The Long Game by Ryan Richards

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards sits down with returning guest Ben Carbone of the We Close Deals team at Lamacchia Realty for a deep dive into entrepreneurship, market strategy, and the realities of building a team.

Since Ben’s last appearance, a lot has changed—he’s switched brokerages, launched a team that’s already grown to 17 agents, and doubled down on impact through real estate, leadership, and community giveback. Ryan and Ben unpack the real challenges that come with scaling: from managing people to delegating tasks, creating internal systems, and balancing growth with service.

You’ll also hear their take on the shifting 2025 New England housing market—what they’re seeing with buyer and seller behavior, price adjustments, seller credits, and how multifamily deals are holding steady. The conversation wraps with a powerful reflection on mentorship, legacy, and why both Ryan and Ben are focused on building a business that lasts.

What you’ll learn:

• Why growing a real estate team is harder—and more rewarding—than it looks on social media
• The biggest mistakes agents and entrepreneurs make when hiring
• How the We Close Deals team is structuring charitable givebacks and supporting agent-owned brands
• What’s really happening in the New England market this summer
• How top agents are educating sellers in a slower, more competitive market
• Why smart investors are still buying—and how bonus depreciation and tax code changes affect the decision
• The difference between owning a rental and optimizing your portfolio
• What to expect from the next phase of The Informed Investor mastermind series

If you’re a real estate agent, investor, or entrepreneur building for the long haul, this episode is packed with insights on what it really takes to grow—and how to keep your values at the center of it all.

GUEST INFO:

• Ben Carbone, Lamacchia Realty
  • [email protected]
  • (860) 382-6184
  • @ben.carbone
  • @weclosedealsteam

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards sits down with Mike Sweeney, owner of House Doctor Home Inspections—serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. From real estate investing to leadership to the nuts and bolts of the home inspection process, this episode goes deep into the business of protecting homebuyers and scaling a service-driven company.

Mike shares how he went from financial advisor and first-time homebuyer to renovating properties, becoming an inspector, and eventually acquiring the very company that did his original inspection. He breaks down how House Doctor delivers consistent, high‑quality inspections, and what differentiates their systems from the competition.

What you’ll learn:

• The biggest inspection mistakes buyers and investors make
• What to look for in a basement to spot water intrusion
• Why new construction inspections still reveal costly issues
• How House Doctor trains inspectors to maintain consistency
• The mindset shift from technician to business owner
• Why personal discipline and business systems go hand in hand
• How coaching, masterminds, and family values shaped Mike’s vision

Whether you're a first-time buyer, experienced investor, or entrepreneur looking to grow a service-based business, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways on leadership, property analysis, and building for the long term.

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards sits down with Mike Sweeney, owner of House Doctor Home Inspections—serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. From real estate investing to leadership to the nuts and bolts of the home inspection process, this episode goes deep into the business of protecting homebuyers and scaling a service-driven company.

Mike shares how he went from financial advisor and first-time homebuyer to renovating properties, becoming an inspector, and eventually acquiring the very company that did his original inspection. He breaks down how House Doctor delivers consistent, high‑quality inspections, and what differentiates their systems from the competition.

What you’ll learn:

• The biggest inspection mistakes buyers and investors make
• What to look for in a basement to spot water intrusion
• Why new construction inspections still reveal costly issues
• How House Doctor trains inspectors to maintain consistency
• The mindset shift from technician to business owner
• Why personal discipline and business systems go hand in hand
• How coaching, masterminds, and family values shaped Mike’s vision

Whether you're a first-time buyer, experienced investor, or entrepreneur looking to grow a service-based business, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways on leadership, property analysis, and building for the long term.

Interested in connecting?

HOST
Ryan Richards | Branch Manager, Northpoint Mortgage | NMLS 1987735
[email protected] | www.financewithteamrichards.com
204 Turnpike Rd, Westborough, MA 01581
Licensed in MA, CT, FL, NC, NH, PA, RI
Follow us on Instagram @financewithteamrichards

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan dives into one of the most common challenges he sees among real estate investors, flippers, and business owners: how to qualify for a mortgage when your tax returns don’t show enough income.

Ryan breaks down two powerful lending options his team uses to help clients with non‑traditional income secure financing. Whether your business write‑offs leave you with minimal net income on paper, or your income fluctuates season to season, there are ways to make your numbers work with the right lender.

What you’ll learn:

• How bank statement loans can be used to calculate qualifying income
• How profit‑and‑loss statement loans factor in year‑to‑date income
• Why 1099 income can sometimes be used directly without tax returns
• Real examples of buyers who were turned down elsewhere but got approved
• Why it’s important to work with a lender who understands these programs

If you’re self‑employed, in the trades, or building a real estate business and think you can’t qualify for a home loan, this episode shows you options you might not know exist.

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards shares his honest, behind-the-scenes experience flipping a single-family home for the first time. From budget overruns to unexpected code violations, Ryan walks through what worked, what didn’t, and the real numbers that shaped the outcome of the project.

Whether you’re planning your first flip or just curious about the realities of managing a residential renovation, this episode gives you a candid look at the process, along with actionable takeaways to help you avoid costly mistakes.

What you’ll learn:

• The true cost of carrying a flip, beyond just taxes and interest
• Why small code violations can snowball into major expenses
• How poor subcontractor coordination can cost you time and money
• Why landscaping and exterior work should never be an afterthought
• The value of building a clear timeline and task tracker before you start

If you’re thinking about flipping a property, this episode is essential listening before you take on your first project.

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan welcomes back top Rhode Island real estate agent Brooke Buckett for her third appearance on the show. Brooke specializes in relocation and first-time homeownership, and in this conversation, she breaks down why Rhode Island continues to attract buyers from across the country—and how to navigate a multi-state move without the stress.

Brooke and Ryan discuss what’s driving the relocation trend, how Rhode Island’s small size offers big lifestyle variety, and what you really need to consider if you’re selling in one state and buying in another. Whether you’re thinking about moving to Rhode Island or just want to understand one of the market’s fastest-growing segments, this episode is packed with practical insights.

What you’ll learn:

• Why Rhode Island was ranked a top 10 inbound state in the U.S.
• How affordability and access to Boston/NYC are fueling demand
• What buyers love about Rhode Island’s walkable small towns and coastal vibe
• How to manage the logistics of selling and buying in two different states
• Why working with a trusted, collaborative team is essential for relocation success

Guest: Brooke Buckett, Rhode Island Real Estate Agent and Relocation Specialist

If you're thinking about a career in the mortgage business, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards takes you inside the day-to-day reality of being a residential loan officer—what the job entails, how it differs from working at a bank, and what separates great loan officers from the rest.

Ryan shares what his typical day looks like, from fielding dozens of phone calls and reviewing pay stubs to hosting events, marketing his services, and managing time-sensitive client questions. Whether you’re considering a career in the industry or just want to better understand how to choose the right loan officer for your next purchase, this episode offers a detailed and honest look behind the curtain.

What you’ll learn:

• What a loan officer actually does each day
• Why attention to detail and availability make or break a deal
• How strong loan officers validate documents and avoid costly mistakes
• The importance of marketing, relationship-building, and being on-call
• Key differences between loan officers at banks vs. mortgage companies

If you're considering becoming a loan officer or want to know how to find a great one, this episode lays it all out.

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards sits down with Russ Mangsen - founder of Marketing with Russ Inc., the strategist and producer behind all of Ryan’s content—for a deep dive into what it really takes to grow a brand and make marketing work in today’s digital landscape.

Russ shares the behind-the-scenes of his decade-long career in social media management, how small businesses can compete with big brands through authenticity, and why marketing is a long game built on strategy, relationships, and consistency. This is a must-listen for agents, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to stop wasting money and start building real momentum online.

What you’ll learn:

• Why authenticity beats flashy graphics in 2025
• How to find your message and target the right audience
• The truth about social media growth (and what people get wrong)
• How to approach marketing like a real business investment
• When to start outsourcing—and when to keep it scrappy
• Why your content is your digital reputation

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the complexity of social media or unsure how to actually make it work for your business, this episode breaks it all down.

Guest: Russ Mangsen, Founder, Marketing with Russ Inc.

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards shares real-world strategies he's used to minimize the cash needed to close on investment properties—without cutting corners or taking unnecessary risks.

Fresh off a recent presentation on creative financing, Ryan explains how he's acquiring his next property with just 2.5% down by leveraging his real estate license, interest rate credits, and smart financing techniques. He also breaks down how to think about capital preservation, why timing matters, and how creative deal structuring can accelerate your portfolio growth.

What you'll learn:

• How to use your real estate license commission toward your down payment
• When it makes sense to accept a higher interest rate for lender credits
• How to finance closing costs without draining your savings
• Why refinancing your car or other assets can be a strategic move
• The importance of cash-on-cash return and capital management in scaling a portfolio

If you're an investor looking to stretch your capital and make smarter financing decisions, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards walks you through exactly what happens once your offer gets accepted—from the moment you go under contract to the day you get the keys.

If you're a first-time homebuyer or it's been a while since you’ve gone through the process, this episode breaks down each stage in plain language. Ryan covers what to expect from underwriting, inspections, appraisals, bank deposits, and more, so you can feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

What you'll learn:

• What underwriting actually is and how to get through it smoothly
• When and how to make your initial deposit
• What happens with the appraisal and how it affects your loan
• What to expect during the final week before closing
• Common mistakes that delay or complicate closing—and how to avoid them

If you're buying a home in 2025, this is your playbook for everything that comes after “offer accepted.”