Uncontested Investing

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we stay on our tax and legal strategies theme and break down one of the most powerful tools in real estate investing: the 1031 exchange. We walk through what a 1031 actually is, how it lets you defer capital gains taxes when you swap one investment property for another, and why it's such a big lever for portfolio growth, net worth, and long-term scaling. 

We talk about the 45-day identification and 180-day closing rules, the role of a qualified intermediary, and how to move from a duplex into a four-family, commercial building, or even build-to-rent projects without triggering immediate tax. We also dig into estate planning, step-up in basis for your heirs, and advanced strategies like reverse exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), and combining multiple exchanges to diversify.

Of course, we cover the other side too—strict timelines, zoning and legal pitfalls, choosing the wrong intermediary, and why you never want to "test" the IRS on this stuff.

If you've ever wondered how investors use 1031s to climb the ladder from small rentals to bigger assets while deferring taxes along the way, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap to get started.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:41 What is the 1031 Exchange?

01:31 How does a 1031 Exchange work?

02:16 Using a Qualified Intermediary to facilitate the exchange

03:05 Benefits of a 1031: Tax deferral and portfolio growth

04:05 The impact of a 1031 Exchange on your purchasing power

05:02 Eligible properties: What qualifies and what doesn't

06:40 The core rules of a 1031 Exchange

07:38 Following the timelines and deadlines of a 1031 Exchange

09:14 Top strategies to maximize 1031 Exchange benefits

10:39 Planning your 1031 Exchanges with estate and succession in mind

11:25 The risks and pitfalls of a 1031 Exchange

14:48 How to get started with a 1031 Exchange

15:55 Why documentation and audit readiness is important for a 1031 Exchange

Quotables

"The one person you never really want to challenge is the IRS."

"This investment strategy is one that there's no gray area. It's very cut and dry."

"You can expedite your success in real estate investing, but you have to go about it the right way."

LInks

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we break down one of the most misunderstood tools in real estate tax strategy: Opportunity Zones. We unpack what a Qualified Opportunity Zone actually is, how the program was created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and why it matters for investors looking to defer capital gains, reduce tax liability, and potentially eliminate gains entirely on long-term projects.

We walk through a real-world example from the Brunswick Naval Air Station in Maine, talk about converting old mills and strip malls into housing, and outline the three big tax incentives: deferral, step-up in basis, and full exclusion after a 10-year hold. Then we flip to the other side of the coin—market risk in distressed areas, zoning and code upgrades, long-term commitment, and why due diligence and local planning insight are non-negotiable.

If you've been hearing about Opportunity Zones but aren't sure how they work or whether they fit your strategy, this episode will give you a clear framework for spotting good OZ deals, avoiding landmines, and partnering with the right fund managers and tax pros. 

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:25 What are opportunity zones and how were they created?

02:24 Not all opportunity zones are created equal

03:20 Key tax benefits: deferral, reduction, and elimination

04:25 Impact investing: breathing life into distressed communities

05:02 Tax terms explained: Deferral of capital gains, step-up in basis, and more

06:36 Housing shortage, mills, and adaptive reuse

07:32 Qualified Opportunity Funds & 180-day rule

09:24 Residential developments in opportunity zones

10:28 Commercial and mixed-use opportunities

11:27 Redevelopment & infrastructure improvement

12:16 Build-to-rent on raw land in opportunity zones

13:01 The market risks in a distressed area

14:11 Planning board meetings and understanding regulatory and compliance risk

15:39 Long-term commitment and exit strategy

16:05 Do opportunity zones fit your investment goals?

17:01 Partnering with experienced Opportunity Fund managers

18:05 The importance of understanding property taxes when investing in opportunity zones

19:16 Opportunity zones in broader economic development

20:33 Scaling from residential to commercial

Quotables

"Not all opportunity zones are created equal, not all are going to be tailor made like the one that you found, but they still are a great investment opportunity."

"What doesn't look like a pretty picture on the onset can actually going to be one of the most fruitful investments that an investor can make."

"Do they align with your investment goals. Don't just do it because it's trendy or because you heard about it on a podcast."

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we dive deep into one of the most powerful (and ignored) ways to increase cash flow and boost NOI: property tax appeals. I'm joined by Alison Tulio, President of Incenter Tax Solutions and a seasoned real estate attorney who specializes in helping investors reduce over-assessed property taxes on both residential and commercial real estate.

Whether you own single-family rentals, multifamily, office, industrial, or manage multi-state real estate portfolios, this episode will show you how your property tax bill is quietly eating into your returns and what you can do to fix it. Alison explains why assessments are climbing nationwide, how COVID reshaped office and industrial values, and why distressed commercial properties are some of the best candidates for aggressive tax appeals right now.

We break down practical, zero-risk steps you can take to:

• Get your property taxes reviewed annually

• Spot when you're over-assessed and leaving money on the table

• Avoid common mistakes investors make when they appeal property taxes on their own

• Protect yourself from triggering a tax increase by misunderstanding local rules

Alison also shares a real-world case study where a skeptical client saw a 63% reduction on a single property and saved $180,000 in property taxes without taking on additional risk.

If you care about net operating income (NOI), commercial property values, and keeping more cash in every deal, this conversation is a masterclass on how to lower your property taxes, increase cash flow, and improve returns on your real estate investments. Tune in, take notes, and start treating property tax strategy like the profit lever it really is.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:52 Who is Alison Tulio?

01:24 Reinventing in down cycles (2008 & COVID)

02:01 Who Incenter Tax Solutions serves

03:15 The Incenter Tax Solutions mission: Education first

04:25 Helping investors understand and leverage property taxes

05:20 Nationwide coverage & portfolio streamlining

06:30 Alison's time as outside counsel to lenders & servicers

07:38 Deal Maker/Deal Breaker: The turning point in Alison's career

09:06 Why you should have your property taxes reviewed

10:07 How to get started with Incenter Tax Solutions

11:20 Why tax strategy education is important for real estate investors

12:07 Most common mistakes investors make regarding property taxes

13:57 What's the Word? Work hard, play hard

15:24 Opportunity zones and planning for abatements

16:48 Tools & proprietary software for property tax assessment

17:45 Case Study: From skeptic to $180K in savings

18:50 How Incenter Tax Solutions educates investors

19:46 Market strategy and COVID-hit cities

20:24 Alison's life outside of real estate: Family, salt life, working out

21:12 How to get in touch with Alison

Quotables

"We're saving, I mean, we're slashing those property taxes in half and commercials are big ticket items."

"You should 100% have someone look at your property taxes every year."

"Trust the process. You'll see that it's really not too good to be true, and it actually works."

Links

Incenter Tax Solutions

https://incentertaxsolutions.com

Alison Tulio

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-tulio-esq-70229519a

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we sit down with Alex Glickman, the Global Real Estate & Hospitality Practice Leader at Gallagher and one of the most trusted experts in real estate insurance and risk management. With more than 40 years in the industry, Alex has navigated every market cycle, natural disaster, and underwriting shift, giving her unmatched insight into how investors can protect their portfolios in today's environment.

We dive deep into how climate events, rising insurance premiums, and increased claim activity are transforming the way lenders and carriers evaluate real estate deals. Alex explains the key insurance policies every real estate investor must understand, how risk is priced, and the major blind spots investors often overlook like pollution liability, tenant-related losses, builder's risk coverage, and professional liability.

If you want to learn how insurance truly impacts your deal analysis, cash flow, lender requirements, and long-term portfolio strategy, this episode delivers a masterclass in real estate risk mitigation and asset protection from one of the brightest minds in the industry.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:15 How Alex accidentally entered insurance after not getting into Harvard Law

02:01 Building a career in a "stodgy" industry and redefining real estate risk

03:00 What drives Gallagher's innovative insurance products

03:52 How storms, wildfires, and extreme weather affect investor insurance strategies

05:37 Why floods are now being reported on every real estate deal

06:38 How insurance actually protects people during their worst moments

07:31 Lender requirements vs. investor needs—why these often clash

08:04 Why real estate insurance is not one-size-fits-all

09:18 Leading a global practice and the importance of learning international norms

11:53 Taking a stand: the career-defining moment that changed Alex's life

13:52 The must-have insurance policies every real estate investor should understand

15:05 Pollution liability: the most overlooked risk in multifamily & SFR

16:25 Insurance needs for fix-and-flips, new construction, and ground-up projects

17:06 Landlord policies vs. tenant policies—who covers what?

18:20 Can landlords create revenue streams from tenant insurance?

19:45 Liability risks investors must understand (injuries, explosions, pet issues, more)

22:26 One-word motto for investors: "One more step."

23:12 How AI and tech are transforming real estate insurance

24:40 Predictive modeling, storm path forecasting, and real-time risk analytics

25:18 Why cheap insurance can destroy your investment

26:55 What's next for Gallagher and Alex's mission to reshape the industry

Quotables

"Insurance is not monolithic. Real estate is not monolithic. You need someone who understands your asset type."

"One more step. If you take one more step than everybody else every day, you will be successful."

"I don't fear bullies. That moment changed my life—and I've never looked back."

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we sit down with Alex Fahsel, the co-founder of Property Shield, a groundbreaking company that's changing how investors protect their assets from fraud and scams.

At just 23 years old, Alex built Property Shield while finishing college at the University of Georgia—and today, it operates in over 35 states, helping investors prevent rental fraud, wire fraud, and title scams that have cost renters and landlords more than a billion dollars.

We unpack how AI and machine learning are being used to fight fraudulent listings, what every investor needs to know about protecting their portfolios, and how small investors can stay one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated scammers.

If you invest in single-family rentals, multifamily properties, or land, this episode is your crash course in risk management, due diligence, and fraud prevention straight from one of the brightest young innovators in the industry.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:15 How an internship at Progress Residential inspired Alex's idea

02:25 Turning a college project into a real business

03:40 The birth of Property Shield and early lessons learned

04:48 How AI detects fraudulent listings and impersonations online

07:28 The shocking scale of real estate fraud across major cities

09:04 The devastating impact of fraud on mom-and-pop investors and tenants

11:07 Property Shield's nationwide growth and expansion goals

13:08 Why small property managers and investors are hardest to reach

15:28 The first deal that changed everything—finding trust and opportunity

17:45 Breaking down other common types of real estate fraud

20:30 Wire fraud and phishing—why the biggest scams happen before closing

23:06 Using AI and automation to detect scams faster than ever

24:23 Deepfakes, AI-generated voices, and the next wave of fraud risks

26:10 How persistence can help you achieve success

27:23 Why investors should always use title companies and attorneys

28:07 How Property Shield is developing new partnerships to fight title fraud

29:50 The goal: catching fraudulent listings before they ever go live

31:38 Future of Property Shield: predictive analytics and risk scoring

Quotables

"We're seeing that between 20 and 25% of all online real estate listings have at least one fraudulent duplicate."

"Fraudsters are using AI, so we have to use AI. It's the only way to keep up."

"Persistence. That's the one word I'd use to sum up this journey. You just keep chugging along."

Links

Property Shield

https://propertyshield.co/

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we dive deep into the economic indicators that every real estate investor should track to make smarter, data-driven investment decisions.

We break down the most important real estate market metrics including GDP, unemployment rates, inflation, interest rates, and consumer confidence, and show you how each one affects property values, rental demand, competition, and overall investor behavior.

You'll discover how to use economic data and housing trends to identify opportunities in any market, why local economic indicators are just as critical as national ones, and how housing starts, building permits, and lending standards can signal where the market is headed next.

Whether you're a beginner investor or a seasoned real estate professional, this episode gives you the tools to read the market like an analyst and make confident investment decisions that keep you one step ahead.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:53 Gross Domestic Product (GDP): What it means for real estate demand and values

01:39 How overconfidence during GDP booms can backfire

02:25 Predicting rental demand and payment risk through unemployment rates and labor strength

03:06 Tenant vetting during high unemployment: What to look for beyond credit scores

04:23 How interest rates and Federal Reserve activity drive housing and investor activity

06:01 Competition, timing, and refinancing strategies in fluctuating rate environments

07:19 Leveraging high-rate periods for long-term rental growth and portfolio positioning

08:51 Inflation: The "evil twin" of interest rates and how it shapes investor strategy

10:01 Why real estate is a hedge against inflation and how to use appreciation to your advantage

11:52 Housing starts and building permits: What they reveal about inventory and investor sentiment

12:36 Build-to-Rent trends and zoning changes creating new opportunities for small developers

15:18 Consumer Confidence Index: Gauging optimism and its ripple effects on real estate activity

16:51 Mortgage rates and lending standards: What changing criteria reveal about affordability

17:53 How to partner with your lender to stay informed and adapt to market shifts

18:50 Local vs. national data: How to spot opportunities by studying your own backyard

22:00 Ignoring media noise: Why your numbers and market matter more than the headlines

Quotables

"GDP is the low-hanging fruit—it's what everyone's heard of, but few investors truly understand how it affects their deals."

"Real estate is one of the best hedges against inflation, because if prices go up, your assets appreciate too."

"Don't get distracted by national headlines. If your numbers work locally, keep buying."

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, I sit down with Ren Richards, Senior Director of Strategy at Seek Now, for a deep dive into the high-stakes world of risk management and due diligence in real estate investing. With over a decade of hands-on experience and a disruptive leadership approach, Ren shares how investors can cut through inefficiencies, avoid costly mistakes, and use data-driven strategies to protect and scale their portfolios.

We explore the power of smart inspections, how to avoid emotional investing, why understanding your market is non-negotiable, and how Seek Now's Seeker360 technology is changing the game for both institutional and mom-and-pop investors. If you're looking to level up your operations, enhance resident satisfaction, and get ahead of risks before they hit, you'll want to press play on this one.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:01] – Ren's pivot from pest control to real estate and her mission to disrupt the industry

[2:54] – Seek Now's evolution into rental and single-family real estate with on-demand inspections

[7:07] – Discovering operational waste and scaling massive renovations with a lean team

[8:53] – Emotional investing and why knowing your market is key to long-term success

[11:12] – How large REIT developments can distort local rental markets—and what to watch for

[13:21] – Resident satisfaction starts at the turn: why detailed inspections drive better outcomes

[15:08] – Seeker360: From measurements to mechanical recalls, asset intelligence redefined

[16:20] – Estimating renovation costs using tech: square footage, roof pitch, cabinetry, and more

[18:23] – Inspections as a risk mitigation tool: strengthen insurance claims with ongoing documentation

[22:07] – Commonly missed due diligence issues: plumbing types, wiring, and septic capacity

[24:44] – Pricing control through project underwriting: setting costs before vendors even bid

[26:02] – Finding growth markets with a mix of historical data and post-COVID migration trends

[27:28] – A sneak peek at Seek Now's next big solution for middle-market and multifamily operators

Quotables

"Real estate can be extremely charming. But you really have to know your market." "Be bold, be authentic. There's not enough of that in this industry." "The resident experience starts before they even see the home." "You can't rely on insurance as your business model. It's the safety net, not the trampoline." "Seeker360 gives you a full 360 of the home—every inch, every measurement, and even appliance recalls." "Stop letting the contractor tell you what it should cost. You set the price."

Links & Resources

• Seek Now: https://www.seeknow.com

• REI INK Magazine: https://rei-ink.com

• RCN Capital Podcast: https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

• Contact RCN Capital: [email protected]

Closing Remark

Enjoyed the episode? Take a moment to rate, follow, and review Uncontested Investing on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with your network to help more investors learn the art of smart, risk-aware investing—and thanks again for tuning in!

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we're getting into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) parts of real estate investing — due diligence.

Whether you're buying your first property or scaling your portfolio, your profit is made long before closing, and due diligence is how you protect it. We walk through a comprehensive investor checklist, covering everything from verifying disclosures, zoning, and title issues to assessing flood zones, insurance, and environmental risks.

We also discuss the power of local networking, using your professional partners wisely, and why your inspection reports and documentation can make or break your next deal.

If you're ready to level up your investing game and avoid costly surprises, this episode gives you the exact framework for doing your homework the right way every time.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Reviewing property listings and disclosures

02:31 Key objectives for due diligence

03:37 Verifying permits, renovations, and property records

04:20 Market analysis: comps, absorption rates, and upcoming development plans

05:36 Why clear title, liens, and ownership verification matter

06:34 Boundary disputes and surveys: ensuring your property lines are accurate

07:44 Structural and system inspections: roofing, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC

09:49 Zoning and code compliance: understanding setbacks, density limits, and regulations

11:45 Financial due diligence: taxes, assessments, and understanding true operating costs

12:29 Condo considerations: rental limits, HOA bylaws, and special assessments

14:34 Reviewing title insurance and old deeds

16:11 Environmental and site assessments: when to order a Phase I or Phase II

17:07 Real-life lessons from an old hat factory and contamination issues

18:34 Partnering with local experts: attorneys, inspectors, surveyors, and environmental specialists

20:32 Documenting and keeping records for recourse and resale value

22:30 Networking, organization, and how due diligence builds investor confidence

Quotables

"Try not to learn from your mistakes, learn from somebody else's."

"Due diligence is about unveiling the potholes before you drive over them."

"Networking makes due diligence less overwhelming. You don't have to do it alone."

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we're sitting down with Bobby Triplett, the Senior Vice President of Renovations at Offerpad, one of the nation's leading real estate solution platforms.

Bobby takes us behind the scenes of managing thousands of home renovations across multiple markets both for Offerpad and for large-scale investor clients. He shares lessons on leadership, scaling teams, managing vendor partnerships, and navigating market expansion across diverse regions and labor markets.

We also dig into Offerpad's Renovate program, which allows smaller and mid-sized investors to leverage Offerpad's in-house construction network, and how partnerships, not competition, drive long-term success in the single-family rental and fix-and-flip spaces.

If you want to learn how to scale efficiently, build strong vendor relationships, and improve ROI through consistency and ownership, this episode delivers a masterclass in leadership and operational excellence.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Bobby's start in real estate: from Invitation Homes to leading Offerpad's renovation operations

02:09 The foundation of leadership: Why ownership and consistency matter most

03:13 Expanding into new markets and the unexpected hurdles of scaling nationwide

05:14 Setting clear expectations when finding and in maintaining strong vendor partners

07:10 How leadership mindset and coaching culture improve vendor relationships

08:40 Inside Offerpad's Renovate program: Helping investors scale without hiring full-time staff

10:33 Why boots-on-the-ground project management still beats technology-only solutions

12:35 Deal Maker: How Bobby turned around an underperforming Atlanta market team

13:36 The power of organization, efficiency, and mentorship in scaling teams

15:45 Key data points when entering a new market: Labor, permitting, scalability

18:02 Why cross-department communication between acquisitions, renovation, and disposition drives profits

21:13 Bobby's leadership motto: "Leave it better than you found it"

23:40 How to assess ROI and identify the "win" in any property

25:05 Building partnerships with wholesalers, investors, and industry peers

29:33 Defining your buy box and using data to scale deal pipelines

31:01 Leadership development at Offerpad: Investing in people, not just processes

Quotables

"Ownership matters more than anything. I'm not looking for finger pointers, I'm looking for people who own the problem and own the solution."

"Leave it better than you found it. That applies to properties, to people, and to partnerships."

"Turnover will crush your ability to scale. Build relationships that last."

Links

Offerpad

https://www.offerpad.com/

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we continue our "Marketing and Deal Sourcing" series with a focus on one of the most powerful and often overlooked parts of growing your real estate business: building strong relationships with wholesalers and brokers.

We break down how investors can create long-term partnerships that lead to faster closings, better funding terms, and steady deal flow. From communication tips and first impressions to networking strategies, check-ins, and avoiding common mistakes, this episode is a step-by-step guide to building credibility and trust with the people who can make or break your investment pipeline.

If you want to scale your real estate portfolio and save time sourcing and financing deals, this episode gives you everything you need to strengthen those key industry connections.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:17 How brokers help investors connect with multiple lenders and find better terms

02:15 Setting expectations: communicating your goals, comfort zones, and loan criteria

03:03 Why repeat business and respect create stronger partnerships

05:08 Brokers and wholesalers as middlemen: how they streamline transactions

06:57 How to network with brokers and wholesalers—events, meetups, and online platforms

09:35 Making a strong first impression: what to say and how to present your track record

10:17 Communication etiquette: timely responses, feedback, and transparency

11:49 Handling tough conversations and maintaining respect during negotiations

13:37 Nurturing relationships: check-ins, sharing market info, and mutual referrals

14:11 Why providing referrals or testimonials strengthens broker relationships

15:45 Using CRM tools to track communication and broker details

16:48 Personal touches: celebrating milestones, sending congratulations, staying human

17:18 Common mistakes to avoid when working with brokers

18:53 Why you should never ignore "smaller" brokers

19:18 Mentorship mindset: helping others and learning from new connections

20:30 Long-term success: creating consistent partnerships and better terms

22:02 The ripple effect—expanding your network through brokers and wholesalers

Quotables

"As an investor, your broker is your best asset—they don't get paid unless your deal closes."

"If you're sending one deal a year, you're not top of mind. If you're sending ten a month, you are."

"Longevity in real estate comes from partnerships. Consistent partnerships create consistent profits."

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

[email protected]

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/