🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this tactical and eye-opening episode of Local Real Estate Developers, we sit down with Brian Wied, a land flipper turned developer and environmental consultant, who built his real estate business from scratch — while working overseas in Saudi Arabia.Brian shares how he went from nervously tackling his first land deal to running a multi-state operation that combines data, direct mail, and AI to acquire and subdivide rural land across the U.S. With a passion for simplicity, lean teams, and real-world pragmatism, Brian breaks down how he picks counties with pro-growth comprehensive plans, navigates subdivision rules, and builds external teams of professionals without heavy overhead.This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about land flipping, subdivision development, and structuring a real estate business that’s both scalable and efficient — especially if you're not based locally.Topics Covered Include: ✅ Brian’s journey from a skeptical first-time investor to running a multi-state land development business ✅ The power of saying "yes" — how newsletters, blogs, and meetups shaped his education ✅ Why comprehensive plans are a cheat code for picking counties to develop in ✅ A behind-the-scenes look at his first subdivision in Louisiana — from $179K purchase to 8-lot resale ✅ Using AI and software to reduce marketing waste in direct mail campaigns ✅ Building a remote-friendly, lean business with virtual assistants and external local teams ✅ How to approach municipalities like a professional developer (hint: bring solutions, not just ideas) ✅ Why he’s excited about ADUs and re-entitlement in urban areas ✅ The value of in-person conferences and networking for leveling upBrian also shares a free resource: a land due diligence checklist designed to help aspiring developers assess properties from both investor and environmental angles.💡 “You walk into the county office and say, ‘I bought land in accordance with your comprehensive plan’ — you look like the savior of the day.” – Brian Wied👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper .Guest Name: Brian WiedWebsite: https://landonthehorizon.com/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wied-p-g-3b69337/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landonthehorizon 🎬 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development01:49 Brian Wied's Background and Experience03:43 Environmental Consulting and Land Development07:33 Understanding Phase One Assessments12:06 Navigating Environmental Risks in Development15:51 Transitioning from Environmental Consulting to Land Development18:49 The Journey of Land Flipping22:30 From Flipping to Development: A Natural Progression24:02 Choosing Markets and Understanding Zoning27:19 Leveraging Comprehensive Plans for Development28:17 Navigating Zoning Challenges in Real Estate29:36 Lessons from Early Projects30:57 Building a Reliable Team for Development34:08 The Importance of External Partnerships38:40 Staying Motivated in Real Estate41:15 Advice for Aspiring Developers45:25 Exploring ADUs and Future Projects#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

Sometimes the biggest wins start with trust. This is how locals reshape their communities from the inside out.

Ben Sears and the Star House team didn’t just redevelop a closed church in Columbus, Ohio. They are creating a drop-in center that’s now transforming young lives.

In this minisode, we pull back the curtain on how they navigated zoning, city bureaucracy, and a neighborhood that already believed in them before the project ever hit the agenda.

When you build with your community, not to it, everything changes.

At Local Real Estate Developer (LRED), we’re here to empower locals to tackle projects like this even if you’ve never developed before. This story proves you just need the right relationships, local buy-in, and a willingness to figure it out as you go.

This is real estate development education for beginners, community leaders, and anyone tired of watching buildings sit vacant in their hometown.

Episode Takeaways:

✅ Build your team early

✅ Your reputation in the community is your biggest development asset.

✅ Start conversations before you ever file an application.

✅ Navigating city bureaucracy gets easier when you’ve got local support.

✅ Adaptive reuse and mission-driven development can reshape entire neighborhoods.Bold Truth:Community support doesn’t show up at the public hearing. It shows up because you did.

Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter: ⁠http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin⁠

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:⁠ https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper⁠

Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we’ve got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.

→ Programs & Resources:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/⁠

→ Apply for the Mentorship Program:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #FromVacantToVibrant #GatekeepingEndsHere #CommunityFirstDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose #RealEstateDevelopmentEducation #ColumbusRealEstateDeveloper #LocalDevelopment

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this insightful episode of Local Real Estate Developers, we sit down with Chris King, a young and ambitious real estate investor and developer based in Pensacola, Florida. Chris shares how he transitioned from licensed realtor to full-time developer—all before age 30—by tackling a high-risk, high-reward historic redevelopment in downtown Pensacola.Chris opens up about getting his start in real estate through his mom, landing a huge deal while still in college, and how a relationship with his former basketball coach turned into a critical business partnership. Together, they acquired a vacant historic home in a prime downtown location, planning for a straightforward flip, but as the renovation unfolded, it morphed into a full-blown redevelopment with serious learning curves.Chris takes us behind the scenes of this first project: the complications of renovating within historic guidelines, a costly stop-work order, contractor challenges, and what ultimately led him to buy out their original joint venture partner. Despite the setbacks, Chris came out stronger—refinancing the deal twice, preserving the asset, and walking away with a blueprint for future success.Topics Covered Include: ✅ How Chris got into real estate investing while still in college ✅ The deal that changed everything: acquiring a historic downtown home ✅ Why trusting new partners can be risky if you don’t verify ✅ How a stop-work order almost derailed the project ✅ Partnering with mentors and navigating hard money loans ✅ What to look for in a good development partner ✅ Advice for young developers starting with little experienceChris also reflects on the importance of patience, research, and the mindset shift from being a realtor to becoming a developer. His story is a testament to perseverance, smart partnerships, and learning by doing.💡 “If you’re doing it for the first time, take your time and don’t assume you know everything. Find someone who’s done it before and build with them.” – Chris King👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper .#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

From Beer Talk to Deal Structuring in Idaho | Think Like a Developer Minisode#02

You don’t need a pitch deck—you just need to talk about what you’re doing.

In this minisode, we’re back in Idaho with Craig Parsons as he unpacks how funding actually happens when you’re starting small. One moment he’s chatting about his project at a local bar—next thing you know, someone overhears and offers to connect him with an investor.

From seller financing to sweat equity and everything in between, Craig is learning what it really takes to structure a deal—and why the “how” matters way less than the who.

If you’ve ever asked, “Where would I even get the money for something like this?”—this minisode is your answer.

📍 What You’ll Learn:

• How Craig found a funding lead over a casual bar convo

• Equity partners vs. private money: what’s the difference?

• Why your role in the deal determines your slice of the pie

• Navigating infrastructure costs, tribal coordination, and modular bids

• Why relationships and real due diligence matter more than spreadsheets

  
  

💥 Bold Truth: Deals don’t get done because of perfect pitch decks—they happen when locals lead with trust, clarity, and a real plan.

👇 Your Next Steps:

✅ Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we’ve got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.

→ Programs & Resources: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/

→ Apply for the Mentorship Program: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirstDevelopment #GatekeepingEndsHere #RealEstateDevelopmentEducation #HowToStartRealEstateDevelopmentWithoutMillions #LocalIdahoDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this compelling episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Rachel Chwaszczewski — a 30-year real estate veteran, builder, and community strategist — shares her powerful journey from flipping homes to spearheading transformational workforce housing and infill development projects. Rachel’s work sits at the intersection of private, nonprofit, and municipal collaboration, and she brings a unique, action-oriented mindset to complex neighborhood revitalization.Rachel opens up about the lessons learned from decades of building, consulting, and partnering with cities. She discusses how intentionality, persistence, and curiosity can unlock new development models — especially for those willing to ask tough questions and build trust with local governments.Topics Covered Include: ✅ Rachel’s shift from fix-and-flips to neighborhood-wide revitalization ✅ The difference between building units and building a community ✅ How she and her husband built vertically integrated companies across construction, property management, and consulting ✅ Why city collaboration and relationship-building are critical for local developers ✅ The Affordable Asset Accelerator (AAA) framework to help nonprofits become self-sustaining ✅ Why mindset shifts and cross-sector partnerships are the future of community development ✅ Tactical advice for new developers: “pleasant but persistent” wins every timeRachel also emphasizes that “nonprofit is a tax status, not a business model,” advocating for sustainable systems that help communities solve problems at scale.💡 “Persistence is the name of the game... You don’t need all the answers — just the willingness to ask the right questions.” – Rachel Chwaszczewski👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper .Guest Name: Rachel ChwaszczewskiWebsite: https://intentionalpropertyadvisors.comEmail: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelchwaszczewski/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intentionalpropertyadvisors/ #LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, we sit down with Rajan Chida — a young entrepreneur who went from reselling sneakers to co-developing a modern cabin resort alongside his partner, Renzo. With no formal background in real estate, Rajan shares how sheer curiosity, hustle, and relationship-building opened the door to his first major development opportunity.

Rajan unpacks how his early hustle selling shoes taught him valuable lessons in grit, scaling, and flipping — all of which translated into his journey as a developer. He also reveals the exact steps he took to get in the room with active developers, the importance of adding value before asking for anything, and how a single trip to Waco, Texas sparked the vision for his first major build — a short-term rental resort modeled after Live Oak Lake.

Topics Covered Include:

✅ Lessons learned from flipping sneakers and scaling a business

✅ How Rajan found and added value to his first real estate mentor

✅ The power of belief, self-education, and action over analysis

✅ Creating a development vision and selling it to a partner ✅ Why trusting your gut can unlock game-changing opportunities

✅ Building for experience: Designing a cabin resort with intention

✅ How partnerships and alignment create momentum in development
Rajan’s story proves that you don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. You just need to show up, stay curious, and find ways to add value. 💡 “I had no idea what I was doing. But I knew I had to keep taking steps forward.” – Rajan Chida

👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper .

Guest Name: Rajan Chida

Website: https://www.royaloakretreat.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajanchida/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royaloakretreat/ 

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

🎙 From Deli Sandwich to 19-Lot Deal in Small-Town Idaho | Minisode #01

Wait—did that deal just fall into your lap at the deli?

That’s exactly what happened in Idaho, where Craig Parsons went from chatting about an old building to uncovering a 19-lot residential development opportunity—already zoned, mapped, and nearly shovel-ready.

No trust fund. No formal title. Just local relationships, smart questions, and the guts to follow a thread.

This minisode is packed with real numbers, rural strategy, and what it actually looks like to pursue a deal without millions in the bank. If you’ve ever thought, “Could I really do this where I live?”—this one’s for you.

📍 What You’ll Learn:

• How Craig found a hidden deal in Idaho—through a deli chat
• Creative seller financing: $100K down on a $495K deal
• Phased development strategy to reduce risk and start small
• What locals actually need—and how to price for your community
• Navigating trust, politics, and perception in a town of 8,000
• 
  

💥 Truth Bomb:

You don’t need a development background to lead a project—just the guts to ask better questions and build what your town actually needs.

👇 Your Next Steps:

✅ Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter:

http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin

🎧 Listen on all platforms + access templates, checklists, and more:

https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we’ve got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.

→ Programs & Resources:

https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com

→ Apply for the Mentorship Program:

https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #FromVacantToVibrant #GatekeepingEndsHere #CommunityFirstDevelopment

#RealEstateWithPurpose #RealEstateDevelopmentEducation

#FortMyersBeachRealEstateDeveloper 

🛑 What if the future of real estate isn't about ROI… but about rebuilding trust?

In this episode of The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast, we’re handing the mic to someone who’s walking the talk—Ben Sears, VP of Expansion at Star House in Columbus, Ohio. Ben’s team didn’t wait around for the system to fix itself—they became the community operator & developer.

From turning a condemned motel into housing to navigating the politics of adaptive reuse in a 70-year-old church building, Ben breaks down what it really takes to lead a community-first development project.

If you’ve ever wondered how locals can take control of abandoned spaces and turn them into something meaningful—this one’s for you.

🎯 Here’s what we get into:

• How Star House went from service provider to real estate developer (and why it had to)

• What it actually takes to entitle and rezone a church building (hint: it’s not for the faint of heart)

• The exact partnerships and advisors Ben leaned on to move from idea to execution

• What YIGBY ("Yes In God's Backyard") means—and how churches can become housing partners

• Lessons learned from bidding out GC contracts, negotiating parking variances, and winning over the neighborhood
  

💥 You don’t need to be a big-time developer to make a big-time impact. You just need the courage to go first, and the relationships to go far.

Learn more about our guest:

Instagram: @starhousecolumbus

LinkedIn: Ben Sears  

Website: https://www.starhouse.us

Email: [email protected]

✅ Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin⁠⁠

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:⁠ https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper⁠

Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we've got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.

→ Programs & Resources:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/⁠

→ 90-Day Masterclass:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/build-it-course⁠

→ Apply for the Mentorship Program:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #GatekeepingEndsHere #FromVacantToVibrant #CommunityFirstDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this powerful episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Garland Harris shares his journey creating affordable, innovative housing solutions rooted in community and equity in Houston.

Garland dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of missing middle housing, zoning code changes, and designing developments that support small businesses and entrepreneurs who don’t fit the traditional mold. He discusses the vision behind his French Town Village project, the impact of city policies on live-work units, and the importance of thinking long-term to build neighborhoods where people can live, work, and thrive.Topics Covered Include: ✅ The evolution of Garland’s design and development career from flipping to missing middle housing ✅ How zoning and code changes impact affordability and access for small businesses ✅ Building with purpose: housing that supports community growth and economic opportunity ✅ Insights on retail and commercial spaces for minority entrepreneurs ✅ Future projects like French Town Village and expanding affordable, amenity-rich small housing ✅ Tools Garland created — like his density calculator — to simplify development decisions ✅ Education, coaching, and empowering new developers through courses and podcastsGarland also shares candid wisdom about the long game of community development — it’s not a sprint, but a steady race. 💡 “We haven’t scratched the surface yet. It’s a long race, and the work is just beginning.” – Garland Harris.👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloperGuest Name: Garland HarrisWebsite: https://middlehousingdesign.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garland-harris-jr-18b10848/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborhooddeveloper/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenPLIVS0vI7EZM-1RJlklQ #LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #MissingMiddleHousing #SmallBusinessSupport #LongGameDevelopment

This isn’t just commercial real estate. It’s community-building at its boldest.

What if the strip malls, empty lots, and tired old shopping centers in your city weren’t dead—they were just waiting for someone like you to reimagine them?

In this episode of The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Beth Azor—a retail leasing legend turned developer—who proves you don’t need to fly across the country to make big moves. You just need to walk your neighborhood, knock on doors, and believe in what your city could become.

Beth shares her journey from working in brokerage to owning millions in assets…all within five miles of her home. She’s built shopping centers that house everything from national tenants like Starbucks to homegrown businesses run by her own neighbors. And the best part? She’s showing others how to do it too.

We cover:

✅ How Beth leveraged her leasing background to become a full-on CRE investor & developer

✅ What it really takes to buy your first property (hint: not just money)

✅ Her step-by-step playbook for canvassing and finding winning tenants

✅ How she structured deals with no investors, no excuses

✅ What cities actually want from developers (and how to get them to say yes)

✅ Why going local is her greatest competitive advantage

Beth doesn’t just build retail. She builds relationships—and her story will change the way you think about what’s possible in your own city.

The bold truth?

You don’t have to wait to get picked. You just have to get moving.

Guest Name: Beth Azor

Website: https://www.bethazor.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethazor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bazor1005/

✅ Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin ⁠⁠

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:⁠ https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper ⁠

Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we've got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.

→ Programs & Resources:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/⁠ 

→ 90-Day Masterclass:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/build-it-course ⁠

→ Apply for the Mentorship Program:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship 

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere