BiggerPockets Daily Podcast

Released 7 days per week, the BiggerPockets Daily Podcast takes the wisdom contained in tens of thousands of BiggerPockets blog articles and converts them into a compelling and convenient audio experience. Rather than covering the daily news, the BiggerPockets Daily Podcast will feature evergreen articles so you can listen and learn on your timeline. Skip episodes, take a break, then binge and catch up—make us a part of your daily routine and listen while you’re working out, cooking a meal, or doing yard work!

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

November 30, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 47: The 7-Step Process for Finding Great Contractors for Home Renovations by Brandon Turner

To be blunt, most contractors are terrible. As a landlord, I deal with it all the time. They don’t answer their phone. They don’t show up when they said they would. They don’t do what they said t hey are going to do. But there ARE gems to be found in the rubble. The problem is most people have no idea how to identify that great contractor from all the bad ones out there—until long AFTER they’ve already hired one. I want to share with you my seven-step process to identify a great contractor before hiring them. Whether you’re remodeling your own home, a rental property, flipping houses, or need a contractor for something else, here’s how to land a great one. ... show more

November 29, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 46: 5 Habits That Help Average People Make Millions by Engelo Rumora

I moved to the United States several years ago, and I truly believe it is the best country in the world. I always tell everyone that what I did here, I would not be able to do anywhere else. Here a re five steps that have helped me achieve the success that I have today, and I’m hoping that they will do the same for you. ... show more

November 28, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 45: How to Avoid Over-Improving Properties (& Make Bigger Profits!) by Alex Felice

Beginners almost always over-improve their first properties. This leaves you with a very nice asset to look at, but it leaves profitability on the table. I’m going to discuss how to know if you’re over-improving your properties when utilizing the BRRRR strategy. I want to explain it in a holistic manner, so that there is less chance to get caught up in the details of the improvements and lose sight of the overall strategy. I’ll describe how to go through the BRRRR flow so efficiently that the rehab portion becomes extremely simple. Focus on the big problems, and small problems take care of themselves. ... show more

November 27, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 44: Estimating Rental Property Expenses: Insurance, Property Taxes, Repairs, Vacancy Rate, and More by G. Brian Davis

One of the greatest advantages to rental properties is that the returns are predictable. Investors can forecast the cash flow and returns they’ll earn from a property before buying. How many other investments can say the same? Where new investors run into trouble is underestimating expenses. They often ignore expenses simply because they don't occur every month and just assume a property's cash flow is "rent minus the mortgage." It’s why so many new investors lose their shirts. Here’s what you need to know about estimating each rental expense, so you can accurately predict the cash flow and returns on any property from now on. ... show more

November 26, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 43: The Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance: What’s Covered, What’s Not, & How to Find an Agent by Whitney Hutten

Your adrenaline is pumping because you just put your first real estate deal under contract! Now the real fun begins… On your purchase sale agreement (PSA), you see a long list of dates and deadline s, one of them being “Property Insurance Termination Deadline.” Your job is to find a homeowners policy that meets a provision that goes something like this (example is from a Colorado PSA): “Insurability. Buyer has the right to review and object to the availability, terms, and conditions of and premium for property insurance (Property Insurance). Buyer has the Right to Terminate under § 25.1, on or before Property Insurance Termination Deadline, based on any unsatisfactory provision of the Property Insurance, in Buyer’s sole subjective discretion.” Now, let’s dive in! ... show more

November 25, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 42: My Client Tripled His Income Using Airbnb: Here’s What He Should Know About Taxes by Amanda Han

Some of you may know this already, but for those of you who do not, I have quite a few rental properties in “Sin City” Las Vegas. I grew up there, and I still have lots of friends and family who live there. One of the perks of investing in Vegas for me is the ability to write off some of my travel costs when I go back to Vegas as part of my investment expenses against my rental income. My Vegas rentals have performed well for me in the past, and odds are that I will continue to invest in that market. Why, you may ask? Well, for me personally, the answers are simple: I know the area well. The returns meet my investment criteria. I have a team in place there to assist me. I get to write off my Vegas trips when I go back to visit my mom! Now, I know some of you may completely disagree with me. In fact, I was speaking with Jeff Brown just recently when he told me that he thinks Vegas is a terrible place to invest. Whether you feel Vegas is a good market or not, one undeniable thing about Vegas is that it is a major travel destination. Even though all of my properties there are the traditional bread and butter 3-bedroom, 2-bath long term rentals, I did recently become aware that there are better ways to rent out my Vegas properties. ... show more

November 24, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 41: 7 Steps to Managing Your Money in a Volatile Economy by Whitney Hutton

Like most people who stepped off the Wall Street casino ride and into real estate, I did so because I wanted more control and fewer surprises. This spring, we have seen the end of the longest bull run, the deepest drop, and the best rally in the history of the stock market. And while we are starting to open America back up, I’m planning for more market volatility in the near future as we brace for more potential closures and a steamy political race. However, the stock market is what many investors have access to invest in, especially for retirement, and the stock market is on sale right now. So, how can you take advantage of some of the investment deals available now and those to come in the next few months? And do so in a conservative manner? I like to take a three-pronged approach with my financial position: foundation, growth, and momentum. Today, I will tackle foundation and growth. ... show more

November 23, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 40: Professional Property Management vs. Self-Management: A Look at the Pros & Cons by Nasar El Arabi

If you have never owned a rental property before, the thought of doing so can be as tantalizing as this: Rental Income – (Mortgage + Expenses) = Profit What is not often factored into the equati on is the actual management—or what you could call landlord duties. On the face of it, managing property may seem like a breeze. But don't be fooled. It's nothing like shooting fish in a barrel. Looking for tenants to lease the houses, chasing rental payments, and addressing the maintenance aspect can be nothing short of time-consuming, if not overwhelming. If you are a real estate investor or buyer, you have two options when it comes to managing your property. You can either DIY (self-manage) the property yourself or appoint a third party professional (property manager) to look after the property for you. The question of which between the two makes for the better option has no right or wrong answer. It all depends on an individual investor's circumstances. To best tackle this question, perhaps it would be nice to outline the advantages and disadvantages associated with each, then leave the final decision to you. ... show more

November 22, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 39: How a Michigan Man Lost His Rental Home Over an $8 Tax Bill by Paul Moore

You read it right. Uri Rafaeli is a small-time single-family home investor in Michigan. He's a retiree using single-family rentals as a way to make ends meet. Like many BiggerPockets investors, he' s not backed by a corporate staff who dot every "i" and cross every "t." Who would have guessed he would lose his property over $8.41 in back taxes? This could happen to any of you. Read on to make sure you’re not a victim. ... show more

November 21, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 38: 5 Mindset Hacks to Conquer the Roadblocks That Sideline Other Investors by Debbie Emick

“What do you think separates successful real estate investors from those who give up, fail, or never get started?” Brandon Turner asks this question each week to guests on the BiggerPockets Podcast . Of course, there is a wide variety of answers, none of them more right or wrong than the other, but there is one thing that can be a true deal maker or breaker when it comes to giving up, failing, or never getting started—mindset. Mindset is such an important part of investing and financial independence and such a key factor to not giving up, failing, or never getting started. So how does an investor/landlord/property manager not only keep their head above water but maintain their focus to ensure long-term success? Here are a few simple reminders to play on repeat during the day-to-day or when times get tough. They'll help keep you in check when you're feeling overwhelmed in the real estate game. ... show more

November 20, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 37: 5 Reasons a Fourplex Makes the Perfect House Hack by Mike Roy

House hacking is a common topic of conversation on BiggerPockets. And why wouldn't it be? House hacking is an efficient, practical tool to reduce or eliminate what's likely your largest monthly expens e and accelerate your journey toward financial freedom. For the uninitiated, house hacking is simply a co-living arrangement that generates income to offset your own living expense. While many house hacking strategies exist, each offers varying degrees of cost savings, expectation of privacy, risk mitigation, and upside potential. However, in my opinion, one such asset type is better than the rest. Here are five reasons why the fourplex is the perfect house hack: ... show more

November 19, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 36: The Top 10 Dos and Don’ts for Airbnb Short-Stay Landlords by Al Williamson

I don’t want to be a buzz kill… …but there’s too much mushy thinking in the Airbnb, VRBO (to learn more about how to rent your place and list for free on VRBO, click here), and short-stay space. So much so that I see short-stay landlords acting like home-sharers — and having a lot of fun doing so. However, if you check their bottom lines, you’ll see they aren’t doing much better than passive landlords. And doing extra work without capturing extra income is not the way to run a for-profit business. As a foaming-at-the-mouth Airbnb-er since 2011, one who is both a provider and user with stays all over the United States, let me offer a bit of structure. ... show more

November 18, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 35: 3 Real Estate Myths That Can Turn Potential Profits Into Huge Loss by Larry Alton

Real estate myths are abundant on the internet. It's important to discern the facts from clickbait and content written by people trying to establish themselves as experts in an area they're unfamiliar with. Some articles legitimately debunk real estate myths. The biggest obstacle is misleading titles that claim to debunk myths but actually perpetuate them. Incorrect information usually comes from one-sided reporting by people sharing a personal experience with a given situation. Unfortunately, following bad advice can plunge you into a downward spiral, depleting every ounce of financial security you have. One major financial mistake can drain your savings, force you to live on credit cards, and cause debt that will affect your ability to continue investing. Hopefully, you’ve got a bigger savings account than the 69% of Americans who have a stash of under $1,000—or the 34% who don’t have any savings at all. If you don’t have enough savings to cover a large loss, it’s especially important to discern fact from fiction and to learn from experienced investors. Relying on the following myths as absolutes can quickly turn your profits into a loss. ... show more

November 17, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 34: Mobile Home Parks: Why You Shouldn’t Rule Out Investing in them by Drew Sygit

Does the term "mobile home" or "trailer park" make your hair stand up on end? If so, you may want to take a step back and do some research. As a real estate investor, you're probably more familiar wit h single family homes and multi-unit rentals. You might wince at the thought of mobile home parks, like they're beneath you. Why though? An excellent real estate investment is one that makes you money. And you may be surprised at how lucrative this relatively undiscovered market can be. ... show more

November 16, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 33: Why I’m Not House Hacking (& the Strategy That Will Cover More of My Rent) by Julie Kent

Even if you’re only an occasional reader on the BiggerPockets blog, I’m confident that you’ve at least heard the term “house hacking.” If you’re familiar with the concept, please skip ahead. In a n utshell, housing is expensive—it's usually the most significant portion of a budget. House hacking is a strategy to cut down on your housing expenses by purchasing a multifamily property, often a duplex, and living in one unit while renting out the other(s). By using the rent you receive from the other unit(s) to put towards some, if not all, of your mortgage, you're essentially living "rent-free." And by utilizing an FHA loan, you can put down as little as 3.5% to get started. Sounds perfect, right? Don’t get me wrong. House hacking is an awesome strategy that works for a lot of people. But I’ve decided that it’s not the best option for me and my lifestyle. Here’s how I reached this conclusion. ... show more

November 15, 2020

BiggerPockets Daily 32: Cost Segregation: THIS Major Tax Benefit Convinced Me to Put My Money Into Large Multifamilies by Paul Moore

Depreciation schedules. IRS codes. Accounting. Paperwork. The very thought of these concepts is enough to put me to sleep at my desk. …or at least it used to be. Then I learned the power unle ashed in the simple but powerful strategy of accelerated depreciation. And when I was evaluating a change in career focus to dive into multifamily investing, it was one of the reasons I actually took the plunge. Well, I didn't change for the IRS codes and schedules and such. I did it for the surprising power unlocked in this concept. I will never view taxes the same! In a previous article, I talked about the many tax-saving opportunities a multifamily investor can achieve by hiring the right counsel. Specifically, I encouraged investors to retain a tax strategist to help them legitimately minimize taxes. Though many of the concepts were familiar, perhaps one of the least familiar was accelerating depreciation through a cost segregation study. This often allows commercial property owners to offset most or all of their income from an asset through faster-than-standard depreciation. As a result, owner/investors get distribution checks in the mail all year long—then a negative number on their K-1 at year-end. It’s hard to beat that. And this benefit typically goes on for quite a few years. This is another reason I specifically chose commercial (large scale) multifamily investing over single family or smaller scale multifamily investing. Before we get into the details of cost segregation, let’s back up and review the basis for this powerful tax-avoidance strategy. ... show more

Read

Watch

Listen

Topics

Recommended Vendors

Search

Calculators

Services

New Feature

Real Estate Books

Featured Book

BiggerPockets Daily Podcast

Previous Episodes

BiggerPockets Daily 47: The 7-Step Process for Finding Great Contractors for Home Renovations by Brandon Turner

BiggerPockets Daily 46: 5 Habits That Help Average People Make Millions by Engelo Rumora

BiggerPockets Daily 45: How to Avoid Over-Improving Properties (& Make Bigger Profits!) by Alex Felice

BiggerPockets Daily 44: Estimating Rental Property Expenses: Insurance, Property Taxes, Repairs, Vacancy Rate, and More by G. Brian Davis

BiggerPockets Daily 43: The Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance: What’s Covered, What’s Not, & How to Find an Agent by Whitney Hutten

BiggerPockets Daily 42: My Client Tripled His Income Using Airbnb: Here’s What He Should Know About Taxes by Amanda Han

BiggerPockets Daily 41: 7 Steps to Managing Your Money in a Volatile Economy by Whitney Hutton

BiggerPockets Daily 40: Professional Property Management vs. Self-Management: A Look at the Pros & Cons by Nasar El Arabi

BiggerPockets Daily 39: How a Michigan Man Lost His Rental Home Over an $8 Tax Bill by Paul Moore

BiggerPockets Daily 38: 5 Mindset Hacks to Conquer the Roadblocks That Sideline Other Investors by Debbie Emick

BiggerPockets Daily 37: 5 Reasons a Fourplex Makes the Perfect House Hack by Mike Roy

BiggerPockets Daily 36: The Top 10 Dos and Don’ts for Airbnb Short-Stay Landlords by Al Williamson

BiggerPockets Daily 35: 3 Real Estate Myths That Can Turn Potential Profits Into Huge Loss by Larry Alton

BiggerPockets Daily 34: Mobile Home Parks: Why You Shouldn’t Rule Out Investing in them by Drew Sygit

BiggerPockets Daily 33: Why I’m Not House Hacking (& the Strategy That Will Cover More of My Rent) by Julie Kent

BiggerPockets Daily 32: Cost Segregation: THIS Major Tax Benefit Convinced Me to Put My Money Into Large Multifamilies by Paul Moore

BiggerPockets Daily Podcast

Previous Episodes

BiggerPockets Daily Podcast

Create Lasting Wealth Through Real Estate

Log in

Let's get started

Why create an account?