Agent2Investor Podcast

Joe Dodson, a Cleveland-based occupational therapist and investor who began learning real estate through personal finance education, BiggerPockets, and mentorship from Chad Carson. Joe shares how an early conversation with a retired engineer sparked his interest, how he bought his first Cleveland triplex on-market through an investor-agent mentor, and what he values in investor-friendly agents, fast offer submissions, minimal pushback, and strong local connections. He explains the BRRRR strategy (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), how rising rates affect “perfect BRRRRs,” and his key deal metrics (leave under $20K in a deal, modest cash flow, 15–25% IRR). Now investing in Columbus for appreciation, Joe discusses managing rehab risk with contractor vetting, hard money buffers, DSCR refinancing, and how RPM community accountability helped him grow to six doors and pursue his first flip.00:00 Intro01:39 Joe’s Background Family05:03 Money Mindset Real Estate Spark09:28 First Rental First Mentor11:16 Finding Deals With Agents13:59 Investor Friendly Agent Traits16:31 First Triplex Numbers Lessons19:08 BRRRR Strategy Explained23:41 On Market vs Off Market27:01 Deal Analysis Metrics Tools29:02 Why Columbus Appreciation31:23 Rehab With Zero Experience32:59 Budgeting Holding Costs33:12 Finding a Great Contractor34:37 Upfront Bid Costs35:19 Cash Out Refinance Basics40:13 DSCR Loan Advantages42:52 Seasoning Period Pitfalls44:14 Current Portfolio Snapshot45:09 BRRR Risk and Metrics48:32 Earnest Money Strategy49:50 Next Goals First Flip51:52 RPM Community Impact57:03 Lessons and Wrap Up

Moving from a high-pressure corporate recruiting job into real estate in 2004, starting with early flips during the 2005–2007 boom, and largely pausing during the 2008–2009 crash while living off a home equity line until commissions and deals returned. Jonathan explains why many agents don’t invest (risk tolerance and mental barriers), the value of RIAs and networking to find deals and private money, and how he offers sellers a menu of options (list vs. direct purchase). He details scaling via BRRRR with a private money partner and shares a long-term, relationship-driven seller-finance deal buying five rentals with no money down plus one cash purchase, including a substitution-of-collateral structure. He credits the Rental Property Mastery community for deal-crafting support.00:00 Intro01:40 Jonathan’s Real Estate Origin04:24 Corporate Pressure to Investing06:29 First Flip in a Hot Market08:52 Surviving the 2008 Crash11:30 Agent License as Investor Tool13:27 Why Agents Don’t Invest17:10 Finding Off Market Deals18:45 Listing Menu Buy vs List22:19 Scaling with BRRRR Rentals24:47 Private Money Playbook27:16 Credibility When You’re New30:51 Seller Finance Deal Tease31:31 Seller Story Setup32:29 Trust Building Phase33:16 Owner Finance Deal34:34 Finding Pain Points39:00 Explaining Creative Terms42:43 Targeting Seller Finance44:02 Substitution of Collateral47:37 Protecting Seller Reputation50:11 RPM Community Impact56:21 Goals Advice Wrap Up

Alex Cortez was about to get fined $1,000 a day. His rental arbitrage business was thriving—until New York changed the rules. Instead of shutting down, he pivoted to a strategy most investors overlook: lease options. Now his tenants pay non-refundable deposits, handle their own repairs, and treat his properties like their own. Here's exactly how he structures the deals.00:00 Intro01:17 House Hacking Origins05:49 Pandemic Pivot Lessons09:07 Pilot Career Path11:22 Wealth Lessons Flying14:49 Lease Options Explained19:25 Tenant Screening Terms23:05 Property Care Repairs25:33 Finding Lease Option Tenants27:25 Rental Arbitrage Basics28:48 Furnishing Costs Setup29:47 Furnishing Costs Breakdown30:12 Convincing Landlords to Sublease33:52 Regulations Force a Pivot36:08 Midterm Rentals and Exit Plans38:14 Designing a Furnished Rental40:23 Systems and Tools for STRs43:35 Lease Option Contracts and Legal45:33 Structuring Deposits and Rent48:43 Becoming a Licensed Agent50:05 Investor Friendly Agent Traits52:05 Life Outside Real Estate52:45 Book Picks and Where to Connect

In this episode of the Agent to Investor podcast, hosts Nico Garcia and Ana Bialek welcome Omni Casey, founder of the Cashflow Breakfast Club. They discuss Omni's ambitious goal of buying 100 properties in a year, the importance of setting big goals, and the strategies he employs to buy properties in bulk. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of tenant relationships, risk management in real estate, and the transformative power of masterminds for personal and professional growth. Omni shares his journey towards health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in both business and personal life.

In this episode of the Agent to Investor podcast, hosts Nico Garcia and Ana Bialek welcome back Kelli Jagmin to discuss her recent experiences with seller financing and the importance of understanding the seller's perspective. Kelli shares insights on navigating creative financing strategies, building relationships with agents, and the evolution of her investing approach from DIY renovations to delegating tasks. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community and networking in real estate investing, as well as the long-term vision for building a successful portfolio.

In this episode of the Agent to Investor podcast, hosts Nico Garcia and Ana Bialek welcome appraiser Mike Giampa to discuss the intricacies of appraisals in real estate. They cover the basics of what an appraisal is, the importance of comparable sales (comps), and the guidelines appraisers must follow. Mike shares insights on how to navigate appraisal challenges, factors that influence property value, and best practices for agents and sellers. The conversation also touches on the future of appraisals with technology and the unique situations that arise in private appraisals. Listeners gain valuable tips for real estate investing and understanding the appraisal process.00:00 Intro01:56 Understanding Appraisals 10103:21 The Role of Comps in Appraisals04:18 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guidelines04:53 Challenges in Appraisals05:57 Factors Influencing Property Value12:06 Appraisal Adjustments and Tools18:22 The Appraisal Process Explained22:47 Common Mistakes and Best Practices32:50 Remote Appraisals Explained34:29 Investor Appraisal Requirements35:24 Flooring Choices in Appraisals38:08 Date of Death Appraisals39:27 Private Appraisals and Their Importance44:34 Understanding Appraisal Reports47:14 Changes in the Appraisal Industry50:25 Tips for Real Estate Investors52:23 Challenges and Misconceptions in Appraisals59:26 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Terrance built 6 rental properties across 4 states while working full-time in finance and raising two kids. No fancy strategies. No quitting his job. Just 20% down, long-term rentals, and the right relationships. Here's exactly how he did it.00:00 Introduction02:12 Getting Into Real Estate05:54 Lessons Learned06:40 Financing First Deals17:03 Self-Managing vs. Property Managers20:59 Vetting Property Managers30:06 Out-of-State Investing31:00 Navigating State Laws32:49 First Out-of-State Purchase36:54 Building the Team39:58 Expanding the Portfolio41:42 Finding Off-Market Deals48:18 Goals and Financial Freedom53:23 Advice for New Investors54:50 Power of Community56:54 Optimizing Your Portfolio01:00:11 Where to Find Terrance

Rob Chevez went from making six figures in recruiting to watching the 2008 market crash unfold and he was ready for it. In this episode, Rob breaks down how he survived (and thrived) through multiple market cycles, why he deliberately downgraded his lifestyle to keep buying, and the brutal truth about what happens to people who don't pivot fast enough.He also reveals the playbook behind Grid Capital Partners—a vertically integrated holding company built on one core belief: agents who think like investors win. If you're an agent stuck on the transaction treadmill or an investor waiting for "the right time," this conversation will change how you see opportunity.Chapters 00:00 Intro01:47 From Recruiting to Real Estate06:30 Surviving the 2008 Crash09:13 Cash Flow Over Speculation23:37 The Agent Investment Model32:22 Why Every Agent Should Learn to Invest33:44 Becoming a Trusted Advisor37:15 How Grid Was Born39:32 Building Influence Through Events49:15 Best & Worst Advice in 20 Years58:07 Obsession as a Business Model01:01:43 Where to Find Rob

Everyone's asking the same question, should I buy now or wait? In this episode, Nico and Anna share what they saw in 2025 (hint: a frozen market), why the latest housing policy headlines won't move the needle, and their honest take on whether 2026 is the right time to make a move. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an investor hunting for deals, this one's for you.00:00 Introduction 01:21 Reflecting on the Past Year02:13 Market Trends and Shifts05:37 Investor Insights and Strategies10:21 Projections and Predictions for 202610:53 Affordability Challenges and Interest Rates17:16 The Lock-In Effect18:55 50-Year Mortgage Proposal22:20 Interest Rates and Long-Term Mortgages23:17 Banning Large Investors from Single Family Homes27:04 Portable Mortgages: Pros and Cons33:22 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's New Directive39:08 Advice for Home Buyers and Investors in 202643:53 Conclusion

In this episode of the Agent to Investor podcast, Kyle Doriety shares his inspiring journey from a traditional W-2 job to becoming a successful real estate investor. He discusses the challenges he faced in his early days, including his first property deal, and how he scaled his investments through networking, mentorship, and proactive lead generation. Kyle emphasizes the importance of long-term rentals, effective communication with sellers, and the power of community in achieving real estate success. He also shares valuable insights on setting financial goals and the mindset needed to thrive in the competitive world of real estate investing.