offers on the same property (and how to do it) Building wealth through passive real estate investing opportunities How to leverage your retirement accounts to invest in real estate How to manage rental properties when investing out of state And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook PropStream Buy the Book “Start with Strategy” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Which Real Estate Investing Strategy Is Best for Your Goals? (00:00) Intro (00:32) Seller Financing 101 (11:14) STOP Buying Rentals? (21:50) Managing Rentals from Afar (24:20) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-532 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- How to Invest in Real Estate with an AVERAGE Salary (Under $75K) in 2025
If you want to know how to invest in real estate in 2025, even if you earn an average salary, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we’re going to break down the exact steps YOU can take to buy your first or next rental property—yes, even in today’s tough housing market! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley, Tony, and investor Luke Carl are going to share how they would invest in real estate in 2025 if they were starting from scratch. We’ll look at today’s housing market from the perspective of someone who earns an average salary of $75,000 or less and share our favorite strategies, property types, and loans for a beginner. Stay tuned to learn why Ashley recommends forming a partnership for your first real estate deal, why Tony loves the NACA mortgage, and why Luke likes to target properties that need a little love. We’ll also share our top tips for new investors—from getting a mentor and building rapport with lenders to avoiding “shiny object syndrome” and fast-tracking your savings for a bigger down payment! In This Episode We Cover: How to invest in today’s market with an average salary ($75,000 or less) Creative ways to put low (or no) money down on an investment property The best real estate investing strategies for a new investor Whether you should pay off debt before investing in real estate Managing your own rentals versus hiring a property management company And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook NACA Luke’s Website Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Grab the Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Investing for Beginners: How to Get Started Connect with Luke (00:00) Intro (00:57) First Steps for Rookies (07:44) Building a Financial Foundation (11:40) Getting Preapproved (16:35) Best Property Types (23:04) Finding the Deal (29:38) Paying Off Debt vs. Investing (33:29) Advice for New Investors (36:16) Connect with Luke! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-531 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 17 Units in 3 Years During High Rates with This Low-Risk “BRRRR” Strategy
These two college teammates built a sizable real estate portfolio in just three years by using what they call the “delayed BRRRR strategy.” They’ve used this specific real estate investing tactic (and the regular BRRRR strategy) to turn one duplex into more than a dozen rental properties for their portfolio. They didn’t start with a ton of money and only got into investing together in 2021 when housing competition was high, and rates were soon to rise sharply. So, how does their strategy work, and how can YOU use it to buy more rental properties? In this episode, these innovative investors, Joe Escamilla and Sam Farman, talk about why it’s CRUCIAL to have great real estate investing partners and how choosing the right one can be the rocket fuel you need to build a financial freedom-enabling rental property portfolio. They share the new “BRRRR” strategy (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) they’re using to get steady real estate cash flow AND boost their equity at the same time. We’ll also talk about raising private capital and creating your own real estate syndication so you can buy more real estate using other people’s money and pass along the returns to your investors. Joe and Sam have built a real estate portfolio most investors can only dream of achieving, and they did it all in only three years, during high rates, and while working full-time jobs. Stick around to hear how you can do it, too! In This Episode We Cover: The new-and-improved “BRRRR” strategy that lets you “recycle” your money Signs of a perfect real estate partner and why getting this right is CRUCIAL for growth Cash-out refinancing to reinvest in real estate and grow your portfolio faster Why you DON’T want to sit on the sidelines while rates are high and competition is low Syndications and how to raise money for your next real estate deal And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Rich Dad Poor Dad Try REsimpli, The Only All-In-One Real Estate Investor CRM Software That Helps You Manage Data, Marketing, Sales, and Operations Grab the Book on the “BRRRR” Strategy Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders The Beginner’s Guide to “Infinite Investing” with the BRRRR Method Connect with Joe Connect with Sam Connect with Dave (00:00) Intro (01:01) The Perfect Partnership? (03:35) First Duplex in 2021 (11:09) This Works WITH High Rates (15:56) Using Other People’s Money (29:59) The New 2025 “BRRRR” Strategy (27:51) Who Does What? Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-530 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 7 Best (Beginner) Markets to Buy Rental Properties in 2025 (Rookie Reply)
Where should YOU invest in 2025? Stay tuned because we’re going to share our top seven real estate markets for buying rental properties this year. We’ll tell you why we like them, why they’re growing, and whether it’s worth moving there to invest! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, Ashley and guest cohost Garrett Brown are answering recent questions from new investors just like you. Do you feel behind in your real estate investing journey compared to other investors? You can’t believe everything you see on social media, BUT if you have big plans to grow your real estate portfolio, we’ll show you some of the secrets to scaling! Next, we’ll dive into our favorite markets in 2025. Whether you’re investing in long-term rentals or short-term rentals, we have beginner-friendly options for all strategies. Finally, we’ll break down a real estate deal an investor is working on and steer them in the right direction! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! In This Episode We Cover: The top seven real estate markets we’re investing in this year The secret to scaling your real estate portfolio (without a ton of money!) How to buy an investment property without a 25% down payment Discovering profitable short-term rentals using the 20% revenue rule Why stabilizing your properties is more important than buying more Why you should always choose your investing strategy before buying property And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook BiggerPockets Rental Property Calculator BiggerPockets Market Analysis Template BiggerPockets Top Investment Housing Markets for 2025 BiggerPockets Buy Box Checklist BiggerPockets How to Pick a Short-Term Rental Market Guide BiggerStays YouTube Channel AirDNA Navigate The 2025 Tax Season with an Investor-Friendly Tax Expert Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply Grab the Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Real Estate Rookie 473 - Moving 1,500 Miles Away to Buy His First Rental with Just $25,000 Connect with Garrett (00:00) Intro (00:38) The Secret to Scaling (12:12) 7 Best Real Estate Markets (23:37) Property Analysis 101 (32:59) Connect with Garrett! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-529 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- How to Find “Hidden” Deals That Most Investors Miss (Even as a Beginner)
There are all kinds of “hidden” real estate deals floating around, and if you take action in this housing market, you could beat everyone else to them—even if you’re new to real estate investing. Today’s guest used this tactic to buy 250 rental units in just FIVE years, and she’s about to share it with you! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Off the back of her new book, Smarter Short-Term Rentals, Avery Carl joins the show to teach YOU how to find “hidden” deals that turn into profitable vacation rentals. If you look closely, real estate listings are riddled with errors that could help you buy a rental property well below market value. A few of these properties could give you financial freedom, and in this episode, Avery will show you exactly which “clues” to look for! You’ll also learn how to choose an Airbnb market and why investing in a saturated area is a better bet than trailblazing in an unproven market. But that’s not all. Avery will shed light on “over-amenitization” and show you how to make your short-term rental pop with smart furniture and décor choices instead! In This Episode We Cover: Why the 2025 housing market is the perfect playground for new investors The biggest opportunities and challenges new investors face in 2025 Listing “clues” that could tip you off to an undervalued property Creative ways to make your short-term rental stand out in any market The number one mistake investors make when analyzing a rental property Telltale signs that it’s time to sell your investment property The BEST Airbnb markets to invest in right now (and which ones to avoid!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook AirDNA PriceLabs Rabbu Buy Avery’s New Book “Smarter Short-Term Rentals" Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Real Estate Rookie 429 - The Investing “Map” You NEED to Uncover Hot Markets, Neighborhoods, & Deals Connect with Avery (00:00) Intro (00:43) Making “Low” Offers (04:18) Common Listing “Clues” (08:28) Picking Airbnb Markets (17:19) How to Stand Out (22:38) When to Exit a Property (28:47) Markets to Avoid (32:34) BEST Markets in 2025 (34:43) Connect with Avery! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-528 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Snowballing to 6 Properties and $75K+/Year Cash Flow (After a Late Start!)
Do you want to get into real estate but fear you’re too late to the party? This middle-aged, middle-class couple thought so, too. Instead, they discovered a strategy that helped them fast-track their financial goals, bringing them to six rental properties and over $75,000 in annual cash flow! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Brianne and Doug Hamilton didn’t want to rely on their W2 jobs for their financial security, so like many, they turned to real estate investing. In just a few years, they have scaled to six properties and built two real estate businesses. They’re on the path to financial independence, even though they started in their late 30s. If they can do it, YOU can, too! As you’re about to hear, Brianne and Doug have done it all. They’ve launched vacation rentals. They’ve bought properties with other people’s money (OPM). They’ve even cohosted and managed properties for other investors. But their secret to snowballing one rental property into six? The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat). Stick around to learn more about this strategy and copy the Hamiltons’ success, no matter what stage of life you’re in! In This Episode We Cover: Snowballing to six properties and over $75,000 in annual cash flow Scaling with the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) The power of networking when you’re just starting your investing journey Choosing an investing strategy that aligns with your goals, skills, and passions How to buy a rental property using other people’s money (OPM) Tips and tricks for increasing your short-term rental bookings And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPockets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube Follow Real Estate Rookie on Instagram Ask Your Question for a Future Rookie Reply “Like” Real Estate Rookie on Facebook Brianne & Doug’s Instagram Buy the Book “Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat” Sign Up for the Real Estate Rookie Newsletter Find Investor-Friendly Lenders What Is the BRRRR Method & How to Use It to Invest in Real Estate Connect with Brianne (00:00) Intro (00:45) Why Real Estate Investing? (03:36) Buying the First Property (08:52) “Diversifying” with Vacation Rentals (16:31) Using Other People’s Money (22:08) How to Increase Bookings (31:10) Brianne & Doug’s Portfolio (34:35) Connect with Brianne & Doug! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-527 Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices