
Hosted by Rental Property Owners Association with Brian Hamrick · EN

Most real estate investors have never heard of surety bonds, yet these little-known financial tools can determine whether a project finishes on time—or falls apart. In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Gary Eastman, attorney turned entrepreneur and founder of Axcess Surety and Swiftbonds, two of the nation's leading surety bond brokerages. After 17 years as General Counsel for Fortune 500 companies, Gary discovered how surety bonds quietly drive the $22 billion construction and development industry. Gary explains why every developer, investor, and property owner should understand how surety bonds protect capital, guarantee performance, and keep projects moving even when contractors fail or materials run short. You'll learn: What a surety bond actually is—and how it differs from insurance How surety bonds protect investors from contractor default, liens, and delays Real-world examples of bonds preventing multimillion-dollar losses Why material shortages and labor constraints are making bonds more essential than ever How lenders are beginning to require bonds for new development projects The cost-benefit math behind when to bond and when not to How Gary uses AI to analyze project data and identify emerging risks in real estate If you're investing in multifamily, development, or rehab projects, this conversation will change how you think about risk management in real estate. 🔗 Connect with Gary Eastman https://swiftbonds.com/ https://x.com/swiftbonds https://www.facebook.com/swiftbonds https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-swiftbonds-76a4b861/ https://www.youtube.com/@SwiftbondsOverlandPark 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

Billions of dollars in office and retail buildings are trading at deep discounts right now. While most investors see risk, Scott Sherman, Founder and Principal of Torose Equities, sees opportunity. Scott has built a $700M+ portfolio by buying, repositioning, and re-tenanting distressed commercial assets — from South Beach retail to Florida office towers. In this episode, he joins Brian Hamrick to break down: Why the best deals are hidden inside distressed office and retail How to spot management problems and operational inefficiencies that destroy value The strategy behind buying retail condos and mixed-use ground floors before they're built How to work with institutions and family offices to finance value-add projects Why office space isn't dead — it's just being repriced The 2026 outlook for commercial real estate, from Florida to national markets Whether you're an investor, developer, or property owner, you'll learn how to turn distress into profit — and why the next wave of opportunity may already be here. Find out more: scott@toroseequities.com https://toroseequities.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-sherman-6019234/ 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

It's tax season — and the rules have changed again. With new updates to the 1031 exchange and bonus depreciation, real-estate investors have more ways than ever to defer taxes and build wealth in 2025. In this episode, Brian Hamrick welcomes Dave Foster, one of the nation's top Qualified Intermediaries and founder of The 1031 Investor. Dave breaks down what the new "Big Beautiful Bill" means for real-estate owners, and how to use the latest tax provisions to maximize returns and preserve legacy wealth. You'll learn: What's new (and now permanent) in the 1031 exchange rules How bonus depreciation and cost segregation help you eliminate taxable income this year How to combine 1031 exchanges with bonus depreciation for massive savings Why the step-up value in basis creates tax-free generational wealth The difference between Section 179, Section 121, and 1031, and how each applies to real-estate owners The role of LLCs, trusts, and estate planning in preserving tax benefits Creative strategies like setting up a family foundation for charitable giving and tax deductions Whether you're an active investor, flipper, short-term-rental owner, or planning for retirement, this episode will help you understand how to protect your profits and plan smarter for the future. Find out more: Website: https://www.the1031investor.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/The1031Investor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveFoster1031 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefoster1031/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveFoster1031 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davefoster1031/ 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

Kolaiah "Fuzzy" Jardine, co-founder of HUI Mastermind, joins Brian Hamrick to share how he overcame adversity and built a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio across Hawaii—developing over 100 affordable homes for local families. From growing up in a multi-generational household on leased agricultural land and serving time in federal prison to becoming a real estate developer and mentor, Fuzzy's story is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, he reveals how he builds homes in Hawaii's lava zones, why he focuses on affordable housing, and how his "Pono Way" approach honors both the people and the land. You'll learn: How Hawaii's unique land and housing challenges create opportunities for developers What it takes to build in "lava zones" and why local lending still supports these projects The philosophy behind people before profits and respecting the land How Fuzzy scaled from $0 to over 150 completed homes How the HUI Mastermind is empowering Native Hawaiians and locals to build generational wealth 🎧 Listen now to discover how a local boy from Honolulu turned his life around, helped families stay in Hawaii, and is now teaching others to do the same — the Pono Way. Find out more: https://huimastermind.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hifuzz/ 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

The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference is just two weeks away—join us April 24-25 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan for two days of high-level strategy, networking, and growth. Register today at midwestreiconference.com. In our next speaker spotlight, we talk to Donna Bauer, The Original NoteBuyer®, a top expert in discounted notes and seller financing. Donna previews her presentation on how to profit from notes without cash, credit, or tenant hassles.

Renewable energy isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a strategic tool for boosting cash flow, increasing net operating income (NOI), and maximizing property value in commercial real estate. Carl Moose is an expert at the intersection of real estate and renewable energy, helping investors and business owners transform their buildings into high-performing assets. As the creator of the Energized Real Estate Model and and co-owner of GreenLight Energy Solutions, Carl specializes in leveraging federal, state, and utility incentives to unlock hidden value in properties. Today, he’s here to share how smart energy strategies can give commercial real estate owners a major competitive edge. Find out more: https://www.greenlightenergy.solar https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourfocusguy 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 Attention real estate investors! Save the date for the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, happening April 24-25, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is the perfect place to connect with fellow investors, gain valuable insights, and elevate your real estate game. With a lineup of expert speakers and numerous networking opportunities, you won't want to miss it. https://www.midwestreiconference.com

The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference is now less than one month away—join us April 24-25 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan for two days of high-level strategy, networking, and growth. Register today at midwestreiconference.com. In this speaker spotlight, we feature Jay Conner, real estate investor and private money expert. Jay will be a Featured Speaker, presenting “How to Raise Private Money for Real Estate—Without Asking for It.” In this preview, Jay shares how he raises unlimited private funding without chasing, pitching, or persuading. He explains why private money is more accessible than ever in 2025, how institutional lending has opened the door to new opportunities, and why the key to success lies in mindset—not sales tactics. Jay Conner will be speaking on Friday, April 25. Don’t miss it—register now at midwestreiconference.com. Episode Highlights: Why private money is more available than ever in 2025 The difference between private money and hard money How Jay raises capital without asking for it Why mindset is the most important tool for raising capital How to eliminate fear of rejection when funding your deals Guest: Jay Conner – Featured Speaker, Real Estate Investor & Private Money Expert Join us at the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference on April 24-25, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Get your tickets now at midwestreiconference.com.

Owning rental property has only become more difficult in the past several years, with inflation and rising insurance costs eating away at your profits. Maybe it's time to take a serious look at your rental property strategy and consider turning it into something that could be more profitable. Eddie Speed has spent over 40 years mastering the seller financing and note space, helping thousands of investors succeed through his NoteSchool and Colonial Funding Group. As a leader in acquiring and creating mortgage notes, he’s built private equity funds specializing in large-scale note investments. Today, Eddie joins us to break down the current and sophisticated methods that he’s teaching his students and how note investing can transform your real estate portfolio. Find out more: https://noteschool.com/rental/ https://colonialfundinggroup.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 Attention real estate investors! Save the date for the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, happening April 24-25, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is the perfect place to connect with fellow investors, gain valuable insights, and elevate your real estate game. With a lineup of expert speakers and numerous networking opportunities, you won't want to miss it. https://www.midwestreiconference.com

The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference is bringing together top investors and industry experts for two days of actionable insights and powerful networking. If you’re serious about scaling your real estate business, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Register today at midwestreiconference.com to join us April 24-25 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, MI. We continue our speaker spotlight series with Dr. Paul Isely, Associate Dean and Professor of Economics at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Isely will be delivering the closing keynote presentation, "2025 Real Estate Economic Update and Forecast." In this preview, he shares a behind-the-scenes look at how economists are viewing this uncertain market, what trends he’s tracking, and how investors can interpret the noise to make smart decisions. Dr. Paul Isely will be delivering the closing keynote presentation on Friday, April 25 at 3:00 p.m. Don’t miss it—register now at midwestreiconference.com. Episode Highlights: Why uncertainty is shaping investor behavior in predictable ways What signals to watch for in 2025 that could impact real estate markets Key regional and national trends that real estate investors need to understand How macroeconomic shifts are playing out in Michigan and the Midwest The data tool Dr. Isely uses to make sense of it all Guest: Dr. Paul Isely – Closing Keynote Speaker, Associate Dean & Professor of Economics, Grand Valley State University Join us at the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference on April 24-25, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Get your tickets now at midwestreiconference.com.

Transforming underutilized urban spaces into thriving, income-generating assets requires vision, strategy, and creative deal-making. Katie Kim is a leader in adaptive reuse and strategic real estate development, specializing in structuring WIN-WIN-WIN deals that benefit investors, communities, and businesses alike. As the founder of The Katie Kim Educational Platform and the Kim Group – which does real estate development, she empowers developers to navigate complex projects with confidence. Katie takes us step-by-step through a successful adaptive reuse project for Trefzgers Bakery in Peoria Heights, IL. She’ll discuss the capital stack & how incentives and grants were layered in, as well as the design and construction process that led to amazing results. Find out more: Website: www.katiekim.com Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/TheKatieKim LinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thekatiekim/ LinkedIn Link: The Kim Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thekimgroup/ Katie’s Professional LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekim/ Trefzgers Development Project/Facebook 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 Attention real estate investors! Save the date for the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, happening April 24-25, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is the perfect place to connect with fellow investors, gain valuable insights, and elevate your real estate game. With a lineup of expert speakers and numerous networking opportunities, you won't want to miss it. https://www.midwestreiconference.com