Real Estate Rookie

Ready to build your investment empire, but unsure about the first (or next) step? 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. Be sure to subscribe to Real Estate Rookie in your favorite podcast app (links below) so you won't miss an episode!

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Previous Episodes

August 26, 2020

Rookie Podcast 26: Mindset Shift at 40 to Start Real Estate Investing with Derek Tellier

Derek Tellier didn’t start investing in real estate until he was over 40. Unhappy with what was going on in his life, a friend plugged him into healthy eating, exercising, and long-distance running. O nce his health was back on track, he realized he didn’t like the trajectory his life was on, and made major changes. That same running friend introduced him to real estate investing. Derek got licensed, joined his friend’s real estate team, and bought his first real estate deal - a cabin that he rents out short-term in the Smoky Mountains. Derek has parlayed that into a career, helping people invest in short term rentals in the Smoky Mountains Derek’s Rookie Deal is a BRRRR property that needed a LOT of work. He financed it using private money and after his rehab he was able to pull out ALL of the money he had into the deal. It even cashflows $350 per month! Derek has had some growing pains along the way, like a true real estate investor. He shares tips for finding contractors, finding lenders, and finding deals in this episode, along with discussing numbers and the importance of having reserves. If you think you waited too late to start investing in real estate, this episode can help change your mindset and show you that it’s never too late to get started. ... show more

August 19, 2020

Rookie Podcast 25: What Appraisers Look For and What it Means for You with Investor/Appraiser Josiah Smelser

Here, by popular demand: the Appraisal Episode! Josiah Smelser – podcaster, two-time BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast guest, and Certified General Appraiser – is here to answer your many questions , and he delivers the goods. We played some questions from the Rookie Request Line and touched on subjects like which data and documents you can provide an appraiser, how to challenge an appraisal, and how to keep your emotions in check when estimating After Repair Value. Whether you're a rookie who plans to flip, BRRRR, or invest in rental properties, understanding how properties are appraised – and the mindset of an appraiser – is key to coming out on top. So enjoy this episode, and tell Josiah what you think in the show notes at biggerpockets.com/rookie25. ... show more

August 12, 2020

Rookie Podcast 24: 13 Units Despite Being Stationed 5,000 Miles Away with Naaman Taylor

On today's show: how U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Naaman Taylor is combining house hacking, partnerships, and VA loans to build himself a comfy retirement... all while serving his country overseas! This ep isode has something for everyone – from structuring partnerships to stretch your dollar farther, to hiring property managers and identifying a trustworthy mentor. Be sure to let Naaman (he said we could call him "Taylor") what you thought of the show by visiting our show notes page at biggerpockets.com/rookie24 and leaving a comment... or sharing your thoughts in a post in the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group. ... show more

August 5, 2020

Rookie Podcast 23: From Dave Ramsey Disciple to No-Money-Down Real Estate Investor with Sarah Brandenberger

Interested in real estate investing... but wary of taking on debt? That's the situation Sarah Brandenberger found herself in, and today shares her journey from a staunchly anti-debt "penny pincher" to a creative financier raising private money! Sarah also gives us the goods on portfolio loans – including a ninja tip that allowed her to tap the equity in multiple properties and use those funds to take advantage of a smokin' deal. You'll learn what documents to bring when asking for a loan – whether you're meeting with a bank or a private individual. And Felipe throws in a Home Depot shopping hack for good measure. Give Sarah a follow on Instagram (@nerdsguidetoFI) and let her know what you thought of this episode... and share this episode with a friend or family member who would find it inspiring. ... show more

July 29, 2020

Rookie Podcast 22: 5 Rentals on Autopilot with Full-Time Highway Patrolman Ruben Galindo

Curious how to manage a rental portfolio in your limited free time? Learn from today's guest Ruben Galindo, who had his hands full managing hundreds of law enforcement officers in Texas... but didn 't let that stop him. Ruben is 48 years old, and in the past five years, he's acquired five rental properties that require about an hour of his time each week. In this episode, he'll teach you how he uses Cozy and Docusign to do everything virtually, how door knocking led to one of his best deals, and how he leverages his 401(k) in his real estate business. Ruben didn't jump in until his 40s, but he already has experience with buying a foreclosure, helping a seller avoid foreclosure, a short sale, and a straightforward live-in flip (where he currently lives). Not bad for a relative rookie! If you pick up any tips from Ruben or have questions for him, leave a comment in the show notes at biggerpockets.com/rookie22. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. ... show more

July 22, 2020

Rookie Podcast 21: 5 Frequently Asked Questions When Starting Out With Felipe and Ashley

Rookie FAQ time! Today Ashley and Felipe run through the top 5 questions from the Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group and the Rookie Request Line (leave us a voicemail at 1-888-5-ROOKIE). From fin ding and financing deals to the infamous LLC question and beyond, our co-hosts offer their advice and discuss various approaches new investors can use to build momentum. Plus, former BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast guest Whitney Hutten makes a cameo to offer her two cents on how to properly vet turnkey providers. What did we miss? Let us know, and make sure you're subscribed to the show so you won't miss an episode. ... show more

July 15, 2020

Rookie Podcast 20: Using Lines of Credit to Kickstart Your Investing Career with Charlie Ashley

Today: how Lexington, KY investor Charlie Ashley uses lines of credit and construction loans to build his portfolio while working full-time. Charlie walks us through his year-long education phase, his first couple deals, and the expensive lessons he learned while renovating a property he lovingly calls "The Pit"! Sure... finding deals is important. But today you'll learn how understanding financing has helped Charlie gain a lot of momentum quickly – and how every new investor can do the same. Thanks for spending time with us every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, let us know with a rating and review in Apple Podcasts... or share this episode with a friend or family member! ... show more

July 8, 2020

Rookie Podcast 19: Going Full-Time as a Rookie Right Out of College With Arvi Carkanji and Dave Arlaud

In today's episode, you'll meet a power couple who both immigrated to the U.S. seven years ago and soon decided real estate would be their path to financial freedom. Arvi Carkanji and Dave Arlaud a re Nashville-based flipper-investors, who are dividing and conquering to run a successful business while building a stable of rental properties. Arvi handles acquisitions (listen for the Rookie Request Line about direct mail), while Dave is a licensed contractor who takes charge of construction. Together they walk us through their approach to renovating houses and working with subcontractors and dive into the deal that motivated Arvi to quit her first (and quite possibly last) "real job." If you're thinking about taking on "value-add" projects—and you probably should be—listen close to hear these two rookies walk us through their process! ... show more

July 1, 2020

Rookie Podcast 18: Starting at Age 45 With a "1% Rule" Property (in New Jersey!) With Tricia Baxter

She read Rich Dad Poor Dad, got angry at herself for not having built multiple income streams... and decided to do something about it! Tricia Baxter is a real estate rookie who got in the game in h er mid-40s. In this episode, she shares how she built a healthy portfolio of small multifamily properties on the Jersey Shore. Tricia's a busy professional with her own law practice, but she still decided to self-manage when she got started—namely, to learn the ropes and create standard operating procedures, which came in handy when she eventually hired a property manager (spoiler: that's her MVP!). This episode is full of great tips for anyone who aspires to treat their real estate investing like the business it is! ... show more

June 24, 2020

Rookie Podcast 17: 3 Rentals in His First Year & the Power of a Real-Life 'Rich Dad' Mentor with Derrick Ziglar Jr.

From humble beginnings... to Division 1 football, military service, and now three rental properties in his 20s! Derrick Ziglar Jr. is a man on a mission, and today he shares how he converted a wron g turn into a $30K duplex purchase that kick-started his journey toward generational wealth. If you're interested in securing your financial future, then don't miss Derrick's tips on how he finds deals, how he uses a personal line of credit, and the lessons he's learned about managing contractors. Plus, we go in-depth on how he built a life-changing relationship with a mentor/father figure and the importance of casting a long-term vision for your real estate business—no matter your goals. Derrick is an impressive rookie investor, and he doesn't hold back in this one... so hit play now. And if you enjoy this episode, please leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts! ... show more

June 17, 2020

Rookie Podcast 16: How to Pick Your Perfect Market: Cleveland vs. Columbus Case Study With Dave Meyer and Jamie Gallagher

What better way to learn a concept than a real-life, real-time case study? Today, we listen in on rookie investor Jamie Gallagher as he compares and contrasts two markets. Meanwhile, BiggerPockets' data wiz David Meyer is there to walk him (and us) through the numbers. You'll learn how to use population growth, rent-to-price ratio, rent-to-income ratio, and historical performance to weigh the pros and cons of various markets so you can compare apples to apples. These aren't the only factors to consider, but this episode will give you a solid grasp of the basics and put you way ahead of most investors in your search for a market that makes sense for you and your goals. Be sure to check out BPInsights, the new Pro member benefit bringing you fresh, local real estate data, at biggerpockets.com/insights (use the promo code "ROOKIES" for a discount if you're upgrading to Pro!). And you can find more of David's work in BiggerPockets Wealth magazine at biggerpockets.com/magazine. ... show more

June 10, 2020

Rookie Podcast 15: 5 Steps to Reach Financial Freedom in 15 Years Through Long-Distance Investing With Elyse Rasmussen

In 2017, she had done zero deals. Today, she's got 20 units and is nearing her goal of financial freedom by age 45. In this episode, Elyse Rasmussen shares five tips for rookies interested in long- distance investing... although each can easily be applied to investing in your own backyard, too. Check out her Instagram page @investingforfinancialfreedom for some #landlordmemes, and be sure to join the Real Estate Rookie Facebook group to tell us what you think of this episode! ... show more

June 3, 2020

Rookie Podcast 14: 4 Keys to Building a Portfolio While Working Full-Time With Robert Leonard

Between his career and a podcasting side hustle, Robert Leonard's a busy guy. So how does he—and how can you—build a small but mighty rental portfolio in your spare time? For Robert, it comes down to 4 major elements: Use a series of house hacks to lower expenses and build equity. Find an MVP real estate agent. Align with a partner. Invest out-of-state. In this episode, Robert goes into detail on each of the above and explains how they helped him break through "analysis paralysis" in his early 20s. If you pick just one of these strategies and do it well, you'll be way ahead of the game. When you combine several, you're on your way to financial freedom. Be sure to check out Robert's two podcasts, Millennial Investing and Real Estate Investing over on The Investor's Podcast Network, and subscribe to Real Estate Rookie so you won't miss our next show. ... show more

May 27, 2020

Rookie Podcast 13: How Drew Pulled 6 Deals From His First Direct Mail Campaign With Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 2

Everything you've ever wanted to know about direct-to-homeowner marketing... but may have been afraid to ask! From exactly what Drew writes in a letter, to how he builds rapport when running an app ointment, to making offers and getting to the closing table, it's all here in plain English. This episode follows up on show #9, where mentor/mentee duo Ryan Dossey and Drew Wiard broke down how Drew built a brand and zeroed in on his target market. Today, they walk us through everything that happens after a lead comes in, including how Drew was able to close three deals and get three more under contract in the past three months—despite the pandemic. If you're tired of seeing all the good deals go to other investors, take matters into your own hands and put some of their tips into action! And be sure to subscribe to Real Estate Rookie in your favorite podcast app so you won't miss the next one. ... show more

May 20, 2020

Rookie Podcast 12: What Works (and Doesn't) in a Recession & the Untold Story of J Scott's Messy First Flip

BiggerPockets legend J Scott was once a rookie, and he's got the stories (and scars) to prove it! Today J stops by to give us a primer on economic cycles and how they impact real estate investors. You'll learn what to expect when housing prices soften and which strategies work best in each economic phase. Plus, J shares the tale of his first (years-long) flip, tells us what he's learned along the way, and delivers a surprising top tip for today's rookie real estate investor. For more on this topic, pick up a copy of J's newly updated book Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing here. ... show more

May 13, 2020

Rookie Podcast 11: Using Home Inspections to Spot "Deal Killers" and Negotiate Better Prices with Rose Buckley

OK, you've got a property under contract. Now the real work begins! In today's episode, you'll learn all about about a crucial step in the home-buying process: home inspections. Find out how the y work, how much they cost, and how they could wind up saving you a boatload of cash—or help you negotiate a sweet deal! Rose Buckley is a certified home inspector who has walked 1,000-plus homes. And with her background in teaching and translating, she enjoys breaking down this part of the business for up-and-coming investors. Rose shares her tips for finding a great local inspector and reveals which defects are no biggie, which are challenging, and which ones can be "deal killers." And yes. We, too, noticed Rose is a female in a male-dominated profession. That led to a great discussion about how she approaches that challenge, how sometimes it's actually an opportunity, and why training as a home inspector—regardless of your gender—may get you closer to your investing goals. Subscribe to Real Estate Rookie in your favorite podcast app, and if you enjoyed this episode, please pass it on to just ONE friend or family member who might, too. ... show more

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Real Estate Rookie

Previous Episodes

Rookie Podcast 26: Mindset Shift at 40 to Start Real Estate Investing with Derek Tellier

Rookie Podcast 25: What Appraisers Look For and What it Means for You with Investor/Appraiser Josiah Smelser

Rookie Podcast 24: 13 Units Despite Being Stationed 5,000 Miles Away with Naaman Taylor

Rookie Podcast 23: From Dave Ramsey Disciple to No-Money-Down Real Estate Investor with Sarah Brandenberger

Rookie Podcast 22: 5 Rentals on Autopilot with Full-Time Highway Patrolman Ruben Galindo

Rookie Podcast 21: 5 Frequently Asked Questions When Starting Out With Felipe and Ashley

Rookie Podcast 20: Using Lines of Credit to Kickstart Your Investing Career with Charlie Ashley

Rookie Podcast 19: Going Full-Time as a Rookie Right Out of College With Arvi Carkanji and Dave Arlaud

Rookie Podcast 18: Starting at Age 45 With a "1% Rule" Property (in New Jersey!) With Tricia Baxter

Rookie Podcast 17: 3 Rentals in His First Year & the Power of a Real-Life 'Rich Dad' Mentor with Derrick Ziglar Jr.

Rookie Podcast 16: How to Pick Your Perfect Market: Cleveland vs. Columbus Case Study With Dave Meyer and Jamie Gallagher

Rookie Podcast 15: 5 Steps to Reach Financial Freedom in 15 Years Through Long-Distance Investing With Elyse Rasmussen

Rookie Podcast 14: 4 Keys to Building a Portfolio While Working Full-Time With Robert Leonard

Rookie Podcast 13: How Drew Pulled 6 Deals From His First Direct Mail Campaign With Ryan Dossey (Mentor) and Drew Wiard (Mentee)—Part 2

Rookie Podcast 12: What Works (and Doesn't) in a Recession & the Untold Story of J Scott's Messy First Flip

Rookie Podcast 11: Using Home Inspections to Spot "Deal Killers" and Negotiate Better Prices with Rose Buckley

Real Estate Rookie

Previous Episodes

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