Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast

Episode 511 – Meg Epstein | CA South Development What happens when a UCLA finance grad skips Wall Street during the 2008 crash and instead dives into $60 million Bel Air construction projects? For Meg Epstein, that pivot led to a thriving development career and the founding of CA South, a Nashville-based real estate firm with over $380 million in projects across industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use. In this episode, Meg shares: How she went from walking luxury job sites in Beverly Hills to reshaping urban neighborhoods in Nashville Why great design is her secret weapon in a sea of bland multifamily builds How she’s pioneering short-term rentable condos as a hybrid between investment and lifestyle What industrial outdoor storage (IOS) really is — and why it’s her next big bet Her take on urban planning, walkability, and the future of Southeastern U.S. cities How she’s leveraging AI to streamline due diligence and investor communications The unique opportunities found in non-institutional, niche

Modern energy regulations and rising utility costs are reshaping commercial real estate. In this episode, veteran green-building contractor Robert Pulitzer of Green Street Global explains how owners can tap hidden operational savings, fund deep retrofits with zero out-of-pocket capital, and future-proof assets against tightening decarbonization rules. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Where the Money Hides: How utility-bill audits uncover 10-20 % in overcharges and fund the first wave of improvements. The Retrofit Roadmap: Start with the building envelope, then right-size HVAC, lighting, and water systems for 20-40 % lower consumption. Financing That Pays for Itself: Using C-PACE, equipment financing, and shared-savings models to cover 100 % of soft and hard costs. Best-Fit Property Types: Hotels, senior housing, hospitals, industrial facilities, private schools—and any owner-occupied building with high OPEX. Value-Add for the 21st Century: Why lower carbon emissions translate directly into higher NOI,

Most investors stop at buying and renting—but what if your next move was developing the places your community actually needs? In this episode, real estate developer and consultant Kristi Kandel shares how everyday investors can become local developers without millions in the bank or a background in construction. With $450M+ in completed projects across retail, housing, clean energy, and adaptive reuse, Kristi breaks down what it really takes to turn vacant buildings or underutilized lots into thriving local assets. You’ll learn: What development actually means (hint: it’s not always ground-up construction) How to get started with adaptive reuse and infill projects Who to talk to first — from city managers to regional lenders to neighbors How to access local grants, incentives, and funding opportunities The step-by-step process Kristi uses to help investors become developers in their own towns Why small towns (under 10,000 people) are filled with overlooked development potential Kristi also share

What would Warren Buffett do if he invested in real estate? In this episode, Brian Hamrick welcomes back Paul Moore, Founder of Wellings Capital and author of multiple real estate investing books, to explore safer, smarter strategies in today’s market. Paul shares why he believes Buffett’s investing principles apply directly to commercial real estate—and even argues that Buffett might have been more successful in property than in stocks. Key topics we cover: Preferred Equity 101: where it fits in the capital stack and why it can deliver debt-like returns with equity-style protection Rescue Capital vs. Safer Structures: why Wellings avoids distressed bailouts and instead focuses on recapitalizations and acquisitions Hybrid JV Equity: the new strategy that combines the protections of preferred equity with the upside of common equity The Buffett Playbook: how timeless principles like intrinsic value, discipline, and saying “no” apply to real estate investors today Asset Management as Risk Control: why

Before you buy or lease commercial real estate, there’s one report that can save you from six-figure surprises — the Property Condition Assessment. In this episode, Greg Trotter, a 50-year veteran of construction, consulting, and expert witness testimony, joins us to explain why PCAs are essential to investor due diligence. From flood damage and corroded fire systems to structural defects hiding in plain sight, Greg breaks down how a thorough PCA protects your capital, prevents lawsuits, and gives you leverage at the negotiation table. You’ll learn: What’s included in a PCA (and how it differs from a home inspection) The biggest deal-killers found in commercial properties Why banks and equity partners both rely on PCAs (but for different reasons) Real-world examples of surprises — including collapsing balconies, failed sprinkler systems, and one “missing” sewer line What happens when PCA reports are inaccurate — and why Greg sometimes ends up in court Whether you're buying an apartment building, l

What do NFL players, luxury beach homes, and high-stakes real estate deals have in common? Brooke Kromer. In this episode, we dive into the world of high net worth investing in Florida’s exclusive 30A market, where multimillion-dollar short-term rentals are helping athletes, coaches, and savvy investors grow and preserve wealth. Brooke Kromer—realtor, investor, and daughter of longtime NFL coach Aaron Kromer—shares how she uses her insider knowledge and lifelong NFL connections to guide players and entrepreneurs into strategic real estate investments along the Gulf Coast. We talk about: Why 30A is booming for short-term rental investing How Brooke walks first-time buyers and NFL stars through deals worth $1M–$25M Real numbers: what it costs to buy, hold, and earn rental income in this luxury market How athletes navigate pressure, family dynamics, and financial decisions The tax advantages and bonus depreciation strategies being used right now Why Brooke left a successful career in sports broadcast

What does it take to scale from a house hacker to owning 75 rental units—without deep pockets and during a high-interest rate environment? In this episode, Jesse Lang breaks down her journey from “accidental landlord” to full-time real estate investor. Starting with a $92,000 condo in Austin, TX, she began house hacking before moving into long-term rentals, wholesaling, and eventually mastering the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat). Jesse shares exactly how she built momentum, how she leveraged private money and hard money lenders, and why she’s tripled her portfolio in just a few short years—all while managing properties remotely with a lean team in Columbus, Ohio. You’ll learn: How Jesse used house hacking to get started The pros and cons of wholesaling vs. holding Her approach to raising private capital (including converting sellers into lenders) How she systematized her BRRRR process to scale fast Why she prefers the Midwest and how she built her team How she gets 100% of

Recorded live at the 2025 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, this panel dives deep into real estate syndications—what they are, how they work, and how to do them the right way. Whether you’re an active investor looking to scale or a passive investor evaluating opportunities, this episode is packed with real-world insights on raising capital, structuring deals, and staying SEC-compliant. Your panelists: Brian Hamrick – Host of this podcast and seasoned syndicator with over $22M raised since 2013. Gary Hall – President of the Muskegon Area Rental Association and founder of Dean Arrow private equity fund. Keith Heckman – Investor turned GP with experience in both active deals and LP investments across the U.S. Topics Covered: What is a real estate syndication and how does it work? 506(b) vs. 506(c): Legal structures and SEC compliance How to raise capital legally and ethically Preferred returns, GP/LP splits, and aligning incentives Single asset vs. fund models Tools and platforms to ma

In this episode, host Brian interviews Fuquan Bilal, CEO of NNG Capital Fund, who shares his 25+ year journey in real estate investing. Fuquan discusses his evolution from flipping houses to mastering distressed note investing, scaling a $50 million portfolio, and transitioning into multifamily and luxury single-family homes. He reveals how he navigated market shifts, built lasting investor relationships, and implemented systems for operational efficiency. Fuquan also covers creative deal structures, capital raising, remote investing, and leveraging technology like AppFolio and AI tools. You will gain actionable insights on sourcing deals, structuring partnerships, and the importance of communication and process in long-term wealth building. Key Topics: Flipping houses and early lessons from the 2008 financial crisis Distressed note investing: strategies, returns, and exit plans Scaling up: launching funds and raising capital Transitioning to rentals and multifamily properties Building systems and teams for

In this episode, host Brian interviews Dr. Sherry Peel Jackson—a former IRS agent, CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, and real estate investor—who reveals how real estate investors can legally reduce taxes, grow income, and protect wealth. Dr. Jackson shares her unique insider perspective on IRS audits, the importance of documentation, and common mistakes investors make. Learn about powerful strategies like the Augusta Rule, maximizing deductions, structuring development expenses, and why working with a professional is crucial. Plus, Dr. Jackson discusses her real estate projects in Costa Rica and offers actionable tips for starting and scaling home-based businesses. Don’t miss these expert insights that could save you thousands on your next tax return! Guest Contact: https://sherrypeeljackson.com Email: connect@sherrypeeljackson.com ---------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.

Cyberattacks are happening every 40 seconds in the U.S.—and real estate investors are becoming prime targets. From wire fraud to ransomware, these scams can drain six-figure sums without warning, often before victims even realize they’ve been hit. Jeremiah Baker is an ethical hacker with 17 years of experience breaking into systems before the bad guys do. He’s been called in after major wire transfers vanish without a trace, sits on Stanford’s cybersecurity advisory board, and has inspired TV shows like Homeland and Burn Notice with his work. In this episode, Jeremiah reveals how cybercriminals are targeting real estate investors today—and what you need to do right now to avoid becoming their next victim. Find out more: https://confessionsofahacker.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahbaker ---------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Ass

As we mark our 500th episode, we’re diving into the incredible journey of reviving Engadine Inn & Cabins, a historic vacation rental in Asheville, North Carolina. Your host, Brian Hamrick, shares the behind-the-scenes story of overcoming property management setbacks, surviving Hurricane Helene, and transforming disaster into opportunity. Discover how creative strategies—like launching fly fishing experiences, hosting weddings and wellness retreats, and leveraging local partnerships—are helping to turn a struggling property into a thriving destination. Learn valuable lessons about resilience, marketing, and the power of community in the face of adversity. Plus, get an inside look at the launch of a new podcast, “Asheville Reboot,” dedicated to supporting local businesses and showcasing the comeback of Western North Carolina after the storm. Whether you’re a real estate investor, vacation rental owner, or just love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights! Topic

Scaling a real estate portfolio is challenging enough—but doing it across multiple states while serving in the military takes a whole different level of strategy.  Jefferson Calloway started investing in 2019 while stationed as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, buying a townhome near Fort Rucker, Alabama. Since then, he’s mastered creative financing and grown his portfolio to 27 doors across seven states with over $1 million in equity. Jefferson is here to share how new investors can find and finance deals creatively, scale in high-interest markets, and why investing near military bases might be one of the best-kept secrets in real estate. Find out more: Jefferson@calcapital.us Website - www.americanhomeconcepts.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeffersoncalloway/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferson-calloway-2bb17381/ Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www

Justin Workman and I sit down with Detroit investor and entrepreneur Ramond Harris at the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference for our fifth annual update. Ramond shares his journey from running FedEx delivery routes to acquiring and scaling a commercial painting business, VR Quality Painting, specializing in apartment renovations and interior construction. Key topics include: How networking at the conference led to pivotal business connections, including meeting his current lawyer and business partners. Lessons learned from exiting the FedEx delivery business, including managing truck assets and navigating contract negotiations. The transition to commercial painting and construction, with a focus on apartment complexes and building relationships with general contractors and property managers. The importance of sales, estimating, and team structure in growing a service business. Strategies for leveraging minority business certifications (DBE/MBE) to win government and university contracts. Real-world advi

There’s a lot of noise in the commercial real estate space—but today’s guest brings the kind of clarity that only comes from experience and execution.  Rob Beardsley is the Founder of Lone Star Capital, and in just a few years, he’s built a portfolio of over $750 million in multifamily real estate. He’s the author of two best-selling books on commercial real estate, a national speaker, and the host of The Lone Star Capital Podcast. Rob is known for breaking down complex topics like underwriting, equity and debt structuring, and institutional operations, making them accessible to investors at every level. He’s here to share the strategies that have helped him scale, raise capital, and operate at a high level in today’s shifting real estate landscape. Find out more: www.lscre.com Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-ba

The short-term rental market has created incredible opportunities for investors—but success isn’t just about listing a property on Airbnb. It takes strategy, optimization, and resilience to build a thriving business.  Quentin West knows this firsthand. After facing financial hardship, he turned to Airbnb and built a short-term rental empire generating over $100,000 per month. Now, as a leading Airbnb coach and investor, he’s helped over 1,000 students across 15 countries achieve financial independence through Airbnb arbitrage, scaling strategies, and cracking the Airbnb algorithm. Quentin is here to share how investors can build, optimize, and scale a profitable STR portfolio—even in tough markets. Find out more: shortcuttosuperhost.com Instagram: @qdealshomes Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate in

They started with almost nothing—and turned it into everything. Dedric and Krystal Polite are the stars of A&E’s 50/50 Flip (now on Hulu), a real estate power couple who built a $50K/month wholesaling business and used it to create a multimillion-dollar rental portfolio. In this episode, they share how they went from scraping by to financial independence, what it’s really like to build a business as a couple, and how they turned their real estate journey into a hit TV show. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from broke to building generational wealth—this episode lays it out. Find out more: politewealthportal.com politewealthportal.com/accountabilitychartdownload politewealthportal.com/live Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex wo

Luxury real estate is evolving, and my guest today, Stephen Petasky, is leading the charge. As Founder and CEO of The Luxus Group, he’s redefining high-end vacation homeownership through innovative co-ownership models, managing $100M+ in luxury properties across six countries. From restoring historic estates in Italy to leading $1B+ developments like the Four Seasons Las Vegas, Stephen is making luxury real estate more accessible while maintaining top-tier quality. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, he’s here to share the four pillars of luxury that help create high-end experiences at scale. Find out more: https://www.luxusvp.com https://enalake.com/ IG & LinkedIn: Stephen Petaskey Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of

Real estate investing offers one of the most powerful paths to building long-term wealth—but for many, getting started feels overwhelming. Sayam Ibrahim knows that struggle firsthand. After quitting his job the week of his wedding, he went all in on real estate and never looked back. Today, he’s closed over 1,400 transactions totaling more than $250 million in deals. In this episode, Sayam shares how he built his real estate empire from the ground up—without significant capital—and why finding the right mentor changed everything. With roots in both Dominican and Ethiopian communities, he brings a unique perspective to investing in diverse markets and making real estate accessible to anyone. We dive into his step-by-step approach to scaling a portfolio, strategies for getting started even with limited resources, and the mindset needed to succeed in any market. If you're ready to take action and build real wealth through real estate, this episode is for you. Find out more: YouTube Apple Podcast Spotify Website

Success in business and real estate isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about disrupting industries, embracing failure, and taking bold action.  Jeremy Delk knows this better than anyone. From day trading as a teenager to building Delk Enterprises, a diversified investment firm with holdings in real estate, biotech, technology, and consumer brands, he’s made a career out of spotting opportunities, pivoting fast, and challenging the status quo. Jeremy is here today to share why disruption is key to thriving in real estate and business, and how failure—when embraced the right way—can be the ultimate competitive advantage. Find out more: Search @Jeremysdelk on all social media platforms. https://jeremydelk.com/ Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex w