Tag: Episodes

Jeffrey Tesch, CEO of RCN Capital, joins Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen to discuss his path into real estate investing and the principles that shaped RCN Capital’s growth. Jeffrey explains why the company focused on profitability from the beginning, how empowering employees has helped create a strong company culture, and why hiring people smarter than yourself can strengthen an organization. He also reflects on launching RCN during the aftermath of the financial crisis, adapting through COVID, the expansion of private lending, developing employee-led core values, and the importance of industry collaboration. Jeffrey also shares how family and time away from work help him recharge.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:00] Jeffrey Tesch’s introduction to real estate investing through a college course

[00:02:10] Moving from Subway ownership into investment properties

[00:03:25] Growing RCN Capital around profitability instead of rushing to scale

[00:05:11] Defining company culture through employee empowerment and career growth

[00:06:53] Balancing company growth with opportunities for existing employees

[00:07:40] How RCN Capital adapted from fix-and-flip lending into rental financing

[00:09:09] Launching RCN Capital during the aftermath of the financial crisis despite industry skepticism

[00:10:55] Why celebrating collective company wins and employee contributions matters

[00:12:50] Measuring trade show participation through specific goals, KPIs, and ROI

[00:13:31] Funding RCN Capital’s early loans with owner equity and the evolution of private lending capital

[00:14:34] How RCN Capital handled COVID by retaining and repurposing its team

[00:15:53] Jeffrey’s leadership philosophy of hiring people smarter than yourself and empowering them

[00:17:22] Learning from industry peers and the value of sharing best practices

[00:19:08] Collaboration through the National Private Lenders Association

[00:20:15] Creating RCN Capital’s core values through a bottom-up, employee-led process

[00:21:59] Using speaking engagements and industry events as opportunities to learn and contribute

[00:23:53] Continuing to seek feedback after speaking engagements

[00:25:44] How family time helps Jeffrey recharge outside of work

[00:26:42] The rescue farm at RCN Capital’s office and its role as a positive break for employees

Quotables

“Culture has always been about empowering the employee to be the best version of themselves.” — Jeffrey Tesch [00:05:11]

“The mantra amongst the managers is always hire somebody smarter than yourself.” — Jeffrey Tesch [00:16:02]

“By giving freely of yourself to others, that rising tide really does lift all ships.” — Jeffrey Tesch [00:18:26]

Links

RCN Capital:

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast 

 / rcn_capital  

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK:

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate and Suzanne break down how real estate investors can turn website traffic into revenue. They explain why page views, clicks, and rankings matter only when they lead to calls, form submissions, appointments, and closed deals. The conversation covers matching website content to visitor intent, building trust through reviews and testimonials, simplifying offers, using strong calls to action, creating location-specific and video-enhanced pages, and avoiding common conversion killers. They also discuss tracking where leads come from, investing in professional website support, and continually optimizing the online experience to turn visibility into contracts.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:06] Turning website traffic into real estate revenue instead of focusing solely on visits

[00:00:39] Looking beyond vanity metrics such as page views, clicks, and rankings

[00:00:59] Measuring calls, form submissions, appointments, and closed deals as meaningful outcomes

[00:01:57] Understanding the difference between high-intent and lower-intent website traffic

[00:03:13] Matching website content to the visitor’s mindset and level of intent

[00:03:50] The click-to-close framework and capturing attention within the first five seconds

[00:04:30] Building trust quickly with testimonials, videos, reviews, and other credibility indicators

[00:05:41] Strengthening local credibility through community engagement and useful content

[00:06:13] Making the offer simple by reducing friction and clearly communicating benefits

[00:06:57] Using strong calls to action throughout every page of the website

[00:08:00] Having a professional web designer audit the website and improve conversion opportunities

[00:09:09] Reducing friction and anxiety by removing barriers and addressing concerns

[00:10:03] Building website pages around a single conversion goal

[00:10:21] Using headlines, benefits, proof, calls to action, and location-specific pages

[00:11:02] Creating dedicated pages for individual cities and neighborhoods to support local SEO

[00:11:52] Adding videos that explain processes and address specific seller situations

[00:12:34] Avoiding conversion killers such as slow website speeds and poor mobile performance

[00:13:32] Prioritizing clarity instead of overloading website pages with content

[00:14:24] Avoiding weak calls to action and missing credibility indicators

[00:15:03] Tracking website performance and measuring visitor engagement

[00:15:20] Asking leads how they found the business and investing further in successful channels

[00:16:05] Budgeting time and money to build credibility and improve website performance

[00:16:59] Using relevant third-party content with permission and proper credit

[00:17:24] Treating traffic as potential and conversion as profit

[00:17:58] Asking professionals and other investors for feedback on the website experience

[00:18:18] Connecting SEO, digital branding, visibility, and profitability

Quotables

“If someone’s confused, they’re not going to convert. If it’s a straightforward path and easily laid out for them, they’re just going to keep taking step after step until you convert.” – Nathan Zielinski

“You want to focus on one goal; conversion. That really is the purpose of why you’re doing this. And your target has multiple components.” – Suzanne Andresen

“You can’t improve what you don’t measure.” – Suzanne Andresen

Links

RCN Capital:

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast 

 / rcn_capital  

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK:

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen explain how real estate investors can turn blogs and videos into deal flow. They discuss why conversion-focused content matters more than views, clicks, and other vanity metrics, and outline three content types that can attract prospects: high-intent SEO content, problem-solving content, and trust-building content. Nathan and Suzanne also break down the structure of a high-converting blog, effective video formats, common content mistakes, and a practical publishing plan. They close by explaining how investors can repurpose one idea across blogs, YouTube, social media, and email while maintaining a sustainable cadence.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:00] Nathan Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen introduce the role of blogs and videos in generating deal flow

[00:00:41] Why content supports SEO, search visibility, credibility, and trust before first contact

[00:01:16] Measuring conversions instead of relying on views, clicks, and impressions

[00:02:24] Creating intent-driven, conversion-focused content rather than chasing viral reach

[00:03:55] Creating educational video equivalents for location-based search topics

[00:04:11] Addressing inherited properties, divorce, tax liens, bad tenants, and other seller problems

[00:05:34] Building trust through deal walkthroughs and before-and-after renovation content

[00:06:07] Explaining renovation decisions to educate prospective clients and investors

[00:06:20] Using YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, testimonials, and day-in-the-life content to strengthen trust

[00:07:04] Structuring a high-converting blog around a clear, location-focused headline and pain point

[00:08:21] Using local keywords and frequently asked questions to improve SEO and credibility

[00:09:14] How testimonials and video content help establish expertise

[00:09:35] Allowing prospects to become familiar with an investor before the first conversation

[00:10:24] Producing how-it-works videos that explain real estate concepts and processes

[00:11:33] Using case studies to challenge common objections and demonstrate possible outcomes

[00:12:08] Answering seller questions through FAQ videos and shared experiences

[00:12:41] Turning live Q&A sessions into evergreen website and social media content

[00:13:17] Placing videos on landing pages without hurting mobile performance or load times

[00:13:36] Connecting a website to YouTube while keeping the website optimized for speed

[00:14:14] Using short social media clips to share timely and practical information

[00:14:32] The content flywheel connecting Google rankings, video trust, engagement, leads, reviews, and stronger rankings

[00:15:36] Continuing to publish new information after reaching a strong search position

[00:15:46] Avoiding generic, non-local, and overly sales-focused content

[00:16:41] Giving the audience a clear next step through a specific call to action

[00:16:50] Common mistakes including ignoring video, posting inconsistently, and misaligning content with search intent

[00:17:08] A weekly plan built around one keyword-focused blog and two or three short videos

[00:17:31] Adapting the same information for people who prefer written or video content

[00:18:01] Adding a monthly case study, renovation walkthrough, and testimonial video

[00:18:20] Repurposing older material and breaking long-form videos into shorter clips

[00:19:09] Converting existing content into emails that direct audiences back to the website or video channel

[00:19:34] Reusing timely content instead of continually starting from scratch

[00:19:46] Distributing one idea through blogs, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and email newsletters

[00:20:46] Reaching people across the platforms they prefer to use

[00:20:58] Getting more mileage from each piece of content while avoiding creator burnout

[00:21:44] Establishing a comfortable and sustainable publishing cadence

[00:21:55] Prioritizing consistent, useful content even when publishing only once a month

[00:22:28] Presenting the same message in multiple formats rather than creating a new message each time

Quotables

“Every piece of content is a digital door to your business.” — Nathan Zielinski

“People aren’t choosing the best offer. They’re choosing the investor that they trust the most.” — Nathan Zielinski

“You don’t need more content. You need more mileage from each piece.” — Nathan Zielinski

Links

RCN Capital:

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast 

 / rcn_capital  

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK:

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen discuss why search engine optimization matters for real estate investors and how a strong online presence can create consistent inbound deal flow. They break down the three pillars of an effective SEO strategy: local SEO, content built around seller pain points, and conversion-focused websites. The conversation also covers keyword strategy, Google Business Profiles, reviews, backlinks, mobile optimization, local authority, and realistic timelines for results. Nate and Suzanne close with common SEO mistakes to avoid and a five-step roadmap investors can use to begin building a long-term acquisition asset.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:05] Why SEO can act as an investor magnet and help real estate investors win more deals

[00:00:48] How SEO compares with cold calling, direct mail, and paid advertising

[00:01:17] Reaching high-intent motivated sellers through Google and creating inbound deal flow

[00:02:39] The benefits of evergreen traffic, higher-quality leads, and lower costs over time

[00:04:05] Comparing the ongoing cost of paid advertising with the long-term value of SEO

[00:05:00] The time demands of cold outreach and why investors should monitor advertising budgets

[00:06:27] Combining SEO visibility with personal outreach and clear contact options

[00:07:11] Pillar one: Building a local SEO foundation with Google Business Profiles and reviews

[00:07:56] Keeping name, address, and phone number information consistent online

[00:08:09] Using localized keywords to reach sellers in specific cities and markets

[00:08:54] Creating dedicated location pages for individual cities and neighborhoods

[00:10:03] Pillar two: Creating content around distressed-seller pain points

[00:10:45] Using helpful, empathetic language instead of investor jargon

[00:12:09] Writing for sellers rather than stuffing webpages with keywords

[00:13:08] Pillar three: Building conversion-focused websites that turn traffic into leads

[00:14:00] Using clear headlines, calls to action, testimonials, and trust signals

[00:14:27] Why website speed and mobile optimization matter for investors

[00:15:29] The relationship between search rankings, conversions, and deal generation

[00:15:43] Focusing SEO content on intent-based keywords used by motivated sellers

[00:16:54] Layering location terms and long-tail keywords to find lower-competition opportunities

[00:18:12] Building authority through useful content, social media, reviews, and video

[00:19:34] Using backlinks to strengthen a website’s authority and usefulness

[00:20:40] Leveraging directories, professional partnerships, PR, and local news exposure

[00:21:48] Creating locally relevant content around community events and activities

[00:22:46] Setting realistic expectations for SEO growth over the first 12 months

[00:24:00] How a well-ranked page can continue generating leads for years

[00:24:42] Keeping SEO content fresh to protect rankings over time

[00:25:40] Connecting online visibility with real-world community involvement

[00:26:23] Common SEO mistakes, including expanding too quickly and ignoring mobile users

[00:26:53] Why duplicate content, poor tracking, and giving up too early can hurt results

[00:28:27] A five-step SEO roadmap for real estate investors

[00:29:26] Staying patient while SEO gains traction and begins producing returns

Quotables

“Ranking gets attention, and conversion gets deals.” — Suzanne [00:15:29]

“You’re not writing for Google; you’re solving problems for sellers.” — Nate [00:12:09]

“You’re building a long-term acquisition asset.” — Nate [00:24:42]

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen sit down with Phil Ganz, founder of Next Wave Mortgage, to discuss the lessons behind his 25-year career and more than a billion dollars in closed loans. Phil explains why patience, discipline, integrity, and attention to detail separate successful investors from those who struggle. He shares his approach to entering new markets, knowing when to walk away from a deal, and building an online presence through domain matching and SEO. The conversation also covers DSCR loans, long-term investment strategies, misconceptions about FHA and conventional financing, and the values Phil brings to Next Wave Mortgage.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:00] Introducing Phil Ganz, founder of Next Wave Mortgage.

[00:01:04] Phil’s start in the mortgage industry and his path from telemarketing.

[00:01:53] Integrity, transparency, honesty, and creating alignment with customers and business partners.

[00:02:59] The “billion-dollar perspective” and traits Phil sees in successful real estate investors.

[00:04:33] Why patience and learning from the ground up matter when entering a new market.

[00:06:02] The risks of early success and why investors should avoid scaling too quickly.

[00:10:47] Career turning points and the importance of building skills before leveling up.

[00:12:02] Why attention to detail can create an advantage in mortgages and real estate.

[00:13:43] Using focused websites and domain matching to compete for online search traffic.

[00:15:14] How SEO and domain matching have helped Next Wave Mortgage generate leads and grow.

[00:17:05] The long-term strategy behind Next Wave Mortgage’s network of websites and CRM development.

[00:18:38] How DSCR loans work and why Phil believes they can help investors scale their portfolios.

[00:22:29] Looking at population trends and taking a long-term approach when choosing investment markets.

[00:24:20] Why integrity is the principle Phil prioritizes throughout his career.

[00:25:28] Common misconceptions surrounding FHA and conventional loans.

[00:27:42] The core values Phil brings to Next Wave Mortgage and the importance of continuous improvement.

[00:29:05] How daily walks and becoming a father have given Phil renewed energy and purpose.

[00:30:21] Phil’s experience with surrogacy and his perspective on family and the cycle of life.

[00:32:52] Finding motivation and purpose through family.

Quotables

“You can’t just be a little bit better. You need a contrast.” — Phil Ganz [00:01:53]

“A lot of the best deals are walking away so you can live another day.” — Phil Ganz [00:02:59]

“Details are what wins. The nerds will always win because they’ll be good at the details.” — Phil Ganz [00:12:02]

Links

Phil Ganz on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/askthemortgageexpert

Next Wave Mortgage

https://www.nextwavemortgage.com/

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen continue their customer service series by examining why an investor’s reputation is one of their most valuable assets. They discuss how strong customer service creates repeat business, referrals, and lasting relationships with sellers, agents, contractors, lenders, and investors. The conversation also covers online reviews, word-of-mouth marketing, referral systems, and practical ways to strengthen credibility through consistent communication and follow-up. Nate and Suzanne share actionable strategies investors can implement immediately to build trust, improve their professional reputation, and create sustainable business growth through exceptional client experiences.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:05] Why reputation is an investor’s most valuable currency.

[00:00:53] How reputation creates deal flow, trust, and long-term business opportunities.

[00:02:06] The customer service gap in real estate investing and the importance of relationships over transactions.

[00:03:13] Responsiveness and professionalism as keys to maintaining strong industry relationships.

[00:04:34] Standing out by exceeding the industry’s average customer service standards.

[00:05:41] How exceptional customer service multiplies opportunities through repeat business, agent loyalty, and lender confidence.

[00:07:23] Following up after losing a deal and maintaining transparency with sellers.

[00:08:10] The importance of digital first impressions and managing your online reputation.

[00:09:13] Using reviews to establish credibility and reduce skepticism with new clients.

[00:10:48] Learning from both positive and negative reviews to improve your business.

[00:12:03] Making it easy for clients to leave reviews and creating a consistent review process.

[00:13:49] Turning negative experiences into opportunities for growth through feedback.

[00:14:32] The value of video testimonials in building trust with future clients.

[00:15:17] Why referrals remain the highest-quality source of new business.

[00:16:07] Building contractor relationships and staying top of mind through consistent follow-up.

[00:17:01] Using constructive criticism to improve your customer experience.

[00:18:41] Leading with value before asking for referrals.

[00:19:47] Creating systems to track referrals and maintain regular client touchpoints.

[00:20:47] Word-of-mouth marketing as the most powerful, yet least measurable, growth channel.

[00:22:26] Common reputation mistakes that can quickly damage an investing business.

[00:25:22] Turning a strong reputation into scalable business growth.

[00:26:14] Actionable steps investors can implement immediately to strengthen their reputation.

[00:27:52] Building follow-up systems and reconnecting with past contacts.

[00:29:33] Nurturing your strongest referral sources for long-term growth.

[00:30:23] Final lessons on protecting and leveraging your reputation throughout your investing career.

Quotables

“You can out spend competitors, but you can’t outpace a strong reputation.”

“Your next deal comes from your last deal, and you want to be known as someone who’s fair, consistent, and reputable.”

“When people don’t just refer competence, they refer how you made them feel.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen unpack the hidden return on investment behind great customer service in real estate. They break down how tenant experience drives income stability, reduces vacancy and turnover, and ultimately increases property value. From predictable communication and preventative maintenance to celebrating tenant milestones and leveraging online reviews, they share practical, tactical ways investors can build tenant loyalty without overspending. They also cover common mistakes that erode value, how to balance service with profitability, and the key performance indicators every investor should track.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:00] Introducing the hidden ROI of great service

[00:01:11] Why customer experience matters as much as cap rates and comps

[00:01:28] Property value as physical, operational, and experiential

[00:02:10] How tenant retention drives rent growth and resale value

[00:03:57] Tenant experience, income stability, and net operating income

[00:04:17] The math behind reducing vacancy loss and turnover

[00:06:10] Trust, respect, and reliable rent payments

[00:06:58] Offering fair concessions and staying responsive

[00:08:17] Avoiding the “turnover trap” and building tenant loyalty

[00:09:17] Creating community and treating tenants as customers

[00:10:06] What tenants value most: fast resolution and fair treatment

[00:10:47] How neglect leads to resentment and turnover

[00:11:43] Trust, comfort, and lease renewal

[00:12:16] Celebrating tenant milestones and timing upgrades around renewals

[00:13:32] Making great service tactical: speed and responsiveness

[00:14:01] Predictable communication and preventative maintenance

[00:15:13] Replacing aging appliances before they fail

[00:15:35] Balancing portfolio growth with caring for current units

[00:16:31] Managing risk and maintaining professional, consistent interactions

[00:18:07] Scaling customer service as your portfolio grows

[00:18:30] How great service drives NOI, occupancy, and cash flow

[00:18:53] Word-of-mouth referrals and reviews in multifamily properties

[00:20:10] Using tenant testimonials and retention history to build buyer confidence

[00:21:23] Reviews, reputation, and digital leverage

[00:22:19] Using AI and code enforcement to manage difficult tenants

[00:23:57] The cost of negative reviews and rising vacancies

[00:24:42] Hiring a property manager and controlling your online presence

[00:25:44] How great tenants drive revenue and reduce wear and tear

[00:27:52] Common mistakes that destroy property value

[00:29:19] Balancing great service with profitability

[00:31:35] Tools, KPIs, and staggered leases for scaling service

[00:34:17] Recap: the short-term and long-term ROI of great service

Quotables

“Property value isn’t just physical. It’s operational, experiential.”

“Trust leads to comfort, which leads to renewal.”

“You don’t have to spend more. You just have to care more and execute better.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate and Suzanne discuss how real estate investors can create a five-star customer experience throughout every stage of a transaction. From the first phone call and property walkthrough to presenting offers, maintaining communication through closing, and following up afterward, they examine the habits that build trust, strengthen relationships, and generate referrals. They also cover handling negotiations, overcoming unexpected obstacles, balancing efficiency with personalization, and using AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—authentic communication. Experience often becomes the deciding factor in today’s competitive market.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

[00:00:00] Why creating a five-star experience sets investors apart.

[00:01:24] Why experience often beats offering the highest price.

[00:02:07] Building relationships throughout both buying and selling transactions.

[00:02:48] Communicating with tenants before selling an occupied property.

[00:03:08] Making a strong first impression during the initial conversation.

[00:04:02] Presenting offers with empathy and clear reasoning.

[00:05:19] Following up after closing to build long-term relationships.

[00:06:23] Why responsiveness creates trust and competitive advantage.

[00:07:35] Learning each client’s situation before focusing on the transaction.

[00:08:48] Earning the second conversation instead of rushing to close the first.

[00:09:23] Asking better questions to understand long-term goals.

[00:10:18] Identifying timelines, challenges, and emotional drivers.

[00:10:56] Creating a professional property walkthrough experience.

[00:12:34] Sharing your vision for the property while respecting the seller.

[00:13:37] Being transparent about property issues before inspections.

[00:14:04] Explaining investment offers instead of simply presenting a number.

[00:15:09] Cash offers versus financed offers and providing certainty.

[00:16:48] Maintaining communication between contract and closing.

[00:18:08] Preventing uncertainty through scheduled updates.

[00:19:50] Preparing for title issues, repairs, and timeline changes.

[00:20:55] Responding quickly when unexpected problems arise.

[00:22:42] Making the closing table a positive, memorable experience.

[00:23:57] Capturing additional business after the transaction closes.

[00:25:42] Earning referrals and Google reviews through exceptional service.

[00:27:41] Turning great customer experiences into business growth.

[00:29:06] Addressing negative reviews with transparency and accountability.

[00:31:16] Balancing efficient systems with personalized communication.

[00:32:04] Using AI to improve efficiency while maintaining authenticity.

Quotables

“Experience beats price. You don’t always win because you offer the highest price. You win because you offer the best experience.”

“It’s not about closing the deal on the first call. It’s about earning the second call.”

“The closing table experience is paramount. Everyone wants to walk away a winner from that scenario. So make it smooth and celebratory, not transactional.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/