Real Life Investing With Jason & Rachel Wagner

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Ever wondered about the thrill and challenges that come with investing in real estate through a live in renovation? This episode brings you a riveting conversation with Greystone Realty agent Jordan Warner, a man who turned a fixer-upper ranch in West Humboldt Park into an engaging journey of discovery.

This episode offers more than just a walkthrough of a renovation project. Jordan takes us into the heart of his real estate journey, shedding light on the sacrifices made and the lessons learned in the process. We delve into the significance of documenting the journey, setting tangible goals, and understanding what it takes to achieve those goals. Jordan's experiences and reflections are a valuable guide for anyone keen on navigating the real estate waters.

As we drift from Chicago to Texas, Jordan shares his unique experience of using Airbnb's in various neighborhoods, maintaining a swimming pool under the relentless Texas sun, and finally taking the plunge into full-time real estate investment. He provides an insightful look into the dynamics of the Fort Worth real estate market, the practice of renting out rooms, and his eventual return to Chicago. 

The episode concludes with Jordan's thoughtful stance on gentrification, the industry's oversight in adjusting rents over time, and his ultimate aspiration of being a responsible housing provider. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in real estate investing, property renovation, or simply seeking inspiration in their entrepreneurial voyage.

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Venturing away from their wedding photography business, Brian and Ashley reveal the steps, strategies, and occasional stumbling blocks they've faced in purchasing and rehabbing their first house hack investment property in Chicago. These two candidly share how they went from a thriving small business to a complete halt in income from the pandemic, as they turned to real estate to help provide them with stability. Their story is a perfect example of resilience and creativity, which is extremely admirable. 

Brian and Ashley's journey is not just about real estate investing - it's also about intentional living and entrepreneurship. They share their financial freedom goals and future plans, including Ashley's transition to part-time photography/videography, and Brian becoming a full-time real estate agent with Greystone Realty. They emphasize the importance of trust, integrity, and maintaining a clear vision in maneuvering in a new industry. With a blend of friendship, business acumen, and a dash of risk-taking, Brian and Ashley's story serves as an inspiring roadmap to achieving your own entrepreneurial dreams. 

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High school TODAY is different than when the millennial generation was there.  Joining us on the show is Rachel's sister, Maddy, who brings us up to speed on what it is like to be in school as a Gen Z entering Senior year.

Maddy was diagnosed with Celiac disease at a young age and she explains what it is like being on a strict diet most of her life.  She also details her experience of attending school during the pandemic and how the effects are still being felt.

The conversation leads into how political arguments among her peers have become more prevalent, as Maddy describes the divide that has developed at this young age. We discuss her sense of the social pressures that have emerged relating to privilege, gender identities, and how teens are communicating online. 

This episode is a transparent dialogue of what it is like to be a high schooler today and is promised to bring you a deeper understanding of the realities that teens are facing.  By the end of the show, you'll walk away with confidence and inspiration from Maddy as she explains how she is defying her doctor's expectations to continue to pursue her passions and dreams.

Join us for our most emotional and unreserved conversation to date.  

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Building confidence and hitting goals is something everyone wants to do, but so many of us struggle to be confident or fall short of our goals. Our guest today offers how she excelled in these areas by sharing her journey through 75 Hard.  The vibrant and inspiring Irais Torres, a successful Chicago real estate agent with Fulton Grace and a champion of the 75 Hard program. Irais passionately shares her transformative journey, revealing how the program's rigorous mental and physical challenges shaped her into the confident and successful woman she is today.

We explore the concept of the accountability mirror, the significance of vocalizing your ambitions, and the trials and triumphs that come with personal growth. Above all, you'll learn how to turn challenges into opportunities, and how pushing your boundaries can lead to a life of confidence, abundance, and continuous self-improvement. Tune in and get inspired by Irais' incredible journey through 75 Hard.

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Are your parenting decisions driven by an understanding of early childhood development? On today's show we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel's Mother, Lori, who is an early childhood development specialist with a 40-year-long career and a degree in elementary education. 

Throughout the episode, Lori shares valuable insights about the pivotal role of engaging gross motor skills from birth, safe sleep practices, the best questions to ask childcare providers, how to establish rules and guidelines with your children, the recommendations of screen time, and many more tips parents can use to help children through the early stages of life.  She emphasizes the value of open dialogue, celebrating the uniqueness of each child, and the power of reaching out for help. 

An engaging conversation with Lori, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to nurture their child's development in the most effective way. Tune in and empower yourself with actionable steps you can start today that can help with your parenting journey.

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Wouldn't it be nice to live in your dream home for free? Turns out it isn't as hard as you might think. Join us as we traverse the intriguing journey of Lindsey and Levi Kane, who went from being completely broke to  living in their dream home for free in just 5 years. This episode is packed with their honest experiences of house hacking, financial problem-solving, and tenant management, all of which helped them create their impressive portfolio. 

Lindsey and Levi aren't just about property investment; they're also champions of personal growth. Lindsey recounts her transformative experience with the 75 Hard program sharing her stories of courage, determination, and ingenuity which are nothing short of inspiring. 

With all the insightful stories and valuable lessons in this episode, you're sure to walk away with newfound knowledge about real estate investment and personal development. So tune in to this exciting episode, and let Lindsay and Levi Kane guide you along your own path to success.

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Have you ever wondered how to juggle full-time jobs, parenting, and your personal health all at once? On today's episode, we share a candid conversation with Jon and Keira Quintero, a power couple who managed to do just that. This dynamic duo not only balanced their busy lives but also completed the 75 Hard program, demonstrating awe-inspiring resilience and discipline. Join us as we dive into their journey, their strategies, and how they navigated the inevitable obstacles to come out stronger on the other side. 

Our discussion takes us down the ripple effects 75 Hard has had in their lives and how they have been able to maintain the lifestyle even after completing the program. Keira credits 75 Hard as the contributor to her preparation for the Chicago Marathon and leading to personal records in her 5k, 10k, and half marathon times. Keira shines a light on the transformation of her daily routine, the continued discipline, and intentional time management that has truly shifted her mindset.

Jon goes deep into the unexpected surgery he was forced to have, that put completing 75 Hard at risk.  But through determination, Jon was able to complete the day to continue the challenge and keep going.

The Quinteros' journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with discipline, support, and intentionality, one can truly attain their ambitions. Stick with us as we unpack their strategies for balancing work, parenting, and health, and how their story can inspire you to take the reins in your own life.

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Partnering with your Real Estate Agent might seem like an odd endeavor but when you are brand new to real estate investing it is actually a great way to mitigate your risk in knowledge gaps. This is exactly what Tim Botsford did to start investing in Real Estate.  In this episode, Tim shares his incredible journey from living with friends to becoming a house hacker, thanks to a combination of curiosity, research, and a pivotal chat with us. If investing in multi-family real estate sounds intimidating, Tim's step-by-step recounting of his experience is bound to resonate with you. 

From managing leases and tenant relations, to dealing with unexpected issues like flooding and cockroach infestations, this episode doesn't hold back. Tim's candid reflection on his learning curve is a masterclass in handling real-life trials and tribulations in real estate investing. He reveals how house hacking and a quick response to tenant issues not only gave him more control over his money but also helped him maintain a good rapport with his tenants.

As we wrap up, Tim shares his exhilarating, sometimes nerve-wracking, ride into real estate investing. Overcoming fears, stepping out of his comfort zone and understanding the importance of tenant ordinances, this episode is a goldmine of actionable advice and inspiring experiences. So if you're toying with the idea of a leap into real estate investing, tune in to hear about Tim's joy and anticipation for the future, and how his first property has set him on a path of exciting possibilities.

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Ever wondered how understanding your partner's love language could transform your relationship? Well, we've been there and experienced the profound change it can bring. In a heartfelt conversation, we're opening up about our journey through the beautiful teachings of Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages". This book has reshaped our understanding of each other and served as a catalyst in strengthening our marriage. 

Our conversations also touch upon the influence of love languages in shaping relationships. We share our experience on how recognizing and communicating in each other's love languages has positively impacted our relationship. We share our story, and practical advice on how to incorporate these love languages into your own relationships. So join us, and let's explore the power of love languages together.

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When the pandemic hit, our lives changed overnight. Rachel's dance studio dream was suddenly put on hold, our real estate business took a hit, and our search for suitable childcare turned into a difficult task. Navigating through these unexpected challenges, we learned the importance of well-researched decision making and communicating the family values we identified as extremely important.  We'll discuss our thought process and our personal stories, which may be relatable to your experience. 

This episode is a candid account of our pandemic experience and we hope it brings connection to you.