Podcast
Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast
Hosted by Rental Property Owners Association with Brian Hamrick · EN
Welcome to the Rental Property Owner and Real Estate Investor Podcast, Brought to you by the Rental Property Owner Association - providing benefits and services to real estate investors and rental property owners for over 45 years.
Hosted by Brian Hamrick from Hamrick Investment Group.
Every Monday Brian and his special guest will discuss topics, tips, and techniques Designed to make you a more confident and successful Rental Property Owner and Real Estate Investor
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The BRRRR Method Before It Had a Name: 30 Years of Hard Lessons with Joel Kraut
3d ago00:32:03Tap to summarizeMost real estate investors never reach financial freedom. Not because they lack hustle. Not because they miss deals. They fail because they never build a real long-term strategy. In this episode, Brian sits down with Joel Kraut, a real estate investor with over 30 years of experience. Joel has flipped more than 100 homes, built rental portfolios across multiple states, operated through the 2008 crash, and rebuilt after losing $4.2M during the financial crisis. Today, he shares the framework behind his book Seven Steps to Financial Freedom and explains how investors can build portfolios that survive volatility and compound over time. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Joel accidentally discovered the BRRRR method in the 1990s The biggest differences between real estate investing then vs. now Why today's financing options are more flexible than ever Where the BRRRR strategy still works in 2026 Why most investors fail because they treat real estate like transactions instead of a business How to build a team before you scale The importance of slowing down and creating a real financial foundation Why boring deals often outperform "home run" swings How Joel recovered after losing $4.2M in the 2008 crash The mindset required to survive big financial swings Why financial freedom is really about time freedom Joel also shares why new investors should focus on simple, structured deals instead of risky, high-leverage bets—and how discipline beats hype every time. About Joel Kraut Joel Kraut is a real estate investor, author, and operator with over 30 years of experience. He has flipped more than 100 homes, built rental portfolios across multiple states, and financed projects nationwide through his lending platform. After navigating multiple market cycles—including the 2008 crash—Joel now focuses on helping investors build sustainable, long-term strategies rather than chasing short-term wins. Resources Seven Steps to Financial Freedom – Available on Amazon Website: brrrr.com Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. rcbassociatesllc.com
Transcribe →From $200 a Month to $5,000: How the Co-Living Model Transforms Rental Cash Flow with Katrina Robinson
1w ago00:29:50Tap to summarizeCo-living is one of the most overlooked strategies in real estate investing. While most investors chase single-family rentals generating $200 a month per door, a small group of operators is filling houses with multiple residents, charging per bed, and clearing $5,000 or more on a single property. In this episode, co-living investor and coach Katrina Robinson breaks down exactly how this model works, who it serves, and how she runs three properties in San Antonio, Texas from Los Angeles. About Katrina Robinson Katrina Robinson is the founder of the Group Home on Autopilot coaching program and operator of Roundtable Living, a San Antonio-based co-living company with three properties housing low-income residents including people with disabilities, working-class adults, elderly tenants, and reentry individuals. A former Air Force officer deployed to Iraq, she manages her portfolio remotely and coaches investors nationwide on how to build and run co-living businesses profitably. What We Cover in This Episode What co-living is and how it differs from assisted living and adult foster care Why Katrina targets low-income, disability, elderly, and reentry residents How she went from $200 a month per door to $5,000+ per property The economics of co-living: beds, pricing by market, and the $2,000 monthly target How to choose the right property: bedrooms, bathrooms, layout, and amenities Why she avoids HOAs and how the Fair Housing Act protects her business How to segment residents by house to reduce conflict The systems she uses to manage properties remotely: Rent Ready, Jotform, Calendly, and Google Sheets The operations manager model and how she structured it as an independent contractor Real horror stories from the field and what they taught her about screening and systems Key Insight Katrina's first co-living house has 15 beds at $560 a month each. Gross income: $8,400. Her take-home after expenses: over $5,000 a month on one property. That single result convinced her to open a second house, then a third, and eventually build a coaching business around the model. The math works because the per-bed rate, even at an affordable price point, stacks in a way that single-family cash flow never does. Why This Episode Matters Affordable housing is one of the most pressing problems in the country and also one of the least understood opportunities in real estate. This episode gives investors a clear look at a model that addresses both, with real numbers, real systems, and real stories from someone who built it from the ground up and teaches others how to do the same. Find Out More Website: grouphomeonautopilot.com LinkedIn: Katrina E. Robinson YouTube: youtube.com/@grouphomeonautopilot Sponsors Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. rcbassociatesllc.com
Transcribe →The $100M Mistake: Why Investors Confuse Market Price with Investment Value with Ryan Cadwell
2w ago00:29:11Tap to summarizeMost investors think price equals value. They look at comps. They trust broker packages. They assume appreciation will fix everything. That's where they get into trouble. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Cadwell, Principal of Resolute RDM, an Indianapolis-based firm involved in over $100M in transactions, development, and asset management. Ryan has flipped nearly 150 homes and is currently developing more than 240 duplex units. He breaks down what he calls the "$100M mistake" — confusing market price with investment value — and why overly optimistic underwriting is putting investors in difficult positions. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The difference between market value and investment value Why buying strictly on pro forma is dangerous How brokers use optimistic assumptions to justify pricing The underwriting mistakes investors made during low interest rate years Why today's market is a capital game How flat rent growth is exposing weak assumptions The long-term math behind 3% rent growth When time can fix a mistake — and when it cannot Why "$100 under market rent" is often misleading How to evaluate rent growth assumptions realistically The role of opportunity cost in deal evaluation Why disciplined underwriting matters more than ever Market Value vs. Investment Value Market value is what the seller wants and what brokers are marketing. Investment value is what the property is worth to you based on: Your opportunity cost Your tax situation Your capital stack Your required return Your hold timeline If those do not align, the deal does not work. The Pro Forma Problem Many investors: Underwrite 3% rent growth Underwrite 2% expense growth Assume stable refinance rates Assume quick lease-up When even one of those assumptions fails, the entire deal breaks. In flat rent markets, optimism gets expensive fast. When Time Is the Only Fix If you overpay, time may be your only exit. Longer holds can allow: Wage growth to catch up Rents to normalize Market cycles to reset But only if you have enough capital to survive the wait. AI in Underwriting Ryan also shares how he uses AI tools like Claude and Gemini to build custom deal analyzers that: Rank opportunities Evaluate opportunity cost Compare lending structures Stress-test assumptions The key is not just using AI. It is learning how to prompt it and integrate it into your workflow. Connect with Ryan Cadwell Website: resoluterdm.com LinkedIn: Ryan Cadwell Instagram / TikTok: Resolute RDM Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. rcbassociatesllc.com
Transcribe →AI, Maintenance, and Metrics: Modern Property Management with Donny Nguyen
3w ago00:30:33Tap to summarizeMost investors blame the market. Very few examine their management. Vacancy, delinquency, and maintenance creep rarely start with the economy. They start with weak systems, poor tracking, and inconsistent execution. In this episode, Brian talks with Donny Nguyen, real estate investor, business strategist, and founder of VanderWinn Property Management. Donny brings a background in corporate strategy, supply chain, finance, and systems design into the world of rental property management. If you want your rentals to function like real assets instead of side hustles, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why most property management problems are system failures The three operational workstreams every management company must build How to structure tenant communication to reduce friction and conflict Why clean inputs matter more than fancy software How Donny uses dashboards to track maintenance in real time The operational difference between "not started," "in process," and "complete" Why bookkeeping is one of the most overlooked drivers of investment performance How AI is being used to improve intake, ticket routing, and operational efficiency Why simple tech stacks outperform bloated ones The risk of building your business around software instead of building software around your business The Systems Framework Donny Uses Donny structures property management around three core workstreams: Operations (Maintenance & Repairs) From intake to ticket resolution to billing. Tenant Acquisition & Experience From listing to lease signing to turnover. Owner Acquisition & Reporting Sales, bookkeeping, and clean financial statements. Instead of adding endless tools, Donny focuses on clean process design first. Software is layered in only after the workflow is clearly defined. Tech Stack Mentioned DoorLoop (Property Management Software) Trello (Maintenance workflow tracking) QuickBooks (Owner bookkeeping) Excel + ChatGPT (Data analysis and modeling) Donny emphasizes a key principle: Software should accelerate a clean system. It should not replace thinking. Why RPOA Involvement Matters Donny also serves on the RPOA conference committee. He shares how volunteering and collaborating with other investors helped sharpen his own investing skills. If you want to grow as an investor, surround yourself with other operators. Connect with Donny Nguyen Socials: @AdvisorDonny Email: donny@vanderwinn.com Website: vanderwinn.com Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com
Transcribe →Creative Financing Explained: DSCR, Hard Money, and Why Rate Isn't Everything with Fred SaintAmour
Apr 2700:29:09Tap to summarizeToo many investors chase interest rates and ignore structure. They worry about an eighth of a point while overpaying on taxes, misunderstanding underwriting, or choosing the wrong loan product entirely. In this episode, Fred SaintAmour of Boathouse Commercial Funding Group breaks down how lenders actually assess risk and why most investors misunderstand leverage. We cover: How debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans really work When hard money makes sense — and when it doesn't Why collateral and marketing time matter more than you think What immediately disqualifies a deal How to structure loans through LLCs without wrecking your credit Why waiting for lower interest rates can cost you more than acting now The biggest mistakes investors make when qualifying for financing Fred explains the difference between market price and investment value from a lender's perspective, and why certainty of execution often matters more than rate. If you are growing a rental portfolio, refinancing existing assets, or evaluating bridge loans, this episode will help you think more clearly about financing structure. Guest: Fred SaintAmour Loans for landlords, real estate investors, and entrepreneurs. Website: https://boathousecfg.com Email: Fred@BoathouseCFG.com If you are an accredited investor and would like to learn more about participating in private lending opportunities, visit: https://higinvestor.com Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com
Transcribe →Economic Trends Real Estate Investors Need to Watch | MREIC 2026 Spotlight: Dr. Paul Isely
Apr 2300:04:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Paul Isely joins the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference podcast for another MREIC 2026 Speaker Spotlight where he unpacks the market signals, economic trends, and bigger-picture forces that could shape investment decisions in the months ahead. Dr. Isely is Associate Dean and Professor of Economics at Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business and is widely respected for making economic insight practical, relevant, and actionable. His closing keynote session at MREIC 2026 will help attendees better understand where the market may be headed and what that could mean for real estate investors. Dr. Isely will speak at the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 2:30–4:30 PM at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, you'll hear: The economic signals real estate investors should be watching How today's market conditions may influence tomorrow's opportunities Why understanding the broader economy can sharpen your investment decisions Join us at MREIC 2026 on April 27–28 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Learn More Get Tickets
Transcribe →Manufactured Housing as a Recession-Resistant Strategy | $45M Across 25 Communities with Matthias Gruenwald
Apr 20Tap to summarizeManufactured housing rarely gets attention until markets tighten. That's exactly why Matthias Gruenwald built a business around it. In this episode, Matthias, co-founder of WCG Investments, shares how he grew from a duplex in 2022 to overseeing roughly $45 million across 25 manufactured housing communities in less than three years. Before real estate, Matthias was a global manufacturing COO. He brought that same operational discipline into an asset class that rewards execution over hype. We break down why manufactured housing can be one of the most stable and misunderstood sectors in real estate. What We Cover How $60K–$80K homes solve the affordability gap The difference between park-owned homes and tenant-owned homes Why converting homes to tenant-owned dramatically lowers expense ratios How some parks run at 30–40% expense ratios Creative "handyman special" strategies to reduce CapEx Infill strategies that add new homes and boost NOI Why infrastructure matters more than curb appeal Sewer systems, lagoons, and what to avoid in due diligence Why tiny rural markets without job centers can stall growth Scaling from small parks to 280+ unit acquisitions Building in-house management for tighter operational control How AI is improving collections and reducing staffing overhead Matthias also shares how his automotive manufacturing background shaped his approach to reporting, metrics, and disciplined execution. If you want predictable cash flow, low operating volatility, and exposure to workforce housing demand, this episode lays out exactly how the model works. Connect with Matthias Gruenwald Website: https://wcginvestments.com Free Ebook on Manufactured Housing available on the website Instagram: Matthias Gruenwald Facebook: Matthias Gruenwald LinkedIn: Matthias Gruenwald Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com
Transcribe →How to Beat Airbnb Fees: Book-Direct Strategy, Distribution Costs, and Scaling Vacation Rentals with Eric Goldreyer
Apr 1300:35:16Tap to summarizeShort-term rentals have matured fast. But many operators are still stuck paying rising distribution costs while losing control of the guest relationship. In this episode, Eric Goldreyer, hospitality entrepreneur and founder of BedandBreakfast.com, former co-founder of TurnKey Vacation Rentals, and creator of Savvy, joins Brian to unpack what's happening behind the scenes in vacation rental distribution. Eric has built, scaled, and sold companies in the space. He also owns and operates a 20-key boutique hotel outside Austin, giving him both strategic and ground-level insight into hospitality operations. This conversation focuses on one core issue: Who owns the guest relationship — and what does that cost you? What We Cover: Why vacation rental distribution costs have increased while hotel distribution costs have decreased The "Airbnb tax" and how it affects long-term profitability Why hosts don't truly own their customer data on major OTAs The difference between transaction fees and customer acquisition costs Why professional property management is separating from gig-economy hosting How book-direct marketplaces are changing the economics of short-term rentals What it takes to scale a property management company nationally Leveraging tech stacks, automation, and AI in modern vacation rental operations How Eric approaches hiring high-performance teams Why hospitality — not just technology — is the real differentiator Eric also shares how his company Savvy is building a book-direct marketplace designed to reduce fees for travelers while giving property managers ownership of their customer relationships. Key Themes Short-term rental profitability OTA dependency risk Distribution strategy Hospitality vs platform control Direct booking models AI in vacation rental tech stacks Resources Mentioned Savvy: https://savvy.com Eric Goldreyer on LinkedIn Sage Hill Inn (Boutique Hotel outside Austin) Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com
Transcribe →Nathan Biller on How to Evaluate ADU Opportunities: MREIC 2026 Speaker Spotlight
Apr 900:03:50Tap to summarizeNathan Biller is joining us at the 2026 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference to break down what real estate investors need to know about ADU development in today's market. Nathan is a real estate investor, infill developer, ADU specialist, and Co-Founder of My Backyard Build. Based in Grand Rapids, he helps homeowners and real estate investors add housing through small-scale, zoning-aligned development. His work combines practical operator experience, a finance background, and active involvement in local housing policy and planning. In this conversation, Nathan explains what an accessory dwelling unit actually is, why ADUs are becoming more relevant, and how investors can think clearly about zoning, site design, financing, and project feasibility. He also talks about the policy changes that could make ADUs easier to pursue in Michigan and why the current moment matters for investors paying attention. Nathan Biller will speak on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, you will hear: What an ADU is and why it matters to real estate investors How to evaluate zoning, site design, financing, and pro forma analysis What investors should understand before deciding whether an ADU pencils Why policy changes at the city and state level could expand opportunity How ADUs can create new revenue opportunities on existing properties Why this session has been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit Learn more about MREIC 2026. View ticket options.
Transcribe →Boring but Profitable: How Midwest Workforce Housing Beats Hype Markets with Jeremy Yost
Apr 600:33:59Tap to summarizeMany Sunbelt markets that once dominated headlines are now facing oversupply, rising expenses, and compressed returns. Meanwhile, much of the Midwest is quietly doing the opposite — holding occupancy, stabilizing rents, and delivering durable cash flow. In this episode, Jeremy Yost, Navy veteran and CEO with over $244M developed across 56 properties and 2,000+ units, shares why his disciplined Midwest strategy continues to perform through volatile market cycles Jeremy focuses on workforce housing, market-rate multifamily, Litech developments, assisted living, and hospitality — all built around one principle: Execution beats speculation. What We Cover: Why many Sunbelt multifamily deals are struggling today Oversupply, rent flattening, and over-leveraging in hot markets Why Midwest secondary and tertiary markets remain stable The case for "boring" workforce housing What disciplined underwriting actually looks like Why most real estate failures stem from poor execution Lessons from losing financing mid-construction during COVID How persistence secured funding after 302 lender rejections Why Class C Midwest assets still pencil in today's environment Insurance risk vs lending risk in current cycles How Litech (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) development works Misconceptions about affordable housing and workforce housing Why small-town developments often pre-lease 100% Key Insights Secondary Midwest markets can deliver 10–12%+ cash-on-cash returns Occupancy above 94% across stabilized Midwest assets Workforce housing demand is structural, not speculative Rural communities are often underserved and overlooked Capital protection matters more than chasing upside Jeremy also explains how his Navy background shaped his approach to real estate: No speculation. Only execution. Topics Covered Midwest multifamily investing Workforce housing development Litech tax credit investing Recession-resistant housing Class C multifamily strategy Secondary and tertiary market investing Insurance pressures in multifamily Hospitality development case study Connect with Jeremy Yost Instagram: Jeremy R. Yost Website: https://www.yms-rentals.com Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com
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