Real Estate Rookie
BiggerPockets
Ready to build your real estate empire… but not sure where to begin?Think of us as your personal trainer.From detailed breakdowns of real-world deals… to one-on-one coaching sessions and a warm, welcoming community… hosts Ashley Kehr and Tony J Robinson bring on a wide range of guests to tackle the “newbie” questions you've wondered about but might be afraid to ask.Looking to 10X your real estate investing business this year? This show isn’t for you.Looking for your first, second, or third deal -- or envisioning a more modest portfolio? Step right up. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we’ll arm you with the tips, tools, and roadmaps you'll need as you embark on your journey toward financial freedom.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 34min
Why Landlord Insurance Premiums Are Skyrocketing in 2026 (And How to Stop It)
Darren Nix, CEO of Steadily and a real estate investor, dives into the surging landlord insurance premiums. He explains that hail-driven claims and roofing behavior significantly inflate costs. By minimizing claims and adjusting deductibles, landlords can lower long-term expenses. Darren also highlights risky markets like California and Florida, and emphasizes the importance of choosing the right policy types to ensure adequate coverage. Learn strategies for estimating insurance costs and the benefits of tenant-damage coverage for short-term rentals.
Jan 5, 2026 • 57min
She Quit Her W2 to Stay Home, Now This Mom of 3 Makes $6K/Month from 1 Rental
Jane Ng, a real estate investor and former hospitality professional, transformed her life after her daughter's leukemia diagnosis. She shares how caregiving led her to pivot into real estate, allowing her the freedom to manage her family's needs. Jane discusses her breakthrough into short-term rentals, leveraging her hospitality skills to generate over $6,000 per month. She reveals tips on maximizing guest experiences, financing luxury properties, and managing successful rentals, proving her journey is an inspiring blueprint for aspiring investors.
6 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 24min
Deal of a Lifetime? How to Structure a Win-Win Seller Financing Deal (Rookie Reply)
Discover the power of seller financing as a creative solution for rookie real estate investors. Learn how to negotiate deals that require little to no cash upfront and why waiting for lower mortgage rates could cost you valuable opportunities. The hosts also dive into strategies for selecting the right market, emphasizing the importance of population growth, job diversity, and local conditions over popular names. Plus, get insights on managing inherited properties and the benefits of structuring agreements correctly.
Dec 31, 2025 • 38min
How to Buy Your First Rental Property (7 Steps)
Ready to dive into real estate? Discover seven essential steps to buying your first rental property! From understanding market conditions to setting long-term goals, the hosts emphasize the importance of financial readiness and defining your investment strategy. Learn how to create a tight buy box, find the right lenders, and assemble your investing team. Plus, get tips on negotiating deals creatively and treating your investments like a business for long-term success. It’s the perfect time to start your real estate journey!
30 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 40min
How to Build Your 2026 Real Estate Investing Plan
Join real estate investor and author Dave Meyer as he reveals how to craft your financial freedom plan by 2026. Discover the importance of setting specific financial goals to avoid being stuck in vague aspirations. Dave shares a three-part goal framework, translating income needs into necessary real estate equity. Learn actionable strategies to accelerate your timeline, audit your resources, and define your buy box based on your available time and money. Ready to retire in under 10 years? It starts with a strategy!
13 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 41min
The 4 Best Types of Rental Properties for NEW Investors to Buy
Discover the four best types of rental properties for beginners, including house hacking and the BRRRR method for rapid portfolio growth. Learn how to align your investing strategy with your motivations and lifestyle. Get tips for assessing your finances and understanding your local market. Avoid common rookie mistakes like analysis paralysis and shiny object syndrome. Explore passive investment options and strategies for both short-term and long-term rentals to kickstart your real estate journey.
13 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 41min
Redfin: The Great Housing Market “Reset” Starts in 2026
In this discussion, Chen Zhao, head of economic research at Redfin, shares insights on the impending housing market reset slated for 2026. She unveils 11 predictions, highlighting improving affordability and modest price growth fueled by rising wages. Chen explores mortgage rates likely stabilizing in the low sixes and the potential for rental demand to pick up. With AI poised to revolutionize property searches and climate risks influencing decisions, her analysis offers a glimpse into a changing real estate landscape.
11 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 36min
Waiter to Financial Freedom with 5 Rentals and $5,000/Month Cash Flow
Andres Martinez, a former waiter turned real estate investor, shares his inspiring journey from struggling to qualify for a mortgage to building a successful co-living portfolio of five properties. He discusses how he leveraged creative financing and other people's money to achieve over $5,000 in monthly cash flow. Martinez highlights the booming co-living trend, the strategies for tenant screening, and his innovative approach to maximizing rental profits. With plans for further growth, he proves that financial freedom is within reach for anyone willing to hustle.
22 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 28min
Buying a “Cheap” Rental Property: What 99% of Rookies Miss (Rookie Reply)
Low-priced rental properties can be tempting, but it's crucial to analyze potential red flags. Discover the importance of umbrella policies and LLCs for asset protection. Learn why FHA loans might give you an edge in negotiations versus conventional loans. The duo discusses the risks of buying in undesirable neighborhoods and the hidden costs that can erode profits. They also explore how Section 8 can create stable income, alongside the need for cash reserves to mitigate risks. Tune in for valuable insights on smart real estate investing!
9 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 53min
This Online Side Hustle Pays for My Rentals (And Could Fund Your First Deal)
Cody Berman, a digital income expert who scaled his side hustle to over $15,000 a month, shares his journey of creating digital products. He discusses how anyone can start with low capital, even just $40, to generate significant income for real estate investments. Cody emphasizes the advantages of digital products over physical ones and explores effective strategies for product creation using tools like Canva and Etsy. He shares realistic earnings goals and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take immediate action by launching their first product.
