The Real FI Podcast - Real Estate Investing to FI

Our guest, Rich Bregenzer, shares his inspiring journey from construction worker to successful business owner and real estate investor. WIth the help of his wife, Rich was able to build Stella Electric into a powerhouse contracting business in just a few years, and now grosses $2.6m/year with 17 employees. Using the profits from his contracting business, Rich has grown his real estate portfolio to 15 doors across six properties, primarily by using the BRRRR strategy. Once rully rented out, Rich’s current portfolio will net him approximately $11k/month in passive cash flow, all from a $1.2M portfolio value. In our conversation, Rich emphasizes the importance taking action and overcoming fear to achieve financial independence and create a better future. Tune in to hear Rich’s horror story about a recent deal involving a hidden log cabin. There are many lessons to be learned!

You can connect with our guest on his website www.stellaelectricllc.com/. 

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

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Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

On today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Mindy Templeton. Mindy is a Kansas City-based entrepreneur who has made significant strides in the world of business and investments. Before getting started in real estate, Mindy spent 15 years working for an insurance tech company where she earned a six-figure income. In 2019, Mindy became curious about alternative investment avenues, seeking a solution that would provide financial security for retirement while also covering her current expenses. Real estate emerged as the answer, and she set goals to purchase her first property.

Mindy acquired her inaugural rental property on her 36th birthday. By 2021, she had expanded her portfolio to 4 doors and also obtained a real estate license. It was at that time that Mindy was laid off, which led her to fully commit to the real estate industry. Presently, Mindy boasts an impressive empire of 18 properties and has diversified her income streams through activities such as wholesaling, participating in masterminds, and undertaking flips.

Through strategic financial management, Mindy has successfully decreased her expenses while increasing her income. Mindy's properties have reached a collective value of $3 million, with a remarkable monthly cash flow of $25,000/month after expenses. With approximately 30% equity and a net worth of $1 million, she has achieved substantial financial growth. 

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @investinginyourwealth.

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube. 

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Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

In this podcast episode, our guests Emily and James Lowery share their journey to financial independence through real estate investments. They discuss their background, including James' previous job as a manager at a PT clinic and Emily's career as a mechanical engineer. They explain how they transitioned from living paycheck to paycheck to becoming early retirees, motivated by their desire to be stay-at-home parents. The couple describes their strategy, which involved cutting spending, downsizing their living arrangements, and house hacking. They now own 10 units, including short-term rentals (STRs), long-term rentals (LTRs), and medium-term rentals (MTRs) in Alabama, generating a net cash flow of $8-10k per month. They achieved their financial goals and are now focused on enjoying their freedom and traveling. Their advice for those interested in pursuing a similar path is to "get your money right" and address any financial challenges first. They also discuss the obstacle of deciding where to be geographically, which they overcame by obtaining European Union citizenships.

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @rethinktheratrace or their website at www.rethinktheratrace.com. 

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube. 

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Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

In this episode of the podcast, we feature Coty Dolan. Coty shares his journey in the real estate investment industry, focusing on value-add properties in Texas and Florida. Starting in hospitality, Coty discovered his passion for real estate and learned that anyone can own apartment buildings. He began with smaller investments in Tampa, Florida, utilizing strategies like BRRRR and flips. Eventually, he transitioned to working with private equity and syndications. Coty recounts both successes and setbacks, including a deal in California that resulted in a loss of $120k. Despite challenges, he remains optimistic and shares his goals of acquiring 2 single-family homes per year, closing on a 50-100 unit apartment by the end of 2024, and starting a hedge fund with $5M in liquid assets. His ultimate aspiration is to maximize income while minimizing work. Tune in to hear Coty's inspiring story and insights into the real estate investment world.

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @cotyjdolan or email at [email protected].

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube. 

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Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Catie Lawrence, a real estate investor and businesswoman based in Colorado. Catie shares her journey towards financial independence and the projects she's currently working on. She started in 2006 by house hacking and renting out a room in her primary residence on Airbnb. Catie was able to rent out the room for 30-60 days a year and make $3,000 annually, which covered a large portion of her living expenses. In 2015, Catie and her husband founded Happy Homes, Ltd., focusing on long-term rentals (LTRs) and medium-term rentals (MTRs), as well as flipping properties. Catie discusses her first flips, partnerships, and the decision to transition to LTRs. This episode is filled with valuable insights for those interested in real estate and achieving financial independence.

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @happy_homesltd

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

In this episode, we meet Duane Brown, a married father of five and an electrical engineer from Trenton, New Jersey. Duane's real estate journey began in 2019 when he acquired a duplex in New Jersey for $125,000, which generated $2,000 per month in rent and appraised at $300,000. He quickly leveraged his success and completed two more deals within two weeks, followed by a fourth deal just three months later. With a total of 22 units and soon to be 28 units, including duplexes and single-family homes, Duane shares his strategies for finding deals on the MLS and emphasizes the importance of taking action. He also highlights the power of networking and attending meetups to expand his real estate knowledge. As an engineer, Duane overcame analysis paralysis and embraced commercial financing to grow his portfolio. Despite a challenging market, he closed two deals in 2023 and four in 2022. Duane dedicates just two hours a week to self-managing his properties and has achieved remarkable success, grossing $30,000 per month in rents and netting $10,000 per month within three years. His ultimate goal is to achieve financial freedom by reaching $20,000 per month in passive income. Tune in to hear Duane's inspiring story and his practical insights on real estate investing.

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @one_rental_at_a_time_NJ.

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube.

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

In this episode of the podcast, we meet Timothy Lyons, a dedicated firefighter with 18 years of service in New York City. Despite growing up with a scarcity mindset, Tim pursued a career in nursing alongside his firefighting duties. However, he soon realized that trading time for money wasn't fulfilling his goals of spending more time with his family. Tim ventured into real estate with limited funds and successfully completed his first deal, a three-unit property in New Haven, CT. By refinancing the mortgage and generating impressive cash flow, Tim found the proof of concept he needed to establish Cityside Capital with his brother. With a securities license in hand, Tim now focuses on raising capital for multifamily, self-storage, and industrial assets. Through his journey, he aims to show others the power of real estate investing in creating passive income and building wealth. Tune in to hear more about Tim's inspiring story.

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @citysidecapital_tim_lyons and by email at [email protected].

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon
Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube.

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

In this insightful podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Bob Lachance, an accomplished real estate investor who has revolutionized the industry with his contributions. From his wholesaling company that is closing over 240 deals annually, Bob's expertise shines through as he shares his valuable insights and lessons learned. However, Bob’s contributions to the field don't end there. Bob has also established a highly successful real estate virtual assistant business, which aims to support investors in all facets of their operations. Throughout the conversation, Bob emphasizes the significance of masterminds and cultivating peer networks. His experiences highlight how collaboration and learning from others can unlock new opportunities and propel success in the ever-evolving world of real estate investing.

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @lachance8431.

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

In this episode, Josh Shein talks about his journey from traditional mortgages in 1999 to surviving the economic meltdown of the Great Financial Crisis in 2008, and how he eventually found his way into profiting from reverse FHA mortgages. After being burnt out from the corporate world, he reconnected with a former colleague and started a relationship-based hard money lending business that focuses on long-term valuable relationships. Josh’s business, Trius Lending, only works within a 2-hour radius from their office and acts as partners to their investor clients, rather than just service providers. Tune in to learn how to make the biggest ROI on a relationship with your hard money lender.

You can connect with our guest on his company’s website at www.TriusLending.com or by email at [email protected].

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!

On this episode, we welcomed Cody Berman, founder of Gold City Ventures, to share his journey to financial independence and the evolution of his business. Cody discovered the concept of financial independence at the age of 19 and was on a warpath to achieve it by the age of 24. A catalyst for his mindset shift was reading "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferris, which taught him not to trade hours for dollars. Another key influence to guide his financial life was Mr. Money Mustache, who taught him the simple principles of financial independence–spend less than you make, and invest the difference!

Cody pursued various side hustles, including podcasting, blogging, freelance writing, and video editing to cover his expenses while in college. After graduation, he took a job in commercial real estate lending but eventually quit to go on a book tour and pursue his own digital products business. Cody now runs Gold City Ventures, where he teaches people how to make money on Etsy and has since expanded his business to have 13 workers.

In our conversation Cody admits he made some mistakes along the way, such as buying properties in not-so-great areas and becoming too trigger-happy with cash flow. He emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself in relationships and finding meaning beyond money. This was a down-to-earth episode that you won’t want to miss!

You can connect with our guest on Instagram @codydberman

Are you interested in finding great off-market investment opportunities? We’ve partnered with DealMachine to help bring great deals to your doorstep. All you have to do is sign up with DealMachine and use the code THEREALFI at signup. Patrick and I are clients of DealMachine and have made a lot of money using their services. We hope you do too!

Do you have any questions you'd like for us to answer on the show, or a success story you'd like to share? Shoot us an email to [email protected] and we'd be happy to connect with you. And If you haven’t done so already, please leave us a glowing 5 start review on your podcasting platform–it would really help us out!

You can connect with you hosts on instagram:

James on Instagram: @James_Rippeon

Patrick on Instagram: @RentalPropertyCouple

Watch on Youtube. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

Let's kick the 9 to 5!

Decide. Commit. Take Action!