Are you interested in learning how to transition from tech entrepreneurship to real estate investing? In this episode, we sit down with John Todderud, a former tech and software entrepreneur who now invests in real estate full-time. He shares his experience in the tech space and how he brought some realism to that field while transitioning to investing in real estate. We explore his strategies for examining properties or hiring people to examine them before he buys them, as well as how he successfully supports remotely from the Midwest while living on the west coast. We compare and contrast some of the big swings and misses folks make in the tech space with investing in real estate and discuss key strategies for successful remote real estate investing. John also emphasizes the importance of proving revenues and demonstrating viability for an investment to be successful, regardless of what field it is in. Tune into this conversation to gain insight into remote real estate investing and a realistic perspective from someone who has experienced both sides of the coin!

 

[00:01 - 07:03] Comparing and Contrasting the Tech World to Real Estate Investing with John Todd Rud

John Todderud is a former tech and software entrepreneur and W2 employee

Switched to investing in real estate full-time

Comparing and contrasting big swings and misses in the tech space with real estate investing

Investing from a long distance, building teams, understanding markets

Examining properties or hiring people to review them before buying

Acquired, invested in, partnered on, or otherwise had a hand in over 150 million commercial real estate acquisitions

 

[07:04 - 14:55] Tech Entrepreneurship: The Reality vs. the Misconceptions

Tech entrepreneurship is not always a home run, with only one out of ten startups being successful

Angel financing and venture capital are essential for tech startups

The US values entrepreneurs, and there is an engaging and supportive community for technology startups

Real estate investing is more about base hits than home runs, with returns typically in the range of 12 to 20%

 

[14:56 - 23:29] Building Knowledge of Submarkets: Networking, Talking to People, and Utilizing Online Platforms

Using online platforms to gain knowledge of an area

Developing relationships with local property managers and brokers

Placing a Craigslist ad for a local photographer to take pictures of the property

Gathering data on neighborhood crime, growth rates, household incomes, and property values

Learning from people met at networking events and conferences

Talking to brokers to gain insight into the market

 

[23:30 - 29:54] Closing Segment

Best investment: a trombone when John was 14 years old

Worst investment: a property in a C minus market

The most important lesson learned: persistence and believing in your abilities

Connect with John through [email protected] or by visiting www.LearnAboutApartments.com.

 

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Quotes:

 

"It's a thrill to get a successful company started, but as any early stage investor will tell you, not all of them are successful.” - John Todderud

 

"It is good to have people that you trust in the local market.” - John Todderud