Latest Episode • June 4, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 385: Once Homeless, Now Investing in an Expensive Market (With No Money of His Own) With Greg Gaudet

Flipping with no money down... in Hawaii? You heard that right. Greg Gaudet actually considers himself "risk-averse" and still holds a full-time job, but he's able to make nice chunks of change by hustling to find deals and managing rehabs for Brandon's team on Maui. Today, Greg walks us through his journey from "rock bottom," including bouts with addiction and homelessness, to living the life of his dreams, buying a Porsche cash, and owning a handful of properties free and clear. You'll learn the right way to approach investing in condos, how to bring value to a potential partner or mentor, how Greg manages risk by keeping his living expenses low, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to 1) get clean and 2) "get out of his own way" in the real estate business. This is truly one of the most powerful stories we've told on the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast, and it's guaranteed to get your wheels spinning! ... show more

BiggerPockets Podcast

Released weekly on Thursdays, the BiggerPockets Podcast is hosted by Brandon Turner and David Greene. It features off-the-cuff interviews with investors of various backgrounds, niches, and experience levels. Check out new shows below and subscribe to our Video Podcast on iTunes here.

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Sign up today to receive the PDF eBook of the popular online book "The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing".

Get your free download

Previous Episodes

May 29, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 384.5: 10 Deadly Mistakes Real Estate Investors Make with Brandon and David

After yesterday's deep dive interview discussing 2 disastrous flip projects, we have a solo show for you today. And the title says it all, really. Brandon and David boiled down nearly 400 podcast episodes, countless forum threads, books, and real-life conversations, and their own missteps and now present: the Top 10 Ways Real Estate Investors Lose Money. These aren't the only ways to go wrong in this business, but at some point you're in danger of falling into at least one of these traps. So, what did we miss? Let us know in the forums, the comments section on our show notes, or in the Official BiggerPockets Facebook Group. And be sure to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast so you won't miss an episode. ... show more

May 28, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 384: Losing $60k on His First 2 Flips so You Won't Have To with Spencer Cornelia

You can put a dollar number on the losses Spencer Cornelia took on his first two long-distance flips... but it's hard to quantify the value of the lessons he learned and is now passing on to you. We noticed Spencer's thread detailing his struggles in the BiggerPockets forums and invited him on the show; he bravely accepted. In this episode, you'll learn the pitfalls to watch out for when taking on heavy renovations (anywhere, but especially long-distance), how to ensure quality work is getting done, and the dangers of letting projects drag on when you're locked into expensive short-term financing. Plus, it's not a total downer... because Spencer's seeing a bunch of success with his new Youtube venture, and plans to continue investing in (less aggressively leveraged) real estate projects. Brandon and David add their own perspectives having made some similar errors in their careers, and tomorrow in Part 2 they'll break down the 10 Deadliest Mistakes Investors Make. New investors: heed the advice in these two shows! And as always: run your numbers conservatively, know your own risk tolerance, and run deals by trusted advisors before jumping in. ... show more

May 21, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 383: Finding Your Perfect Partner and the Top 6 Factors When Choosing a Market with Ben Leybovich & Sam Grooms

Interested in someday making the leap to bigger investments? Don't miss this one! Ben Leybovich and Sam Grooms join us for a high-level conversation about how they transitioned from flips and smaller assets to 100-plus-unit, value-add multifamily deals. Since the first part of this show was recorded pre-coronavirus, we brought the guys back on to hear their thoughts on today's market and get an update on how their business is doing amid the volatility (spoiler: pretty well!). ... show more

May 15, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 382.5: Surviving When the BRRRR Hits the Fan with Josiah Smelser (Part 2, Post-Coronavirus)

What happens to a no-money-down BRRRR investor when a pandemic breaks out, lending standards suddenly tighten, private money lenders get skittish, and property values quickly drop? Today, Josiah Smelser returns to the show and tells all. In Part 1 yesterday, we learned how Josiah built a $4M portfolio by buying, renovating, renting, refinancing, and repeating using both hard money and private money. Coronavirus hit him hard. And if he didn't have cash reserves, credit options, and the right mindset, it might have totally wiped him out. When the virus hit, Josiah had 10 properties he needed to refinance. It was a perfect storm: His private money lender immediately pulled funds, his refinance bank changed their terms, and property values dropped—all at once—meaning he would need to bring way more cash to the table. What happened next? Listen to this episode to learn about how Josiah made it through the nightmare and came out on the other side... with more equity and reduced interest payments. Real estate investing isn't all sunshine and rainbows. But if you keep your mind right, plan your exit strategies, and maintain cash and credit lines, you too can survive the curveballs thrown your way. ... show more

May 14, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 382: No Money Down BRRRR Investing with Josiah Smelser (Part 1, Recorded Pre-Coronavirus)

Today we bring you Part 1 of back-to-back episodes with real estate investor/appraiser/author/all-around good guy Josiah Smelser. This first conversation was recorded pre-coronavirus lockdown, but it's packed with tips you can put into action today. You'll learn how Josiah solved the #1 bottleneck in his business (capital!), allowing him to BRRRR at scale and rack up rental properties with very little money out of pocket. Even more impressive: he's doing it long-distance (The properties are in Dallas, TX and Josiah lives in Huntsville, AL.) And if that weren't enough, the guys go in-depth on appraisals – and the techniques you can use to help appraisers see your side of the story. Josiah's a longtime licensed appraiser, so he speaks from experience... and he shares his playbook for giving yourself the best chance to pull all your money out of your deal. If you like what Josiah has to say, then be sure to check it Part 2 tomorrow. We bring him back on, post-COVID-19, to discuss the serious challenges he's faced: lenders pulling out, property values dropping, and even a domestic violence issue at one of his rentals. The good news: he made it through. Tune in tomorrow to hear how! ... show more

May 7, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 381: 5 Rules for Investing in a Down Market with Tucker Merrihew

Can you flip, wholesale, and buy rentals throughout a downturn? Yes... IF you heed the advice given out in today's episode. Our guest Tucker Merrihew is more than qualified to tackle this subject, having launched his real estate business in Portland, Oregon, in 2008—during one of the worst housing markets of all time. In a rare "Double Deep Dive" segment, Tucker walks us through a couple TTM Development projects from 2009 and reveals exactly what he did right and wrong at the time. As for the coming months... you'll learn which types of properties to avoid, which price ranges to target, and why renovating old homes can be risky business at this stage of the market cycle. Plus, Tucker explains why he underwrites every deal at 3 different prices to make sure it passes his "Oh $#!# Test" if the market goes south. Tucker is a seasoned pro with hundreds of deals under his belt, and he shares tons of valuable information for free in this episode. Be sure to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast for more tips on investing safely while taking advantage of the opportunities ahead. ... show more

April 30, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 380: Profitable Landlording in a Crisis with Mike Butler, Chris Clothier, and Dave Poeppelmeier

Feeling like you're in uncharted territory as a landlord? You're in good company! Today's show walks you through how to ethically and profitably manage rentals through the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. Brandon and David sit down with Mike Butler, acclaimed author of Landlording on Autopilot; Chris Clothier, partner at REI Nation (formerly Memphis Invest); and Dave Poeppelmeier, owner of eight houses in Toledo, Ohio. You'll get a ton out of this panel discussion, including exact scripts for communicating with non-paying residents, strategies for connecting tenants to government resources, a discussion about "deferment" vs. "forbearance," and much more. Mike (500+ units), Chris (6,000+ turnkey units), and Dave (8 properties, mostly student rentals) are all in different markets and at different stages of their investing careers... so you're guaranteed to learn something you can apply in your business today. Enjoy this episode, jump on the BiggerPockets Forums to connect with fellow investors, and subscribe to this show in your favorite podcast app so you won't miss us next week! ... show more

April 23, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 379: What the Numbers Reveal About Today's Rents, Prices, and Top Cashflow Markets with Data Scientist Dave Meyer

There are plenty of opinions out there about where the real estate market is headed next. But what are the numbers telling us? Today we dig into the data with Dave Meyer, BiggerPockets' VP of Growth and Analytics and a real estate investor himself. Dave leads BiggerPockets Insights—a Pro/Premium benefit providing current local market data—and he's been looking at data points in the weeks since shelter-in-place orders began to grind the economy to a halt. So...` Why are rents down? Why haven't prices dropped? And what data should investors be keeping an eye on? The guys tackle those questions and much more in today's episode. Plus, Dave discusses his list of the country's best 11 cashflow markets adjusted for vacancy and explains what makes them so attractive right now. Add in a topical "Fire Round" and a breakdown of Dave's "ski for free" Airbnb scheme, and you've got an action-packed episode sure to bolster your confidence in these uncertain times. Check out this episode of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast, and be sure to subscribe to the show in your favorite podcast app so you won't miss the next one! ... show more

April 16, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 378: A $500M Syndicator's View on Today's Market and How to Succeed as a "Hands-Off Investor" with Brian Burke

With a recession already underway, we're turning to an investor with 30 years of experience, 3,000-plus multifamily units acquired, and one of the sharpest minds in real estate. Brian Burke is backtoday, and he sits down with Brandon and David to offer his interpretation of current events and to guide our audience through how to invest passively without violating Warren Buffett's No. 1 rule: "Never Lose Money!" Brian explains how his firm Praxis Capital is navigating COVID-19 and shares a few tips everyday investors can use to fortify their portfolios. We also discuss leverage, how lending practices are changing, and techniques you can use today to safeguard your investments against vacancy and drops in valuation. In the second half of the show, Brian speaks to those interested in becoming "hands-off" investors—whether you want to focus on making money in your day job or just don't want to deal with being a landlord. After all, BiggerPockets has 10-plus books on how to actively get deals done... but none (until now) on how to evaluate passive investment opportunities. a We go over how to meet syndicators, what red flags to look for, how to diversify your investments... and the absolute No. 1 quality to look for in a passive investment (hint: it's NOT the deal itself). This episode is packed with deep insights into the current market shift, but it's also a timeless lesson in evaluating syndication opportunities. For more info, check out Brian's new book, The Hands-Off Investor: An Insider's Guide to Investing in Passive Real Estate Syndications, and all the great bonus content, too. ... show more

April 9, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 377: The Riches Are... on the Radio? How to Dial in Your Marketing & Do 100+ Deals a Year with Chris Arnold

Today's guest does 125 deals a year in Dallas—from his home base in the Caribbean. How? Well, he bailed on direct mail marketing and doubled down on radio ads. And when others froze up as the coronavirus spread, his team put in new systems and closed a $23,500 wholesale deal... without even stepping foot inside the house. Chris Arnold zigs when others zag, and today you'll learn how he sets up his business so he can consistently work ON it, not in it... while enjoying a great lifestyle in Tulum, Mexico. Chris shares timely tips for how to orchestrate deals while maintaining safe social distancing (he even holds "Zoom open houses" with multiple cash buyers at once); breaks down which team member handles each aspect of a transaction; and delivers a fantastic tip for new real estate investors struggling to stay focused. Plus—Chris shares how advertising on local radio stations has elevated his home-buying business to new levels. Look, he says, you might prefer podcasts... "but you are not your seller!" We play one of his ads on the show, and he guides us through how to research various audiences and negotiate the best rates with stations. This show covers it all—from the finer points of buying properties at deep discounts to the mindset shifts Chris has made along the way. Check it out, and if you enjoyed this please share it with just one family member or friend. We appreciate you, and we'll see you next Thursday. ... show more

April 2, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 376: 12 Real Estate Rockstars Reveal Their #1 Tip for Surviving (and Thriving) through a Downturn

Strength in numbers! When you finish this episode, you'll have 12+ action items that could help you withstand the coming economic slump... and perhaps even accelerate your path to financial freedom. Each investor featured today gives you their top piece of advice for handling an economic downturn: from mindset, to leadership, to specific strategies you can begin to put in place TODAY. Don't miss this one, and be sure to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast for more hard-won wisdom on how to lead your business through the coronavirus crisis and beyond. ... show more

March 26, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 375: Live Coronavirus Q&A: Resources, Tactics, and Mindset Shifts for Today's Real Estate Investor

Economic upheaval. Tenants losing their jobs. Entire cities shut down. How should real estate investors operate today? In this episode, we’re opening up the phone lines and patching in both expert investors (Tarl Yarber, Avery Carl, Justin Stamper) and newbies (Sawyer, Adam, Joe) in various markets across the country. What you’ll learn: how hard-hit short-term rental operators can adapt to travel restrictions, how to plan for non-payment of rent, which strategies are likely to work best in the coming economic shift, what the heck is going on with interest rates... and much more. Tell us what you think of this new format, and be sure to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast for more on how best to run your business in unprecedented times. Stay safe and we’ll see you next Thursday. ... show more

March 19, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 374: What Real Estate Investors NEED to Know About the Coronavirus, the Economy, and the Problems At Your Door

Rent's due... or is it? From quarantines to eviction moratoriums to a plummeting stock market, COVID-19 has upended seemingly everything -- and today we talk through what it all means for real estate investors. J Scott, author of Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing, and Scott Trench, author of Set for Life and CEO of BiggerPockets, join Brandon and David for a roundtable discussion packed with perspective and insight. We begin with a high-level analysis of today's economy, and discuss how you can fortify your portfolio in the face of a likely recession (there's still time!). Then, the guys take on your most pressing questions -- starting with, "what happens if my tenant doesn't pay rent?" *NOTE: If you want to skip directly to audience Q&A, that section starts at 58 minutes.* Whether you're a brand new investor nervous about getting started... or a veteran waiting for the right opportunity to deploy capital, this episode will give you a chance to take a deep breath and assess the playing field. We hope you enjoy this special episode, recorded March 18... Stay safe, take care of yourselves, and stay tuned for more Coronavirus content across all BiggerPockets platforms in the days and weeks ahead. ... show more

March 12, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 373: Invest Locally or Out of State? Why Not Both! BRRRRing & Building with Lee Ripma

Four years ago, Lee Ripma was brand new to real estate. She vowed she'd one day appear on the BiggerPockets Podcast. That day has come. And we're all better off for it! In this action-packed episode, Lee traces her journey from full-time field biologist to newbie who jumped straight into long-distance multifamily (wait 'til you hear about her first deal!) to developing apartment buildings in the high-end Los Angeles market. You'll learn how she formed relationships with local, "boots-on-the-ground" partners on her BRRRR deals in Kansas City, why she came to prefer value-add multifamily deals over BRRRR, and how she's able to find higher and better uses for properties in Southern California. From looking at our podcast stats, we know a LOT of you are in hot markets like L.A., New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. If you've ever thought to yourself, "My market's so expensive... How can I invest in real estate?"—look no further. This episode will get you motivated, and it may just ignite your real estate investing career! Be sure to subscribe to the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast, sample the other BiggerPockets podcasts in our network (just search "BiggerPockets" in your favorite podcast app), and as always, if you appreciate this content, please give us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts. ... show more

March 6, 2020

BiggerPockets Podcast 372: Flipping and Rental Property Investing 2,000 Miles Away with Erin Helle

Securing financial freedom for her family through long-distance real estate investing! West Point graduate Erin Helle's story starts the day she was ordered to deploy to Afghanistan. She already had a young daughter, and her husband was headed to Iraq. Something had to change. Mix in a serious health condition, the result was this: Erin felt forced to take action and build something that would endure and provide for her daughters no matter what. In this episode, you'll learn which steps she took. From buying new construction, to flipping at a distance, to using a self-directed IRA to purchase a rental property, this show is packed with valuable lessons from an investor who's acquired 20 doors in the span of two years. Erin shares a powerful story that's sure to make you think hard about the legacy YOU plan to leave behind and what you plan to do to get there. ... show more

March 5, 2020

Introducing BiggerPockets' Brand New Show: Real Estate Rookie Podcast

More "newbie" content. More "first deal" success stories. Tips, tools, and step-by-step guidance from investors just one step ahead of you. That's what many of you have been asking for. And that's what you'll get when you subscribe to Real Estate Rookie, BiggerPockets' newest podcast! Episode 1 is LIVE now, and it's a gem if we do say so ourselves—check it out here. In this brief announcement, Brandon and David introduce hosts Ashley Kehr and Felipe Mejia (remember them from episodes 348 and 329?)... and explain WHO would—and wouldn't—benefit from listening to Real Estate Rookie. You might be asking—is the "OG" BiggerPockets Podcast changing? Or even going away? Not a chance! In fact, we hope you listen to both shows. Check out Real Estate Rookie today, and Brandon and David will have another great interview right here tomorrow. Then next week, you'll get an episode of Real Estate Rookie on Wednesday, and we'll be back to regular programming. Tell us what you think of the new podcast, join the Facebook group (just search "Real Estate Rookie"), and give Ashley and Felipe a follow on Instagram @wealthfromrentals and @felipemejiarei! ... show more

Read

Watch

Listen

Topics

Recommended Vendors

Search

Calculators

Services

Real Estate Books

Featured Book

BiggerPockets Podcast 385: Once Homeless, Now Investing in an Expensive Market (With No Money of His Own) With Greg Gaudet

BiggerPockets Podcast

Previous Episodes

BiggerPockets Podcast 384.5: 10 Deadly Mistakes Real Estate Investors Make with Brandon and David

BiggerPockets Podcast 384: Losing $60k on His First 2 Flips so You Won't Have To with Spencer Cornelia

BiggerPockets Podcast 383: Finding Your Perfect Partner and the Top 6 Factors When Choosing a Market with Ben Leybovich & Sam Grooms

BiggerPockets Podcast 382.5: Surviving When the BRRRR Hits the Fan with Josiah Smelser (Part 2, Post-Coronavirus)

BiggerPockets Podcast 382: No Money Down BRRRR Investing with Josiah Smelser (Part 1, Recorded Pre-Coronavirus)

BiggerPockets Podcast 381: 5 Rules for Investing in a Down Market with Tucker Merrihew

BiggerPockets Podcast 380: Profitable Landlording in a Crisis with Mike Butler, Chris Clothier, and Dave Poeppelmeier

BiggerPockets Podcast 379: What the Numbers Reveal About Today's Rents, Prices, and Top Cashflow Markets with Data Scientist Dave Meyer

BiggerPockets Podcast 378: A $500M Syndicator's View on Today's Market and How to Succeed as a "Hands-Off Investor" with Brian Burke

BiggerPockets Podcast 377: The Riches Are... on the Radio? How to Dial in Your Marketing & Do 100+ Deals a Year with Chris Arnold

BiggerPockets Podcast 376: 12 Real Estate Rockstars Reveal Their #1 Tip for Surviving (and Thriving) through a Downturn

BiggerPockets Podcast 375: Live Coronavirus Q&A: Resources, Tactics, and Mindset Shifts for Today's Real Estate Investor

BiggerPockets Podcast 374: What Real Estate Investors NEED to Know About the Coronavirus, the Economy, and the Problems At Your Door

BiggerPockets Podcast 373: Invest Locally or Out of State? Why Not Both! BRRRRing & Building with Lee Ripma

BiggerPockets Podcast 372: Flipping and Rental Property Investing 2,000 Miles Away with Erin Helle

Introducing BiggerPockets' Brand New Show: Real Estate Rookie Podcast

BiggerPockets Podcast

Previous Episodes

BiggerPockets Podcast

Create Lasting Wealth Through Real Estate

Log in

Let's get started

Why create an account?