Real Estate Rookie Podcast Summary
Episode: Making $2,400/Month Cash Flow and Getting Rich Slowly with “Boring” Rentals
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Hosts: Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson
Guest: Anthony Finger
Introduction to Boring Investing
Ashley Kehr opens the episode by addressing the current uncertain real estate market, highlighting "boring investing" as a resilient strategy.
“With the market feeling so uncertain these days, one of the best strategies to deal with it is boring investing.”
— Ashley Kehr [00:00]
Tony J. Robinson contrasts the rapid asset accumulation often seen in aggressive investing with the stability and long-term benefits of a slow, steady approach.
“For the average investor, buying slow and holding can be the best path to financial freedom.”
— Tony J. Robinson [00:07]
Guest Introduction: Anthony Finger
Anthony Finger, a real estate rookie, shares his journey from initial stock market investments to embracing long-term rental properties as a path to financial wealth.
From Stocks to Real Estate: Anthony's Investment Journey
Anthony details his early investment experiences, starting with a financial advisor that failed to grow his initial $10,000 investment. This setback pushed him towards self-education and eventually to Vanguard, where his account grew significantly over three years through index fund investing.
“In 2018 when I buy my first rental property... it was really off to the races.”
— Anthony Finger [01:14]
His first rental was a modest $130,000 property in San Antonio, Texas—a decision influenced by his desire for a tangible investment and peace of mind.
Mindset Shift: From Conventional Wisdom to Real Estate
Ashley probes Anthony’s decision to shift from a financial advisor to hands-on real estate investing, emphasizing the importance of feeling in control and secure.
“If you can invest in your backyard, it's just easier. I don't know, there's peace of mind, right?”
— Anthony Finger [04:21]
Tony reinforces the importance of seeking advice from those who have successfully built wealth through real estate rather than relying on uninformed opinions.
“If you want to build wealth, you don't go to the person that hasn't built wealth before.”
— Tony J. Robinson [07:32]
Building the Portfolio: Strategies and Challenges
Anthony outlines his current portfolio:
- Seven Properties (Nine Units): Including duplexes and single-family homes.
- Location Strategy: Initially in San Antonio, Texas, then expanding to Akron, Ohio.
- Investment Approach: All traditional long-term rentals aimed at steady cash flow and appreciation.
“Monthly cash flow right now, like true cash flow after all expenses, about $2,400 a month.”
— Anthony Finger [12:41]
Overcoming Setbacks: The San Antonio Duplex
Anthony recounts a challenging experience with a duplex purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenants exploited eviction moratoriums, leading to significant financial strain and eventual sale just to break even.
“I bought that duplex for $188,000, December of 2020... I basically broke even there.”
— Anthony Finger [17:05]
Tony empathizes, highlighting that every investor faces setbacks, which ultimately contribute to growth and better decision-making.
Expanding to a New Market: Akron, Ohio
With the San Antonio market becoming saturated, Anthony strategically pivoted to Akron, Ohio, leveraging turnkey investment services from Rent to Retirement to streamline the process.
“Rent to Retirement basically landed me in Akron... I'm just kind of following their guidance.”
— Anthony Finger [14:11]
Anthony emphasizes the importance of due diligence when selecting turnkey investment partners, ensuring reliability and reputational integrity.
“Not all turnkey investment companies are created equally... do your due diligence.”
— Anthony Finger [16:44]
Diversifying Strategies: New Builds and Mortgage Optimization
Anthony discusses integrating new builds into his portfolio, taking advantage of builder incentives and favorable mortgage rates to enhance cash flow and equity.
“I bought this one single family on a 10-year ARM for 4.75% in 2023... locked in for 4.75.”
— Anthony Finger [20:40]
Strategic Pausing and Portfolio Restructuring
In 2021, Anthony intentionally paused acquisitions to restructure his portfolio, paying off a problematic duplex and reinforcing his conservative investment approach.
“I intentionally took 2021 off... restructuring the debt to something a little bit more conservative.”
— Anthony Finger [27:18]
Tony underscores the value of not scaling too quickly, using the example of Forever 21's bankruptcy due to over-expansion, reinforcing the importance of sustainable growth.
Long-Term Vision: 15-15-15 Strategy
Anthony elaborates on two primary models influencing his long-term strategy:
- Chad Carson's Small, Mighty Real Estate Investor: Focuses on manageable portfolios rather than sheer volume.
- David Green's 15-15-15 Strategy: Buy 15 properties over 15 years with 15-year mortgages, allowing for refinancing and equity extraction as mortgages are paid off.
“You don't need 100 doors... 15 years, on 15-year mortgages.”
— Anthony Finger [30:26]
Financial Discipline: Saving and Cash Flow
Emphasizing the mantra “a dollar saved is a dollar earned,” Anthony highlights his commitment to living below his means and maintaining a high savings rate to fuel his investment strategy.
“A dollar saved is a dollar earned is a great takeaway.”
— Anthony Finger [35:41]
Closing Thoughts: Encouragement for Rookie Investors
Anthony encourages rookies to embrace a steady, conservative approach, assuring them that slow and steady can lead to significant financial transformation without the pressure of rapid scaling.
“Don't think that you are a failure because you don't have 70 doors by the time you're 24.”
— Anthony Finger [39:05]
Key Takeaways
- Boring Investing: Focus on long-term, steady growth through traditional rentals.
- Due Diligence: Carefully select investment partners and markets.
- Financial Discipline: Maintain a high savings rate and live below your means.
- Strategic Pausing: Know when to slow down to restructure and safeguard your portfolio.
- Long-Term Strategies: Implement models like 15-15-15 for sustainable growth.
Connect with Anthony Finger
- Instagram: @aorefinger22
- LinkedIn: Anthony Finger
- BiggerPockets Profile: Search for Anthony Finger
Anthony is also preparing to attend BPCon 2025 in Las Vegas, aiming to connect with fellow investors and expand his network.
This episode of Real Estate Rookie serves as an inspiring roadmap for beginner investors, demonstrating that patience, strategic planning, and disciplined financial management can lead to substantial and sustainable wealth through real estate.