Episodes

  • 178: How to Use Furnished Finder for Mid-term Rental Success with Katie Lyon

    178: How to Use Furnished Finder for Mid-term Rental Success with Katie Lyon
    Oct 3 2024
    Mid-term rentals (MTRs) are becoming a more popular option with real estate investors, and today’s guest explains what makes them so appealing. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Katie Lyon, the marketing director and podcast host at Furnished Finder. Katie also owns 12 mid-term rentals with her husband, providing housing for traveling professionals and families. The list of people looking for mid-term rentals is growing, and she’s giving us a behind-the-scenes peek at MTRs. Jonathan and Katie begin their conversation by exploring her introduction to real estate through a job at a commercial real estate investment firm and how she ended up at Furnished Finder. Katie explains how she and her husband began investing in MTRs and use arbitrage as a part of their strategy. You’ll hear who uses Furnished Finder, what tenants are looking for, and how you can get creative with properties you own to use as mid-term rentals. Jonathan and Katie discuss why realtors and hackers have enormous opportunities in the MTR space, how Furnished Finder works for hosts, and why Katie focused on the Midwest for her rentals. She also reveals what qualities an MTR home has versus a long- or short-term rental, the role marketing plays in the rental process, and why it’s critical to remain open to tenants’ wants and needs. If you want to know why you should consider mid-term rentals in your portfolio, Katie Lyon is dishing out the details you need to know. In this episode, you will hear: Katie Lyon’s introduction to real estate at a commercial real estate investment firm and how she landed at Furnished FinderHow Katie and her husband learned about mid-term rentals (MTRs) and began investing in themUsing arbitrage as a part of your mid-term rental strategyWho uses Furnished Finder, MTRs, and what tenants are looking forGetting creative with the properties you own for mid-term tenantsWhy realtors and house hackers have a huge opportunity in the MTR spaceThe shift that occurred after the pandemicHow Furnished Finder works for hostsWhy Katie and her husband focus on Midwestern propertiesThe qualities an MTR home has versus a short-term rental and connecting with tenantsThe importance of marketing and photos in the MTR processBeing open to hearing what tenants’ needs and wants are Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/178/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Furnished Finder - www.furnishedfinder.com The Landlord Diaries on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@thelandlorddiaries Furnished Finder Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/furnishedfinder.travelnursehousing Katie Lyon’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/mskatielyon Connect with Katie on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/katie-lyon8 Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    56 mins
  • 177: Redefining Real Estate Investing Through Intentional Co-Living with Grant Shipman

    177: Redefining Real Estate Investing Through Intentional Co-Living with Grant Shipman
    Sep 30 2024
    As the affordable housing crisis continues, more and more people are looking for options outside of a traditional home purchase. Intentional co-living is one such alternative. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Grant Shipman, founder of Livingsmith. Grant has two and a half decades of co-living experience, including experiences in communes, co-ops, and intentional living spaces. He started Livingsmith in 2017 and believes rapid wealth comes from helping others. Jonathan and Grant begin their discussion by exploring the concept of intentional living and what makes it different from just co-living. He shares what he’s learned in managing sober living houses, how living with others in community can help you resolve conflicts healthily, and how Grant uses co-living to syndicate single-family properties. You’ll hear why it’s important to establish some house rules in an intentional co-living environment, how Grant became involved in investing in these spaces after running a successful yoga studio, and the economies of scale at work in co-living. Jonathan and Grant delve into setting up a “healthy household” in a co-living situation, who this type of living suits, and the changing legislation surrounding affordable housing and co-living. In the changing landscape of real estate, co-living offers a viable option for both investors and tenants. With Grant Shipman’s expert insights, this episode may put intentional co-living as a lucrative investment option on your radar. In this episode, you will hear: The concept of intentional living, what it means to Grant Shipman, and how it’s different than co-livingGrant’s management of sober living housesHow living with others in community can help you learn to resolve conflict in a healthy wayUsing co-living as a way to syndicate single-family homesEstablishing house rules in an intentional co-living environmentWhy Grant became involved in investing in co-living spaces after running a successful yoga studioThe economies of scale at work in co-living environmentsThe leases highest in demand in residential real estateSetting up a “healthy household” as a landlord in a co-living environmentCreating a “commune” with multiple co-living homes near one another and who this type of living suitsChanging legislation surrounding affordable housing and co-livingGrant’s advice for investors who are interested in getting involved in this space Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/177/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Livingsmith website - livingsmithpro.com Livingsmith on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@LivingsmithPro Find Livingsmith on Facebook - www.facebook.com/Livingsmithpro Livingsmith’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/livingsmithpro Connect with Grant Shipman on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/grantshipman Livingsmith on Twitter/X - x.com/livingsmithpro Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    54 mins
  • 176: Understanding the Cost of Capital and Tailored Solutions with Jake Clopton

    176: Understanding the Cost of Capital and Tailored Solutions with Jake Clopton
    Sep 26 2024
    Understanding capital for loans and equity is critical to real estate investing. The more you know, the easier it is to attain capital. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Jake Clopton, founder of Clopton Capital. Jake founded Clopton Capital in 2009 as a way for property owners and operators to efficiently access debt and JV equity for commercial properties. He also owns Clopton Insurance Services and multiple apartment communities in the Chicagoland area. Jonathan and Jake begin by discussing Jake’s interest in real estate investing and how he initially got involved in the real estate world. Jake shares some of the mistakes in commercial assets over the last few years and the impact interest rates have had on the industry. You’ll hear why you need to know your market and how to invest in it, especially in a city like Chicago. Jake shares why you should view your assets as operating assets that complement one another, understand your insurance policies, and what to look for in commercial financing. He reveals his ideal client for lending, why there is no such thing as passive income, the future of office space, and why everything in real estate returns to relationships. Learning the cost of capital and how insurance can impact your investments is critical, and Jake Clopton shares some of these must-knows in real estate. In this episode, you will hear: Jake Clopton’s interest in real estate investing and how he initially entered the fieldThe mistakes in commercial over the last few years and the impact of interest ratesWhy Jake chose a 20-unit multifamily as his first investmentKnowing your market and how to invest in itGrowing the business, viewing your assets as operating assets, and how they complement one anotherThe importance of understanding your insurance policiesWhat to look for in commercial financingJake’s ideal client for lending and why businesses like car washes are hidden gemsWhy there is no such thing as passive income in real estate and the assets Jake likes right nowThe best options for vacant commercial real estate and the future of office spaceRelationship-building’s importance in real estate Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/176/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Clopton Capital website - www.cloptoncapital.com Clopton Capital on Facebook - www.facebook.com/CloptonCapital Find Clopton Capital on Instagram - www.instagram.com/cloptoncapital1 Connect with Jake Clopton on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jakeclopton1 Clopton Capital’s X/Twitter - x.com/CloptonCapital Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    51 mins
  • 175: How to Become a Home Equity Partner Through Lease-to-Own with Adam Zach

    175: How to Become a Home Equity Partner Through Lease-to-Own with Adam Zach
    Sep 23 2024
    For first-time homebuyers, those with variable incomes, or even those working on their credit scores, buying a home can feel daunting—maybe even impossible. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Adam Zach, the co-founder of Home Equity Partner. Home Equity Partner transforms renters into homeowners, mainly across the Midwest and Southeast, bridging the gap for people one to three years away from mortgage eligibility. They achieve this by connecting homebuyers with real estate investors seeking double-digit returns backed by real estate. Jonathan and Adam start their conversation by delving into Adam’s first real estate and entrepreneurship exposure. Adam explains what stops most people from moving forward with real estate and what you can do to move forward, how he bit off more than he could chew, and what went wrong with some of his first real estate purchases. Adam shares his goal for Home Equity Partner, which is to make lease-to-own transparent, fair, and comfortable for buyers, how his company started, and the process a renter uses to purchase a home with lease-to-own. You’ll hear how investors can get involved with this type of transaction, where their leads come from, and his tips for avoiding scams. Finally, Jonathan and Adam discuss the other asset classes Adam is in, the ideal avatar on both the investor and buyer sides, and his advice for new investors. Lease-to-own is one of the least talked about aspects of real estate investing, but Adam Zach makes a win-win case for this asset class. In this episode, you will hear: How Adam Zach’s company, Home Equity Partner, helps buyers purchase propertiesAdam’s foray into real estate and entrepreneurship after realizing how much money he could earn with real estateWhat stops most people from moving forward and the steps you can take to move forwardBiting off more than he could chew and what went wrong with some of his first purchasesMaking lease-to-own transparent, fair, and comfortable for buyersThe genesis of Home Equity PartnerThe process a renter goes through to purchase a home using a lease-to-own optionHow investors can get involved in doing this type of transactionWhere Adam’s leads are coming from in his business and avoiding scamsThe other asset classes he’s in and why he primarily sticks to single-familyBuilding wealth through equity in your home and who Adam’s ideal avatars areWhat happens to the house if the tenant has an income changeAdam Zach’s advice for new investors Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/175/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Home Equity Partner website - homeequitypartner.com/investors Adam Zach on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ChessChief Home Equity Partner’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/homeequitypartner Connect with Adam Zach on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zach-pe-0000303b Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    53 mins
  • 174: The Value of Operational Intelligence in Large-Scale Multifamily with Brian Ferguson

    174: The Value of Operational Intelligence in Large-Scale Multifamily with Brian Ferguson
    Sep 19 2024
    Today’s guest is a syndicator who understands the importance of knowing the nuts and bolts of syndications before jumping into an investment. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Brian Ferguson, founder of Altunas Capital. Today, Brian focuses on large-scale multifamily assets. Brian had 16 years of experience in real estate investing before ever raising one dollar of outside capital. As they begin their conversation, Jonathan and Brian delve into Brian’s background in real estate and what he wishes he’d done differently along the way. He offers Jonathan examples of why it pays to understand your properties’ needs and do your due diligence in syndications. You’ll hear how Brian moved from auto finance into real estate investing, his advice for new flippers, and what it means to put “lipstick on a pig” in real estate. He shares his preference for ground-up construction, why new investors should hold off on flipping, and how social media can be a bad influence on new investors and set them up for failure. Finally, Jonathan and Brian explore Brian’s implementation of EOS to grow his business, the other asset classes he is pursuing, and COVID’s lingering impact on Brian’s assets. Brian Ferguson offers a voice of experience for new investors and outlines why creating systems can save you a lot of trouble as your business grows. In this episode, you will hear: Brian Ferguson’s background in real estate and what he wishes he had done differently along the wayWhy it pays to understand your properties’ needs and do your due diligence in syndicationsHow Brian moved from finance in the auto industry to real estate investingHis advice for those who want to get into flipping in today’s marketPutting “lipstick on a pig” in the real estate industryHis preference for ground-up construction despite its downsidesWhy new investors should not get into flipping right awayHow social media influences new investors and often sets them up for failureImplementing EOS to create systems and processes for growthBuilding a strong team culture and learning from othersThe other asset classes Brian is pursuing outside of multifamily and self-storageCOVID’s lingering impact on Brian’s assets Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/174/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Altunas Capital website - altunascapital.com Find Brian Ferguson on Facebook - www.facebook.com/bhferguson Brian’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/bfergusonvic Connect with Brian on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ferguson-05b4328a Visit the Fergmar website - fergmar.com Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    46 mins
  • 173: How to Build, Grow, and Scale a Land Investing Business with Jack Bosch

    173: How to Build, Grow, and Scale a Land Investing Business with Jack Bosch
    Sep 16 2024
    Land is the often-overlooked asset class that can be the easiest—and most economical—entry into real estate investing. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Jack Bosch, an experienced business owner, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and respected industry leader. Jack is the bestselling author of “Forever Cash: Break the Earn-Spend Cycle, Take Charge of Your Life, Build Everlasting Wealth.” He is also the creator of Land Profit Generator. Jack and his wife Michelle are immigrants to the United States, and since 2008, they’ve bought and sold more than 4,000 properties. Jonathan and Jack start their conversation by exploring Jack’s immigration to the United States from Germany in 1997, how he met his wife, Michelle, an immigrant from Honduras, and why they decided to remain in the States after college. Jack shares his disillusionment with the American dream, his entry into real estate, and why you should hold on to a steady income job for a while before pursuing real estate full-time. You’ll hear why he began dabbling in various asset classes before discovering land, who he buys from, and the typical scenario of someone selling land. Jack explains his methodology for finding deals, land's flexibility, and how to find a good deal using the internet. Finally, Jonathan and Jack delve into Land Profit Generator, Jack’s market choices, and how to create a great land transaction between buyer and seller. Land can be a very affordable way to enter the real estate market, and Jack Bosch’s expertise can help you find the deal you’ve been seeking. In this episode, you will hear: Jack Bosch’s immigration to the United States from Germany in 1997, how he met his wife, and why Jack and his wife decided to stay in the StatesThe disillusionment Jack felt with the American dream and how that led him to real estateThe downsides of leaving a job too early to go into real estate full-timeJack’s first home and why he began dabbling in different types of real estate before accidentally discovering landWho he’s buying from, and the typical scenario for someone selling landJack’s methodology for finding deals and why consistency mattersThe flexibility of land and the ease of identifying a good deal using the internet and researchLand Profit Generator’s inception and what it doesHow Jack chooses markets to invest in and inflation’s impact on those choicesBoosting your confidence by creating better negotiations over timeOffering details about what you’re delivering in your land sale Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/173/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Jack Bosch’s website - www.jackbosch.com Find Jack on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@JackBoschOfficial/videos Jack on Facebook - www.facebook.com/joachim.bosch.1 Jack’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/jack.bosch Connect with Jack on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jack-bosch-a923b59 Jack’s TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@jack.bosch Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    52 mins
  • 172: Why (and How) I am Getting Back into Short-Term Rentals

    172: Why (and How) I am Getting Back into Short-Term Rentals
    Sep 12 2024

    After a long hiatus, Jonathan is stepping back into the short-term rental market.

    On this solo episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan explains why and where he decided to get back into the STR game. You’ll hear the criteria he used to narrow down markets and how he determined Black Mountain, North Carolina, suited what he was looking for. Jonathan also shares why he likes short-term rentals, which you can use for your own enjoyment outside of the busy season.

    One of the reasons Jonathan put an offer on the property he chose was its design and the ability to add amenities to make the property more attractive for renters. He explains why becoming an asset to your community and collaborating with other STR owners in your market is valuable. You’ll hear why Jonathan is considering developing more properties clustered near his purchase in Black Mountain if it goes well, the generational impact he hopes it will have for his kids, and why short-term rentals don’t suit every personality.

    This episode reveals Jonathan’s personal strategy for purchasing a short-term rental. With his 30+ years of experience in this industry, he outlines what you may also want to consider.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Why Jonathan is returning to investing in short-term rental properties
    • Choosing his market and the criteria he used to narrow it down
    • The reasons behind his decision to purchase in Black Mountain versus Asheville
    • Using a short-term rental for your own enjoyment outside of the busy season
    • Adding amenities to make a property more attractive for renters
    • The appeal of A-frame homes and the downsides of property management
    • Becoming an asset to the community you’re in
    • Considering developing more properties clustered near the initial purchase and their generational impact
    • Short-term rentals don’t suit every personality

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/172/ to download it.

    Supporting Resources:

    Website - www.streamlined.properties

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

    TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

    Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

    Email - info@streamlined.properties

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    32 mins
  • 171: How to Protect Your Properties Against Squatters with George McCleary

    171: How to Protect Your Properties Against Squatters with George McCleary
    Sep 9 2024
    One of the lesser-discussed aspects of real estate investing is the potential of squatters. Legally, your hands may be tied, but today’s guest started a company targeted at helping real estate investors avoid a squatting situation altogether. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with George McCleary, creator of the viral video “I Stole a House.” George is the founder of Squatter Defender and Title Fraud Defender. He is also the Principal at McCleary Realty & Development. Jonathan and George begin their conversation by exploring George’s thoughts on squatters and why they feel much more emboldened today. He shares some of the strategies you can use to protect your property from squatters, who professional squatters are, and what makes it so difficult to remove them from your property. You’ll hear the “cash for keys” scheme, when it pays to do it, and the story behind George’s viral video, “I Stole a House.” Jonathan and George also explore how you can avoid becoming the low-hanging fruit for squatters, his path to real estate post-college, and George’s first experiences as a landlord. Finally, as the discussion winds down, George explains title fraud, how it relates to squatting, and why it’s so difficult to stop. He also explains why he decided to start his company, Squatter Defender. George McCleary offers some surprisingly simple solutions to deter squatters, and you won’t want to miss this episode that reveals one of the hidden issues in real estate investing. In this episode, you will hear: George McCleary’s thoughts on squatters and why they feel more emboldened todaySome of the strategies you can use to protect your property from squattersWho professional squatters are, and the difficulty of getting them out of your propertyThe “cash for keys” scheme and when it pays to take that optionThe story behind George’s video, “I Stole a House.”How to avoid becoming the low-hanging fruit for squattersGeorge’s path to real estate post-college and his first experiences with landlordingThe appeal of tangibility in real estate and creating somethingGeorge’s current favorite asset class and his reasons for loving itTitle fraud, its relation to squatting, and why you can’t stop itHis catalyst for beginning his company, Squatter Defender Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/171/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Squatter Defender website - www.squatterdefender.com (use the code Zen for 20% off) George McCleary on YouTube - youtube.com/@georgemcclearyMRD George’s Facebook account - facebook.com/mrdportland Find George McCleary on Instagram - instagram.com/mrd_portland Connect with George on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/georgemccleary George’s Twitter/X - twitter.com/mcclearyre Find George on TikTok - tiktok.com/@mrd_portland Title Fraud Defender website - www.titlefrauddefender.com (use the code Zen for 20% off) Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    50 mins