Real Estate Rookie
BiggerPockets
- 40 minutes 44 secondsRedfin: The Great Housing Market “Reset” Starts in 2026
Redfin just called it. The housing market will “reset” in 2026…or at least it’ll be the start of it.
Chen Zhao, Redfin's head of economics research, has 11 predictions she and her team have formulated for the 2026 housing market. A long, slow period of progress could be upon us, as buyers get what they’ve been asking for: better affordability, a more normal market, and the chance to own where there’s work.
But what does this really mean? Will mortgage rates fall? Will home prices drop? We’re going through each of the 11 predictions with Chen, discussing prices, rates, rents, refinances, transaction volume, and even how AI could become the “matchmaker” for Americans looking for their first or next property.
Make no mistake, this is good news for many, and could be just the start of a cycle that finally puts average Americans in the position to purchase a home. But, for real estate investors and landlords, there could be another big benefit coming in 2026, one that has a direct impact on your cash flow.
In This Episode We Cover
Redfin’s 2026 housing market predictions (prices, mortgage rates, and more!)
The great “reset” that is coming for the housing market (it’s already begun)
Rent growth returns? Struggling landlords could get some relief next year
The best and worst real estate markets that Redfin is forecasting for 2026
The AI effect on real estate and why more buyers are using bots to find homes
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-657
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24 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 35 minutes 42 secondsWaiter to Financial Freedom with 5 Rentals and $5,000/Month Cash Flow
Think you can’t create cash flow in this housing market? Think again! Today’s guest will introduce you to a strategy that can take a regular rental property and maximize its profits. It’s allowed him to net $5,000 each month and quit his W2 job in just 18 months!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Just two years ago, Andres Martinez was waiting tables and saving every penny possible for a house. But when he was told he still couldn’t qualify for a mortgage, he turned his attention to wholesaling in order to learn more about real estate investing and make some extra money. Little did he know that he would soon stumble upon a strategy that would change his life and give him financial freedom—co-living!
After buying a couple of properties, Andres quit his job to go all-in on this strategy. This move paid off, as he’s been able to scale his real estate portfolio to five properties (soon to be six!) and over $5,000 in monthly cash flow. The best part? He’s been able to buy all of his properties using other people’s money (OPM), seller financing, and subject to deals. Stick around as Andres tells you all about his buy box, how he analyzes rental properties, and why co-living might just be the next big thing!
In This Episode We Cover
Making $5,000 in monthly cash flow from five rental properties
How Andres was able to quit his W2 job in 18 months with real estate
The investing strategy that maximizes your rental property’s profits
Why co-living presents a huge opportunity for investors in 2025 and beyond
The best real estate side hustles to fast-track your investing journey
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-656
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22 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 27 minutes 48 secondsBuying a “Cheap” Rental Property: What 99% of Rookies Miss (Rookie Reply)
We’ve all come across that property—the one with the irresistibly low price in the bad area of town. The numbers make it look like a home-run real estate deal, but are there too many red flags to ignore? We’ll show you exactly what to do when analyzing this type of rental property!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We’ve pulled three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, and first up, an investor wants to know whether or not they need an umbrella policy for their property. Tune in as Ashley and Tony share their thoughts on insurance, LLCs, and a range of asset protection strategies you can use to safeguard what’s yours. Then, we weigh the pros and cons of FHA and conventional loans. One of these options gives you a clear advantage when it comes to seller negotiations!
Our final question comes from an investor who’s considering a “great” deal in a less desirable part of town. It looks good on paper, but are other investors steering clear for good reason? We break down when it makes sense to buy this type of deal, and conversely, when it’s more trouble than it’s worth!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
What to know before buying a good real estate deal in a bad neighborhood
How to protect your assets with umbrella policies, LLCs, and other strategies
Whether you should get an FHA loan or conventional loan for your rental property
How to create “stable” rental income through Section 8 investing
Why you always need to have cash reserves for your investment property
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-655
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19 December 2025, 11:00 am - 53 minutesThis Online Side Hustle Pays for My Rentals (And Could Fund Your First Deal)
Many rookies would invest in real estate if only they had the money. Well, we’re about to share a simple, scalable side hustle that could help you save money and buy your first rental property much faster. Today’s guest has built up this type of small business multiple times over the last six years, and in this episode, he’ll show YOU how to do the same!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Cody Berman had dabbled in countless side hustles and small businesses—some profitable, others not so much—but when he discovered that digital products could generate real passive income, he pivoted to this lucrative strategy instead. Starting with no capital, audience, or experience, Cody has scaled to the point where his business now brings in north of $15,000 a month!
The best part? This type of business has an incredibly low barrier to entry. You could launch yours with as little as $40, and Cody will show you how, step by step. With digital products, making an extra $6,000-$12,000 per year is a reasonable first milestone for any rookie. Just imagine what that could do for you and your real estate portfolio!
In This Episode We Cover
The perfect side hustle to fast-track your real estate investing journey
How Cody scaled his digital products side hustle from zero to $15,000 a month
Cody’s three-month roadmap to making an extra $12,000 per year
How to start a profitable online business with as little as $40
Using the “stacking” method to niche down (and get more customers!)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-654
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17 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 30 minutes 59 secondsMaking $1,200/Month by Turning His Home Into a Cash-Flowing Rental
Think you need a big bank account to invest in real estate? You don’t! There are several ways to either buy a rental property with low money down or turn an existing property into a rental with even less money out of pocket. Just ask today’s guest, whose first property now gives him an extra $1,200 in monthly cash flow!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! For years, Alex Bozzy had wanted to get into real estate investing. So, when the time came to upgrade from his starter home, he jumped at the opportunity to convert it into a rental. After some light repairs, this first-time landlord was able to find and place a tenant who gives him a $3,000 check each month!
The best part about Alex’s investing strategy? It’s rookie-friendly and highly repeatable! The next time Alex moves, he’ll do it all over again: buy a new primary residence with low money down and turn his current home into another rental property. This is something YOU can do, too. Stay tuned and he’ll show you how to follow his blueprint, step by step!
In This Episode We Cover
How Alex turned his primary residence into a cash-flowing rental property
Making an extra $1,200 a month without buying an investment property
The pros and cons of selling your house versus renting it out
Landlord tools and software that make property management a cinch
How to schedule showings and screen tenants (fairly) on a tight timeline
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-653
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15 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 25 minutes 23 secondsHow to Find Great Real Estate Deals in 2026 (Before Anyone Else) (Rookie Reply)
Not knowing the difference between a “good” real estate deal and a “bad” one keeps many rookies on the sidelines. If this is the one hurdle preventing you from buying your first rental property, don’t worry—today’s episode will give you the confidence to find, analyze, and buy a great deal in 2026!
Welcome back to another Rookie Reply! We’ve got three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from someone who’s struggling to find the right investment property. As you’re about to hear, a good deal for one person might be a bad deal for another, so the key is pinning down your real estate investing goals. We’ll show you how to do just that and provide you with a few key metrics and rules of thumb to make your decision a little easier!
Next, do you need to hire a general contractor when renovating a house, or can you oversee the work yourself? The answer is more nuanced than you probably think. Finally, we’ll tackle every rookie’s million-dollar question: Is now the best time to invest in real estate, or is it safer to wait out 2026? We set the record straight!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
How to identify “good” real estate deals (and dodge the “bad” ones!)
The number one thing to determine before buying an investment property
Key metrics and rules of thumb to use when analyzing rental properties
Whether you need to hire a general contractor for your renovation project
Whether you should buy a rental property in 2026 (or wait a little longer!)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-652
Interested in learning more about today’s sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email [email protected].
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12 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 37 minutes 18 secondsI Built a Real Estate Business That Replaced My High-Paying W2 (Here’s How)
Many rookies assume it’s easier to buy a rental property in their own market, but today’s guest proved you don’t need to by taking down his first deal in another area of the country, sight unseen. And good thing he did, because it not only pocketed him $250,000 but also gave him the confidence to leave his W2 job, move to another country, and go all in on real estate investing!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Stephen Keighery was living in one of the most unaffordable cities in Australia when he decided to try his hand in another market. Then, after a few home-run deals, Stephen packed up and moved across the world to New Orleans, where he’s since built his own real estate business. By pairing wholesaling and the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat), he earns active income while rapidly scaling his portfolio!
Stephen’s secret? He knows his strengths and uses them to his advantage—leveraging his marketing and sales background to grow his network and build rapport with potential sellers. In this episode, he’ll show you how to dig into the data and identify up-and-coming markets, hunt down off-market properties, and close!
In This Episode We Cover
How Stephen made $250,000 in profit from his very first real estate deal
Building a real estate business that can replace your W2 income
How to scale your real estate portfolio from anywhere in the world
Using public data to identify up-and-coming real estate markets
How to land your first wholesale real estate deal (in six months or less)
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-651
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10 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 45 minutes 26 secondsHe “Stacked” 5 Properties in 6 Years: Now He Lives and Travels for Free!
Most rookies buy rental properties for monthly cash flow or long-term appreciation, but for today’s guest, the enormous tax benefits were the biggest driver. Whether you’re looking to achieve true financial freedom, leave your W-2 job, or keep more of your hard-earned money from the tax man, this episode is for you!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Ross Alcorn was very good at his medical sales job, but he was slowly burning out. His breaking point? Paying over $175,000 in taxes (in one year!) and still getting hit with a surprise $33,000 tax bill. He knew there had to be a better way to not only make a living but also build long-term wealth, and after a few conversations, he plunged headfirst into real estate investing—taking down five deals in just six years!
In this episode, you’ll learn how real estate tax benefits often outweigh cash flow, appreciation, and loan paydown in many cases—especially if you’re a high-income earner or full-time investor. But that’s not all. Stick around, and Ross will also share the real estate side hustle he uses to furnish and renovate his rentals and travel for free!
In This Episode We Cover
How Ross went from job burnout to building a five-property portfolio
How to potentially save thousands on taxes with rental properties
The real estate side hustle that could help pay for your next vacation
The biggest keys to a successful real estate investing partnership
How to drastically reduce your living expenses with the house hacking strategy
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-650
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8 December 2025, 4:00 pm - 30 minutes 43 secondsInheriting Tenants: Instant Cash Flow or Huge Headache? (Rookie Reply)
Forming a real estate investing partnership could help you scale your real estate portfolio faster, but if you’re not careful, you could just as easily find yourself in hot water. Want to make sure you structure your partnership in a way that protects you and your assets? Then you won’t want to miss this episode!
Today’s Rookie Reply features more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and answers from your trusted hosts, Ashley and Tony. First, we hear from a rookie who may be on the verge of making a major blunder with their first partnership, but not to worry—we’ll steer them in the right direction. Our next question comes from someone who’s about to close on their first rental property but is wary of inheriting tenants. What should they do? Offer cash for keys? Delay possession of the property? We’ll break down all of their options!
Finally, how difficult is it to start and scale an Airbnb business today? Our resident short-term rental expert shares some of the tools, systems, and expectations you’ll need to grow a profitable portfolio—no matter the market!
Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here!
In This Episode We Cover
What you must know before structuring a real estate investing partnership
Debt and equity partnerships explained (and which one you should use)
What to do (and not do) when inheriting tenants on a rental property
Whether you can still start an Airbnb business (and be profitable) in this market
Tips, tools, and tricks for scaling your short-term rental portfolio
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-649
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5 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 1 hour 6 minutesHow to Find High-Cash-Flow Vacation Rentals Using “Secret” Airbnb Data
Are we seeing a short-term rental resurgence? Since Airbnb’s big boom in 2021, many investors have shied away from the “oversaturated” short-term rental industry. But is now actually the ideal time for you to buy vacation rentals? Today’s guests believe there’s more opportunity than you might think!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Today, we’re joined by Jamie Lane of AirDNA and John Bianchi of STR Search, who are harnessing the power of real estate data to find cash-flow-rich properties and areas across the U.S. The best part? All of these figures, tools, and strategies are available to rookies, who have an edge in smaller markets where the big players don’t want to go.
Whether you’re buying your first rental property or pivoting to short-term rentals, this episode is chock-full of insights for building a profitable Airbnb business. Jamie and John get into the “20-percent rule” for picking profitable short-term rental markets, the biggest investing mistakes to avoid at all costs, and the huge advantage rookies have in the hospitality space!
In This Episode We Cover
Why short-term rentals are still a profitable investing strategy in 2025
How to identify high-cash-flow markets using the “20-percent rule”
The Airbnb amenities that deliver the greatest return on investment (ROI)
The biggest mistakes rookie investors make when analyzing short-term rentals
Small versus large markets (and the dangers of going too small)
Why “conservative” analysis is needed to find a profitable property
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-648
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3 December 2025, 12:00 pm - 39 minutes 51 seconds45 Rentals and $0 Debt: The Money Mindset Shift That Made Me Financially Free
Worried you’ll never be able to buy rental properties because you’re “bad” with money? Today’s guest was in the same boat until a much-needed mindset shift set her on the path towards financial freedom. Since then, she has built a debt-free, 45-property portfolio that gives her more than enough cash flow to live on!
Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Liz Carroll didn’t always have a healthy relationship with money. In college, she would ask her parents to bail her out of credit card debt and have her fiancé cover her car repairs. But one day, something clicked, and Liz realized she needed to take back control of her money. Her ultimate goal? Financial independence—and real estate investing would be how she achieved it. But rather than overleveraging herself, Liz worked hard, saved, and bought properties with minimal debt—paying them off as soon as possible!
In this episode, Liz breaks down her very first deal, a $13,000 property (really!) that gave her the confidence to scale her real estate portfolio. She also talks about niching down and the exit strategy that’s allowing her to offload her properties, one by one, while helping her tenants achieve the dream of homeownership!
In This Episode We Cover
How Liz and her husband built a portfolio of paid-off rental properties
Building and scaling a rental portfolio while working nine to five
How to reframe the way you think about money so you can start investing
Paying off your mortgage (early) to fast-track your investing goals
Why living below your means is a non-negotiable for financial freedom
Streamlining your business by refining your buy box and niching down
And So Much More!
Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-647
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