BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

Episode: 4 High-Return, Beginner-Friendly Investing Strategies for 2026

Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Dave Meyer
Guest: Tony Robinson (Co-Host, Rookie Podcast)

Episode Theme & Purpose

In this actionable and motivating episode, Dave Meyer and Tony Robinson break down four real estate investing strategies that are not only high-return but also particularly accessible to beginners in 2025–2026’s housing market. The conversation goes beyond theory, touching on the mindset shifts required to move from learning to doing, and details exactly how new investors can take advantage of current market conditions.
Listeners leave with not just tactical guidance, but also a call to action to move toward financial freedom through real estate.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Is Now a Good Time to Start Investing?

• Market conditions: High interest rates, recent inflation, and affordability issues have made many would-be investors hesitate.
• Timeless wisdom: Tony argues that “the best time to invest in real estate is yesterday,” since trying to time the market can leave you sidelined while property values and competition shift.
• Quote:

  “If a deal works at a 7.5% or 8% interest rate, and you’re still cash flow positive, that deal is only going to get better when rates go down.”
  — Tony Robinson @ [01:24]

• Host perspective: Dave adds that every market has its trade-offs. In 2022, there was more competition, waived contingencies, and less ability to inspect properties—today’s lower competition can actually be a benefit for new investors.
  • “For rookies, the lack of competition could be honestly better than a super-fast appreciating market.” — Dave Meyer @ [02:58]
• Negotiation leverage: Tony notes buyers now have more negotiation power—one client even got a $100k discount on an STR property, which was “impossible” three years ago.
  — [04:01]

2. Mindset for Rookie Investors

• Preparedness means mindset: Tony stresses that the biggest barrier isn’t skill, but psychology:
  • “It’s not a skill set issue, it’s a mindset issue.” — Tony Robinson @ [05:06]
• Analysis paralysis: If you listen to these podcasts and understand 90% of the conversation, you’re likely ready—it’s time to move from education to action.
• Getting comfortable with discomfort: “It is physically impossible to be growing and to be comfortable at the same time.”
  — Tony Robinson @ [06:52]
• Reframing the first deal:

  “Frame the first deal as a learning opportunity, as the foundation for your second, fifth, tenth deal... It makes it easier to get started.”
  — Tony Robinson @ [07:33]

• Expectations management: Dave likens rookie expectations to starting a job at entry-level; no one retires from their first deal, and that’s normal.

3. Four High-Return, Beginner-Friendly Investing Strategies

A. House Hacking

• Popularity: As rents rise and financing tightens, more beginners look to house hacking as an accessible entry point.
• Variety: Not just duplexes—single-family homes with ADUs, or creative layouts, can work.
• Market conditions: Dave notes duplex/small multifamily prices are dropping and competition is down, which helps buyers.
  • “For 80% of new investors, house hacking is the best way to get in.” — Dave Meyer @ [14:40]

B. Co-Living / Room Rental

• Mechanics: Renting by the room—renting out each bedroom individually—increases cash flow with limited extra cost.
• Upside: Sometimes 2-4x returns over standard renting. There’s significant demand as affordability crunches.
• Management: Interviewed investors report little increased management if expectations and systems are set early (e.g., cleaning services, clear house rules).
  • “Every management type has headaches, but no significant uptick in issues compared to traditional rentals.” — Tony Robinson @ [18:20]

C. Private Lending

• Passive returns: If you have even low six-figure cash, you can lend to other investors for returns of 10-18% (via points, interest).
• Reduced hassle: “All your work is at the front: vet the deal, wire funds, do nothing for 3–6 months, and get back a bigger check.” — Tony Robinson @ [24:35]
• Host advice: Dave personally does “lazy private lending”—buying existing loans for 10-11% returns.
• Accessible vehicles: Debt funds and self-directed IRA lending—especially for those seeking passive, fixed income.

D. Short Term Rentals (STRs)

• Bubble & correction: The STR boom led to “irrational exuberance,” with bubbles forming and popping in many markets. Now, after a correction, professionalism and profitability are returning.
• Keys to success:
  • “Pick markets with strong underlying economics.”
  • Furnish well (budget ~$30/sq ft).
  • Stay hands-on with management; the bar for quality has gone up.
• Quote:

  "The folks who are still in STRs are the people doing it with the right intention, systems, and processes."
  — Tony Robinson @ [28:07]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the importance of mindset:

  "If you’re doing something new for the first time, anything of meaning, it's physically impossible to be comfortable... You’ll never get to that point."
  — Tony Robinson @ [06:52]

• On expectations:

  "The problem with real estate investing right now is not the market. It’s a matter of expectations."
  — Dave Meyer @ [08:07]

• On co-living management:

  "He did things like offered a cleaning service as part of their rent... Host events, like pizza night, to build camaraderie."
  — Tony Robinson @ [18:20]

Actionable Advice & Final Thoughts

Tony's Challenge: "30 Deals in 30 Days"

• Underwrite 1 deal a day for a month—guaranteed you’ll find one that works and start to overcome inaction.

  "At some point during those 30 days, there will be at least a few deals you’re like, 'Man, this kinda works...’ And then, just get the offer out."
  — Tony Robinson @ [34:29]

Shift from education to action:

• Set deadlines; share them with others for accountability.
• Use BiggerPockets tools to simplify deal analysis and make underwriting fun.

"Finding the way from education to action is the key for every rookie."
— Dave Meyer @ [34:40]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:37–04:56 – Is 2025 a good time to invest? Mindset, competition, and leverage.
• 05:06–08:07 – Rookie mindset, analysis paralysis, discomfort, realistic expectations.
• 13:32–14:40 – House hacking: unique approaches, market shifts.
• 15:37–18:44 – Co-living: structure, management, increasing cash flow.
• 22:36–27:11 – Private Lending: mechanics, returns, passive strategies.
• 27:52–32:50 – Short Term Rentals: bubble, correction, new professionalism, STR tips.
• 33:25–34:40 – Taking action: the "30 deals in 30 days" challenge.
• 34:40–35:46 – Final encouragement, accountability, and resources.

Conclusion

This insightful, practical episode highlights not just the “how” but the “why now” for rookies in real estate. Dave and Tony’s advice weaves together the importance of mindset, tactical entry strategies fitting the current market, and the necessity of action. Whether you’re drawn to house hacking, co-living, private lending, or STRs, there is a clear on-ramp for beginners—and a path to financial freedom—if you act.

Final words:

"Shift the focus from education to action. The sooner you do that, the faster you'll see results."
— Tony Robinson @ [34:40]

Follow Tony Robinson:

• Instagram @tonyjrobinson
• The Real Estate Rookie Podcast (BiggerPockets)

Further Resources:

• Book Recommendation: Lend to Live (for private lending fundamentals)