In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards sits down with Bryce Meizen, Founder and CEO of Jidoka LLC, a Worcester County–based custom software and AI integration agency helping small and medium-sized businesses streamline operations, automate workflows, and scale smarter.

Bryce shares how his background in software development and entrepreneurship led him to build a company that designs tailored systems, from CRM integrations and quote automation to full-scale AI assistants that act like “Jarvis” from Iron Man. Together, Ryan and Bryce dive deep into the mindset behind identifying inefficiencies, documenting processes, and using automation to replace repetitive tasks without losing the human touch.

What you’ll learn:

• The difference between custom-built and off-the-shelf software solutions
• How to identify time-consuming, repetitive tasks that can be automated
• Why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential before adding AI
• How “Jarvis-style” AI assistants can manage your emails, QuickBooks, and files
• Real-world examples of how automation can save hours per week in real estate and service businesses
• The mindset shift from “I need more people” to “I need better systems”
• Why AI won’t replace humans, but people who use AI effectively will replace those who don’t

If you’ve ever wondered how to get AI working for you instead of feeling overwhelmed by it, this episode offers practical steps, real examples, and a visionary look at what’s possible for entrepreneurs ready to embrace automation.

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 episode of The Real Estate Lens, host Ryan Richards sits down with Wendell Butler - President and Founder of Hammerhead Capital and Flip Fuel Lending - to unpack his journey from the corporate world to full-time real estate investing in Charlotte, NC.

Wendell shares how leaving a stable sales career to pursue fix-and-flips and new construction projects transformed his approach to business, risk, and systems. Together, he and Ryan dive into what it really takes to go all-in on investing: building the right contractor network, structuring efficient communication systems, scaling through delegation, and finding quality deals in competitive markets.

You’ll also hear Wendell’s take on:

• The mindset shift from W-2 to full-time entrepreneur
• How to train your “wholesaler army” to bring you better deals
• Why systems and communication beat micromanagement every time
• The biggest lessons from his early multifamily and fix-and-flip projects
• How to structure your business around what you actually want your life to look like

Whether you’re an aspiring investor or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode delivers actionable insights on scaling smart, building relationships that last, and buying back your time while you grow.

Guest:

Wendell Butler, Founder, Hammerhead Capital

www.hhcapitalrealty.com

wendellbutler.com

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 breaks down exactly what closing costs are, how they’re calculated, and why they vary from deal to deal. If you’re budgeting to buy in Massachusetts or Rhode Island and only planning for the down payment, this episode shows you what else to expect so there are no surprises on closing day.

Ryan walks through the two big buckets of costs: loan costs tied to your mortgage, and “other” costs like attorney, title, taxes, insurance, and escrows. He explains the typical 2 to 3 percent rule of thumb, why higher price points often land closer to 2 percent, and which line items are fixed versus variable. You’ll also learn how program choice, property type, state customs, and options like rate buydowns or flood insurance can shift your final number.

What you’ll learn:

• The full breakdown of closing costs beyond your down payment
• Which fees are lender related vs. third party vs. prepaid bills and escrows
• Why closing costs often run 2 to 3 percent and how price point changes that
• How attorney, title insurance, transfer taxes, and state customs impact totals
• Variables that move your number, from insurance and taxes to rate buydowns and flood zones

If you want a clear, line-by-line understanding of what you’ll owe at closing and how to plan for it, this episode gives you the exact framework and questions to bring to your lender.

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 Richards tackles the question on everyone’s mind: are we headed for a housing crash like 2008, or will prices hold firm? Pulling from lending data, supply and demand dynamics, and on-the-ground trends, Ryan explains why today’s market looks very different from the last crash and why outcomes are highly local.

He breaks down why the Northeast is behaving differently from many Sun Belt and Western markets, how tighter post-2008 underwriting and the lock-in effect are shaping supply, and why builder behavior, migration patterns, and mortgage rates will determine what happens next. If you want a clear, practical framework to interpret headlines for your own market, this episode is your playbook.

What you’ll learn:

• The two core drivers of home values and how they differ by region
• Why today’s mortgages and underwriting standards make a 2008 repeat unlikely
• How inventory, new construction, and builder risk tolerance affect pricing
• Why some Sun Belt markets corrected while much of the Northeast stayed resilient
• How the lock-in effect limits listings and what could change that
• The mortgage rate levels that may unlock seller movement and new buyer demand

If you are buying, selling, or investing, this episode helps you zoom out from the noise and make decisions based on market structure, not headlines.

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 Richards unpacks one of the most confusing moments in the financial world: when the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates but mortgage rates still rise. If you’ve ever wondered why those two numbers don’t always move together, this episode breaks it all down in plain English.

Ryan explains the real difference between the Fed funds rate and mortgage rates, what drives the 10-year Treasury yield, and how investor sentiment, inflation expectations, and headlines can all move the mortgage market — sometimes in opposite directions.

What you’ll learn:

• What the Fed funds rate actually is (and who it affects)
• Why mortgage rates are tied to the 10-year Treasury yield, not the Fed
• How investor behavior and inflation expectations influence mortgage rates
• Why you shouldn’t try to “time” the market when buying a home
• How to think long-term about affordability and refinancing opportunities

If you’ve been watching rate headlines and feeling confused about what they really mean for your mortgage, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for your financial plan.

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 Richards breaks down the single biggest reason homebuyers get denied financing - communication - and how to prevent it. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or real estate agent guiding your clients, this episode reveals what really causes pre-approvals to fall apart and how to spot the warning signs early.

Ryan explains why most denials come down to poor communication and lack of due diligence, often from both sides. He shares real-world examples — including a buyer whose crypto funds couldn’t be verified — and walks through the key questions every borrower should be asking their loan officer before making an offer.

What you’ll learn:

• The most common mistakes that cause financing to fall through
• Why “click-button” pre-approvals can put your deal at risk
• Questions to ask your lender before you start shopping
• How to handle asset sourcing, crypto, and payment plans correctly
• Why even strong buyers can be denied due to condo project issues

If you want to make sure your next deal doesn’t get derailed by an avoidable mistake, this episode gives you the playbook for a smooth, successful mortgage approval process.

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 Richards shares his quick-hit system for analyzing investment properties in under a minute. With deals constantly flooding your inbox, knowing how to spot opportunities — and avoid time-wasters — is key. Ryan breaks down the three simple metrics he uses to instantly evaluate whether a deal is worth pursuing.

He explains how to apply the 1% rule for quick cash flow analysis, spot hidden value in underutilized square footage, and use cost-per-unit comparisons to identify undervalued properties or condo conversion opportunities. You’ll also hear how these back-of-the-napkin checks can help you focus your time on the deals that truly have potential.

What you’ll learn:

• How the 1% rule helps you identify cash-flowing properties fast
• Why mismatched square footage can signal hidden rental potential
• How to spot income opportunities through storage, garages, or laundry
• When condo conversions or lot subdivisions can add major value
• The cost-per-unit metric Ryan uses to quickly compare market deals

If you’re tired of overanalyzing every property that hits your inbox, this episode gives you a practical framework to separate great investments from distractions in just 60 seconds.

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 Richards shares a real-life success story from one of his Informed Investor Mastermind students who went from beginner to buying two multifamily properties in under a year — all while using minimal cash out of pocket.

Ryan walks through the exact steps this couple followed: from attending the 12-week mastermind, purchasing their first three-family property with just 3.5% down, to building systems for management, renovations, and cash flow. Ten months later, they’re now pre-approved for their next purchase, leveraging the equity they created in their first deal.

What you’ll learn:

• How this investor used FHA and conventional low-down-payment loans to scale quickly
• Why “house hacking” can reduce your living costs while building wealth
• How to create a system for property management and maintenance
• The importance of identifying your “buy box” before searching for deals
• How to leverage equity from one property to fund the next

This episode is proof that you don’t need a huge savings account to start building a real estate portfolio — just the right guidance, financing strategy, and willingness to take action.

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 Richards breaks down exactly what he would do if he were starting his real estate investing journey today. Whether you’ve been saving for your first multifamily property or just starting to explore real estate as a wealth-building tool, this episode walks through a clear, actionable plan to get started.

Ryan explains how to leverage low down payment options, live in your investment to gain hands-on experience, and use strategic renovations to build equity that funds your next property. He also shares how he and many of his clients have used this approach to grow from one home to a full portfolio — all by starting small and repeating the process.

What you’ll learn:

• Why “house hacking” is one of the smartest ways to start investing
• How to buy a multifamily property with as little as 3.5%–5% down
• What types of renovations actually increase property value
• How to build an equity snowball and use it to fund future deals
• Why cosmetic improvements can outperform major structural repairs

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start investing in real estate, this episode proves you don’t need a huge amount of cash — just the right strategy and mindset.

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 Richards unpacks the major differences between residential and commercial financing and how each impacts your real estate investment strategy. Drawing on his experience as both a loan officer and an investor, Ryan shares the pros, cons, and real-world applications of each type of financing so you can make smarter decisions as you grow your portfolio.

From qualification standards to property valuation methods, he explains how residential loans and commercial loans are structured differently and why those differences matter depending on the size of your deal and your long-term goals.

What you’ll learn:

• Why residential financing is capped at four units and what that means for investors
• How commercial lenders evaluate both you as an operator and the property’s performance
• The flexibility of commercial loans compared to the paperwork-heavy nature of residential
• Why commercial properties are valued based on income, not just comparable sales
• How larger multifamily properties provide more stability and room to increase value

If you’re weighing your next move in real estate, this episode will help you understand when residential financing makes sense and when to pivot toward commercial lending.

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