In this episode, we sit down with Gil, the founder and CEO of CraftedStays, as he shares his inspiring journey from a tech career to the short-term rental industry. Gil talks about his transition from a secure W2 job to building a thriving hospitality business with properties in The Great Smoky Mountains and Branson. He dives into the importance of diversifying beyond Airbnb, the creation of his direct booking platform, and how CraftedStays empowers hosts to succeed with direct bookings.  Gil also discusses key strategies for effective email marketing, choosing the right property management system, and the partnerships that have propelled CraftedStays forward, including collaborations with Hospitable, Guesty, Hostaway, OwnerRez, and Hostfully. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing work-life balance and the continuous learning that has shaped his success. Plus, don’t miss his insights from his own podcast, Direct Booking Simplified , where he explores the world of short-term rentals and direct booking tactics with industry experts. New episode every Wednesday! Connect with Gil Chan! Instagram: @thegilbertchan @craftedstays https://craftedstays.co/ #TheBigBreakShow #GilChan  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

Josh Dixon shares his journey from growing up in a construction family to becoming a successful real estate investor. He discusses the importance of setting goals, balancing family life with business, and the value of mastermind groups in maintaining focus. Josh emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with subcontractors and the role of administration in scaling his construction business. He aims to grow his portfolio to 500 doors while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. We also discussed the intricacies of managing a construction business, focusing on delegation, communication, and the importance of building a reliable team. We explore the challenges of cash flow management, the significance of trust and reputation in the industry, and the strategies for scaling the business. We all shared personal experiences and insights on how to navigate project delays and the value of mentorship in achieving growth. The discussion culminates in actionable advice for aspiring builders and entrepreneurs.  New episode every Wednesday! Connect with Josh Dixon!Instagram: @dixon_homeshttps://www.instagram.com/dixonhomestn/ #TheBigBreakShow #JoshDixon  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

Whit McCarthy, one of the co-founders of The Helm, joins us on the show to chat about the world of real estate lending. We dive into topics like hard money lending, business purpose lending, and the key differences between conventional and investor loans. He breaks down how loans get originated, funded, and sold to institutional buyers, while emphasizing how crucial local expertise is in lending. We also touch on residential properties, especially one to four unit construction projects and build-to-rent opportunities. We also weigh in on the current mortgage rates, explaining that rates have improved and may continue to do so. We dig deeper into loan structures and prepayment penalties, stressing the importance of borrowers understanding the terms of their loans. Toward the end, we shift focus to The Helm, a co-working space and community for real estate pros, sharing their vision for the space and the benefits it offers to its members. New episode every Wednesday! Connect with Whit McCarthy! Instagram: @whitmccarthyhttps://consistentcapital.com/ #TheBigBreakShow #WhitMcCarthy  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

In this episode, we talk about our journey from non-investors to buying businesses, and how finding the right mentors and communities made all the difference. We dive into the challenges of online courses and influencers, break down the importance of understanding business metrics, and share what we look for when evaluating potential acquisitions. We also touch on the power of networking, how ad backs factor into business valuations, and why having a long-term vision is key. We wrap up by encouraging you to tap into your network to learn and grow. New episode every Wednesday! #TheBigBreakShow #BusinessMetrics  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

In this episode, Hayden Albert shares his journey from the Navy to diving into real estate and entrepreneurship. He talks about starting a window company, navigating partnerships, and finding success in a unique niche of real estate. He talks about his current focus on a new niche in real estate that offers market share and profitability without the need for a large operation. The conversation focuses on the strategy of using hard money loans to purchase properties with extra acreage, then subdividing the land and placing mobile homes on it. This allows the investors to leverage existing debt and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.We also chat about the power of marketing, building your personal brand, and using social media to boost credibility and attract new opportunities. Hayden drops some great advice on focusing on money-making tasks, delegating the rest, and building solid relationships in the real estate world. Tune in for practical tips and as always, take notes and take action!   New episode every Wednesday! Connect with Hayden Albert! Instagram: @haydenalbert (https://www.instagram.com/haydenalbert/)https://www.youtube.com/@HJOperative https://www.facebook.com/hayden.albert.18 #TheBigBreakShow #HaydenAlbert  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

In this episode of The Big Break Show, we dive into a recent quadruplex deal we checked out in Topsail Beach, North Carolina. We talk about what we learned through the process and how teaching and learning go hand-in-hand in real estate. We break down everything from the renovation standards and underwriting to how we analyzed the market. We also chat about what was driving the seller and how important it is to build relationships in the industry. By the end, we reflect on whether the deal was worth it and what takeaways we got from the whole experience.  New episode every Wednesday! #TheBigBreakShow #Q&A  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

Dan Rivers and Mike Savage discuss their backgrounds in real estate and their journey to becoming successful investors. They share their experiences in property management, short-term rentals, and the challenges they faced along the way. They also highlight the importance of mindset and the power of networking and building relationships in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the creative ways they financed their investments, including taking out loans against their assets. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring real estate investors. In this part of the conversation, Dan and Mike discuss the importance of mindset and belief in oneself when it comes to achieving success. They emphasize the need to surround oneself with like-minded individuals and to focus on the positive side of things rather than dwelling on the negative. They also talk about their partnership and how they complement each other's skills in their short-term rental management business.   They touch on the themes of revenue management, marketing, and communication, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in these areas. In this conversation, Dan and Mike discuss the importance of optimizing revenue in short-term rentals. They emphasize the significance of looking beyond average daily rate (ADR) and considering factors such as length of stay and occupancy. They also highlight the value of market data and analytics in making informed pricing decisions. The conversation touches on the balance between pricing for longer bookings versus higher rates on weekends, as well as the importance of focusing on both average daily rate and occupancy. The hosts also share their personal experiences and offer advice on mindset, seeking advice from those who have achieved what you want to do, and prioritizing what truly matters in life. New episode every Wednesday! Connect with Dan Rivers and Mike Savage!Instagram:@danrivers_rcg @synergystayslocal https://www.synergystayslocal.com/ #TheBigBreakShow #DanRivers #MikeSavage  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com 

In this episode of the Big Break Show, we would answer some of your questions and share our real estate experiences, focusing on the ins and outs of raising capital through debt and equity. We talk about tips on structuring deals and highlight the importance of knowing your audience and building strong partnerships. We also discuss different investment strategies, preferred returns, and why clear communication is key when working with partners. New episode every Wednesday! #TheBigBreakShow #Q&A  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

In this episode, Kelli Garrett dives into how sports have shaped their business mindset and skills. Kelli shares insights on teamwork, quick decision-making, and learning from setbacks. They discuss the value of masterminds and surrounding yourself with supportive peers, as well as the mindset shift needed for scaling a business.   Kelli also highlights the importance of determination, discipline, and leadership, and talks about living life fully and without regrets. From hosting local meetups to the transition from real estate fix-and-flips to launching Rehab Wallet, Kelli emphasizes culture, relationship-building, and the need for strong systems as you grow your business. The episode wraps up with tips on goal-setting, the role of social media, and the potential impact of AI on the lending industry. New episode every Wednesday! Connect with Kelli Garrett! Instagram: @kelli.garrett2 (https://www.instagram.com/kelli.garrett2/)https://www.instagram.com/rehabwallet/https://www.facebook.com/rehabwallethttps://www.rehabwallet.com/ #TheBigBreakShow #KelliGarrett  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com

Joe Prillaman shares his journey from selling industrial equipment to building a portfolio of 32 short-term rental properties. He emphasizes the importance of being in the right room with the right people and joining mastermind groups like GoBundance. Joe discusses the challenges he faced in the early stages, including working full-time jobs and renovating properties at night. He highlights the benefits of short-term rentals, such as higher income potential and the ability to live beneath your means. Joe's mindset of persistence, resilience, and continuous learning has been instrumental in his success.   In this conversation, Joe discuss the transition from buying properties to starting a management company. They emphasize the importance of having both active income and wealth generation through real estate investments. They also discuss the challenges of finding deals in the current market and the hidden costs of owning properties long-term. Joe shares his plans for growing his management company and acquiring new customers through networking and adding value. They also touch on the benefits of owning properties with multiple units and the importance of knowing the specific market and numbers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on balancing business and personal life, and the advice of giving value and networking with others in the industry.  Key Takeaways:Being in the right room with the right people is crucial for success in real estate.Joining mastermind groups like GoBundance can provide valuable connections and opportunities.Short-term rentals offer higher income potential and the ability to live beneath your means.Persistence, resilience, and continuous learning are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success. Having both active income and wealth generation through real estate investments is important for long-term financial success.Finding deals in the current market can be challenging, but it's important to adapt and move with the opportunities that arise.Owning properties with multiple units can provide economies of scale and lower operational costs. New episode every Wednesday! Connect with Joe Prillaman! Instagram: @joe.prillaman (https://www.instagram.com/joe.prillaman/)https://linktr.ee/JoePrillamanhttps://www.anchoredinvesting.com/ #TheBigBreakShow #Season2 #JoePrillaman  For Audio Podcast, Subscribe and Listen to The Big Break Show HERE:SpotifyAppleConnect with Rafa Loza on Social Media:Instagram FacebookIf you’re interested in Rafa’s Course, check the link to his STR Academy Application: Stride Academy Connect with Dan Tollens!InstagramYoutubeFacebookdanandcassietollens.com