Podcast · Business

Real Estate Rookie

by BiggerPockets · English · Business

New to real estate investing and not sure where to start? Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson break down the basics with real-world deal analysis, investor interviews and listener Q&A. 

New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 38 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 38 minNew

Long-Term Rentals: Everything You Need to Know Before You Self-Manage

Thinking about investing in long-term rentals? Finding the property is only half the battle. Getting it rent-ready, landing great tenants, and keeping everything running smoothly is where successful landlords get it right. So today, we're flipping the script and bringing Ashley into the hot seat to share exactly how she does it, and the costly mistakes to avoid along the way! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Tony has spent years running short-term rentals, but in just three weeks, he'll be self-managing a long-term rental for the first time. So Ashley, our resident long-term…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

12 Oct 2026 · 55 minNew
He Doesn’t Own These Rentals (But They Helped Him Quit His Job)
Most rookies think you need dozens of rentals before you can walk away from your job. But what if the fastest way to replace your income didn’t require building a huge portfolio? Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ryan Dumka was stuck in long days at his corporate job and missing time with his family, when he took a chance on his very first short-term rental (STR). When he realized how well it worked, he used a 1031 exchange to buy the next. But it wasn’t more properties that finally set him free. Ryan shares how a simple partnership turned into a thriving STR management…
9 Oct 2026 · 25 min
Cash Flow vs. Appreciation: What Matters Most in 2027 (Rookie Reply)
Should a rental property put cash in your pocket each month or build serious wealth over time? Cash flow versus appreciation is the oldest debate in real estate investing, but the answer depends on several factors. Today, you'll learn how to pick the path that fits your goals and get the most out of your investments! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We’re tackling three questions straight from the BiggerPockets Forums. First up, an investor who wants to house hack a small multifamily home is torn between cheaper towns with more cash flow and pricier towns with more appreciation. We have…
7 Oct 2026 · 30 min
The AI Tools That Save Real Estate Investors Time and Money (Weekly!)
Still using AI like a fancy search engine? Then you're leaving hours of your week, and a lot of money, on the table. Using the right AI tools in your real estate business can help eliminate tedious work, lower your expenses, and free you up to focus on growing your real estate portfolio. Today, we're showing you exactly how to get started! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, Ashley puts Tony in the hot seat as our resident AI expert. Tony isn't a developer, but he's used AI to build a custom direct booking website for his short-term rentals (without paying an agency). He…
5 Oct 2026 · 52 min
From Accidental Landlord to 40+ Apartment Units (While Working Full-Time)
Buying rentals one house at a time works, but what happens when you do the math and realize it'll take 20 years to change your life? That’s the exact wall today’s guest hit, before pivoting his investment journey towards multifamily. We’ll break down why (and how to) make the move, a new perspective on risk mitigation, and why multifamily isn’t as scary as most rookies think it is! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Vaibhav Puranik never planned on being a landlord. An abandoned condo in his HOA turned him into an accidental property manager, and a down market turned his own…
2 Oct 2026 · 22 min
How Much Should a House Hack Make in 2027? (Rookie Reply)
Can the numbers on your house hack still work when your tenant's rent doesn't come close to covering the mortgage? And if it won't cash flow, how much should a house hack actually make in 2027? Today, we're uncovering the hidden benefits and forgotten expenses that change the math! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today, we're answering three questions most house hackers have asked at some point. After running the numbers, one investor would still be paying over $2,000 a month out of pocket. Is house hacking a thing of the past in expensive markets? Not quite! We'll redefine a “winning”…
30 Sep 2026 · 28 min
How to Go From 1 to 10 Rentals with "The Stack" Method
The idea of building and scaling a rental portfolio can seem daunting to most rookies starting off. What if we told you there's a realistic, proven formula most rookies don't discover until they've already taken their first step? Today, we're walking you through a method for turning one deal into 10 (or more) without needing a ton of cash! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! If you're a new investor, financial freedom can feel far away, but what if we told you that you could go from a single rental property to 10 units in just a few years? The stack method is a proven formula…
28 Sep 2026 · 51 min
Seller Financing His First Rental When No Bank Would Lend
What happens when your first deal turns into the money pit you were afraid of? For a lot of rookies, that fear alone delays buying a rental property for years. But today's guest proves that a rough first deal can still launch a successful portfolio! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Joshua Settimio went from cleaning beach rentals in high school to working as a real estate agent, and then soon realizing that he wanted to buy the deals he was selling. His catch was that no bank would lend to him so early in his career. Joshua decided not to stop there. He found a house with a…
25 Sep 2026 · 26 min
You've Got a 100% Financing Deal. Do You Take It? (Rookie Reply)
Great deals are hard to find as a rookie, so when one lands in your lap, it can feel like you just struck gold. But how do you actually know if it's the real thing, or if there's a catch? Today, we're breaking down how to evaluate a low-money-down deal when one comes your way, and exactly what to look for before you say yes. Welcome back to Rookie Reply! First, we’re helping a rookie weigh a 100% financing offer his agent is warning him away from—what actually makes a deal like this worth the risk attached to a “no money down” loan? We map out our best advice moving forward, and how to think…
23 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Multifamily vs. Single-Family Investing: Which Is Better for Beginners?
Every rookie investor arrives at the same fork in the road early on: single-family home or multifamily. Which one's actually the better option? The property type you choose first can shape how fast you cash flow and how quickly you're able to scale your real estate portfolio. Today, we're breaking down both approaches so you can make that choice with confidence! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie Podcast! We're covering the real pros, cons, and differences between single-family and multifamily investing, including how your first rental property affects your options down the road. We're…
21 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
How to Turn One Condo Into a 17-Unit Rental Portfolio!
Getting into an expensive market can feel completely out of reach for a rookie. But today’s guest looked at the numbers and realized that if he worked this in his favor, he could build reliable, long-term wealth. That math led him to 17 doors across three states, and today, he’s breaking down all his tips so you can start, and scale, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In December 2009, Rick Albert was a broke college senior when he was introduced to a successful real estate investor. That meeting sent Rick down a path that started with an LA condo that many overlooked. He…
18 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Don't Buy a House Hack Until You've Checked These Numbers (Rookie Reply)
Investing in your first house hack but not sure whether the deal makes sense in the long run? House hacking is the way most rookies get started in real estate, and we’re breaking down how to analyze those deals to make sure you’re starting off strong! Welcome back to Rookie Reply! We’re back, answering three of your burning questions straight from the BiggerPockets Forums. In this episode, a rookie wants to try his first house hack but needs to know exactly what to analyze in a duplex vs. a single-family home. We’re breaking down the three factors that decide if it makes sense in their…
16 Sep 2026 · 52 min
8+ Ways to Find Your First or Next Rental Property in 2027
Finding real estate deals is a challenge for many rookies. Trying to tell the difference between a great deal and a property that is merely disguised as one is something usually only experienced investors see through. But in this episode, we’re sharing some of the best strategies we use to find real estate deals—including a few options you’ve probably never heard of! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re breaking down eight different ways to find your first (or next) rental property! First, you’ll need to build your buy box so that you know exactly which types of…
14 Sep 2026 · 46 min
Two Rentals, $3,000 Each: The Guide to Closing with Close-to-Nothing
You don't have to live near your rental, or bring a huge check to closing, to build a real estate portfolio. Today’s guest closed both her deals with only $3,000 out of pocket for each deal, and in a city she'd never even visited. We’re walking through how she did it, and how you can get started, too! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Thomasina Myresa grew up learning how to save. And while she was good at it, it was only when her career was put on hold that she found BiggerPockets, and the art of investing. After finding her mentor, Thomasina went on to close her first deal…
11 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Should You Keep or Sell a Rental Property That Needs Work? (Rookie Reply)
Your first rental cash flows just fine, but it needs some work, and in order to scale your portfolio, the next big decision hits: Should you hold and repair, or sell it and cash in? Today, we’ll show you how to tell a “keeper” from a potential money pit before you spend a dollar more! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week we’re tackling three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First up, we’ll hear from a couple choosing between house hacking and flipping houses and show them why it might not have to be either/or. Next, an NYC investor is debating between two real estate…
9 Sep 2026 · 32 min
8 Ways to Get More Passive Income from Your Rental Properties
Every hour you spend chasing rent or coordinating a repair is an hour you could’ve spent growing your real estate portfolio or doing the things you actually enjoy. The fix? It’s not working harder, but building the systems that free up your time. When done right, you can get more passive income from your rentals, and we’ll show you exactly how to do it! Welcome back to another episode of the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re breaking down eight ways to get your rentals working for you, so that your portfolio generates more passive income and doesn’t just give you a second job. No…
7 Sep 2026 · 31 min
He Started 8 Months Ago. He Already Has 4 Rentals ($6,000 Cash Flow!)
People say it’s just too hard to find real estate deals in 2026, but today’s guest is proving them all wrong. He’s already bought four rental properties that make over $6,000 in monthly cash flow, and he’s been investing in real estate for just eight months. Joe Crocker is eager to trade his 70-hour workweek for financial freedom, and he’s on track to replace his W-2 income with rental cash flow in the next two years. He’s not finding these properties by building lists, cold calling, or sending mailers. These are regular deals right off the MLS. He buys one, adds some value, pulls his money…
4 Sep 2026 · 23 min
How to Buy Your First Multifamily Rental With Low Money (Rookie Reply)
You’ve picked an investing strategy, you’ve studied your market, but now you need the money to get started. You’re not alone, as this is perhaps the most common hurdle for rookie investors. But today, we’ll show you how to work around this and get the funding you need, so you can finally buy your first (or next) rental property! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week, we're tackling three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. One investor has $250,000 saved but is stuck between strategies in a market where the numbers don't easily work, while a SoCal investor is trying to find a…
2 Sep 2026 · 39 min
Build Your First Rental (DON'T Buy One) in 2026
Builders are currently offering huge incentives on new construction homes, to the point where buying "new" might be actually cheaper than buying an existing rental property in your market right now. Today we’re breaking down how this overlooked investing strategy is saving rookies much more than you realize! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! This week, we’re making the case for new builds as a very strong rental strategy: why builders are currently offering incentives that are hard to pass on, how to negotiate on a spec home, how to buy them with low money down, and the…
31 Aug 2026 · 47 min
He Made $60,000 in 2 Months with This “Failed” Real Estate Deal
Every rookie thinks their first deal will go according to plan (it almost never does). Today, we’re bringing on a guest who had a long list of all the worst-case scenarios that happened to him, and still walked away winning (to the tune of $60,000!). He’s walking us through it all, so you can master your first deal, too! Welcome back to another episode of the Real Estate Rookie Podcast! This week, we’re sitting down with Caleb Smith, a real estate agent who bought his first rental at 21 with next to nothing in the bank, and then watched two very different deals go sideways in two very…
28 Aug 2026 · 24 min
How to Prepare for Your First Rental Property (Beginner Steps) (Rookie Reply)
Don’t feel ready to buy your first rental property yet? Maybe you just need a better game plan. Today, we’re covering three different but common situations rookies find themselves in leading up to that first deal. Whether you need a few actionable first steps or an extra push, we’ll show you how to get started as soon as possible! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! This week, we’re tackling three questions from rookies who all have the same underlying worry: they don’t feel ready to invest in real estate. First up, we’ll hear from a college student with one year left to figure out…
26 Aug 2026 · 39 min
Starter Homes Are Back. Here’s Exactly Where to Buy One
For years, rookies have heard the same bad news: starter homes are disappearing, and first-time buyers are getting older. But the newest data shows something very different, and we’re breaking down how these recent changes can help you buy your first or next rental property in 2026! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Nationally, fewer than four in 10 non-homeowner households can afford a typical starter home. But in some states, things are getting a little easier. We’re breaking down where this market opening exists, where the headlines can be misleading, and how to turn a…
24 Aug 2026 · 56 min
20 Rental Units with a Full-Time Job & 7 Kids: She Did It in 5 Years!
What if the biggest obstacle to building wealth wasn't your income, your time, or even your circumstances, but simply believing it was possible for someone like you? Today’s guest made the decision that her past won’t be her children’s future. Real estate made that choice possible! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Angela Wassom is proof that real estate really can be for anyone that puts their mind to it. While working full-time and raising seven kids, she's built a 20-unit portfolio across four states—starting with a rental she was genuinely afraid to take on. Angela breaks…
21 Aug 2026 · 23 min
Can You Buy a Rental Property With Only $5,000? (Rookie Reply)
Feel like your situation doesn't fit the typical real estate investing playbook? Maybe you’re low on cash, your circumstances are unusual, or your timeline feels tighter than everyone else's. You're not alone, and today's episode proves it. But thankfully, we’ve got answers! Welcome to another Rookie Reply! We’re back with three questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from a rookie who has very little money saved: Can you buy a rental property with just $5,000? We’ll share some creative ways to get started with low money down! Next, we’ll hear from someone who wants…
19 Aug 2026 · 44 min
The Worst Rental Properties to Buy (We’d Never Invest in These)
The best real estate investing advice you'll ever hear is to just get started. But that advice comes with a catch: some rental properties can set you back many years. Today, we're sharing six red flags to watch out for, so you can know if you’re actually buying a good real estate deal—not a trap! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Some deals can be incredibly convincing when you run the numbers. They might look profitable. They may have less competition, a lower purchase price, and a story that makes you believe you've found a diamond in the rough. But beneath the surface, these…
17 Aug 2026 · 46 min
He Turned One Real Estate Deal Into 13 in Just 6 Years
The first real estate deal is often the hardest. Like many rookie investors, today’s guest had always wanted to invest in real estate but didn’t have a ton of money to buy an investment property. But by getting creative, DIY’ing renovations, and forming strategic partnerships, he’s been able to not only get in the game but also snowball to 13 deals! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Jake McVey spent years absorbing everything he could about real estate investing while working in an entirely different industry, but never quite pulling the trigger. At 23, that all changed. He…
14 Aug 2026 · 27 min
What to Know Before Structuring a Creative Finance Deal (Rookie Reply)
You're ready to start investing in real estate, but the next step can look very different depending on your situation. Every rookie’s story is unique, and today, we’re sharing our best advice for three different scenarios so you can get in the game—no matter your starting point! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's questions come straight from the BiggerPockets Forums, and they're all about slowing down just enough to make the first move the right move. One investor wants to know if house hacking is realistic in an expensive market. Another rookie wants to know the best way to…
12 Aug 2026 · 43 min
How to Buy a Rental Property with 5% Down or Less (5 Ways)
You’ve probably heard that you need a 20% down payment to buy a rental property. But for the average rookie, that’s just not a viable way to build a real estate portfolio. Thankfully, you don’t need 20%, 15%, or even 10% in many cases. Today, we’re sharing five ways rookies can work around this by putting just 5% down or less! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today we’re sharing five legitimate ways to take down your first or next rental with very little money of your own money. And no, these aren't gimmicks or loopholes. These are real rental property financing strategies…
10 Aug 2026 · 48 min
This Couple Replaced Their Salaries with 9 Rental Properties (In Just 4 Years)
Chris and Ksenia Kim had always wanted to own rental properties, but planning for a family and reaching a breaking point with work travel got them to finally take action. They started with a simple property that fell within their budget, but within a few months, it had turned into something much more: the catalyst for quitting their full-time jobs! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Chris and Ksenia were new parents with demanding careers and a goal that felt many years away. But just four years later, they've both left their W-2 jobs and now run 17 short-term rentals together.…
7 Aug 2026 · 21 min
What Most Rookies Get Wrong When Picking a Rental Market (Rookie Reply)
Once you've decided you want to invest in real estate, the questions only get harder. How do you choose a real estate market? How much will repairs really cost? Should you turn the house you already own into a rental property? We’ve all been there! Stay tuned and we’ll steer you in the right direction! Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! Today's questions come straight from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, an investor has a down payment for a house hack but doesn’t know where to buy. This is a common rookie struggle, but we’ll show you how to find the right neighborhood! Next, we’ll share…

About Real Estate Rookie

New to real estate investing and not sure where to start? Ashley Kehr and Tony J. Robinson break down the basics with real-world deal analysis, investor interviews and listener Q&A. 

Real Estate Rookie is a English business podcast from BiggerPockets. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BiggerPockets
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 38 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1499646507

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