BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

How to Get 10%+ Off Your Next Real Estate Deal Right Now

11 snips
Sep 23, 2026
Zach LeMaster, a former Air Force optometrist and CEO of Rent to Retirement, shares his journey from VA-financed house hacking to building a rental portfolio. They explore 10%+ new-construction discounts, low-down-payment and creative financing, tax strategies, and the pitfalls of out-of-state investing. Zach also explains why consistency, careful market selection, and strong property management matter.
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ANECDOTE

Zach’s First Out Of State Deals Lost Money

  • Zach’s first out-of-state purchases in Southside Chicago looked profitable on paper but suffered from vacancies, maintenance, and housing-authority problems.
  • The experience taught him to research markets thoroughly and build a dependable local team before buying.
ADVICE

Match Your Strategy To Your Real Resources

  • Match the investing strategy to your goals, capital, skills, and available time rather than assuming local investing is best.
  • Audit your time honestly; investors who lack time or renovation skills should outsource, partner, or choose turnkey properties.
ADVICE

Choose One Strategy And Chase Base Hits

  • Pick one strategy and master residential fundamentals before pursuing multiple approaches or a perfect deal.
  • Favor well-underwritten homes in strong markets with capable teams, then let repeated base hits compound over time.
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