
Agent2Investor Podcast
We discuss the agent side of real estate investing, the tips, the successes, the failures, and all in between!
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 1h
From DIYer to Smart Investor
Kelli shares her journey into real estate investing, from early DIY home projects to becoming a successful investor. We discuss her first property purchases, navigating challenges with contractors, and the essential role of having an investor-friendly agent. Kelli also emphasizes the importance of networking, learning from others, and being fearless in the world of real estate. Tune in for practical tips, inspiring stories, and insights into making real estate investing work for you.00:00 intro02:33 First Steps in DIY07:19 Challenges and Realizations in Home Renovation11:34 Real Estate Market and Finding Deals24:46 Investor-Friendly Agent32:00 Potential of a New House35:03 Challenges in Selling the Property36:06 Pivoting to Renting the Property38:11 Finding the Perfect Tenants46:07 The Importance of Networking in Real Estate49:31 Balancing Life and Real Estate Investing55:58 Recommended Books for Real Estate Enthusiasts

Apr 18, 2025 • 48min
How to Lend Money From Your IRA (Safely) & Build Wealth Without Tenants | EP 44
Today we have Sean McKay, a seasoned real estate investor, discussing his journey into real estate, the lessons learned from early investments, and the importance of mentorship and community in the investing space. We explore various investment strategies, the significance of understanding loan products, and the different phases of a real estate investor's journey, culminating in a discussion about self-directed IRAs as a powerful investment tool. In this conversation, Sean McKay discusses the intricacies of self-directed IRAs, the pros and cons of investing through them, and the importance of understanding the rules and regulations involved. He emphasizes the value of private money lending in real estate and shares insights on portfolio management, diversification, and the lessons learned throughout his investment journey. The discussion also touches on the importance of education and community in making informed investment decisions.00:00 Introduction 03:15 Real Estate Challenges 13:24 The Importance of Community and Mentorship18:38 Phases of a Real Estate Investor's Journey21:59 Introduction to Self-Directed IRAs24:01 Pros and Cons of Self-Directed IRAs25:49 Regulatory Challenges in the Self-Directed Space28:05 Personal Experiences with Self-Directed IRAs33:13 Private Money Lending with Self-Directed IRAs38:04 Smaller Portfolio42:05 Advice for Aspiring InvestorsConnect with - Sean- https://www.instagram.com/charlotteadubuilders/Nico- https://www.instagram.com/ngarciaofficial/Ana- https://www.instagram.com/anabialek_realtor/

Apr 11, 2025 • 34min
She built 30 units portfolio before 30 (and manages it all remotely) | EP 43
Grace Gudenkauf quit her engineering job, swung the hammer on her first flip, and built a 30-unit portfolio in her hometown — all while living 1,000 miles away. In this episode, she shares how she hired her dad, trained wholesalers to source deals for her, and created one of the most engaged communities for women in real estate. If you're tired of real estate feeling like a job, Grace’s systems-first approach will change the way you think about building wealth.0:00 Introduction03:21 The First Fixer-Upper Experience06:12 Building a Real Estate Business09:58 The Benefits of a Local Market13:23 Finding and Securing Deals15:54 Building a Recognizable Brand in Real Estate16:19 The Power of Social Media Connections18:49 Wire Community19:51 Writing a Book23:39 Personal Insights27:48 Challenges and Advice for Women in RE30:23 Hobbies and Personal LifeConnect with Grace- Connect with - Grace- https://www.instagram.com/grace.investing/Nico- https://www.instagram.com/ngarciaofficial/Ana- https://www.instagram.com/anabialek_realtor/

Apr 5, 2025 • 47min
Agent by Day, Investor by Night (Mom of 3 Builds a Thriving Real Estate Portfolio) | Ep. 42
Krissi Wyss is a real estate agent and investor based in Columbia, South Carolina. In this episode, Krissi shares her inspiring journey from working in Children's Protective Services to becoming a successful real estate professional. She dives into her experience managing diverse real estate projects, including short-term rentals, long-term rentals, and fix-and-flips.Listen as Krissi highlights the importance of maintaining a 'can-do' attitude, discusses the challenges and rewards of working with investors, and provides valuable insights into the Columbia real estate market. She also covers her approach to partnerships, networking strategies, financing tips, and her vision for the future.Tune in for practical advice, personal stories, and an engaging conversation that will inspire your real estate investing journey!Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro02:26 Early Real Estate Experiences06:27 Becoming a Licensed Agent09:15 Investment Strategies19:59 Current Real Estate Portfolio22:47 Partnerships and Networking27:18 Teaching Kids About Real Estate31:44 Financing Strategies for Flips33:37 Long-Term Goals36:29 Travel Experiences38:59 Advice and Reflections46:02 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationFollow us:Krissi Wyss: /krissiwyssNico Garcia: Instagram /ngarciaofficialAna Bialek: /anabialek_realtor

Mar 21, 2025 • 43min
Filmmaker Turned Investor: Built a Multi-Million Dollar Portfolio in LA w/ Daniel Cotroneo | EP 41
Daniel Cotroneo, a seasoned film industry professional and a real estate investor from Los Angeles, shares his journey of house hacking, navigating rent control, and leveraging cash for keys strategies. Daniel also discusses the parallels between the film industry and real estate, the importance of patience and long-term planning, and how he’s transitioning his career amid industry changes. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring real estate investors and film industry professionals alike!Chapters:00:00 Intro01:10 Film School to Real Estate06:58 California Real Estate Market08:34 Financing and House Hacking14:13 Responsive Agent16:09 Escalation Clauses20:41 Researching the Property21:16 Challenges with Tenants22:36 Securing the Deal23:49 Cash Flow Concerns27:06 Market Comparisons28:24 Strategies and Advice38:24 Community and NetworkingFollow Daniel- https://www.instagram.com/danielcotroneo/Nico-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngarciaofficial/Ana- https://www.instagram.com/anabialek_realtor/

Mar 14, 2025 • 26min
Why the DMV Housing Crash Headlines are Misleading You
In this episode we dive into the current state of the housing market in the DMV area. We discuss recent social media rumors, examine real-time data from Bright MLS, and break down whether the market is indeed crashing or if it's just clickbait. Tune in for a thorough analysis and updates on what's happening in Maryland and Virginia markets.Chapters-00:00 Introduction00:25 Social Media Hype and Market Realities03:21 Analyzing the Virginia Market11:58 Analyzing the Maryland Market18:10 Predictions and Final ThoughtsFollow Nico-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngarciaofficial/Follow Ana- https://www.instagram.com/anabialek_realtor/

Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
How to Buy Your First Rental (Without Quitting Your Job) w/ Emily Beatty | Ep 40
Emily Beatty, a real estate agent and investor. Emily's journey from interior design and construction management to real estate investing. Emily discusses her early investments in Kentucky, transitioning to house hacking in Atlanta, and her approach to short-term and mid-term rentals. She shares insights on managing properties, working with Section 8 tenants, and her strategy for pricing rentals based on market analysis rather than relying solely on automated tools. The conversation highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and staying true to one's risk tolerance in real estate. Additionally, Emily offers advice to new agents and investors, highlighting the importance of perseverance, trusted advisors, and viewing potential property as investments.00:00 Introduction04:00 First Investment Property Experience08:03 Managing and Selling the First Property16:13 Expanding the Portfolio19:39 Becoming a Real Estate Agent22:20 Helping Long-Distance Investors30:35 Challenges and Insights for Real Estate Agents32:54 Navigating Early Career Challenges34:38 The Importance of Education and Community37:05 Exploring House Hacking39:04 Midterm and Short-term Rental Strategies45:43 Managing Tenants and Property48:36 Pricing Strategies and Tools53:37 Final ThoughtsFollow Emily- https://www.instagram.com/emily.in.realestate/Follow Nico-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngarciaofficial/Follow Ana- https://www.instagram.com/anabialek_realtor/

Feb 28, 2025 • 49min
$60K Profit on Her First Flip - How She Self-Manages 40 Rental Properties | EP 39
Amelia shares how she flipped her first property, turning a $60K investment into a $120K sale—feeling like the "richest person in the world."Growing up in a small town, she leveraged her local connections to source deals and discovered the hidden value of rural investing.Amelia also breaks down how to streamline self-managing rental properties with low time investment, challenging the "mom and pop" landlord mindset. She also shares her journey from knowing nothing about real estate to owning around 40 doors, using strategies like the BRRRR method and self-managing her properties.Chapters- 00:00 Introduction03:21 First Investment Success06:52 Investing in Small Towns08:01 Scaling Up12:28 Finding the Right Agent15:52 Funding the First Deal19:03 BRRRR Strategy23:59 Small Multifamily Properties25:40 Overlooked Niche in RE Investing29:43 Self-Managing Landlord35:52 Out-of-Town Properties38:20 The WIRE Community44:17 Connect with AmeliaFollow Amelia- Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ameliajorei/reels/

Feb 14, 2025 • 51min
Ep 38: How an Agent Learned to Passively Invest in Real Estate w/ Darius McClelland
In this episode Nico and Ana are joined by their friend Darius McClelland. He shares his journey from owning a baseball business to becoming an agent, then owning properties and passively investing through private money. Reach out to Darius on social media @ invest_with_darius

Feb 7, 2025 • 47min
Ep 37: Megan Ahern (The Tatty Investor)
In this episode Ana and Nico are joined by Megan Ahern, who shares her experience in real estate as an agent, investor, stager, and much more!
Learn More about Megan at www.tattyinvestor.com and her masterclass www.firstdeal.com. You can also follow her on socials @the_tatty_investor