Tag: Episodes

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In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in real estate investing: networking with other investors.

While contractors, asset managers, and lenders are crucial, the truth is that some of the most valuable partnerships you’ll ever form are with people doing the same thing you are—other investors. We discuss how to find like-minded partners, why authenticity is the foundation of trust, and how joint ventures and syndications can help you scale faster than going solo.

This conversation is packed with insights on building community, accessing off-market deals, leveraging partnerships for efficiency, and the patience required to make networking a long-term strategy for success.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:14 The power of organizations like the National REIA for networking

02:15 Why sharing knowledge accelerates your business

04:01 Turning off-market leads into partnerships and deals

05:44 Authenticity in networking: Why being genuine matters

06:11 Social media vs. In-person networking

07:27 Follow-up: turning first meetings into long-term partnerships

08:12 Meeting people with the intention to provide value

10:05 Every investor is a mentor: Building relationships by learning from each other

12:01 Leveraging partnerships for deal flow & efficiency

13:16 Joint ventures & syndications: scaling bigger together

16:04 Building trusted referral networks through partnerships

17:43 Patience in networking: Why building your network is a long game

19:15 Staying consistent, watering the grass, and plucking the weeds

Quotables

“It’s not always about who can help me find the next deal, it’s about building a community.”

“Authenticity is the key. If you’re not genuine, that’ll show itself pretty quickly.”

“When you work with others, you’re not making less money—you’re securing more properties.”

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, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked roles in a real estate investor’s team: the asset manager.

We dig into what exactly an asset manager does, how they’re different from a property manager, and why their value stretches far beyond spreadsheets. From analyzing financial health to forecasting long-term strategies, mitigating risks, and taking emotion out of tough investment decisions, an asset manager can be the key to turning your portfolio into a true wealth-building machine.

If you’ve ever wondered when (or why) you should bring on an asset manager, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:41 What is an Asset Manager?

01:42 Asset Manager vs Property Manager

03:03 How an Asset Manager will help take emotions out of investment decisions

04:24 Budgeting, forecasting cash flow, and risk management

06:00 Maximizing returns: Lease audits, rent analysis, and market comparisons

09:21 Asset Managers as trusted partners in business

11:50 Building trust and transparency with your asset manager

14:05 Setting expectations, sharing goals, and aligning long-term vision

15:05 How to select the right Asset Manager: Due diligence and interviews

17:55 When is the right time to hire one? Scaling and hitting roadblocks

19:20 The natural cycle: from property management to asset management

20:43 Investing in your portfolio through assistants and asset managers

Quotables

“An asset manager can most comfortably remove emotion out of the transaction.”

“They’re not just adding money to the bottom line—they’re adding value to your entire investing strategy.”

“The good ones make more money when their clients make more money. That’s true alignment.”

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, we dive into one of the most important aspects of real estate success: finding the right contractors and building strong, lasting relationships with them. Nate Linsky and Suzanne Andreasen break down practical strategies for networking, vetting, and partnering with reliable contractors, plus how to set expectations, communicate effectively, and use technology to stay on track.

Whether you’re new to investing or managing multiple projects, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes, strengthen your contractor relationships, and create a trusted network that grows with your business.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:52 Why contractors are the foundation of your real estate business

02:46 Finding referrals through REI groups, trade shows, and local networks

05:35 Vetting contractor specialties and avoiding “one-size-fits-all” promises

06:56 Setting clear expectations on budget, timelines, and availability

11:20 Building goodwill: coffee, bagels, and small gestures that matter

12:57 Giving constructive feedback without damaging the relationship

15:30 The role of technology and tools in contractor accountability

17:45 How to track progress with digital communication and geocoded inspections

19:55 Starting small to test contractor reliability before bigger projects

21:31 Trusting instincts vs. making emotional decisions in disputes

22:48 Final takeaways and keeping professionalism at the forefront

Quotables

“Cheapest is not always best—referrals are the gold standard.”

“Be wary of the contractor who says they can do everything. Find people who do one thing extremely well.”

“Trust your instincts, but always act professionally. You never know when you’ll need them again.”

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 powerful episode of Uncontested Investing, Tom Truong—real estate entrepreneur and global leader at eXp Realty—joins the show to share the unconventional path that took him from an insurance CFO to managing 1,400 agents across 37 states and five countries.

Tom opens up about early lessons learned from his mom, how a chance trip to see Robert Kiyosaki shifted his mindset forever, and why his leadership style is built on doing the work with his team, not just telling them what to do. His philosophy of “show up early, get involved, stay late” has fueled a career marked by scale, generosity, and deep impact.

Whether you’re a new investor looking to build your team or a seasoned pro wondering how to create more leverage, this episode delivers clear, actionable advice with heart.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction to Tom Truong and the theme of building your team

01:00 – Tom shares his journey from insurance CFO to real estate investor

03:45 – Why Tom believes in investing with people, not just coaching them

05:45 – His core philosophy: do well financially so you can do good for others

07:15 – How he manages 1,400 agents with systems, structure, and CRM tools

10:30 – The global growth of eXp Realty and what makes it investor-friendly

13:50 – Identifying your hourly value and outsourcing low-impact tasks

17:30 – The most important roles to hire first as a real estate investor

22:30 – Tom’s criteria for vetting team members and spotting commitment

26:00 – The story behind his personal mission to help 100 people succeed

28:00 – Using blockchain to expand access to real estate investing

30:10 – How Tom sets clear, written goals with accountability built in

32:00 – Dealing with underperformance through one-minute conversations

34:00 – Why Tom “jumps in the dumpster” and leads by example

35:45 – Tips for new investors to build a network and find their first deal

37:20 – Tom’s passion: helping motivated people transform their lives

5 Key Takeaways

1. “Help 100 People” is more than a motto—it’s Tom’s mission. Inspired by his late mother, Tom is committed to lifting others up through education, partnership, and action.

2. Don’t just coach—walk the walk. Tom believes the best mentorship comes from putting your own money into deals and doing them alongside your mentees.

3. Build systems, not just teams. He uses CRM tools and organized communication systems to manage a global team without dropping the ball.

4. Leverage is key. Identify your hourly value, then delegate everything else—Tom employs three assistants who work in shifts to cover nearly 24/7.

5. The fortune is in the follow-up. One of his core mantras is to stay in touch and track every meaningful interaction with intention.

Quotables

“The fortune is in the follow-up.”

“If I tell you a deal is good, it’s because I’m willing to put my money in it.”

“Show up early, get involved, stay late—those are the words my mom gave me, and I live by them.”

“You don’t have to eat the whole pie. Split the pie and build a life around freedom.”

Links

Tom Truong

https://www.instagram.com/TomTruongRealEstate

eXp Realty

https://www.exprealty.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, we’re diving into one of the most critical and often overlooked pillars of successful real estate investing: tenant screening. Whether you’re just getting started or actively scaling your rental portfolio into the double or triple digits, your ability to consistently place the right tenant will either fuel your growth or derail it completely.

I’ve seen investors make the mistake of relying too much on their gut, rushing into lease agreements because a property’s sitting vacant, or making subjective, emotionally driven decisions. That’s a recipe for legal headaches, late rent, and high turnover. This episode is all about avoiding those pitfalls with a reliable, repeatable, and legally compliant process for screening tenants at scale.

We cover everything from automation tools to red flags to fair housing violations and we even get into how you can still offer second chances to tenants without putting your entire investment at risk.

If you’re looking to grow without burning out, this is the episode for you.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:27 How consistency will help with legal compliance and redlining risks

04:05 Screening criteria: credit, eviction, employment, and documentation

06:54 Leveraging technology to automate tenant screening

08:40 Legal compliance and city-specific ordinances for multi-market investors

09:43 Understanding the cost of vacancy when making decisions

10:15 The role of credit history vs. credit score and identifying red flags

12:27 How to effectively verify your tenant applicants’ information

14:13 Avoiding fair housing violations: training your team and documenting everything

17:01 Why you can’t afford to let emotion or “sob stories” cloud screening decisions

19:02 Second chances vs. red flags: how to evaluate borderline tenants legally and fairly

21:50 Building out a team that can support you as you grow your portfolio

23:54 Resources to help you get your processes aligned

Quotables

“Just because you have a beautiful asset doesn’t mean finding the right tenant is a piece of cake.”

“There should be no gray area. Your screening process needs to be consistent and legal for every single applicant.”

“An eviction on record is a red flag. But don’t just check boxes, look at patterns.”

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, we will wrap up our deep dive into property management by exploring one of the smartest scaling tools in real estate: virtual assistants (VAs). From tenant communication to maintenance coordination and bookkeeping, VAs are changing the game for landlords, operators, and investors of all sizes.

We’re breaking down how VAs can handle everything from leasing logistics to after-hours emergency calls and why using them can make a small operation look like a Fortune 500 team.

If you’ve been overwhelmed by the day-to-day or wondering how to grow without burning out, this episode offers real solutions with tested systems and tools.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:47 The flexibility of working with VAs

01:49 Illusion of Size: How VAs can make you look bigger

03:26 Delegating leasing and tenant communication to VAs

05:04 Leveraging VAs for administrative tasks and operational efficiency

06:30 Lease renewals, document collection, and making sure timelines are met

07:39 Better maintenance management: responding to requests and after-hours support

10:00 Boosting tenant retention through high quality communication

12:35 Bookkeeping, reporting, and tracking payment activity

14:51 Where to find and hire trained VAs for your business

16:03 Time zone advantages and multilingual support from VAs

18:01 Training your VA: SOPs, permissions, and delegation boundaries

19:21 VA Communication Systems & Task Management Tools: Zoom, Slack, Trello

21:45 Setting the standards and providing training to support your VA

23:03 Building trust, promoting from within, and growing with a VA team

Quotables

“A VA can make you look like a 30-person team, even if it’s just you and a partner running the show.”

“If you’re scaling, your time is better spent strategizing, not chasing utility bills.”

“Build trust slowly. Start them on simple tasks. In six months, they could be running your books.”

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 tech-driven episode of Uncontested Investing, we’re diving into how property investors can streamline their rental operations by embracing the latest in property tech. From virtual showings and smart locks to tenant communication tools and automated rent collection, we break down the tools you need to improve tenant experience, boost your efficiency, and safeguard your properties.

Whether you’re a first-time landlord or managing a growing portfolio, this conversation will help you level up.

We also touch on the future of real estate tech, from VR showings to AI-powered tenant support, and why your willingness to adopt these tools could be your biggest competitive advantage.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Why tech matters in property management

02:01 The big four benefits of property tech

03:23 How property tech has evolved over the years

04:00 Leasing and Tenant Acquisitions: Zillow, Redfin, Apartments.com

05:02 Virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs for tenants moving from out of state

07:11 Online rental applications and background checks

09:44 How technology provides security for both tenants and landlords

10:45 Secure cloud storage and data protection

12:08 Rent collection and accounting software: Buildium, Appfolio, RentRedi

13:08 How automations can help back you up in resolving squatter issues

14:53 Tax season benefits from using Quickbooks for accounting

17:00 How maintenance management tech increases efficiency

20:34 Smart Home Technology for preventive maintenance

22:16 The biggest benefits of using smart home technology in your rentals

24:05 The impact of having effective tenant communication

25:43 Leveraging analytics and forecasting platforms

28:11 The future of property management technology: AI chatbots, smart locks, and more

30:06 Why it’s important to learn technology for your rental properties

Quotables

“If you’re afraid of tech, you’re kind of an outsider in this industry now.”

“Even mom-and-pop landlords with fewer than 25 doors can and should be using tech.”

“Tech isn’t just a convenience—it’s how you stay competitive, compliant, and connected.”

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, we’re sitting down with Kelly Brooks, the dynamic CEO of Property Masters, to unpack her powerful journey from early college challenges to leading one of the most trusted renovation companies in the industry. Kelly shares how she built a culture that prioritizes consistency, trust, and treating every project like it’s her own and how her leadership style has led to explosive growth and a reputation for excellence.

From being one of the first women to lead in a male-dominated construction space to expanding into new markets with strategic vision, Kelly delivers real advice for investors looking to grow their portfolios and partner with the right vendors.

This episode is packed with insights for new and seasoned real estate investors who are serious about building long-term success.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Kelly’s unconventional start in real estate

02:40 Breaking into the Fannie Mae SAM program

03:55 Balancing business building and motherhood

05:05 From 3 employees to 150+: How culture scaled with growth

07:06 Property Masters’ cradle-to-grave renovation model

10:29 Kelly’s career-defining moments and pivots

13:36 Growth lessons from market slowdowns

14:53 Renovation priorities across commercial and residential

17:30 How Property Masters handles reviews and feedback loops

20:12 Building peer recognition and company culture

22:27 Tips for investors vetting vendors and avoiding scams

24:04 The real cost of working with the wrong contractors

28:59 Kelly’s two-part life and business motto

30:54 Approaching networking opportunities as your genuine self

32:05 The future of Property Masters

Quotables

“Do what you say you’re going to do. Treat people the way you want to be treated. That’s how I lead, raise my kids, and run this business.”

“You can always find someone $5 cheaper. But can you find someone who will pick up the phone and do what they promised?”

“We don’t grow just to grow. We expand when we’ve earned the right to—when we’ve proven we dominate the markets we’re in.”

Links

Property Masters

https://propertymasters.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, we sit down with Sean Miller, Chief Revenue Officer at Lessen, to explore how technology is reshaping property management. From single-family rentals to multifamily and commercial portfolios, Sean shares how Lessen streamlines maintenance operations, uses AI and IoT to anticipate repairs, and helps investors scale more efficiently without losing control of their assets.

Whether you’re a landlord managing two homes or a professional operator with hundreds of units, this conversation unpacks how to combine local expertise, operational systems, and smart technology to stay ahead in today’s evolving real estate landscape.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:00 How Sean got into real estate investing

02:06 The common characteristics of successful leaders

03:09 Building Lessen and scaling to 3.5M+ work orders

04:37 Property management as a tech-enabled service

06:30 Sean’s Deal Breaker/Deal Maker: the most pivotal moment in his career

08:02 When should a real estate investor hire a property manager?

10:22 Leveraging tech in property management with Lessen

11:36 Core features every scalable property management system needs

13:49 IoT use cases: From smart fridges to HVAC monitoring

16:23 The resident experience & retention strategies

17:40 What is IoT?

19:03 Managing turnover timelines & vendor reliability

20:46 Lessen’s use of AI for task routing & QC optimization

22:19 What’s next for Lessen and how to partner with them

Quotables 

“Tech is powerful, but it has to solve a real need. For us, it’s about making operations more efficient and predictable.”

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take—and if you’re afraid of mistakes, you’ll never innovate.”

“Cost is what you pay. Value is what you get. And faster turns mean more value, even if the price is higher.”

Links

Lessen

https://www.lessen.com/

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In today’s episode of Uncontested Investing, we dig into one of the most powerful tools at your disposal as a real estate investor: data. It’s not just about crunching numbers, it’s about making smarter, faster, more strategic decisions in a market where the margin for error is razor-thin.

We break down how investors can use both free and paid data tools to spot trends, find deals, set optimal rental rates, and avoid costly mistakes. From migration patterns to ZIP-code-based labor rates, they share real-world ways to let data guide your portfolio growth.

If you’re still relying on your gut, this episode is your wake-up call.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:16 What patterns tell us (vacancy, rent shifts, migration)

02:34 How market influences can change your buy box and strategies

04:03 Property-type trends and market adaptability

05:35 Free tools: Zillow, Redfin, Rentometer, Census.gov, HUD

07:20 Paid tools: CoStar, PropStream, Roofstock, AirDNA, Dwelling

09:22 Local tools: Agents, REIAs, county offices

11:02 How data can help you identify emerging markets

12:01 Avoiding emotional buying with consistent criteria

13:03 The cost of ignoring data: overpaying for properties

15:06 Analysis paralysis: when too much data kills the deal

17:00 Why you need to use data alerts as an investor

18:14 Weekly rent comps and rent optimization

19:31 Balancing rental increases with tenant retention

20:23 Manual tracking: using spreadsheets for micro-market analysis

Quotables

“Use the data to take emotion out of it. You’ll never get a wrong answer when math is leading the way.”

“Census.gov will smack you in the face with the truth. It’s not customizable—it’s real.”

“One bad deal early can drive a new investor right out of the game. Data helps you avoid that.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/