Episode: Are Single-Family Rentals Still Worth It?

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this brutally honest episode, the Elevate and Execute crew tackles one of the most popular (and misunderstood) wealth-building strategies out there—buying single-family rental homes. Are they still a good investment in today’s market?

The guys break down the numbers behind single-family rentals, expose the real costs and risks, and explain why $200–$300 per month cash flow might not be the win you think it is. From maintenance expenses and vacancies to insurance failures and Molotov cocktails (yes, really), this one covers what you actually need to know before diving into real estate investing.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why $200/month cash flow might be a mirage
• What new investors forget to calculate (like turnover costs and emergency repairs)
• Why not having reserves is the biggest mistake in real estate
• What happens when your rental property burns down and you forgot insurance
• The differences between 1–5 doors vs. 100+ units
• The risks of buying based on appreciation instead of cash flow
• How investors are pivoting toward private lending and hard money
• Why long-term wealth requires patience, strategy, and a stomach for setbacks

Notable Quotes:

“$200 a month doesn’t cover an AC call—let alone a roof.”“You can’t call it passive income if you’re still making 2 AM maintenance calls.”“Some people are building wealth. Some are just buying jobs.”“It’s not about doors—it’s about deals. Big difference.”“Mistakes are expensive in real estate. But they’re also part of the course.”

Subscribe & Review:

Thinking of buying your first rental—or your tenth? This is the episode to listen to before you do. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this one with an investor friend. Don’t let Instagram fool you—real estate takes real work.