What does it take to breathe new life into an entire town? Real estate power duo Dwan Bent-Twyford and Bill Twyford are proving that with the right strategy, vision, and perseverance, it's possible. In this episode, we dive into their ambitious revitalization of downtown Clinton, Iowa—how they're leveraging opportunity zones, building generational wealth, and turning real estate into a tool for community transformation.

What You'll Learn:

• How tax incentives are fueling Clinton's resurgence and making long-term investments even more rewarding.

• Why community involvement and local relationships are key to successful real estate revitalization.

• The Twyfords' strategy for managing large-scale projects, even from a distance.

• How one investment can spark economic growth, attract businesses, and revitalize entire neighborhoods.

• From single-mom struggles to multimillion-dollar deals, Dwan and Bill's journey proves that resilience, action, and the right mentors can change everything.

More About Our Guests:

Dwan Bent-Twyford started her real estate journey as a broke single mom, knocking on doors with a baby on her hip. Bill Twyford transitioned from a successful painting business to real estate after a health scare forced him to pivot. Together, they've completed over $500M in transactions, mentored over 500,000 students, and are now taking on their biggest project yet—rehabbing an entire town in Clinton, Iowa.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation about vision, action, and the true impact of real estate!

Contact Info:

Websites | https://dwanderful.com/ | https://investorsedgeuniversity.com/

What happens when a professional motocross racer trades his dirt bike for deeds and rental properties? Gavin Faith did just that—transforming his competitive drive into a thriving real estate career.

In this episode, he shares how he went from championship races to cash-flowing properties, the lessons he carried over from motocross, and how he's building long-term wealth through smart investing.

What we talked about:

• How Gavin transitioned from a fast-paced motocross career to a strategic real estate investor.

• Why thinking ahead in any career is crucial and how Gavin prepared for life after racing.

• The work ethic and mental toughness from professional sports that gave him an edge in real estate.

• Gavin's strategy for acquiring, renovating, and profiting from rental properties.

• How Gavin leverages his experience to guide buyers, sellers, and aspiring investors.

More About Gavin Faith:

After a decade in professional motocross, Gavin returned to his roots in Iowa and dove headfirst into real estate—remodeling, renting, and selling over 30 properties. Now a successful realtor and investor, he's passionate about making real estate stress-free for his clients while continuing to grow his own portfolio.

Contact Info:

Phone | (515) 408-6617

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/gavin.faith

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/gavinfaith/

Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@gavinfaith617

How do two former car salesmen build a $6M real estate portfolio? In this episode, Matt Young and Tony Romeo share the story behind their transition from car sales to real estate success. They dive into their strategies for Airbnb properties, wholesaling, and creative financing, revealing how they capitalized on opportunities and built systems to scale their business.

Matt and Tony aren't afraid to tackle sticky legal challenges when buying investment properties, and this niche gives them a strategic edge. Tune in to hear how they made the leap into real estate, why repeatable systems are key to scaling, and the power of a strong strategic partnership.

Key Takeaways:

• Why creative problem solving provides clients with what they need while getting more deals done

• Why trust and complementary skills are necessary for a successful partnership

• The power of repeatable systems & processes for business growth

• How Airbnb, wholesaling, and more fit into their real estate portfolio

• Why Matt & Tony believe in the power of OPM and OPK

About Matt Young & Tony Romeo

From lifelong friends to top-performing salesmen in the car industry, we've evolved into some of the most active investors in the DSM market. With a $6M+ portfolio, we've built a thriving Airbnb management and cleaning business while consistently closing 6–14 off-market deals per month.

Recently, we launched our own real estate team to expand our reach. Known in the DSM market as the go-to experts for creative solutions, we specialize in subject-to deals and contract sales. Beyond business, we're both family men—Tony with three kids and Matt with two—driven by a shared passion for growth and innovation.

GreenMT was founded by Des Moines natives Matt Young and Tony Romeo, driven by a deep passion for their city and community. Committed to providing innovative real estate solutions, GreenMT specializes in offering multiple options for homeowners looking to sell, even in challenging situations. Their mission is to simplify the process of buying and selling homes, ensuring it is quick, easy, and stress-free, as Tony puts it. With a strong belief in keeping Iowa homes within Iowa investors, Matt and Tony are dedicated to supporting local homeowners and fostering growth in their community.

Matt Young, a South Side Des Moines native, brings a local advantage to the real estate business. Now residing in Urbandale with his wife and two children, Matt's deep roots in the area inform his approach to real estate, helping him connect with clients and meet their needs.

Tony Romeo, also from Des Moines' South Side, remains dedicated to his local community. With his wife, two toddlers, and a busy schedule managing his businesses, Tony's energetic and approachable personality helps create lasting relationships with clients and makes everyone he meets feel like family. Together, Matt and Tony's passion for their hometown and commitment to making the real estate process seamless distinguishes GreenMT in the industry.

Contact Info:

https://greenmtiowa.com/

https://www.myrealtyia.com/

https://desmoineshomebuyers.net

https://www.facebook.com/matt.young.735

https://www.facebook.com/tony.romeo.52

From a small-town upbringing in Iowa to making waves in the real estate industry, Tyler Dingel's journey is a testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of mentorship. We dive into the lessons he learned from early career struggles as a new broker to multimillion-dollar deals, uncovering the mindset and strategies that have fueled his success.

Success is more than numbers—it's about relationships and long-term vision. As a real estate investor and broker, Tyler is committed to leading by example and giving back through mentorship. Whether you're a real estate enthusiast, an aspiring investor, or looking for career inspiration, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!

• How early career mentorship played a crucial role in his professional growth.

• Why synergy is core to Tyler's leadership philosophy & how he leads his team

• How his experience as an investor has shaped his work as a broker and vice versa

• His philosophy on managing risk as a real estate investor

• Why nobody is really 'self-made' and the importance of relationships

Tyler graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Finance and Real Estate. During his studies, he completed internships at Principal Financial Group, Real Estate Research Corporation, and ultimately, CBRE. His experience at CBRE solidified his interest in real estate brokerage, leading to a full-time role after graduating in 2005.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Tyler's career is witnessing the tangible impact of his work on the community. As his children grow, he enjoys driving through the city and discussing new developments, sharing how his team played a role in transforming ideas into reality. From revitalizing historic buildings to contributing to the skyline with new structures, he takes pride in the lasting influence of his work.

Tyler attributes much of his professional growth to the mentorship he received early in his career, particularly from Todd Millang. Inspired by this experience, he has made it a priority to mentor younger brokers, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within his team.

In brokerage, every day presents new challenges. Tyler emphasizes that success in the industry is not about persuasion but about demonstrating real value. Whether advising on a multimillion-dollar investment or structuring a long-term lease, he adopts an analytical approach to real estate decisions. His goal is to help clients understand how investments impact their business, whether in terms of operational efficiency, financial returns, or overall strategic growth.

A firm believer in relationship-building, Tyler acknowledges that the strongest influence on his career has been the people he has worked with. He recognizes that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses, and finding the right business partners can lead to greater success for both professionals and their clients.

Beyond his career, Tyler and his wife are proud parents of three children, each with their own passions and personalities. He has cherished the opportunity to coach his daughter in basketball for seven years and his son in both basketball and football. His youngest is passionate about competitive cheerleading, where he happily supports from the sidelines.

When not engaged in their children's activities, the Dingel family enjoys spending time at the lake with friends. Watching his children trade screen time for fishing rods and water sports brings him immense joy. These moments, spent together as a family, reinforce the importance of balance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment.

Contact Info:

Website | CBRE.com

X / Twitter | https://x.com/TylerDingel

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dingel

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dingel-ccim-1a78b77/

What if your 9-to-5 job was actually a stepping stone to financial freedom?

That's how Matt Henick approached his transition from corporate finance to real estate investing.

With a strong strategic approach, Matt grew his business to 60 rental units—all while maintaining a full-time job. In this episode, he shares the key lessons he's learned along the way, from investing in high-quality renovations up-front to scaling in property management. If you're looking to break into real estate or expand your portfolio, Matt's insights are packed with practical strategies you won't want to miss.

• How Matt strategically built his portfolio while maintaining a full-time job.

• Why high-quality renovations help minimize long-term maintenance costs.

• Leveraging strong tenant relations & scale to achieve operational efficiency in property management

• The calculated risks and clear vision Matt used to transition from a career in corporate finance to full-time investor

About Matt Henick

Matt Henick is an experienced real estate investor and entrepreneur based in Dubuque, Iowa. Since 2019, he has built and self-manages a portfolio of 60 small multifamily units. In addition to his personal investments, he co-founded Premier Property Management Group, overseeing properties in Dubuque and Davenport, with a focus on newly developed properties.

Expanding his expertise to larger-scale projects, Matt recently joined JB Capital in Cedar Rapids as Co-General Partner and Chief Financial Officer. The firm is leading the development of 226 build-to-rent townhomes across four projects, with construction on phase one scheduled to begin in early 2025.

Prior to transitioning into real estate full-time, Matt spent six years in Corporate Accounting and Finance, working for two billion-dollar companies. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Loras College (2019) and became a licensed Iowa Real Estate Salesperson in 2024.

With a strong financial background and a proven track record in property management and investing, Matt is committed to creating value for investors and delivering high-quality housing to the communities he serves.

Contact Info:

Phone: 563-663-5122

Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhenick/

Website: https://premierdbq.com/

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a steady 9-to-5 to full-time real estate investing?

Adam Romano made that leap after sharpening his sales skills at Pella Windows and Doors in Clive. Since then, he's rolled up his sleeves and gained hands-on experience in nearly every corner of residential real estate.

In this episode, Adam dives into the value of mentorship, the importance of learning by doing, and how to stay agile in today's fast-moving market. Packed with practical advice and real-life stories, Adam shares his experiences with creative financing, 'subject-to' deals, and growing his business in new markets across the country. Tune in for valuable insights that could inspire your own real estate journey!

Key Takeaways

• How a key mentorship helped Adam fast-track his way to success & avoid expensive errors

• Why reading real estate investing books can only get you so far

• Learning to navigate contractors & building business partnerships that last

• What it took to scale his business and flip properties in other states

• How Adam plans to grow his business for the future while mitigating risk

My real estate journey began in 2016 while I was working at Pella Windows and Doors. After reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki", I became fascinated with real estate and was determined to build a career in the industry.

By 2017, while still working full-time as a sales representative at Pella Windows and Doors in Clive, I began taking action. In 2019, after a pivotal conversation with my now-wife. I decided to fully commit to real estate. With her encouragement, I resigned from my job and officially launched my full-time real estate business in February 2020.

My introduction to real estate mentorship came through Mark Lane, a connection that shaped my career significantly. Mark remains both a mentor and a friend, playing a vital role in my success today.

Our first deal was a purchase from a local wholesaler, Jamie King. The property was in extreme distress—meth contamination, three failing foundation walls, a steep 15% grade driveway, and a tiny 692 sq. ft. footprint with no garage. To save costs and complete the project, I quite literally slept at the house while working on the renovations.

Fast forward to today, and we have completed dozens of deals across multiple real estate strategies, including wholesaling, flipping, owner financing, and rental investments. For several years, our primary focus was flipping homes, leveraging deep construction knowledge to maximize value. We even briefly ventured into high-end kitchen and basement remodeling as general contractors.

In June 2023, we shifted our focus to expand beyond Iowa. Currently, we market in 63 locations across 13 states, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest, acquiring 2–3 deals per month. Our strategy has evolved from heavy construction and fix-and-flips to wholetailing and owner financing, allowing us to scale efficiently while maintaining profitability.

Contact Info:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-romano-a6a1a893/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/adam.romano.33

Richard Hurd needs no introduction in Des Moines.

He's left an indelible mark on the face of Iowa's capital city.

But what you might not know is the gritty story behind Hurd Real Estate—and how Richard built it from the ground up.

Over his career, he's personally owned and developed more than $1B in commercial real estate. Richard takes us back to his early days in real estate, flipping houses, balancing a second job on the railroad, and serving in the military.

It's a story of hard work, patience, and a relentless drive to build something that lasts.

Key Takeaways:

• How military discipline shaped Richard's approach to business

• The secret sauce behind Hurd Real Estate's edge: relationships, service, and speed

• Learning to identify contrarian opportunities

• Adapting to the changing landscape of investing & developing from the 1980s to today

• Advice Richard Hurd would give to his 20-year-old self

Biography:

Richard Hurd began his career in real estate investment in 1973, specializing in single and multi-family residential properties in the Central Iowa market. In 1981, Richard founded the regional commercial development, investment, and brokerage firm known today as Hurd Real Estate. Richard has provided strong leadership and focused the Hurd Real Estate team on acquisitions, sale-leasebacks, and development of office, retail, medical, and industrial properties.

Richard has had the pleasure of working with a number of regional and national companies either through sale-leaseback or build-to-suit transactions since founding the company in 1981. Currently, Richard owns over 130 properties in twelve states. During Richard's career, he has personally owned and developed over $1B in commercial real estate.

On the brokerage side of the business, Richard managed the largest commercial brokerage firm in Iowa from 1986 to 1993. He was selected to represent Central Life Assurance Company (now known as Athene Annuity USA) in the repositioning of their national commercial real estate portfolio.

Richard has won numerous awards; a few recent accolades include being named into the Midwest Real Estate News Hall of Fame in 2013, awarded the CRE Professional of the Year by the Business Record in 2017, and elected into the Lincoln High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Richard's professional designations include CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member), SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors), and CRE (The Counselors of Real Estate). Believing in sharing his time and experience to help build a strong community, Richard serves on the Grand View University Board of Trustees, Bankers Trust Company Community Advisory Board and West Des Moines Presidents Council. In 2019, Richard & Linda Hurd started construction of the "Jamie Hurd Amphitheater" in West Des Moines, IA, in honor of their daughter.

hurdrealty.com

Jacquelyn Duke grew up learning business and entrepreneurship on her family farm, but never imagined she'd end up in real estate. Yet, her diverse experiences—ranging from legislative correspondent to paralegal, educator, and labor doula—prepared her for the closing table.

In this episode, Jacquelyn shares how her unique background makes her a better Realtor and investor today. She also offers practical advice on analyzing real estate deals, managing tenants, and using real estate to teach family values.

Key Takeaways

• How Jacquelyn's diverse career experiences shaped her ability to advocate and guide people through major life decisions.

• Why you don't need a fortune to get started in real estate investing.

• How asking "What's the worst-case scenario?" can help you make confident decisions.

• Why Jacquelyn prefers the 10% rule over the 1% rule when analyzing deals.

• Tips for screening tenants and successfully self-managing rental properties.

My journey into real estate has been anything but conventional, but each experience has uniquely prepared me for a career I love. Whether on Capitol Hill, in a delivery room, or at the closing table, my focus has always been on guiding people through major life decisions.

Growing up on a family farm, I learned the values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and financial responsibility—principles that guide me today as I help clients make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

After earning my degree from Central College, I worked as a legislative correspondent for an Iowa Senator in Washington, D.C., where I saw firsthand how trust, integrity, and follow-through are essential in building relationships. These values remain the foundation of my work in real estate.

When family brought me back to Iowa, I worked as a paralegal at Meredith Corporation, gaining invaluable skills in legal language, contracts, and negotiation. I also pursued a Master of Arts in Education at Drake University, which strengthened my ability to guide others.

My career took another turn when I became a mother, which led me to become a labor doula and childbirth educator. What began as a passion turned into a successful business, where I supported families through profound moments. This deepened my appreciation for advocacy, but as my children grew, the unpredictable nature of doula work became harder to sustain.

That's when I transitioned into real estate. While skeptical at first, I quickly realized that it offered the same opportunities to educate, guide, and advocate for people during life-changing decisions. Unlike doula work, my relationships with clients often continue long after the closing, and many become lifelong friends.

I'm excited for many more years of helping my clients navigate their journeys. It's truly an honor to be part of their stories.

Realtor with Realty One Group Impact

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/JacquelynDukeRealtor/

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelynduke/

Phone | (515) 240-7483

Email | [email protected]

Website | www.sellingcentraliowa.com

Address | 617 SW 3rd St., Ankeny, IA 50023

How does a guy who started by working at Urbandale Water end up owning over 300 acres of prime land? Sean Asada proves that with determination, real estate investing success can take many forms.

Listen in to hear about Sean's unconventional path—from replacing water meters and flipping cars for cash to becoming a broker-owner. His real estate investment of choice? Land. Whether it's recreational ground, hunting plots, or agricultural land, Sean shares why land is the asset he loves to own.

• How working at Urbandale Water taught Sean about real estate & new construction

• Ways to diversify income through land investments (CRP, hunting, row crop & more)

• The differences between rough recreational land & premier hunting ground

• Learning to face the pain of discipline vs the pain of regret

Sean Asada moved to Des Moines in 2003 after graduating from UNI, beginning his career at Urbandale Water. While working full-time, he started flipping cars—buying wrecked vehicles, repairing them, and selling them for a profit. When his access to dealer auctions ended, he pivoted to selling appliances at Sears in the evenings and on weekends.

Through careful saving, Sean purchased his first piece of land in 2008 and expanded his investments by acquiring the neighboring property in 2010. Over the years, he has owned and managed more than a dozen properties, continually growing his portfolio. Recently, he ventured into real estate financing, providing his first $100,000 investment loan to home investors, which was successfully repaid after the sale of the property.

After nearly two decades in a stable career, Sean took a leap of faith to pursue his passion full-time. Today, he is the proud broker-owner of the RE/MAX office at the 100th Street and I-35/80 exit in Urbandale, where he continues to help others achieve their real estate dreams.

Phone | (515) 729-2879

Email | SeanAsada.RmxIowa.com

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeanAsadaRealEstate/

Website | https://seanasada.rmxiowa.com/

LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/sean-asada-973047311

What do coffee, cattle, and real estate have in common? Colin Panzi. In this episode, we're talking to Colin—a serial entrepreneur, investor, and the guy behind some seriously cool businesses. Colin's not only a broker and team leader at the Ankeny Real Estate Group, but he's also an investor in the Northern Vessel Coffee Company and the Winterset Sale Barn.

In this interview, Colin opens up about his journey from commercial real estate to business investing, the lessons he's learned about money, and how personal experiences, like the loss of his father, have shaped his perspective on work and life.

Plus, he shares why he believes in putting his people first and how that philosophy has been key to his success.

Listen in for a down-to-earth conversation on:

• How Colin prepares for & responds to shifting market conditions
• Why knowing your numbers can make or break you
• What he's looking forward to in 2025 and beyond
• The decision to move from real estate to investing in businesses
• The importance of having the right people, systems, and accountability to build a business that lasts

About Colin Panzi

Colin is a seasoned real estate professional with nearly 20 years of experience as a sales associate, team leader, managing broker and broker-owner. A graduate of Iowa State University, he holds a degree in finance and entrepreneurial studies, providing a strong foundation for navigating the business industry.

Throughout his career, Colin has successfully sold residential and commercial properties while investing in various ventures, including a coffee shop and a livestock auction barn. This diverse background has honed his skills in negotiation, market analysis, and strategic planning.

Colin is passionate about helping clients achieve their real estate goals, whether they're buying, selling, or investing. With a commitment to excellence and a results-driven approach, he ensures the highest level of service for every client.

Connect with Colin:

Phone | (515) 339-0018

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/@ankenyre

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ankenyre/

Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@ankenyre

Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/Ankenyre/

Tik tok | https://www.tiktok.com/@ankenyre

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/ankenyre/