Welcome back to another episode of the IRA Cafe podcast! Join Kyle Moody, Business Development Manager at American IRA, as he hosts an insightful conversation with Kyah Ebert, a dynamic 22-year-old real estate entrepreneur based in Asheville, North Carolina. 

In this episode, Kyle and Kyah explore what it means to start young in real estate, the evolution of building a business from the ground up, and how the next generation of investors is breaking the mold (sometimes quite literally) as Kyah joins the call live from a coffee shop in the heart of Asheville’s forests. 

Kyah shares his unique journey from aspiring professional athlete to becoming a principal in a partnership managing nearly 50 vacation rental properties, focusing on both real estate ownership and innovative rental arbitrage models. 

Tune in for Kyah’s actionable advice on gaining industry knowledge, building sustainable business partnerships, leveraging creative deal structures, and cultivating a “why” that motivates his rapidly growing enterprise. Kyle and Kyah also discuss actionable steps for scaling a business in today’s challenging real estate market, including operating through natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness young investors need to thrive. Highlights from this episode also include the importance of mastering a niche, the realities of market downturns, and the opportunities for individuals to partner or invest alongside Kyah’s group using self-directed retirement accounts.

Key takeaways:

1. Early Start and Real Estate Education: Kyah began his real estate journey in his late teens by working for free and learning every aspect of property operations, emphasizing the value of mentorship over formal education for aspiring entrepreneurs with limited resources.
2. Business Growth and Finding a Niche: Kyah’s group now manages around 50 properties, blending owned, leased, and managed rentals. By focusing on high-quality, innovative amenities like curated interior designs and unique features such as virtual reality rooms they differentiate themselves in a competitive short-term rental market.
3. The Power of Partnerships and Networks: Success in real estate is rooted in building a strong sphere of influence, learning from seasoned professionals, and sometimes partnering creatively such as leveraging owner financing or collaborating with builders on new construction projects.
4. Navigating Challenges: Kyah candidly discusses the ebb and flow of the market, from post-pandemic boom times and the impact of Hurricane Helene, to how operating in turbulent periods demands resourcefulness and hands-on management to keep properties profitable and teams motivated.
5. Investing with Purpose and Opportunity: Whether you’re interested in direct real estate investment or looking for more passive involvement, Kyah highlights opportunities for listeners to invest in his projects potentially using self-directed IRAs while staying focused on a larger “why,” such as building a legacy and supporting family.

If you’re curious about how young entrepreneurs are succeeding in real estate, want actionable advice for building your own portfolio, or are interested in using retirement funds to participate in high-performing private real estate deals, this episode is a must-listen.