In this special episode of The Real Estate Ride, Annie and I had the pleasure of joining Andrew Lucas on the REI Deal Finders podcast to share our full real estate story — from humble beginnings to building a diverse portfolio of over 50 rental units. We reveal how a need for more space led to our first rental property, how creative financing and an old-school library hack helped us scale, and the mindset shifts that kept us moving forward even when the bank said “no.”

We also pull back the curtain on the operations behind our business today, including our short-term rental strategy, how we’ve grown a self-sufficient construction team, and why helping people is still at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re new to investing or ready to expand, this episode is loaded with real-life wisdom, practical tips, and a few fun throwbacks to how we got started.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - How an overcrowded house sparked our real estate journey

[2:45] - Realizing real estate wasn’t as scary as it seemed

[5:07] - Why we decided to rent instead of sell our first home

[10:34] - The library hack that unlocked creative financing strategies

[14:38] - Our first lease option deals — and how we asked for them

[17:07] - How networking brought us our first off-market properties

[21:07] - The marketing tactic we still use today (and it’s free)

[22:25] - What our real estate business looks like now, 20+ years later

[25:43] - Why helping sellers shaped our growth and reputation

[26:31] - The best advice we’d give ourselves if we were starting today

5 Key Takeaways

1. Start with what you have – Our journey began by renting out the home we already owned. You don’t need everything figured out to get started.

2. When the bank says no, get creative – A trip to the library introduced us to lease options and creative deal structures that didn’t rely on bank approval.

3. Network intentionally – Our first real investment deals came from friends and acquaintances once we started telling people what we were looking for.

4. Keep it simple – We still find deals today just by asking, “Do you know anyone selling a house?” on social media. No fancy marketing needed.

5. Real estate is a people business – At every stage, focusing on how we can help others has opened more doors than any strategy alone.

If you got value from this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride. Share it with someone who’s thinking about getting started — or who just needs a little nudge to keep going. Thanks for riding along with us!

Hey, it’s Annie and Jay, and in this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving deep into one of our most unique and rewarding projects—a burned property we picked up from a wholesaler. We walk you through every gritty detail, from discovering the fire damage to navigating structural surprises, all the way to our final design and staging choices. If you’ve ever wondered whether a severely damaged home could become a profitable flip, this one’s for you.

We cover why we pursue the kinds of properties most investors avoid—think mold, foundation issues, and in this case, fire. Plus, we’re sharing the strategies we used to stay within budget, the rehab decisions that made the biggest impact, and how we’re using design tools and staging tricks to finish strong and sell fast. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, you’ll pick up real-world insights that can boost your next deal.

Episode Timeline:

[0:28] - Introduction

[0:28] - How we found the deal through a wholesaler and why burned properties don’t scare us

[1:16] - The extent of the fire damage and what parts we were able to salvage

[2:27] - Why most investors shy away from projects like this—and why we don’t

[3:23] - Using smoke sealants and keeping mechanicals in place to save costs

[5:09] - Discovering hidden structural issues and how we adjusted on the fly

[6:38] - Budget cuts: repurposing cabinets and creative cost-saving measures

[8:03] - Crunch time! Ramping up crews and hitting the market deadline

[10:22] - Miscommunications, surprises, and adjusting the design plan

[12:04] - How we use House Pro and other tools to streamline the design process

[16:24] - Why we chose this property and how it fits into our first-time homebuyer strategy

[18:46] - The role of staging in selling quickly and affordably

[24:12] - Landscaping and exterior prep that saves time and money

[25:25] - Final thoughts and updates on this high-pressure flip

3 Key Takeaways

1. Distressed properties can be goldmines when you understand how to manage the rehab and budget smartly.

2. Preparation and flexibility are crucial—from sealing smoke damage to adjusting for unexpected structural fixes.

3. Staging and design planning make a difference in both marketability and sale price, even when using repurposed or budget-friendly materials.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, share, and review The Real Estate Ride. Your support keeps us going and helps others discover the show.

Hey everyone, it’s Jay here! In today’s episode, Annie and I take a deep dive into why wholesalers are vanishing from the market and what that means for investors who are still in the game. We break down how shifting market conditions — from skyrocketing interest rates and longer days on market to layoffs and inflation — are shaking up the flipping and wholesaling world. We share how to pivot to creative financing, like lease options and seller terms, to keep deals flowing.

We also discuss the hottest price bands to target, how to educate sellers who still expect peak prices, and what to watch out for when pulling comps in a cooling market. Plus, we chat about opportunities with hedge funds, tricks for building your cash buyer list, and why adding value through simple upgrades like extra baths or bedrooms can make all the difference. If you’re worried about staying afloat in a shifting market, this conversation is packed with practical tips to keep you ahead of the curve.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – Opportunity in empty rooms: Why fewer wholesalers mean more chances for you.

[2:12] – Flippers struggling: 140+ days on market and deals barely breaking even.

[3:43] – Lease options 101: How longer lease terms can protect your investment.

[5:16] – Where the deals are: Zeroing in on first-time buyer price points.

[10:25] – Loan payment pitfalls: How big loans can drain your profits if the market slows.

[16:14] – The comp game: Why you must pull comps from the last 90 days or risk overpaying.

[17:36] – Educating sellers: Talking layoffs, tariffs, and rising costs to get realistic prices.

[20:44] – Offering terms: How to get deals accepted even when cash offers fail.

[35:12] – Hedge fund buyers: How to find and build relationships with institutional buyers.

[36:15] – Sheriff’s sales: An overlooked way to grow your cash buyer list.

5 Key Takeaways

✅ The market shift is your opportunity: When wholesalers and flippers retreat, it’s time to move in — if you’re ready with the right strategy.

✅ Lease options are a powerful tool: Offering sellers lease options can save your deals when traditional sales stall.

✅ First-time buyer price points are gold: Stay in or just below your market’s median price — that’s where demand will stay strongest.

✅ Shorten your comp window: Only look 90 days back for comps to stay ahead of a falling market.

✅ Build your buyer network now: Focus on hedge funds, sheriff sales, and active cash buyers to ensure you have outlets for your deals.

Closing Thoughts

Thanks so much for listening to The Real Estate Ride! If you found today’s episode helpful, please rate, follow, and review the show — and share it with someone who’d benefit. Your support helps us keep bringing you the insights you need to crush it in real estate. See you on the next ride!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the gritty realities of working with contractors in the real estate world. From navigating the maze of hiring reliable professionals to managing unexpected project hurdles, Jay and I share our firsthand experiences and hard-earned lessons. We talk candidly about the journey that led us to start our own construction company, why planning is crucial, and how to avoid common pitfalls whether you’re flipping your first home or managing multiple properties.

We also explore what it really takes to maintain control over your projects, including creating working interviews for new hires, understanding local permit requirements, and mastering change orders. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice and cautionary tales to keep your investments on track and on budget.

Key Takeaways

1. Have a Clear Plan Before You Start – Know what you want, document it, and communicate it clearly to avoid missteps and unexpected expenses.

2. Vet Your Contractors Thoroughly – Ask for referrals, set expectations early, and consider working interviews to gauge skills before handing over projects.

3. Local Rules Matter – Understand your city or county’s licensing and permitting requirements to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why every investor needs a plan before hiring a contractor

[2:27] - Our motivation for launching a construction company

[5:03] - The importance of change orders and clear communication

[6:22] - Growing our construction team and the challenges that came with it

[7:16] - Teaching our daughter real estate by flipping a house for her first car

[9:20] - Tips for coordinating multiple contractor bids in a tight schedule

[10:05] - A shocking price range example from a Florida roof replacement

[11:05] - What to expect when paying contractors and protecting your investment

[12:39] - How we train and test contractors with a hands-on working interview

[13:10] - Knowing your city’s permit rules and licensing requirements

[15:30] - Why defining your renovation plan adds value and saves money

[18:24] - Small planning details that could cost big money if overlooked

[22:22] - Final thoughts on due diligence and sticking to your plan

Links & Resources

• Connect with us: Jay@jandannieadkins.com | Annie@jandannieadkins.com

Enjoyed this episode?

Be sure to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with a friend who’s navigating the world of real estate—we’re all in this ride together!

In this episode, Jay and I dive deep into how we set intentional, actionable goals for our personal lives and businesses—and how you can do the same. We’re not about vague resolutions that fizzle out by February. We’re talking about creating a vision with real, measurable steps and accountability to actually get things done.

Whether you’re balancing business with family, trying to rediscover your purpose, or looking to reframe your mindset to “How can I?” instead of “I can’t,” this episode will inspire and challenge you. We share insights from our own lives—including flipping houses, building lifestyle-driven businesses, and helping our daughter buy a car with her own real estate deal! Plus, we introduce our “Wheel of Life” framework to help you evaluate and align every area of your life with your vision.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:27] – Why we avoid resolutions and set measurable goals instead

[2:30] – Using accountability groups and coaching to stay on track

[5:41] – Building flexibility into your business and life

[9:20] – Flipping your mindset from “I can’t” to “How can I?”

[12:05] – Teaching our daughter how to flip a house to buy her first car

[14:17] – Why manifestation requires work, not just intention

[18:20] – A coaching story: how cutting Starbucks led to quitting a job

[21:21] – Why we turned down big real estate deals for a balanced lifestyle

[23:12] – The 8 key life categories in our Wheel of Life

[30:03] – Turning spiritual habits into daily rituals

[33:15] – From running half a mile to an Ironman: Jay’s fitness journey

[36:08] – Mike shares his health journey and ditching bread & dairy

[44:13] – Goal stacking: combining family time with wellness habits

[47:43] – Money, business, and how to align income with your values

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Vision beats resolution – Resolutions often fail, but a clear, actionable vision sets the foundation for sustainable success.

2. Accountability accelerates growth – Sharing goals with a group or coach creates real momentum and follow-through.

3. Flexibility is freedom – Building a lifestyle-focused business means you can show up for your family and your goals.

4. Mindset matters – Replacing “I can’t” with “How can I?” opens new paths and possibilities.

5. Goals require strategy – Big goals need micro-steps, measurable waypoints, and intentional planning to become reality.

Enjoyed this episode?

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In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, Annie and I dive into the essential foundations of creative financing. If you’ve ever been confused by terms like “lease option,” “land trust,” or “subject to,” you’re not alone—and this conversation is here to bring clarity. We break down these powerful strategies, share our personal experiences using them, and offer practical tips for getting started the right way.

Whether you’re a real estate newbie or brushing up on your investing toolkit, this episode will help you understand the legal ins and outs, common pitfalls, and the real opportunities that creative financing offers. Tune in to hear how we structure deals, protect ourselves legally, and tailor each approach to meet different seller and market needs.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:10] - Defining lease options and why they’re a powerful entry point in creative financing

[2:56] - Legal changes around sandwich leases and how we’ve adapted

[4:30] - Using lease options for rentals and Airbnbs

[5:00] - Understanding land trusts and the benefits of shared ownership

[6:43] - Gaining control through trustee roles and trust structure

[8:15] - Explaining land contracts and how they work as contracts for deed

[10:04] - Using land contracts to avoid large down payments

[10:21] - What “subject to” financing means and when to use it

[11:26] - Quick overview and how we’ll explore each method further in the course

5 Key Takeaways

1. Lease options give you control without ownership, allowing flexible terms and early cash flow opportunities.

2. Sandwich lease options are no longer legal in some states—always confirm your local laws.

3. Land trusts enable shared control and privacy, making it easier to structure creative partnerships.

4. Land contracts (or contracts for deed) offer a pathway to ownership without hefty down payments.

5. Subject to financing allows you to take over properties with existing mortgages—just be sure to understand the risks and terms.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share it with someone you know who’s looking to build wealth through real estate. We’ll see you in the next one!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the real talk behind real estate partnerships—why they’re so common, how they can go wrong, and what you absolutely must have in place to protect yourself and your investments. Whether you’re teaming up with lifelong friends, family, or new business associates, having a rock-solid agreement is key to keeping both the peace and your profits.

Jay and I (Annie) share our personal experiences—the good, the bad, and the legally ugly—to highlight just how crucial it is to outline responsibilities, profit splits, exit strategies, and communication methods from the very beginning. From joint venture setups to full-blown LLC partnerships, we walk through real-life examples and practical tips to help you structure your deals for long-term success.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] - Why trusting your partner isn’t enough when money’s on the line

[1:12] - The real reasons people partner in real estate—and why fear plays a big part

[2:17] - Types of partnerships: Joint ventures vs. LLCs

[4:06] - How to fairly divide roles, risks, and profits in JV agreements

[6:44] - Structuring rehab draws and payment phases with accountability

[7:57] - Big benefits of JV deals: no credit, fast funding, multiple flips

[10:41] - Watch out: when one partner does all the work but only gets half the profit

[12:08] - Why roles & responsibilities reviews can save your partnership

[13:36] - Vision exercises and personality tests—essential before you start

[15:28] - Don’t skip your “separation plan” aka real estate prenup

[20:34] - Jay’s horror story: how a trusted partner stole a property

[22:25] - The legal and clean way to dissolve a partnership

5 Key Takeaways

1. Even long-term friends need contracts – Relationships don’t protect you from partnership fallout. Legal documents do.

2. Joint ventures can be great for beginners – Especially if you’re working with cash partners who want hands-off involvement.

3. Lay out every responsibility and timeline – From who pays holding costs to how rehab funds are drawn and released.

4. Have a vision alignment conversation – Do this before jumping into business. Misaligned goals are a recipe for trouble.

5. Always include a clear exit strategy – Know what happens if one of you wants out. Define the process up front.

Links & Resources

• DISC Personality Test (Tony Robbins): https://www.tonyrobbins.com/disc/

• Predictive Index info: https://www.predictiveindex.com/

If this episode gave you some serious “aha” moments, help us out by rating, following, and sharing The Real Estate Ride! Your reviews mean the world to us and help more real estate pros find this show.

Hey, it’s Jay and Annie here, and in this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive deep into the evolving world of house hacking—what we’re calling “House Hacking 2.0.” With housing prices and interest rates reaching new heights, creative solutions are more essential than ever. We’re sharing innovative strategies for maximizing your property’s earning potential, including the rise of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), room rentals, and even boarding house setups.

You’ll hear real-world stories from our coaching clients who are successfully living for free—or even profiting—by renting out parts of their homes. We’ll also break down what to watch out for, from zoning regulations to managing utilities, and offer guidance on getting started with little or no money down. Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to optimize your current property, this episode is packed with insights to help you rethink your living space as a wealth-building tool.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Why ADUs are the future of house hacking

[2:54] - Renting to traveling healthcare professionals via Furnished Finder

[4:01] - Real-life case studies: room rentals and converting a home into a boarding house

[6:22] - The responsibilities and expenses of managing a room-by-room rental

[10:09] - The “starter pack” approach to Airbnb amenities

[11:26] - How buying multifamily units can let you live rent-free

[13:02] - Zoning restrictions and why checking local regulations is critical

[14:07] - Using grants and low-down-payment loans to buy investment properties

[17:31] - Creative financing strategies: lease options, land contracts, and subject-to deals

[22:26] - Zoning variances and how to navigate approvals for ADUs and conversions

5 Key Takeaways:

1. ADUs are on the rise – Converting garages, basements, or sheds into livable rental spaces offers a low-risk, high-reward way to house hack.

2. Short and mid-term rentals – Platforms like Furnished Finder cater specifically to traveling professionals and can generate steady income with more control over your tenant selection.

3. House hacking isn’t just for the young – From young adults to families, creative strategies like room rentals and owner financing are being used across generations.

4. Check your zoning laws – Always confirm what’s allowed in your area before investing in ADUs or multifamily properties. A missed regulation could double your rehab costs.

5. Creative financing options exist – You don’t always need a bank. Strategies like seller financing, lease options, and subject-to deals can make owning property more accessible.

Closing Note:

If this episode gave you some fresh ideas or helped you see your property in a new light, do us a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast! And don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to make their home start working for them. See you next time on The Real Estate Ride!