In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, Joe Jensen sits down with Matt Lavender, founder and president of New Again Houses, one of the fastest-growing home-flipping franchise systems in the country. What started in a tiny roofing shop in 2008 has grown into a nationwide network of 50+ franchise locations powered by proprietary software, in-house lending, and a model designed to help everyday entrepreneurs flip houses consistently and profitably. Before building this national operation, Matt was a college professor and soccer coach—and he shares how his unconventional background shaped his philosophy on leadership, perseverance, and building a business instead of just flipping a house.

Matt breaks down the metrics that actually matter when analyzing deals (including the "risk factor" most investors ignore), why consistent volume is the key to reducing risk, and how partnerships—with contractors, suppliers, and even Lowe's corporate—drive competitive advantage. He also explains why real estate is never passive, how to scale without sacrificing your life, the difference between building a business vs. chasing deals, and why most investors fail without a clear strategy. From franchise insights to hard-earned flipping lessons, this conversation is a masterclass in creating sustainable success—whether you flip 2 houses a year or 30.