In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, I walk you through the ins and outs of a live owner finance deal where I acquired a property with none of my own money. We dive deep into the numbers, from rehab costs to rental income, and explore two strategies for working with investors or using loans to fund deals. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just dipping your toes into creative financing, this episode gives you a clear, real-world example of how to make a deal work — even when you’re short on cash.

We also touch on an inspiring tenant success story, and I share insights into why owner financing is one of my favorite tools in real estate. You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can apply to your own deals, plus the motivation to get moving on your next project.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - How I bought a property with zero money down

[1:46] - Breaking down a 15% investor return and profit split

[2:59] - Purchase price, rehab estimates, and making it rent-ready

[8:03] - A fast lease-up story and helping a tenant in need

[10:52] - Why tax season is prime time for lease-option deals

[14:00] - Creative ways to reduce rehab costs through partnerships

[18:00] - The pros and cons of different flooring choices for rentals

[26:04] - Calculating a 30%+ annual return on investment

[32:04] - Partnering vs. borrowing: choosing the right funding approach

[35:00] - Why I love owner financing over traditional bank loans

[36:04] - Next steps for lining up funding and contractors

5 Key Takeaways

1. You can buy real estate with none of your own money — if you’re willing to be creative with financing.

2. A well-structured owner finance deal can deliver over 30% annual ROI.

3. Tax season is the perfect time to lock in lease-option deals, thanks to buyers with cash in hand.

4. Partnering with contractors or tradespeople can dramatically cut your rehab costs.

5. Choosing between a partner and a lender depends on whether you want to split profits or keep the full upside.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with someone you know who’s ready to start or scale their investing journey. Your support helps us keep bringing you real-life deal breakdowns and actionable strategies!

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Ride, I’m flying solo while Jay’s out with a migraine. I take the mic to talk candidly about the reality of being a woman in the construction and house-flipping business. This field isn’t traditionally a female-dominated one—and trust me, that shows up in a thousand little ways, from subtle undermining to outright dismissal. But after more than a decade in the industry, I’ve learned how to stand my ground, own my space, and lead with both knowledge and grit.

I’m sharing personal stories and hard-earned insights on how women can thrive in construction, rehab, and real estate investment. From navigating contractor conversations to leveraging tools like the DISC and Predictive Index for smarter team-building, this episode is a must-listen for anyone forging their own path in a challenging space. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, you’ll walk away with renewed confidence and clarity.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:59] - Why the construction and flipping space still isn’t welcoming to women—and how I handle it.

[2:47] - My hands-on experience and why it’s crucial to know your stuff.

[4:05] - How attention to detail and multitasking give women a natural edge in the business.

[6:18] - Advice to women entering or growing in the real estate and contracting world.

[7:22] - Finding your “unique genius” and aligning your role with your strengths.

[8:08] - The DISC and Predictive Index: two tools that changed how we hire and delegate.

[10:12] - Setting boundaries, leading with authority, and being respected as a woman in charge.

Links & Resources:

• DISC Personality Assessment – Tony Robbins

• The Predictive Index

If this episode hit home, take a second to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride. It helps us keep bringing you the real talk and real tools you need to thrive in this business. And don’t forget to share this one with a woman you know who’s building her empire, one project at a time.

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the real, boots-on-the-ground strategies that are helping investors connect directly with sellers in today’s shifting market. Whether it’s through organic outreach on Facebook, door knocking, or driving for dollars, I share actionable ways to make your approach stand out—and actually start conversations that lead to deals.

We also explore the challenges of the current real estate climate, including low housing inventory, rising interest rates, and the Section 8 housing program that’s leaving landlords and tenants equally frustrated. We unpack creative financing options, what it takes to get permits for home renovations, and how mindset and adaptability play a huge role in long-term success.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:17] - Finding sellers using Facebook groups, skip tracing, and direct outreach

[1:29] - Writing personal, inviting messages that resonate with homeowners

[2:46] - Storm damage and how it impacts the construction business

[3:08] - Why homeowners are reluctant to sell in a high-interest rate market

[4:17] - Lack of new housing developments and what it means for inventory

[5:50] - The rise of “affordable” housing projects and the real cost behind them

[8:25] - Breaking down the chaos in Columbus’s Section 8 program

[14:12] - A case study: managing delays and tenant transitions between properties

[20:40] - Social media marketing tactics that actually get attention

[23:42] - Buying fire-damaged properties when no one else will

[26:00] - The risks and realities of door knocking today

[30:07] - Text blast strategies and starting the conversation

[31:02] - Creative financing and owner-carry deals in a tight lending market

[34:13] - Planning and budgeting a home office addition

[39:02] - Navigating permits and working with local city guidelines

[43:03] - Business credit, funding delays, and how to be financially ready

[49:00] - Legal insights on how landlords can navigate Section 8 obligations

[57:14] - A personal story of faith, resilience, and financial recovery through recession

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Relationships matter more than credentials. Approaching sellers as a family or small team is often more effective than leading with your resume.

2. Facebook still works. Organic social posts can bring in more leads than expensive marketing campaigns—if you know how to play the algorithm.

3. The Section 8 system is broken. Understand the risks and delays involved before relying on it for consistent cash flow.

4. Creative financing is making a comeback. From short sales to owner-financed deals, flexibility is key in today’s environment.

5. Build with purpose. When expanding your home or adding value to a property, know your local permitting process and budget realistically to avoid delays.

Thanks for tuning in to The Real Estate Ride! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and follow the show, and share it with a fellow investor or friend. Your support helps us keep the conversations real and valuable.