For the 100th episode of the BiggerPockets Podcast, we bring you the interview that you’ve been asking for since the beginning: the story of Joshua Dorkin, CEO of BiggerPockets and host of the BiggerPockets Podcast.
Learn about Josh’s journey from real estate investing newbie to BiggerPockets founder — and all of the obstacles he had to overcome along the way. Get insider information on topics from starting your own business to property management and HOAs. And leave inspired to tackle your own hurdles and get your real estate endeavors off the ground!
For BiggerPockets fans old and new, this is an instant BiggerPockets Podcast classic you won’t want to miss. Get ready to learn more about the man behind the BiggerPockets curtains!
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Sponsor
We just wanted to give a shout out to our podcast sponsor on today’s show: YellowLetters.com. YellowLetters is a full service marketing company that helps hundreds of BiggerPockets members find more deals and make more money.
Learn more by visiting YellowLetters.com.
In This Show We Cover:
- How Josh got started in Real Estate
- The ins and outs of beginning your own business
- Thoughts on getting your real estate agent’s license
- How to get into Real Estate without any prior knowledge about it
- The importance of properly assessing a property
- What you need to know about HOAs
- Josh’s thoughts on appreciation
- Lessons regarding investing from a distance
- How BiggerPockets got its start
- Why BiggerPockets is hard on real estate gurus
- Why you should be authentic when using BiggerPockets
- The importance of building relationships online
- And MUCH more!
Links From the Show:
- Brandon Turner’s Book on Amazon
- BiggerPockets Files
- BP’s Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Investing
- BiggerPockets Keyword Alerts
- BiggerPockets Marketplace
- BiggerPockets Plus and Pro Accounts
- BiggerPockets Support
- Should I Get My Real Estate License? An Investor’s Examination of Benefits & Costs by Mindy Jensen (The blog post Josh referred to!)
- SNL Appearance
Books Mentioned in the Show
- Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Brandon Turner’s The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down
- Rework: Change The Way You Work Forever by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
- The CEO Code by David Rohlander
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88 Comments
Haven’t listened yet, but I can’t wait 🙂 Great choice for episode 100!
Thanks Mehran! Hopefully you still feel that way after listening.
I could’ve sworn I left a reply here after listening to the show. Don’t see it for some reason! Josh, I loved hearing more about the man who got us all connected. Thanks for sharing your story and for having the values/beliefs that you do. It feels good to be part of a team that is lead by a person who doesn’t B.S. or take B.S. from anyone 🙂
Haven’t listened either ^^^ lol
Episode 100 is a winner tho.
Have a great day.
Nice . . . thanks, Engelo!
What a great show you guys! So many pieces worthy of notice!
1. Josh is hiring Ben Leybovich, and Brandon is worried…anyone want to fill me in…?!
2. HOA/Assessment – wow! I’ve passed on many deals due to exactly this kind of thing.
3. Plastic people in LA…what?! Oh, yeah
4. Better lucky than good – that is a real thing…
5. Managing people = managing property; folks need to understand this!
6. Detroit is the place to be! Yeah
7. Brandon Turner – property management – climbing on roofs – poor Heather -Oy vey
9. Brandon Turner is such a GURU!
10. Josh – never apologize. I’ll just say it – you are smarter, and you piss us off cause we are jealous – done…
11. Thank you, Julie!
12. You must give, in order to receive – it’s Biblical. Not sure what’s confusing to folks about that…
Great show. One of the best. In fact, I can only think of 2 shows that were better – 14 and 61 🙂
P.S. To my BFF – nicely done! I could do it better, but nicely done 🙂
Thanks Ben. I really appreciate you listening and taking the time to say something nice. I’ll get that check to you right away 😉
Hah – in some not so very nice ways, you remind me of me so much 😉
I’m not sure what that means, but if it is a complement, thanks. If it is a dig . . . karma will get you 😉
Karma has been getting me ever since our first hello. Please, no more karma, Josh. Seriously, man – I’ve got all that I can handle on my plate at the moment…
Great show!
This was a great podcast guys! It was nice to finally here Josh’s history. lol A lot of EXCELLENT advice and tips, tho’. Thanks guys!!
Thanks James! I’m glad you liked it.
Josh and Brandon – what a great show! Josh – your story is priceless! Brandon – good job keeping the interview on track. 🙂 As I listened today I just kept thinking how lucky we are to have BiggerPockets and how much I personally appreciate you! This forum has really provided so much value and a credible platform to learn and participate in the real estate investing arena. I am so proud of where you’ve taken your business – and that you really do have the backs of your members. Your vision, values and integrity are recreating the real estate investing culture for the better.
So, THANK YOU! I DO love BiggerPockets!! If I may quote Josh: Right on, right on! 🙂
Wow! I really appreciate your kind words, Carolyn. I try my best to make BP the kind of place I’d want to spend my time and it is great to know that people can see that. Thank you for your words and for being a part of our world!
Loved hearing your story, Josh! I had been so curious who the mystery 100th episode guest would be, and was totally surprised. Very nicely done, and thanks for sharing!
Hey Jonna – Thanks for the comment and for listening!
Loved the podcast, it was nice to get a bit more information on the mysterious Josh. Sadly, I’m one of those ghost members who listens to every podcast but never posts. I’ll definitely be using the site more.
Keep making great shows and congratulations on your 100th podcasts!
Hey Olivia – Don’t worry about it . . . thanks for listening. We’ll see you on the site (hint)!
I can’t wait to hear your story, Josh. I’m almost caught up on the Podcasts, but am going to skip ahead a few and listen to this one next.
Thanks Mindy. I hope you enjoy it.
It’s nice to hear your story. I wrote the article about all the costs involved in getting your license that you mentioned.
Here is the link:
https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/03/real-estate-license-benefits-costs-investors/
This was a great podcast guys, definitely top10. Josh its great to know where you have come from and what has helped shape this great community. By the way you and Brandon had me cracking up towards the end of the podcast, you guys have a great dynamic. Great job!
I, definitely, have to agree. The way you two interact together is “awesome.”
Thanks a ton, Jon!
Hard to believe this is BP’s 100th podcast! I’ve been listening since the beginning and never fail to be impressed. Great milestone, BiggerPockets. Congratulations!
It amazes us too, George! Thanks.
Congrats on 100 episodes! I’ve learned so much from all of these podcasts.
I liked hearing about the origins of the Bigger Pockets name, very interesting! I also liked the reasons why Joshua started the site. I think when you set out to help people, good things will always come back to you in return.
Back in the day, I joined a lot of those other (pre-Facebook) forums/group sites and learned from them, but I always came back to BP to learn from the investors here. Anyone who asks me about REI, I tell them to join BP and just read the forms to get started – it’s free and you’ll learn a lot. Now, I tell them to listen to the podcasts, too.
Steph
PS – Weren’t we supposed to have those SNL skit links in the show notes? 🙂
Thanks for coming back, Steph. And on the skits — someone will dig them up 😉
Than you for sharing your story with everyone and thank you for the community that you founded. I am proud to say that I am a member of Bigger Pockets. I look forward to what the future holds for BP and it’s members.
So… we have checked off the list of hearing the background of BP and Joshua Dorkin. The next item on the list is to announce the dates for the BP Summit 😉
Mayor of Detroit wasn’t available? maybe show 101.
Ha nice, Jason. Well played!
Where’s the video for Josh on SNL?
What video? 😉
Congratulation on 100 th show . Ever since i found your podcast i got hooked after listening to it. Other people would charge for the things i learn by just listening to your podcast. Thank you for BP . You Joshua Dorkin and Brandon turner are doing a great job.
Thanks for the message, George. We do our best to bring an incredible amount of value to the people who count on us. Thanks for being a part of our community.
Congrats Josh and Brandon on Episode 100!! Always love listening to you guys and all the insight and good questions you ask your guests.
Thanks Vince. Hopefully I was able to bring the goods today, too.
100 shows and you keep bringing the heat. My quick take-aways:
1. Josh, if not for those mistakes and BP, I almost definitely would not be doing what I am today. I am incredibly thankful for what you created.
2. Brandon, amazing job hosting. (Shameless PLUG: Today Amazon books are 20% off so pick up your copy NOW of BT’s book.)
3. Josh is your pose from the podcast picture the same one from your “mipper” days?
Looking forward to the next 100.
*Amazon book discount is 25% off, use: “Bookdeal25”
Jonathan –
1 – Thank you. I’m glad BP is working for you.
2 – Eh
3 – It might be . . . once mipper makes it to the Urban Dictionary, I’ll know I made it.
Another GREAT podcast, looking forward to the next 100 podcast. Keep grinding
Thanks Billy!
Great show guys!!! Thank you for FINALLY sharing Josh’s story! I was on the verge of searching for it on Google, now I don’t have to! 😉
Thank you Josh for your tireless contribution to your fellow investors, I know I couldn’t have made it this far without BP! You’re the BOMB!
Bevla – Thanks for the awesome message. Please be sure to share any successes you have in our success stories forum!
Great show! Still waiting for the Josh Dorkin SNL clips. 🙂
You may have to wait a long time, Troy — or find them yourself 😉 I’m not letting them make it that easy on you guys.
Links to Josh on SNL please…
I’m not going to contribute to the madness 😉
Congratulations! You had me at Walter Mitty:) always take away such valuable information from you both – about rei and living the dream.
Thanks Shannon. Keep it up.
@Brandon, just got your book, plan on reading possibly this weekend. Sent you my book, did you get it?
@Josh, great show, you might want to read the original Walter Mitty by James Thurber, an under appreciated author. Enjoy my book.
Thanks for the great show and the great site, continued success. I did listen to the entire show btw.
Thanks David. Much appreciated.
What a brilliant podcast for this important milestone! Josh, you are one seriously talented, interesting and funny chap! I’ve pretty much replaced listening to music in my car, and there’s no better reason to do so. Bigger Pockets podcasts are compulsive listening. #100 was bound to be a big one, and it certainly was. The time actually flew by, and I didn’t want it to end. Two previous podcasts that have really stood out for me were Jonna’s, because the content, information, pace, and host / guest chemistry was so great; and Engelo’s because he was so hilarious, and full of energy. Josh’s story makes up my top 3 of the first 100. I certainly hope that these go on for years to come! (Oh, and when Bigger Pockets starts selling t-shirts, I’d love one with “There’s a hooole in the flooor!!”) ?
Gavin – That’s actually not a bad idea for a t-shirt . . . I’d love to see some concepts! Otherwise, thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed the show and I really appreciate the complements. Thanks for listening and being a part of BiggerPockets!
SNL 4/18/92 ????? Classroom scene w/ Seinfield… Josh sitting in the back row behind Adam Sandler and next to Chris Farley???
Nope.
Fellas, I just joined BP a few months ago after becoming interested in REI. I did not come across the “opportunity” of paying a guru and BP is the ONLY REI training and a knowledge source that has ever been i front of me. After this podcast I now realize how blessed and lucky I am, timing wise, to have this free resource and never having to pay a guru. Thank you gents!!!! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to yous both and all the BP!
Thanks for the kind words, Rich! It means a lot.
Here you go guys I found one of Josh’s SNL clips. He’s the guy in the background over the cop’s (who I think is Ben Affleck?) shoulder with the flat top.
Enjoy!
https://screen.yahoo.com/police-recruit-fitness-testing-000000486.html
Well played, Shane.
Josh,
In this podcast you stated that a person should stay in their own backyard. Do u feel that a newbie will be okay if they go out within a two hour drive? (Example: I live between Baltimore and Philadelphia with is about an hour from each.)
Hey Jerry –
I think backyard comes first, but it that doesn’t work, looking within a few hours is definitely cool as well. The key is accessibility.
OK…. I think I’m in love. What an amazing interview! I am totally inspired and know I have found a kindred spirit in you, Josh. Authenticity, honorable intentions, value-based business approach, anti-guru philosophy – you’ve got it all! Have you thought about a donate button? I would totally vote for BP with MY dollar!
“I want the answer to the question that I asked!” Favorite quote
Julia – Thanks for the awesome feedback. It really does mean a lot to me. We do have the ability to donate. That said, if you want to give back to BP, stay active and consider a Pro or Plus account first. Not only does it help support us, but it also gives you additional tools to assist you. Otherwise, do consider uploading a personal profile pic so people can better find you as you navigate and participate on the site. Good luck!
This was a great podcast and very fitting for episode 100. Congrats on the milestone, and thanks for sharing your story, Josh. BP rocks!
Thanks Ryan!
I liked discussion on crapy PMs. I totally agree that they need to be fired sometimes. However, they seem to be well aware that they suck, as they put in a protective clause in their agreements in that you, the owner, have to pay them X number of dollars if you fire them. It is quite amazing. I fired a PM firm who seemed to make the wrong choice 100% of the time. They were just terrible at every turn. When I fired them, they took whatever they were to make for the rest of our contract out of the tenant’s security deposit that I had to evict. How does one get around this? Yeah, they need to be fired, but how do you do it without congratulating them for their unethical and shoddy work by paying them even more?
Andres – That sounds illegal — neither you nor a property manager can mess with a security deposit for reasons other than damages to a property, from what I understand. That money is not yours, it is the tenants. I’d probably talk to an attorney about that. I’m sure it is ok to have a penalty clause, but I don’t think they can raid security deposits to get “what’s theirs.”
That said, it is EXTREMELY important to read your contract with a PM and if there is something you don’t like, you should negotiate it or move on and find another company.
Awesome podcast, Josh. I actually listened three times already! As a fellow former educator, I understand what you went through, and how teaching can be both extremely rewarding and frustrating at same time. I was always curious about how BiggerPocket was found, and I was very inspired by the principle you guys go by. As a newbie in REI, this site has been extremely helpful, and I really thank you for creating such a wonderful community, Josh. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Roy! I’m glad the site is valuable for you.
Finally got to listen…took me two commutes to finish 🙂 Good stuff, Josh. Much respect. Keep up the good fight.
Hey Brandon – thanks for listening! It was a little long, but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I just finished listening to this podcast and I wanted to say thank you Josh for being unswerving in your commitment to honesty and integrity. Seriously. I believe that these qualities are the reason for your success and the reason I keep listening, reading, and telling others about this site.
Thank you!
That means a lot, John.
Thank you, Josh and Brandon! Well, mostly Josh, but props to Brandon for being the personality that he is and wearing the host hat for the day (#BenLWasRight). I realize my reply is late, but still catching up after the holidays.
Somewhat seriously, though, how many properties / units do you own now, Josh? Are they SFR, multis, commercial? Are you managing all of them yourself? I know you’re focusing on BP, but curious how far you’ve come with your RE portfolio. Sorry if I missed this in the podcast…or possibly forgot if it was in the first hour of the show rather than the second! …or perhaps the host forgot to ask these questions! 🙂
Josh, you are so great at getting us all motivated!! I am not a frequent poster here on bigger pockets even though I joined almost a year ago. After listening to your podcast I am going to make it a point to post here on BP as much as possible so I can get involved more. I have been interested in real estate investing for years and never seemed to figure it out how to get started but feel after listening to you guys each week that Bigger Pockets will be the connection that will actually get me started. I am very glad you started bigger pockets, thank you!!
-mark
I’m glad to have motivated you, Mark! Get the ball moving and let us know how we can be helpful to you going forward.
I am new here, so I will have to say great podcast, have listened to a few of them. yours was very honest, informative, and makes me realize this site is the real deal for people trying to do and accomplish some day what you have,,
thank you
Thanks for the comment, David. This place is the real deal!
Just listened to this podcast. Josh, I REALLY appreciate your philosophy on looking out for people and providing great information. I truly believe this is what will keep Bigger Pockets differentiated and growing. I love the podcasts in general for the information they provide but now I’m a total evangelist because of the philosophy. Well done!
That’s great to hear, Chris. Keep spreading the word about BP and thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Wow, great to hear your story Josh!
It’s so true in life about our paths changing. Sometimes we think we are going one way when in reality we go another. One thing I’ve learned about real estate investing, it has its ups and downs — it’s definitely been a roller coaster!
It’s great to see how BP has changed and grown. I do miss the old days sometimes but it’s also nice to see what’s new. Great episode! I see you have a sidekick now. 🙂
p.s. I completely hear you about HOA. Nowadays, they seem to have a lot more power. I knew one person who bought a home in an HOA only finding out after they moved in how strict the restrictions were — they could not even have pizza delivered to their own house!
Hey Rachel – Thanks for the message — I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. As for the old days — I definitely like the energy today a little more, but understand why you may have liked the site when it was smaller.
Josh, I applaud your firm commitment to staying true to your vision. Thank you, and thank you Julie.
I’ve only been a member for a short time, but have been like a sponge! Thank you for creating content that is real, meaningful and just what I need.
End of last year, I found myself at one of those invitations to attend a weekend event. And because I had made the decision to return to RE investing but with education. I said “yes” to the big package. While I often find myself disappointed with the decision to take a huge gamble, if I wouldn’t have done that, I wouldn’t be here. Thankful for the journey, albeit bumpy. Look forward to sharing and creating victories with my new BP family. Thanks again for creating a safe place to learn and connect.
Great Podcast!
Thanks Josh for sharing your start-up experiences. Very helpful! I’m about 2 weeks in to being a BP member and have to say that this site has provided me with so much information. I’m ready to finally pull the trigger on RE investing after years and years of classes, reading and much much apprehension.
Thank you again for this site and for sharing your story!
I’ve been listening to the podcasts from oldest to newest. Thank you for bringing Josh on as a guest. Maybe Brandan could be next…
One of the things I really appreciated on this podcast was the detailed explanation of Josh’ condo and his reasoning for disliking HOAs. That was very helpful.
I’d like to hear more about Josh’ investing strategy and types of investments that keep him going in real estate investing.
Great show and thanks for opening up, Josh.
Wow, Josh really sound like a guy who built this site to help out the guys who are really trying to come up in Real Estate. I’m currently in the process of buying my first property and will be more active to show support. Thank you guys. You all are true Players in this game!
Josh, you absolutely stole the show in that SNL skit. You should have been Batman instead of Ben Aflleck!