Have you ever wondered how to successfully manage real estate properties from miles away? In a riveting conversation with seasoned real estate investor and Silicon Valley software engineer, Gorden Lopes, we explore this question and many more. Gorden's journey began in 2007 when he moved to the US to pursue his master's degree at Clemson University. His passion for real estate investing was ignited in 2016, and he hasn't looked back since.In our chat, Gorden generously shares his strategies for buying profitable rental properties, starting with his first-ever purchase in Huntsville, Alabama. He explains how the invaluable experiences from this initial acquisition shaped his investment approach. We also unravel the concept of cash-out refinancing, a game-changing strategy that allows investors to cash in on a property's increased value post-improvement. But that's not all - we also delve deep into the realities of remote property management as Gorden unveils his hands-off investment strategy in the Midwest.In the final segment, Gorden reveals his favorite books that have significantly impacted his investment journey and provides his valuable perspective on cash flow versus appreciation. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he emphasizes the role of cash flow as the bedrock of building wealth, while also highlighting the appreciation value for those in higher income brackets. Wrapping up our engaging discussion, Gorden offers his top advice for novice investors, underscoring the need for action and relationship building. So tune in and take notes, because this episode is a goldmine of insights for any aspiring real estate investor.(0:00:00) - Long Distance Investing With Gorden Lopes(0:11:07) - The Strategy of Buying Rental Properties(0:26:13) - Remote Property Management and Investment Strategies(0:39:09) - Favorite Books, Cash Flow, and Advice(0:43:39) - Connecting With GordenAbout Gorden LopesMeet Gorden Lopes, a seasoned real estate investor and Senior Software Engineer based in Silicon Valley. Gorden grew up in India, and moved to the US in 2007 to pursue his Masters degree at Clemson University.Currently, Gorden is focused on a buy-and-hold strategy, owning several single-family residences and a small multifamily property in Huntsville, AL. His real estate investment journey began in 2016, and since then, he has achieved tremendous success by executing six BRRRRs (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) on single-family homes—all managed remotely.Real Estate Investing, Buy and Hold Strategy, Cash Out Refinancing, Remote Property Management, Investment Strategies, Cash Flow, Appreciation, Books, Dan Ariel, Poor Charlie's Almanac, Charlie Munger, Never Split the Difference, Diversifying Portfolio, Direct Investing, Midwest, Advice, Future Plans@hackingrepod

Join us for an insightful conversation with our guest, Ian Cameron, as we explore the intriguing world of real estate investing from a tech worker's perspective. Listen in as Ian unravels his real estate journey, beginning with a single family home and growing to include 12 single family rentals, a 36-unit apartment building, and an industrial maintenance facility. Hear his experiences working for a startup and how it shaped his real estate investing strategy. This episode provides valuable insights into maximizing returns and minimizing hassle in the ever-evolving real estate market.We further explore the importance of real estate partnerships and the power of leveraging in real estate investments. Ian shares his experience finding the right partner and how it led to his first real estate deal in Everdeen, South Dakota. We also discuss the various types of rental property management and the pros and cons associated with them. From understanding the intricacies of triple net leases to the operational load of multifamily properties and the potential high returns of industrial assets, this episode has it all.Lastly, we tackle the risks and challenges of commercial real estate, the significance of property inspection in real estate investing, and the importance of taking calculated risks in investments. Hear from Ian as he shares his insights on underwriting, evaluating leases, and understanding the demand for commercial properties. He also highlights the essential role of having a partner who understands the industry. Wrap up this insightful episode as we discuss Ian's favorite book, "Barbarian Days" by William Finnegan, and why it's crucial to have passions outside of your career. Tune in for an episode filled with invaluable real estate investing wisdom.Episode Chapters(0:00:00) - Real Estate Investing for Tech Workers(0:11:06) - Starting in Real Estate Partnerships(0:14:02) - Comparison of Rental Property Management Types(0:18:29) - Commercial Real Estate Risks and Challenges(0:30:27) - Property Inspection in Real Estate Investing(0:37:43) - Taking Calculated Risks in InvestmentsAbout Ian CameronIan invests in and operates single family and multifamily residences in the Upper Midwest. He previously served as a Marine Infantry Officer with operational deployments to the South Pacific and Afghanistan and has worked for early stage startups, including Azibo, to help them scale their operations. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, was a Marshall Scholar at the University of Oxford and received his M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. Real Estate Investing, Tech Workers, Single Family Home, Rental Property Management, Triple Net Leases, Industrial Assets, Property Inspection, Underwriting, Evaluating Leases, Demand for Commercial Properties, Industry-Knowledgeable Partner, Calculated Risks@hackingrepod

Get ready for an intriguing exploration into the world of real estate investment with our guest, Alik Levin. Alik, an ex-IT professional turned real estate aficionado, reveals his journey into the industry, starting with the purchase of a condo in 2016 and evolving into managing a portfolio of rental properties for income generation. Listen in as Alik reveals the 'broken numbers' that led him to real estate, how he transitioned from his IT job, and how his portfolio looks today.In the second part of our chat, Alik shares his unique approach to managing his investments remotely. Learn about his strategic decision to move his investments from Washington to Arizona, based on factors such as regulatory conditions, low-priced properties, and job/population growth. Hear how Alec manages his portfolio using a ticket tracking system like JIRA and the challenges he faced finding reliable subcontractors in Arizona.Lastly, Alik provides insight into his methods of managing late payments and tenant communication, sharing his proactive approach to vetting tenants and handling delayed payments. Discover Alik's perspective on the importance of understanding money and his book recommendations for anyone looking to get into real estate. We wrap up the conversation discussing the importance of unlearning outdated approaches and embracing contrarian views and approaches. Alik's story is an inspiring lesson in perseverance and innovative thinking - don't miss out on these valuable insights.(0:00:00) - Real Estate Investing for Financial FreedomAlik shares his journey to real estate investing and portfolio cash flow considerations(0:14:32) - Remote Property Management Decisions and Systemsinvesting approach and the challenges of self-managing remotely(0:28:38) - Managing Late Payments and Tenant Communicationtenant vetting and late payments(0:34:28) - The Importance of Unlearningunlearning outdated approaches and making room for contrarian viewsAbout Alik LevinAlik Levin is a real estate investor who started his venture in 2016 by buying a condo. He continued acquiring rental properties and generated enough income to support his family while also working as an information-technology professional. Alik wrote the book, Own Your Future with Real Estate, informed by the relentless notes he took along the way. Real Estate Investing, Financial Freedom, Remote Property Management, Subcontractors, Late Payments, Tenant Communication@hackingrepod

Join us for a discussion with Julie Aragon, the not-your-mama's loan officer, as she shares her inspiring journey from accidental house hacker to managing over 25 units in Los Angeles. Listen in as she recounts her story of purchasing her first property in 2004, losing it all in the 2008 crash, and bravely re-entering the real estate market. She reveals the benefits of FHA financing, allowing you to become a real estate investor with just 3.5% down on a duplex, and offers advice to newcomers on how to navigate this volatile industry.Continuing the conversation, Julie details her shift from seeking security in a primary residence to creating wealth through real estate investments. With an initial down payment of $17,000 in 2015, she skillfully added value to her property before executing a 1031 exchange to an area with greater potential. Hear her strategies for evaluating new markets, spotting opportunities for investment, and understanding the importance of location.In the latter part of our discussion, we navigate the terrain of short-term rentals, regulations in California, and the potential Airbnb bust. Julie enlightens us on the technicalities of managing a tech stack for short-term rentals and the benefits of automated responses to guest inquiries. She also gives her insights on investment property loans, the current state of the market, and how to approach financing for larger deals. The conversation wraps up with her sharing invaluable tips on finding a great real estate agent and prioritizing appreciation when investing in real estate. Tune in to learn from Julie's experience and gain insights that could guide your own real estate investment journey.(0:00:00) - Real Estate Investing After Losing Everything (0:06:16) - Real Estate Investing Strategies and Evaluation (0:11:22) - Short-Term Rentals and Mortgage Business Conversation (0:21:46) - Investment Property Loans and Financing Options (0:26:20) - Inventory and ADU Impact on Housing Market (0:34:56) - Finding the Right Real Estate Agent (0:40:32) - Prioritizing Appreciation in Real Estate InvestingAbout Julie AragonThe fearless "not your mama's loan officer". She went from accidental house hacker in 2004 to losing it all in the 2008 crash. Today, she manages over 25 units in Los Angeles. Julie has a team and a technology stack that leads the industry and is ranked among the top 100 mortgage brokers nationwide. @juliearagon on IGhttps://aragonlending.com/https://onlyl.ink/juliearagon/Real Estate Investing, FHA Financing, Short-Term Rentals, Investment Property Loans, ADU Impact, Housing Market, Real Estate Agent, Appreciation, Cash Flow, Investing Strategies, Market Evaluation, Tech Stack, Automation, Regulations, Airbnb Bust, Loan Officer, House Hacker, 1031 Exchange, Location Value, Inventory, Freddie Mac@hackingrepod

Our guest is Taylor Hou -  the founder and chief happiness officer at APM Help, a company dedicated to empowering local property managers with enterprise-level tools and strategies. In this episode, we delve into the topic of accounting and clean financials. You'll learn why clean financials are crucial for property managers to achieve long-term success in the real estate industry. Taylor expertly provides tips for evaluating property managers and deciphering the provided financial statements. We also candidly discuss the challenges of property management accounting, and the criticality of choosing the right property management software. Lastly, we explore the potential risks of real estate syndications. After listening to this episode, you'll feel confident in your ability to navigate the complex world of real estate finances.Key Takeaways Stay vigilant about your financial statements and to make sure that you are not being overcharged for services. The use of property management software is important for managing real estate investments effectively.Understanding the financial statements provided by property managers is crucial to identifying potential problems and maximizing profits.Choosing the right property manager for your investment can be challenging, but it's important to find one that is knowledgeable and experienced in real estate.Time StampsIntroduction / Taylor's Real Estate Journey (1:14)Entrepreneurship (4:06)The Start of APM Help (7:20)Real Estate Portfolio (14:42)Cleaning up the Books (19:22)Property Manager Red Flags (24:35)Financials (30:01)Property Management Reporting (35:48)Selecting and Learning a PM Software (40:42)About Taylor HouTaylor is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at APM Help, a company dedicated to empowering local property managers with enterprise-level tools and strategies. With a background shaped by growing up as the son of a Realtor/property manager and CPA, Taylor never anticipated becoming a direct reflection of his parents' professional expertise. However, his unwavering commitment to supporting property managers nationwide has resulted in his team successfully assisting over a thousand professionals in running their businesses more efficiently.When he's not revolutionizing the property management industry through APM Help, Taylor takes on the role of a dedicated tour guide for his three beautiful children, cherishing moments of family joy and exploring the world.www.apmhelp.com@hackingrepod

This week our guest is Chastin Miles - real estate agent and investor. Chastin discusses his experiences in owning single-family rental properties and his move towards commercial and multifamily properties. He talks about the importance of understanding the market and the benefits of having good connections and relationships in the real estate industry. He also touches on his preference for appreciation over cash flow and the challenges of being a landlord. The conversation also covers topics such as the South Dallas market, co-working spaces, and the impact of digital trends on the built environment. Key TakeawaysUnderstanding market trends and having strong connections in the real estate industry is crucial for success in real estate investing.Appreciation is more important than cash flow for some investors, and it is important to understand one's personal preferences and goals.Relationships with bankers, mortgage lenders, and hard money lenders can be essential for obtaining funding and navigating potential challenges.Successful investors often have experience and knowledge in the industry that can help them make informed decisions.Commercial and multifamily properties can provide new opportunities for investors, but it may require partnering with others or seeking out new information and resources.Time StampsChastin’s real estate journey. (0:00)Real Estate Portfolio (2:10)On Being a CEO (7:34)Money and time management. (9:57)Hiring a real estate agent (13:18)Pros/Cons of Single Family Rentals / SFR (15:52)Market Focus(22:34)The Dallas Market (25:18)Vacancy rates (29:52)Weekly Closing Qs (32:07)About Chastin Miles Chastin J. Miles is a distinguished entrepreneur, bestselling author, and influential real estate expert who empowers entrepreneurs nationwide. From a broke solo agent to leading a fast-growing real estate team, his innovative approach has made a significant industry impact. He holds high-profile roles, including CEO of CJM International, LLC, and Nationwide Influencer Leader at eXp Realty, and has been featured in publications like Forbes, The New York Times, and more. chastinjmiles.com@chastinjmiles@hackingrepod

We're back from a brief hiatus with Episode 11! This week our guest is Zoe Fox - licensed realtor and South Philly property investor. In this episode, Zoe provides advice and insights into the rental market. She shares her expertise on assessing affordability for renters, setting rental prices based on comparable properties, and how to handle rent increases or changes. She also provides tips for attracting the best renters, dealing with difficult tenants, and the importance of having a bulletproof lease. Lastly, she emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to become a landlord. Key Takeaways: Adjust rent based on net income and rental market.Use MLS or similar searches to set rental prices.Be curious and work out an arrangement with tenants who are routinely late on rent.Attractive features include central air conditioning, smart features, and upgraded appliances.Don't be afraid to become a landlord.Time Stamps: Zoe’s real estate journey (0:00)Managing other people’s business (3:10)Quality over quantity in real estate investing (8:13)The tax benefits of real estate investing (10:20)The swap until you drop strategy (14:31)How to screen applicants (19:06)How to search for a property in Philadelphia (24:11)What to look for in a rental property (29:06)About Zoe Fox: Zoe Fox has been a licensed Realtor for 9 years. She obtained a bachelor's degree in interior design from Moore College of Art and Design, and has a diverse background in home services encompassing design, construction management, marketing and sales. Alongside her husband, Zoe successfully manages their investment properties in South Philadelphia. Additionally, she runs a boutique floral design company that specializes in weddings and events. @zoefox.homezoe.fox@compass.com@hackingrepod

In this podcast episode, Steve Trang, the founder of Real Estate Disruptors, shares his real estate journey and provides valuable insights on working with wholesalers. He discusses his entry into real estate after the dot-com bust, the benefits of leveraging real estate for wealth creation, and the importance of collaborating with wholesalers who bring in below-market deals. Steve also offers tips for investors on finding good deals, while emphasizing the need for clear objectives in real estate investing.Key Takeaways:Wholesalers generally sell fixer-upper properties that are below market value and often off-market.Don't rely on a wholesaler's estimate of a property's value. Always do your own due diligence and underwrite the deal yourself.Be clear on your objectives and devise a plan to accomplish them. Identify the rules of the game and what you're willing to sacrifice upfront so you don't compromise on your values later on.To find a good wholesaler, start by Googling "sell my house fast" and opt in to talk to the wholesaler rather than clicking on their ad. Once you buy a deal from a wholesaler, other good wholesalers will find you.When working with a wholesaler, be responsive and perform when you say you will. Don't back out of a deal unless there are substantial changes.Episode Guide:Real Estate Story | 2:35Regret when staring Real Estate | 8:22 Being a Realtor isn't What the Book Said | 10:55First Lesson | 12:49Real Estate Portfolio | 14:41Real Estate is a Good Way to Preserve Wealth | 16:46Don’t Lose | 18:00Real Wealth Operates in Cash | 18:49Wholesaling Explained | 19:39Sales Coaching Business | 22:35 How to Sell Effectively | 23:34Bandit Signs | 25:20Marketing: We Don't Need Good News | 26:50Why Work with a Wholesaler | 27:24Equity | 30:14How to Find Wholesalers | 31:42How to Source Buyers | 33:27Identify a Good Wholesaler | 34:04Foreclosure | 36:16Work Well with Wholesalers | 37:12Common Mistake | 39:07Regrets | 40:38Goals | 42:10Favorite Book | 44:15Cash flow or Appreciation | 45:07Advice | 46:30@hackingrepod@steve.trang@hackingrepod

Brandon and Vikas interview Gino Barbaro, a multifaceted investor, business owner, author, and entrepreneur. Gino opens up about his personal background and how he found his way into the world of real estate investing. He candidly shares that his path was far from easy, recounting his initial struggles while working tirelessly in a restaurant with little financial reward.Everything changed in 2009 when Gino met his partner, Jake. Together, they made the decision to embark on a real estate venture. However, their journey was not without its challenges. Gino and Jake encountered difficulties in finding their first deal, enduring an 18-month wait before finally closing on their inaugural property.During the conversation, Gino delves into his experience as a restaurant owner and how it served as a catalyst for his realization that real estate investment offered greater financial stability compared to the volatile nature of the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the significance of treating real estate as a scalable business, focusing not solely on immediate cash flow but also on building equity for long-term success. Gino expounds on the concept of leveraging equity to refinance or sell properties, facilitating the continuous growth of a real estate portfolio.Key Themes and Takeaways: - The power of mindset: Gino emphasized the importance of having the right mindset when pursuing financial freedom. He discussed how shifting his mindset from a traditional corporate job to real estate investing allowed him to unlock new opportunities and achieve success.- Taking calculated risks: Gino shared his experiences of taking calculated risks in real estate investing. He highlighted the significance of conducting thorough research, analyzing market trends, and being willing to step out of your comfort zone to seize opportunities.- Building a strong network: Gino stressed the value of building relationships and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. He emphasized the role of networking in finding mentors, partners, and resources that can accelerate your real estate journey.- The power of multifamily investing: Gino discussed the advantages of multifamily real estate investing, such as scalability, cash flow generation, and risk diversification. He provided insights into strategies for acquiring, managing, and growing a portfolio of multifamily properties.- Persistence and resilience: Gino shared stories of challenges he faced along his journey and highlighted the importance of persistence and resilience. He emphasized that setbacks are inevitable, but what matters is how you bounce back and learn from them.- Financial freedom through passive income: Gino talked about the concept of achieving financial freedom through passive income streams. He explained how real estate investing can provide long-term wealth and passive cash flow, allowing individuals to have more control over their time and lifestyle.@hackingrepod

In this episode of the Hacking Real Estate podcast, hosts Brandon Hall and Vikas Gupta are joined by Chris and Ashton Levarek, military veterans turned real estate investors and founders of Valkere Investment Group. With a portfolio of over $90 million worth of real estate assets, Chris and Ashton share their journey from starting with a small multifamily property to scaling up to larger apartment deals. They stress the importance of having a clear end goal in mind when investing in real estate and how cash flow is crucial for building and scaling a real estate business. The Levareks also discuss the benefits of partnerships to leverage skills and finances to tackle bigger deals and create more passive income streams.They emphasize the need for assets that generate reliable cash flow to provide a foundation for building and scaling a real estate business, which can be achieved through short-term rentals like Airbnbs or other types of cash-flowing assets. The hosts and guests also touch on the topic of managing and operating a vast portfolio of real estate assets, highlighting the importance of adopting a role and building systems around it to scale and grow the business effectively.The Levareks also share their experience with short-term rentals and how they can provide reliable cash flow to build a foundation for a real estate business. They provide valuable insights on how to start with small Airbnb rentals to generate cash flow and then focus on building a business around real estate investing. The episode is filled with valuable lessons for both novice and experienced real estate investors looking to scale up their business and improve their returns.Takeaways- Having a clear end goal in mind is important when investing in real estate.- Cash flow is important for building and scaling a real estate business, and investing in short-term rentals like Airbnbs can provide reliable income.- Focusing on one aspect of a deal and building systems around it helps to scale and grow a real estate business.- Partnerships can help leverage skills and finances to tackle bigger deals and create more passive income streams.- It's important to have assets that generate reliable cash flow to provide a foundation for building and scaling a real estate business. This can be achieved through short-term rentals like Airbnbs or other types of cash-flowing assets.@hackingrepod