Real Estate Investing School Podcast

288. Fix & Flip 101

Welcome to the Real Estate Investing School podcast. In this episode, host Joe Jensen interviews Wendell Butler, founder of Hammerhead Capital, Inc. At just 30 years old, Wendell has rapidly built a real estate investment business that spans single-family flips, multifamily rentals, and syndications, including being a general partner on a 32-unit multifamily deal. Despite only going full-time into real estate within the last year, Wendell has accumulated over 40 rental units and is systemizing his fix-and-flip operation to scale up to 50 properties a year. His journey began somewhat unexpectedly, as he originally pursued a path toward becoming a physician assistant but took a one-year break from school that exposed him to entrepreneurship. That pivot led him to real estate, leveraging nine-to-five jobs like sales and lending to build valuable skills and insider knowledge before taking the full leap into investing. Throughout the conversation, Wendell emphasizes the importance of strategic networking, due diligence, and conservative underwriting—advice he credits to both his lending background and personal experiences. His first "aha moment" came from a simple live-in flip of a condo, which netted him $70,000 tax-free after a year of ownership, proving to him the power of real estate. From there, he moved into house hacking with a duplex, using VA loan benefits and creative financing through family connections. Wendell shares valuable insights on structuring partnerships, particularly how he and his partners tackled their first larger multifamily deal without the expensive and complex syndication route, instead opting for a joint LLC structure with active investor participation. He underscores the importance of not relying solely on assumptions like rezoning or subdividing when underwriting deals and focuses on building long-term relationships and reputation as the keys to continued success. Wendell's story is an inspiring example of how consistent action, leveraging existing skills, and maintaining a learner's mindset can accelerate growth in real estate investing. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Wendell's Instagram

287. Syndications vs Funds with Mike Zlotnik

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, host Joe Jensen sits down with Mike "Big Mike" Zlotnik—CEO of TF Management Group, host of the Big Mike Fund podcast, and author of How to Choose a Smart Real Estate Investment Fund. With over two decades of experience as a passive investor and full-time fund manager since 2009, Mike shares how he navigates market cycles with logic, discipline, and data—not emotion or speculation. He breaks down his core principles for evaluating deals, including cap rate vs. interest rate spreads, discounts to replacement cost, and recognizing signs of distress-driven opportunities in today's commercial market. Joe and Mike also dive into the differences between syndications and funds, the pros and cons of each, and how investors can leverage asymmetric risk opportunities for consistent cash flow and long-term growth. Whether you're a passive investor or active operator, Mike's approach is a masterclass in removing emotion from investing and letting the numbers lead. If you've ever wondered how fund managers evaluate deals, or how to truly protect downside while growing wealth, this episode is packed with tactical insights, timeless principles, and plenty of "Big Mike" wisdom. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Brent's LinkedIn

286. Seller Financing, Double Closes, and Land Deals Explained with Brent Bowers

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, army officer turned "Land Shark" investor Brent Bowers joins host Joe Jensen to share how buying and selling vacant land allowed him to escape the grind, be present with his family, and still build serious wealth. Brent walks through his journey from broke in 2008, moving in with his in-laws, to discovering land flipping while still deployed and working long hours in the military. He explains his first few deals, how he mailed simple handwritten postcards to tax-delinquent landowners, turned a $285 parcel into thousands in profit, and eventually built a land business that replaced his military income through seller financing and consistent monthly cash flow. Joe and Brent dive into the nuts and bolts of land investing—how to find discounted deals, price land using tools like Redfin and Zillow, structure seller financing, and protect yourself with solid due diligence. They compare land to traditional rentals, discussing the pros (no toilets, tenants, or termites, low expenses, huge returns) and the cons (no depreciation, tax hits, and the need for discipline and systems). Brent also shares painful (and expensive) mistakes, like buying non-buildable land and dealing with wetlands and the EPA, and talks about using land profits to buy cash-flowing properties and mobile home parks. If you've ever wondered how people "print money legally" with dirt, this episode breaks it down in a simple, actionable way. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Brent's LinkedIn

285. Market Value vs Investment Value with Ryan Cadwell

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School Podcast, host Joe Jensen sits down with Ryan Cadwell—veteran investor, managing partner at Resolute RDM, and all-around real estate realist. With over $100M in transactions across development, flipping, brokerage, and asset management, Ryan brings 17 years of boots-on-the-ground experience and a refreshing "no-Kool-Aid" perspective. He shares how his career evolved from a dream of passive income to building a life he doesn't want to retire from. The two dive deep into how to design a business that aligns with your values, avoid ego-driven deals, and focus on investment value over market hype. Ryan also opens up about his journey from ministry to agnosticism, why real estate is never really passive, and how he's found purpose supporting transitional youth through his board work with 91 Place. This conversation covers everything from emotional decision-making and buyer psychology to using Google alerts to track job trends in your market. If you're tired of the guru fluff and want real talk about what it takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling investing career, this episode delivers in spades. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Resoluterdm.com

284. Flip Rules, Wholesale Wins, and the 3 C's

Welcome back to the Real Estate Investing School Podcast. Today, we're in for a treat as we sit down with not one, not two, but three guests who share their thrilling journey from Oregon to Nashville in search of real estate deals. Derek, Chris, and Jeff are known as the Wild West Boys. This dynamic trio, once mentors and now partners, dives into the intricacies of flipping houses and mastering wholesale deals, all while emphasizing the power of taking action and forging authentic connections. The Wild West Boys recount their inaugural deal, revealing a unique strategy: renovate for the seller and split the profits. Their approach extends to relationships, advocating for making investments, and appealing to potential partners without directly asking for money. In each episode, the Wild West Boys stress the significance of relationships. They share insights on creating contracts that are fair and protective, formalizing deals through title companies, navigating the unexpected delays that come with real estate transactions, diving into the nuances of flipping versus wholesaling and, unpacking the 3 C's: Cash Conversion Cycle. Resilience is a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the unpredictable real estate landscape. The Wild West Boys provide a blueprint for success, from flip rules to profit calculations. Their dream deal involves luxury rebuilds, and they emphasize the human connection behind every dollar. Believers in Christ, they underscore the importance of people skills and finding trustworthy contractors. Join the Wild West Boys on this real estate adventure, where investors seasoned or beginning alike can learn from their journey. Having a hard time finding deals in today's market? If so, book a free strategy call with us in the link below to see how we can help you!   Show Links: Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Wild West Boys' Instagram