Agent2Investor Podcast

In this episode of the Agent to Investor Podcast, we sit down with Donato Callahan, the 25-year-old founder of BrightInvestor and owner of over 500 rental units. Donato walks us through his whirlwind journey from a Department of Defense analyst to a full-time entrepreneur and real estate investor in just two years.He shares:✅ How a stock market loss pushed him into real estate✅ His path from house hacking to commercial deals✅ The origin story of BrightInvestor—and how it replaces 30+ research tools✅ How he built a 500-unit portfolio by focusing on speed, data, and gut instinct✅ A brutal wake-up call from a 17-year DOD veteran that fueled his driveIf you’re looking for inspiration, strategy, and an edge in your investing journey, don’t miss this one.00:00 Introduction01:24 Donato's Real Estate Journey02:09 Educational Background and Keynote Speaking05:19 Balancing Day Job and Real Estate08:34 Leaving the Government Job13:47 The 'Why Not?' Mindset15:33 Building Bright Investor18:31 Solving Real Estate Problems with Technology19:54 Data Sources for Bright Investor20:54 Beyond Public Data: Licensing Agreements22:08 Innovative Features and Integrations23:31 Expanding Bright Investor's Reach25:36 Advice for New Real Estate Investors27:33 Coaching and Personal Involvement31:09 Future Plans for Bright Investor37:57 Personal Interests and Lifestyle

In this discussion, Craig Curelop, author and former finance analyst, reveals his journey to financial freedom through house hacking. He shares how he started by renting bedrooms, achieving $3,000/month in passive income. Craig emphasizes that your first investment doesn't need to be perfect; it's about getting started. He also highlights the potential of co-living as a wealth-building strategy and discusses the importance of finding the right partners in life and investing. Discover how risk-taking and creative sacrifices led him to success.

One simple mistake could leave your rental property completely uninsured. In this episode, Steadily CEO Darren Nix breaks down the key differences between homeowner and landlord insurance—and the risks investors overlook that can cost them big. Whether you own one property or a whole portfolio, this is a must-watch.00:00 Introduction 03:04 Founding and Growth 05:55 Understanding Insurance Policies15:01 Insurance for Different Property Scenarios24:59 High Deductible Insurance Strategy26:06 Understanding Deductibles28:08 The CLUE Report and Its Impact29:06 Insurance for Landlords and Investors31:00 House Hacking Insurance Tips31:58 Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value36:43 Common Insurance Mistakes38:20 Additional Coverage Options40:44 Pet Insurance Considerations for Landlords44:20 Feel-Good Insurance StoriesFollow Darren- https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrensnix/

In this episode of the Agent to Investor podcast, I sit down with Matt Camp from DealMachine—a guy who not only lives and breathes real estate, but also helped build one of the most powerful tools in the industry. We get into everything from how DealMachine makes finding off-market deals as easy as clicking a button, to how Matt started investing in his hometown of St. Louis with a couple of close friends and a clear game plan.We also dive into:How a book in middle school started Matt’s wealth-building mindsetWhy “data is only as valuable as what you do with it”How to skip trace smarter (and for free)The game-changing power of automation in your marketingThe best and worst advice Matt’s gotten in real estateIf you’re an agent, investor, or just someone real estate-curious—this episode is packed with value. Let’s dive in.00:00 Introduction 04:01 Early Mentors06:16 Using Deal Machine for Local Investments08:26 The Origins and Evolution of Deal Machine13:34 Marketing Strategies with Deal Machine19:32 Navigating Do Not Call Regulations20:25 Leveraging AI in Cold Calling22:24 Efficient Mail Sequences for Real Estate23:26 Customizing and Tracking Mail Campaigns27:06 Integrating Auto Dialers with Mail Campaigns31:23 Building Relationships and Taking Action33:51 Support and Resources for Deal Machine UsersConnect with Matt- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkamp/

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

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/

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/

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

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/

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/