In this episode, Andrés Bernal breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate: how immigrants can buy property in the United States. Whether you live inside or outside the country, this conversation explains the real differences between visas, green cards, citizenship, and how each affects your ability to qualify for a mortgage.

Andrés shares his personal journey—getting denied 17 times, flipping over 100 homes, completing 200+ renovations, and building a large real estate portfolio. You’ll learn how DSCR loans work, how immigrants can buy homes without a Social Security Number, and why the U.S. offers one of the most powerful systems for building wealth through real estate.

If you're an immigrant, investor, or someone curious about owning property in the U.S., this episode is for you.

House Inspection Red Flags: Underground Oil Tanks, Septic Systems, Foundation Cracks & More Every Home Buyer Must Know

Buying a house — whether it's a flip, a rental, or your primary home — comes with hidden risks most buyers never see coming. After 12 years investing, 200+ renovations, and 100+ flips, I've learned the hard way which inspections you can never skip.

In this episode of Before the Profit, I walk through the 6 most dangerous — and most overlooked — home defects:

• Underground oil tanks: why cheap inspections give you a false sense of security, and how contamination can cost $8,000–$9,000 per truckload of soil removal
• Septic tank problems: the difference between a $7,000 fix and a $40,000 full system replacement
• Knob and tube wiring: how outdated electrical hides inside your walls and what a full rewire really costs
• High water tables: why a wet basement can kill your resale value even if the sump pump "works fine"
• Mold remediation: how a small stain became a deal-breaker with one buyer — and cost me $5,000 trying to save it
• Foundation cracks, settling, and bowing walls: when to panic, and when it's just an old house doing what old houses do

Whether you're a first-time home buyer, a new investor, or a seasoned flipper, this episode gives you the tactical, real-world knowledge to protect your investment before you close.

📚 Plus — a first look at my upcoming book, Master of Flips, coming soon on Amazon.

🎧 New episodes every week. Subscribe and leave a review if this helped you avoid a costly mistake.

Andres Bernal shares a new, less risky method of flipping houses, focusing on strategic renovations to increase property value. He discusses the identification of entry-level homes, the strategy of strategic renovations, and presents a case study of flipping a house in Norwich, Connecticut. The impact of renovations on house value, the importance of cosmetic renovations, and the tactical approach to flipping houses are also explored. Additionally, considerations for future homeowners and an announcement about an upcoming book are shared.

Takeaways

• Less risky flipping
• Strategic renovations

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to New House Flipping Method
• 00:30 Identifying Entry-Level Homes for Flipping
• 02:08 The Strategy of Strategic Renovations
• 03:07 Case Study: Flipping a House in Norwich, Connecticut
• 04:26 The Outcome of Strategic Renovations
• 05:23 The Impact of Renovations on House Value
• 06:54 The Importance of Cosmetic Renovations
• 13:14 Flipping Luxury Houses
• 15:24 Tactical Approach to Flipping Houses
• 17:55 Bonus: Consideration for Future Homeowners
• 19:43 Conclusion and Book Announcement

The podcast episode explores the Section Eight program, discussing its pros and cons, tenant experiences, and the impact on landlords. It provides insights into managing Section Eight properties and the challenges associated with the program.

Takeaways

• Stable income from the government
• Section Eight tenants may have a longer tenancy due to limited housing options

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Section Eight
• 05:04 Tenant Experiences and Property Damage
• 12:11 Government Funding and Landlord Risks

Andres Bernal shares tactical tips for getting real estate deals in 2026, emphasizing the importance of focus and genuine connections. He covers methods such as real estate events, lead services, MLS/Zillow, Facebook groups, and building relationships with wholesalers and agents.

Takeaways

• Tactical focus is key to success in real estate deals.
• Genuine connections and relationships are crucial for long-term success in real estate.

Chapters

• 00:00 Real Estate Events and Networking
• 10:27 MLS/Zillow and Property Search Criteria
• 17:06 Facebook Groups and Networking

Andres Bernal shares valuable insights and tips on flipping houses, drawing from his extensive experience of flipping over 100 homes. He discusses key considerations, such as property comparables, renovation rules, permits, and the role of realtors in the flipping process.

Takeaways

• Property comparables are crucial for determining the value of a house and should be carefully evaluated before making a purchase.
• Renovation rules, including must-do, should-do, and can-do items, provide a structured approach to renovation projects.
• Obtaining permits is essential for avoiding delays and ensuring compliance with building codes.
• When working with realtors for flipping houses, it's important to verify and validate the information provided, especially regarding after-repair value.

Chapters

• 00:00 Working with Realtors

Andres Bernal shares his insights on flipping and rentals, emphasizing the importance of scaling, marketing, lead generation, social media strategy, consistent outreach, expanding market focus, utilizing neighborhood data, contractor collaboration, expanding property search criteria, building relationships, consistent follow-up, making offers, deal analysis, overcoming time constraints, and the secret to success in real estate.

Takeaways

• Volume and consistency are key in deal analysis and offer placement.
• Overcoming limiting beliefs and expanding market focus are crucial for success in real estate.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Flipping and Rentals
• 06:16 Overcoming Social Stigma
• 11:17 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
• 17:21 Volume and Consistency in Deal Analysis

Andres Bernal shares his experiences as a landlord, highlighting five tenant nightmares and the valuable lessons he learned from each. He provides insights on tenant screening, handling difficult situations, and maintaining positive landlord-tenant relationships.

Takeaways

• Tenant screening is crucial to avoid problematic tenants
• Communication and empathy are key in resolving tenant issues
• Maintaining a good relationship with tenants can prevent legal disputes

Chapters

• 00:00 Tenant Nightmare #5: The Complainer & Late Rent

The conversation covers a range of topics related to real estate investment, property management, and market opportunities in Connecticut. It delves into the challenges of property management, the advantages of Airbnb over traditional rentals, and the legislative landscape affecting housing in Connecticut. Additionally, it explores investment strategies, market opportunities, and the future of real estate flipping.

Takeaways

• Advantages of Airbnb over traditional rentals
• Challenges in property management and zoning regulations

Chapters

• 00:00 Airbnb vs. Traditional Rentals
• 06:33 Market Opportunities in Connecticut
• 12:07 Addressing Concerns About Airbnb
• 17:24 Investment Strategies: Rental Arbitrage vs. Property Purchase
• 26:04 Legislation and Housing in Connecticut
• 34:38 Challenges in Property Zoning and Building Regulations
• 42:15 Future of Real Estate Flipping

Andres Bernal shares insights on real estate flipping, challenges faced, and process improvements. He discusses the importance of detailed scope of work, avoiding price per square foot, and using the cost per item method. Additionally, he emphasizes the consideration of holding costs and the benefits of team building for time management. The conversation covers a range of topics related to real estate investment and property management. It delves into contractor selection and management, the benefits of student rentals as an investment, and the impact of regulations and zoning on real estate ventures. Additionally, insights on pricing, commercial property renovations, and the use of free resources and tools are shared.

Takeaways

• Detailed scope of work
• Avoid price per square foot
• Cost per item method
• Consider holding costs
• Team building for time management Contractor selection and management
• Student rentals as an investment
• Regulations and zoning in real estate

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Real Estate Portfolio
• 11:01 Flipping Business and Time Management
• 18:08 Renovation Stages and Contractor Relationships
• 54:45 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Zoning Regulations