Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Bree Hartman, a former gym owner turned commercial real estate investor and the founder of Self Storage School. Bree shares how she shifted from running gyms to building a portfolio of self-storage facilities, and how this asset class can create time freedom, financial independence, and long-term cash flow.

She explains why self-storage is recession-resilient, how to find deals through simple tools like Google Maps, and why automation is transforming the way these facilities operate. Bree also breaks down how seller financing can make acquisitions more accessible, especially with mom-and-pop owners who represent a large share of the industry. From her first $3.1 million deal bought while pregnant to the systems she now teaches her students, Bree shows why self-storage can be an attractive path for investors seeking fewer headaches than traditional residential rentals.

Whether you're an active investor, someone burned out on residential rentals, or just curious about alternative commercial assets, this episode offers a blueprint for building cash-flowing self-storage businesses.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Bree Hartman's journey from gym ownership to commercial real estate

• Lessons she took from residential rentals before shifting to self-storage

• Advantages of investing in recession-resistant storage facilities

• How underperforming mom-and-pop operators create opportunities

• Using Google Maps to uncover overlooked markets and deals

• Seller financing strategies that benefit both buyers and sellers

• The role of automation in boosting efficiency and NOI

• How Self Storage School equips investors to close their first facility

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Supporting Resources:

Self Storage School website - www.selfstorageschool.com

Bree Hartman's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@Bree.TheInvestor

Find Self Storage School on Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561220469166

Bree's Instagram - www.instagram.com/bree.theinvestor

Connect with Bree on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/breannadupliseahartman

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Multifamily real estate has long been one of the most powerful vehicles for creating generational wealth and consistent cash flow.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Rod Khleif, entrepreneur, real estate investor, author, philanthropist, and host of the Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate Investing podcast. Rod has owned thousands of multifamily units and guided his students to acquire more than 260,000 units. His perspective combines real-world investing experience with mindset mastery, making this conversation an essential listen for anyone serious about building lasting wealth in real estate.

Rod shares his journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a child and watching his mother succeed in real estate, to building and losing a $50 million portfolio during the 2008 crash, and ultimately regaining his footing. His emphasis on goal setting, mindset, and surrounding yourself with the right peer group reveals how resilience and determination can drive extraordinary success. Jonathan and Rod also examine the current multifamily market, highlighting both challenges and the opportunities ahead for disciplined investors.

Whether you're just starting or seeking to scale, Rod's story and strategies show why multifamily remains a cornerstone of wealth-building and how cultivating the right mindset can change everything.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Goal setting and creating a burning desire as the foundation for success

• The impact of clear decisions and consistent action

• Strategies for pushing past limiting beliefs and fear

• Why integrity and playing to your strengths matter in real estate investing

• How the right peer group can accelerate results

• The scalability of multifamily investing compared to single-family homes

• The role of gratitude, contribution, and fulfillment in sustaining success

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Rod Khleif's website - rodkhleif.com

Rod on YouTube - www.youtube.com/RodKhleif

Find Rod on Facebook - www.facebook.com/rodkhleifofficial

Rod's Instagram - www.instagram.com/rod_khleif

Connect with Rod on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/rodkhleif

Rod's Twitter/X - twitter.com/RodKhleif

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Emanuel Stafilidis, founder and chief investment strategist at Capable Capital. Emanuel introduces listeners to the PASS system, which stands for Passive Affordable Seller-Financing System. With over 30 years of real estate experience, he has built a strategy around acquiring moderately priced homes, structuring seller-financed deals, and creating long-term, stable income streams for investors while helping buyers achieve homeownership.

Emanuel explains why seller financing offers a compelling alternative to traditional rentals. By targeting homes under $100,000, often under $60,000, he creates opportunities for buyers who conventional lenders underserve. Seller financing not only provides affordability but also encourages buyers to take pride in their homes, reducing turnover and maintenance costs for investors. Emanuel and Jonathan discuss the importance of market selection, landlord-friendly states, and the stability of this approach compared to the variability of rental property management.

Throughout the conversation, Emanuel shares his personal journey, including early struggles with money management, lessons learned from decades of investing, and the critical role mentorship played in his growth. He highlights how PASS benefits both investors and buyers, bridging the gap in markets where banks often refuse to lend on lower-priced properties. The episode also explores how Capable Capital provides options for direct property investment or fund participation, making this strategy accessible to both seasoned and passive investors.

Tune in to hear how Emanuel's PASS framework is helping investors build wealth while opening doors to homeownership for families across the country.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The PASS framework and how it generates true passive income

• Why moderately priced housing creates opportunities that traditional lenders ignore

• How seller financing reduces turnover and shifts maintenance responsibility to buyers

• The role of landlord-friendly states in supporting this investment model

• Emanuel's lessons on money management and the value of mentorship in real estate success

• How seller financing fills a market gap where banks won't lend on lower-priced homes

• The importance of building a strong network and mentorship to scale a real estate strategy

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Capable Capital website - www.capablecapital.net

Capable Capital on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@capablecapital

Emanuel Stafilidis on Facebook - www.facebook.com/emanuel.stafilidis.33

Emanuel's Instagram - www.instagram.com/capable_capital

Connect with Emanuel on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/emanuelstafilidis

Emanuel's Twitter/X - x.com/manuest2

Company LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/capablecapital-net

Company Facebook - www.facebook.com/capablecapital.net

Capable Capital Investor Introduction - calendar.app.google/H5vJh2yyFEDs5zL3A

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Kent Ritter, CEO and founder of Hudson Investing. Kent's path into real estate began after selling his healthcare consulting business, which left him looking for ways to diversify his capital. Starting as a passive investor in multifamily syndications, he eventually transitioned into active investing, experimenting with house flipping and single-family rentals before fully committing to multifamily. In 2019, he launched Hudson Investing, a firm focused on building wealth through multifamily syndications with a strong presence in the Midwest.

Jonathan and Kent explore the turning points in Kent's career, including his decision to bring property management in-house. Kent explains how frustration with third-party managers pushed him to create his own team, which improved operational control, reduced turnover costs, and allowed him to align company culture with resident experience. They also discuss renovation strategies, with Kent emphasizing the importance of investing in upgrades residents use every day, such as faucets, thermostats, and cabinet pulls, while balancing affordability and return on investment.

The conversation also touches on the advantages of focusing on Midwest markets, where Hudson Investing has found consistent demand and steady fundamentals. Kent highlights the value of building a strong investor community, noting that transparency, education, and shared opportunities foster long-term success.

For both passive and active investors, this episode shows how thoughtful leadership, strategic decisions, and multifamily real estate can create reliable, long-term growth.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Kent's transition from healthcare consulting to real estate investing

• Lessons he gained as a passive investor before becoming an operator

• The benefits of bringing property management in-house

• Renovation strategies that balance affordability with meaningful upgrades

• How reducing turnover drives stronger property performance

• The value of curb appeal and amenities alongside interior finishes

• Opportunities found in Midwest multifamily markets

• The role of community and investor alignment in scaling a portfolio

• Tax strategies that can improve investment outcomes

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Hudson Investing website - www.hudsoninvesting.com

Find Kent Ritter on Instagram - www.instagram.com/ritteronrealestate

Connect with Kent on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kentritter

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Shopping centers may not dominate headlines like multifamily or industrial, but they remain one of the most overlooked opportunities in commercial real estate.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Andy Weiner, founder and president of RockStep Capital, to discuss how shopping centers, especially in hometown markets, continue to thrive. Andy shares his unique approach to repositioning retail properties, building coalitions with local leaders, and investing where others often overlook.

With decades of experience in retail and real estate, Andy has witnessed firsthand how Amazon, shifting consumer habits, and COVID have transformed the shopping center landscape. Instead of retreating, he's leaned into markets with essential drivers—universities, military bases, strong hospital systems, and tourism—that support community retail. His RockStep coalition model brings together local investors, banks, and municipalities to revitalize shopping centers, creating not just strong investments but also community anchors.

Jonathan and Andy explore the nuances of evaluating tenants, identifying markets with sustainable growth, and managing assets in a way that prioritizes both profitability and long-term community impact. This conversation challenges the narrative that retail is dead, highlighting why shopping centers in secondary and tertiary markets may be some of the most compelling opportunities available today.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The philosophy behind RockStep Capital and the meaning of rock step in business

• Andy's journey from family retail operations to shopping center investment

• The distinctions between grocery-anchored centers, power centers, and enclosed malls

• Investment advantages in hometown markets with strong community ties

• The role of local business leaders, banks, and municipalities in successful retail repositioning

• How positive leverage creates strong yields in shopping center investments

• Considerations for smaller retail properties as a starting point for new investors

• Ways demographics and employment drivers shape retail viability

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

RockStep Capital website - rockstep.com

The Shopping Center on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@TheShoppingCenterChannel

Andy Weiner on Instagram - www.instagram.com/theshoppingcenterguy

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

What happens when a SportsCenter anchor trades in highlight reels for house hacking?

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes ESPN's Gary Striewski to share his story of becoming a DIY real estate investor while holding down a demanding broadcasting career. Gary takes listeners inside his approach to building wealth, one property at a time, without falling into the "guru culture" that dominates so much of real estate social media.

Gary's journey began with his first home purchase in 2018, following his move to ESPN, which later paved the way for house hacking, renovations, and rental strategies. Today, he balances a full-time media career with managing a growing portfolio of long-term, short-term, and mid-term rentals across Connecticut and New Hampshire. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and treating tenants like partners rather than numbers.

From his early days of renovating while living without plumbing, to buying properties straight off the MLS, to learning the power of patience in real estate, Gary demonstrates how an intentional, human-centered approach can turn steady progress into a lasting portfolio. He and Jonathan also dive into the myths of instant wealth, why real estate should be viewed as a long game, and how personal discipline and flexibility create the foundation for success.

Tune in to hear how Gary Striewski proves that balancing a full-time career with intentional real estate investing is not only possible but deeply rewarding.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Gary's path from SportsCenter anchor to hands-on real estate investor

• The advantages of using a primary residence as a future rental property

• Why he calls tenants "guests" and how that mindset strengthens relationships

• Lessons learned from house hacking, renovations, and managing properties himself

• How short-term and mid-term rentals fit into his portfolio strategy

• The role patience, adaptability, and strong communication play in real estate success

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Gary Striewski's Instagram - www.instagram.com/thekimchipapi

Gary's on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thekimchipapi

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Lindsay Davis, CEO of Spartan Invest, to explore the world of turn-key real estate. Lindsay shares her journey from college landlord to building one of the leading turn-key investment companies in the Southeast. Their discussion covers the advantages of passive investing, the realities of property management, and how Spartan's approach makes real estate accessible for investors nationwide.

Lindsay began her investing journey as a college student in Alabama, renting rooms to reduce tuition costs. After a rocky start as a landlord and a stint in corporate America, she shifted to flipping houses before finding stability and scale in rental properties. This led her to co-found Spartan Invest, a full-service turn-key provider offering single-family homes in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

For investors hesitant about the headaches of being a landlord, Lindsay explains how Spartan handles property acquisition, renovation, tenant placement, and ongoing management. By focusing on durability, affordability, and transparency, Spartan delivers rental properties designed for long-term performance and reduced maintenance.

Jonathan and Lindsay also discuss the profile of today's turn-key investors, from W-2 employees seeking diversification to high earners priced out of their own markets. They cover the importance of choosing landlord-friendly states, understanding pro forma numbers, and staying engaged with your property manager. With entry points averaging around $165,000 and financing options that include competitive rates, Spartan opens the door to investors ready to grow their portfolios without the grind of flipping or self-management.

If you've ever wondered how to build a real estate legacy with minimal stress, this episode provides a clear look at how turn-key investing works and why it's an attractive strategy in today's housing market.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Lindsay's first experience as a college landlord and the lessons it provided

• Spartan's shift from flipping to rental properties

• Advantages of a one-stop-shop turn-key model

• Renovation priorities designed for long-term durability

• Types of investors who benefit most from turn-key investing

• Key factors to evaluate when choosing property managers

• The role of consistency and early investing in building wealth

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Spartan Invest website - spartaninvest.com

Spartan Invest on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@SpartanInvest

Find Spartan on Facebook - www.facebook.com/spartanturnkey

Spartan Invest's Instagram - www.instagram.com/SpartanInvest

Connect with Lindsay Davis on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-davis-3996a778

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Property management may not be flashy, but it's essential to successful real estate investing.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Derek Morton, founder and owner-broker of Netgain Property Management in Utah. Since 2016, Derek has built his company around balancing landlords' expectations with tenants' needs. With over 14 years of real estate experience, he shares stories, lessons, and practical strategies that show why effective property management is about more than just collecting rent.

Derek explains that many landlords underestimate what it takes to own rental property. Too often, investors assume hiring a property manager means they can step away entirely. Instead, he stresses the importance of staying engaged and managing the manager. He discusses how becoming more selective with clients improved both his business and his quality of life, and why setting expectations early with both tenants and owners prevents conflict later.

Technology is central to Derek's approach. From maintenance platforms to financial reporting tools, automation helps his team streamline processes and reduce repetitive tasks. This frees up time for meaningful conversations and allows them to "people better" when human connection really matters. With these systems in place, Derek has scaled his business across Utah while maintaining a strong focus on service.

Jonathan and Derek also touch on the realities landlords rarely anticipate—emergency repairs, tenant job loss, and unexpected life events. Derek highlights the importance of financial reserves and has redesigned his onboarding process to include an owner's manual, welcome box, and annual reviews. These steps educate landlords and align expectations from the start, reducing long-term issues.

Looking ahead, Derek sees rental payments shifting to match how tenants manage money. Flexible or weekly payment options, along with security deposit alternatives, are becoming more common. He believes these changes reflect economic realities and can ease pressure on tenants while ensuring landlords get paid.

Jonathan underscores that property management isn't a set-it-and-forget-it function. Investors who hire managers still need to stay involved, ask questions, and build trust. Derek's philosophy of preparation, transparency, and accountability shows how effective property management strengthens portfolios, reduces stress, and creates long-term net gains.

Whether you're new to rentals or scaling a portfolio, this episode highlights the systems and mindset that turn property management into a true asset for long-term success.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Common mistakes landlords make when hiring property managers

• Why clear expectations with owners and tenants are essential

• How technology streamlines communication and operations

• The role of owner onboarding, education, and reviews

• Derek's take on the future of rental payments and landlord-tenant relationships

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Netgain Property Management - netgainpm.com

Netgain on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOgBlJeD3dDhW8ScHbutUA

Find Netgain on Facebook - www.facebook.com/NetGainPropertyManagement

Netgain on Instagram - www.instagram.com/​​netgainpm

Connect with Derek Morton on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/derekdmorton

Netgain's TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@netgainpm

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mike Zane, a real estate fund administrator at Lexcraft Advisors who specializes in supporting fund managers through the complexities of launching, managing, and scaling investment funds. With a background in accounting and years of experience working inside and alongside real estate funds, Mike offers a clear look at how fund administration works and why it's critical to an investor's long-term success.

Mike explains that many investors underestimate the operational and compliance demands of running a fund. From regulatory filings and investor communication to accurate financial reporting, fund administration is more than bookkeeping. It's a system that keeps funds running smoothly and legally. He and Jonathan discuss the differences between starting a fund as a new manager versus transitioning from syndications, the importance of building strong investor relationships through transparency, and the role of a fund administrator in protecting both the manager and the investors.

They also cover why newer managers often underestimate the time and resources needed to manage a fund, how to streamline back-office operations without sacrificing accuracy, and the potential pitfalls of trying to handle everything yourself. Mike shares advice for setting up a fund correctly from the start, including knowing when to bring in outside help, the technology tools that make administration more efficient, and how proactive reporting can boost investor confidence.

For anyone considering starting a real estate fund or enhancing the one they already manage, this episode breaks down the process into manageable parts. It highlights the support systems that make the difference between chaos and control.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The core responsibilities of a real estate fund administrator
• The differences between launching a fund and running syndications
• How proactive communication builds trust with investors
• Common mistakes new fund managers make in operations and compliance
• Why streamlined processes are crucial for scaling successfully

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Lexcraft Advisors website - lexcraftadvisors.com

Connect with Mike Zane on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzane

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Kirby Atwell, an Army veteran, real estate investor, and host of the Living Off Rentals podcast. Kirby's journey from military service to financial freedom offers a practical roadmap for investors seeking a sustainable, high-cash-flow strategy.

Kirby's interest in real estate began in 2006 while stationed in El Paso, Texas, after reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad." His first purchase, a turnkey property across the street, sparked a career that would include multiple rental acquisitions before leaving the Army in 2011. Initially, Kirby built a high-volume house-flipping business, completing around 75 projects in five years. While the operation looked successful from the outside, the overhead, contractor management, and constant pressure to "feed the machine" made it an unsustainable treadmill.

Recognizing that his initial goal was freedom, not endless hustle, Kirby pivoted. After a short return to corporate work, he began acquiring long-term rentals in Northwest Indiana. A chance experiment, turning a basement apartment into an Airbnb, netted $22,000 in one summer, far exceeding the annual income from some of his long-term units. This discovery led him to transition entirely to short-term rentals, focusing on modestly priced multi-unit properties that could also work as long-term rentals if needed.

Kirby now manages 39 short-term rental listings, primarily clustered near Michigan City and Valparaiso, Indiana, with additional properties in southwest Florida. By concentrating on one region before expanding, he built economies of scale in operations, supply management, and cleaning services. His strategy centers on risk-averse investing—buying affordable properties in areas with steady demand drivers, from national parks to local universities—while maintaining the flexibility to pivot between rental strategies.

Jonathan and Kirby discuss the power of "reps" in real estate, why clustering investments boosts efficiency, and how to vet short-term rental opportunities by analyzing local competition. Kirby also shares his process for furnishing units cost-effectively, his rule of thumb for net returns (1% of purchase price monthly), and the importance of avoiding over-leverage.

Today, through his Living Off Rentals platform, Kirby coaches other investors to build similar portfolios. His philosophy combines conservative acquisition criteria with creative income strategies, allowing investors to create both cash flow and long-term equity without the burnout of high-volume flipping.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of taking action before having everything figured out
• Why scaling a flipping business often leads to burnout and thin margins
• How an experimental basement Airbnb reshaped Kirby's investing approach
• The advantages of clustering short-term rentals in one market
• Identifying risk-averse properties with strong cash flow potential

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Supporting Resources:

Living Off Rentals website - www.livingoffrentals.com

Living Off Rentals on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@LivingOffRentals

Find Living Off Rentals on Facebook - www.facebook.com/LivingOffRentals

Living Off Rentals on Instagram - www.instagram.com/livingoffrentals

Connect with Kirby Atwell on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kirbyatwell

Living Off Rentals on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals

4 Steps to Living Off Rentals - www.livingoffrentals.com/start

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.