Denver Real Estate Investing Podcast

Chris Lopez - Denver Investment Broker

The only podcast that is 100% focused on investing in the Denver metro real estate market. The podcast is a joint venture between Chris Lopez and Charles Roberts of Your Castle Real Estate. Chris and Charles decided to launch the podcast to bring you focused content on the Denver real estate market. They'll be interviewing new investors to seasoned investors and real estate professionals. Chris and Charles will also share trends in the market, local news, stories from their own investing and case studies from their clients.

  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    #546: How To Finance Your Next Denver House Hack Investment (Feat. Fire on FIRE)

    Want to break into Denver real estate investing without a massive down payment? In this Fire on FIRE episode, firefighters-turned-mortgage experts Corey Sutton and Dan Janniksen reveal how first responders and other professionals can start building wealth through strategic house hacking.

    Using a real-world example in Littleton, discover how you can acquire a $600,000 property with just 0-5% down and offset the monthly payments through smart house hacking strategies. Learn why working with experienced local lenders makes a crucial difference in your investment journey.

    Key insights from this episode:

    • How to evaluate primary residence loan options from VA to conventional financing
    • Understanding the true costs behind mortgage rates and avoiding common fee surprises
    • Why local expertise matters more than national lenders offering slightly lower rates
    • Building your investment team of real estate professionals for long-term success
    • Strategic planning tips for growing from one property to multiple investments

    Whether you’re looking to purchase your first property or add to your portfolio, this episode provides practical guidance on financing options and wealth-building strategies. Learn how to make smart investment decisions while avoiding costly mistakes in today’s market.

    https://youtu.be/5NkBh4tanfs

    Timestamps

    (00:00) Intro
    (08:36) Understanding House Hacking
    (18:53) Primary Residence Loans vs. Investment Loans
    (23:02) Choosing the Right Mortgage Broker
    (35:00) Understanding Loan Estimates and Fees
    (51:01) Strategies for Building a Property Portfolio

    Links from Podcast

    Check out our other Fire on Fire Podcasts

    #535: Why ‘Boring’ Wealth Building Actually Works | A Financial Expert Explains
    #529: From Injured Firefighter to Financial Independence (And How You Can Do It Too)
    #479: First Responder to Financial Freedom Paul DeSalvo’s Mission to Help Others Achieve Financial Freedom

    14 January 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    #545: Padsplit Shows Denver Landlords A Better Way To Manage Rent by Room Rentals

    Looking for stronger cash flow in today’s high-price, high-rate market? Join us as PadSplit founder Atticus LeBlanc and Account Manager Nick Bowers introduce their proven rent by room rental management system to Denver that typically doubles NOI compared to traditional single-family rentals.

    We analyze a real Westminster property that was converted from 5 to 8 bedrooms, generating $76,000 in annual income and an 11.6% cap rate through self-management. Then discover how PadSplit’s professional management platform can deliver similar returns without the hands-on work.

    In this data-driven discussion, Atticus shares how PadSplit evolved from managing rent by room rentals in Atlanta to now overseeing 16,000 units across 21 markets. You’ll discover why rent by room properties often have lower maintenance costs than traditional rentals, with median vacancies of just 8 days and average turn costs under $100.

    Nick walks through his journey from PadSplit investor to team member, providing practical insights on:

    • Converting existing properties for maximum returns
    • Working with PadSplit’s network of local vendors
    • Managing rent by room properties efficiently through their platform
    • Creating housing that serves both investors and residents

    Perfect for busy professionals interested in scaling their portfolios, this episode breaks down how PadSplit handles the complex aspects of rent by room management – from marketing to payment processing to resident screening – while helping investors achieve strong returns without self-managing.

    Whether you’re an experienced investor looking to optimize returns or a house hacker exploring ways to maximize your primary residence, learn how PadSplit’s proven model can help you better manage rent by room rentals in the Denver market while maintaining professional distance.

    https://youtu.be/uo8A_yvFIT4

    Timestamps

    (02:41) The Birth of PadSplit and Its Mission
    (11:31) The Value Proposition of PadSplit for Investors
    (18:13) Nick’s Journey as an Investor and Transition to PadSplit
    (21:29) Room-by-Room Rental Best Practices
    (41:56) Analyzing Room-by-Room Rental Economics
    (58:39) The Social Impact of Housing Solutions

    Links from Podcast

    Who is Padsplit?

    PadSplit is a room-by-room rental platform founded in 2018 that helps property owners convert single-family homes into profitable shared living spaces. Operating across 21 major U.S. markets with 16,000 units, the company manages key aspects like marketing, tenant screening, and payment processing while providing members with benefits including credit reporting and telemedicine. PadSplit aims to address the affordable housing crisis while delivering strong returns for property owners, typically achieving twice the NOI of traditional single-family rentals.

    7 January 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 18 minutes 5 seconds
    #544: My Business Growth Strategy For Colorado Real Estate in 2025

    After two years of market shifts and strategic pivots, Chris Lopez shares how his real estate companies adapted and thrived in 2024. Through the lens of “you reap what you sow,” discover how planting seeds during challenging times led to breakthrough growth across multiple businesses.

    From evolving Envision Advisors’ service model to scaling Property Llama to over 5,000 investors, learn how focusing on client needs drove innovation and expansion. Plus, get an inside look at the launch of Property Llama Capital and Curtis Street Media’s emergence as a specialized real estate marketing firm.

    Key insights from this episode:

    • Why shifting from a vertically integrated model to a referral network better served Colorado investors
    • How Property Llama transformed from analysis software to a comprehensive investment marketplace
    • The strategic expansion into passive investment opportunities through Property Llama Capital
    • Building specialized marketing services for real estate businesses through Curtis St. Media
    • The importance of focusing on “who, not how” when scaling multiple businesses

    Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing multiple businesses, this annual review provides valuable perspectives on adapting to market changes while maintaining growth. Learn how strategic shifts and team building can position your business for long-term success.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSb0KHsHU7A

    Timestamps

    (03:35) Envision Advisors: A New Direction
    (05:20) Property Llama: Optimizing Investor Portfolios
    (08:16) Property Llama Capital: Connecting Investors with Quality Deals
    (10:21) Curtis Street Media: Growth and Evolution
    (12:57) Key Themes for Entrepreneurial Success
    (15:25) Community Engagement and Future Events

    Links from Podcast

    Visit Property Llama to set up a free account today!

    Agents: Grow Your Investment Property Business
    Are you a Colorado real estate agent with expertise in investment properties? We’re expanding our referral network. Email [email protected] to learn about joining our trusted network of investor-focused agents.

    Ready to simplify your portfolio? Property Llama Capital can help you access institutional-grade opportunities- from value-add multifamily projects to ground-up developments and private lending funds.

    Looking for help scaling your real estate business? Built by real estate investors, for real estate investors. Curtis St. Media creates marketing that drives growth for investment firms, funds, and brokerages through powerful content, proven marketing funnels, scalable tech, and revenue-focused strategies. Email [email protected] to learn more about how we can help your real estate business grow.

    31 December 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 24 minutes
    #543: Syndications Made Simple (How to Join Big Real Estate Projects)

    Want to invest in larger real estate projects without the daily management hassles? In this workshop-style episode, Chris Lopez and Paige Kehoe break down how private equity real estate investing works, exploring four distinct investment opportunities in today’s market.

    Through real-world examples, we examine successful deals including a 34-unit value-add apartment renovation in North Denver, a ground-up development project in Wash Park, and a unique land deal in the prestigious Southmoor Park neighborhood. Plus, discover how private lending funds can generate consistent cash flow without direct property management.

    Key insights from this episode:

    • Understanding the roles and relationships between general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs)
    • How preferred returns and profit splits align investor interests for maximum returns
    • Ways to evaluate deal sponsors and perform effective due diligence
    • Different investment options from active renovations to passive debt funds
    • Risk management strategies through diversification across markets and investment types

    Learn how experienced investors are building wealth through partnerships and larger deals in today’s challenging market. Whether you’re looking to invest $50,000 or $500,000, this episode provides practical guidance for entering the world of real estate private equity.

    Join us for examples of actual investor returns, risk management strategies, and steps to get started with your first syndication investment. Watch the full episode to learn how you can participate in institutional-quality real estate deals while maintaining your current career or lifestyle.

    https://youtu.be/gBwz8vzFMBE

    Timestamps

    (00:00) Intro
    (02:25) The Basics of Investing in Private Equity
    (18:58) Step by Step Investment Process
    (34:15) What’s Working in Today’s Market
    (40:52) Multifamily Value Add Deal Example
    (51:44) Covered Land Play Multifamily Development
    (1:01:22) Land Entitlement and Development Opportunity
    (1:05:25) Private Money Debt Funds

    Links from Podcast

    Ready to put these private equity investment strategies to work? Property Llama Capital can help you access institutional-grade opportunities similar to the ones discussed – from value-add multifamily projects to ground-up developments and private lending funds. Whether you’re looking to invest $50,000 or $500,000, our team can guide you through the process of participating in larger real estate deals without the daily management responsibilities.

    24 December 2024, 1:30 pm
  • 39 minutes 26 seconds
    #542: Denver Listings Drop 41% (Warning Signs Ahead?)

    Want to know why Denver’s housing market just saw its biggest monthly drop in new listings this year? November brought a shocking 41% plunge in Denver’s housing inventory, while Colorado Springs wasn’t far behind with a 36% decrease. But the real story isn’t just about vanishing listings.

    Denver Real Estate Investing Podcast Host Chris Lopez sat down with a panel of Colorado real estate experts including Brandon Scholten from Keyrenter Property Management Denver, lender Troy Howell from Nova Home Loans, broker Jeff White, and Colorado Springs expert Jenny Bayless. Together they uncovered some surprising trends that paint a clearer picture of what’s really happening in our market.

    Their findings? While home prices in Denver climbed nearly 5% to $706,000, the rental market is showing concerning signs. Property managers are reporting unprecedented increases in late payments, rising lease breaks, and some properties requiring 20% rent reductions to attract tenants. Even luxury apartment buildings are now offering up to two months of free rent to fill units.

    But it’s not all doom and gloom. The panel revealed exciting developments like the first office-to-residential conversion project launching in Denver since the pandemic, with 10 similar projects awarded tax credits to create 1,169 new units across Colorado. Plus, they shared insider tips on winter buying opportunities and emerging strategies like medium-term rentals that savvy investors are using to optimize returns.

    Join us for this in-depth market analysis as we explore what these trends mean for Colorado real estate investors heading into 2025. Our expert panel breaks down the latest data, shares real-world examples from their portfolios, and provides actionable insights for navigating today’s market conditions.

    https://youtu.be/hhAhogkSJng

    ⏰ Timecodes ⏰

    (01:40) Colorado Trends and Market Insights
    (12:35) Medium-Term Rentals and Portfolio Analysis
    (14:20) Softening Rents and Vacancy Rates
    (28:14) Office to Residential Conversions
    (32:00) Current Deals and Market Opportunities
    (34:41) Optimizing Rental Portfolios

    Links from Podcast

    Keyrenter Property Management Denver: https://keyrenterdenver.com/

    Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

    Colorado Springs Apartments Offer Concessions of Up to Two Months of Free Rent

    DTC Office Conversion, Nine Other Colorado Housing Projects Awarded Tax Credits

    Connect with our Guests:

    Email Brandon Scholton: [email protected]

    Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

    Email Jeff White: [email protected]

    Email Jenny Bayless[email protected]

    Who is Keyrenter?

    Keyrenter Property Management Denver provides rental solutions for homeowners and real estate investors in the metro area who are interested in transforming their properties into passive income. It offers various services, from property marketing and thorough applicant screening to tenant placement and 24/7 maintenance services. Keyrenter Denver’s team of experts can take the clients’ burden of managing their rental off their hands so they can get back to what matters to them.

    Who is Nova Home Loans?

    For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

    NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

    17 December 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 32 minutes 20 seconds
    #541: The $31M Solution for the Forgotten Middle: Affordable Workforce Housing

    Want to learn how to turn a $5/sq ft land deal into a lucrative workforce housing development?

    In this episode, Chris Lopez sits down with Adam Fenton of Narrate Holdings to dive deep into a 120-unit ground-up development project in Northern Colorado Springs. Adam reveals how they acquired prime land near a rapidly growing university for a fraction of typical multifamily costs, setting the stage for impressive returns.

    Key highlights:

    • How they’re targeting the underserved “forgotten middle” with high-quality workforce housing
    • The clever architectural choices saved millions in construction costs
    • Securing game-changing 40-year fixed rate HUD financing in today’s challenging market
    • Projected 7.5% cash-on-cash returns and mid-20s IRR

    Adam breaks down the full pro forma, sharing invaluable insights on unit mix, income projections, operating expenses, and exit strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started, this episode offers a masterclass in identifying opportunities and executing profitable multifamily projects in any market conditions.

    Don’t miss this inside look at a deal poised to deliver both strong investor returns and much-needed housing for working families!

    https://youtu.be/6Vnju3xhSg0

    Timestamps

    (01:13) Location and Business Plan of the Development

    (03:28) Acquiring the Land and Financing the Project

    (07:24) Architectural Design and Unit Mix

    (12:19) Analyzing Costs and Projected Returns

    (23:40) Workforce Development Project Exit

    Links to Podcast

    Interested in learning more about Narrate?

    Schedule a call with our team here

    Visit Narrate Holdings Website

    Check out our other Narrate podcasts:

    Episode 499: How this Developer’s Creative Debt Financing Strategy Helps Them Stand Out w/ Adam Fenton

    Episode 501: Real Estate Development from Concept to Reality | Deal Analysis

    Who is Narrate Holdings?

    Narrate is a Denver-based firm specializing in the investment and development of urban-infill multifamily and mixed-use real estate in major metropolitan markets throughout the Western U.S. They ensure that each project, created to collaborate community, culture, and commerce, delivers enduring value to its local environment.

    Narrate’s portfolio includes a diversified mix of ground-up development, existing value-add, and adaptive reuse properties. Our investment thesis relies on patience and discipline, focusing exclusively on well-located but underperforming assets that offer immediate value creation and long-term stability.

    Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational and informational content only. It does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.

    12 December 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 15 minutes 31 seconds
    #540: My 2025 Goals for Greater Investment Returns (with LESS Work)

    After years of active real estate investing in Denver, I’ve shifted my focus to passive real estate investing strategies for 2025. Here’s why I made this change and how I’m positioning my portfolio for the year ahead.

    https://youtu.be/g9QTpeyVQPM

    My Journey to Passive Real Estate Investing

    When I started investing, I focused on direct property ownership. But market changes pushed me to explore passive real estate investing strategies that could work better in today’s environment. Here’s how I transformed my approach in 2024.

    First, I sold two Aurora rental properties with sub-4% interest rates. Instead of managing these properties, I deployed $250,000 into three passive real estate investments:

    The results validated my shift toward passive real estate investing strategies. I’m seeing better returns with significantly less administrative work.

    Building a Passive Portfolio for 2025

    My passive real estate investing strategy for 2025 focuses on three main areas:

    1. Diversification: I’m spreading investments across:
      • Multiple markets beyond Denver
      • Various experienced operators with established teams
      • Different positions in the capital stack
    2. Tax-Advantaged Opportunities: I’ve rolled my traditional IRA into a solo 401(k) to access more passive real estate investments. For 2025, I’m exploring qualified opportunity zones in Colorado Springs for additional tax benefits.
    3. Passive Income Streams: I’m increasing my allocation to:
      • Value-add multifamily funds
      • Ground-up construction projects
      • Real estate debt funds offering double-digit cash-on-cash returns

    Why Passive Real Estate Investing Makes Sense in 2025

    The real estate market has evolved. As a solo investor, finding profitable deals takes more time and effort than ever. That’s why my passive real estate investing strategies for 2025 emphasize:

    1. Professional Management: Working with established operators who handle day-to-day operations
    2. Scale: Accessing larger deals that typically perform better than smaller properties
    3. Diversification: Spreading risk across multiple investments and markets
    4. Time Freedom: Focusing on my family and business while my investments work for me

    Implementing Your Own Passive Real Estate Strategy

    If you’re considering passive real estate investing strategies for 2025, start by:

    1. Evaluating your current portfolio’s performance
    2. Understanding your time constraints and goals
    3. Researching different passive investment options
    4. Building relationships with experienced operators
    5. Creating a diversification plan that matches your risk tolerance

    Want to dive deeper into passive real estate investing strategies? I’m hosting a free Portfolio Analysis Mastermind starting January 8th. We’ll explore seven different investment approaches for 2025, including several passive strategies that can help you build wealth while minimizing your time investment.

    Remember, the best passive real estate investing strategy depends on your personal situation. While these approaches work for me, take time to analyze your goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.

    I’ve found that passive real estate investing strategies offer the best balance of returns and lifestyle flexibility in today’s market. As we move into 2025, I’m excited to continue growing my passive portfolio while helping others discover the benefits of this investment approach.

    Key insights from this episode

    • Why return on equity matters more than holding onto low interest rates
    • How to achieve true diversification across geography, sponsors, and investment types
    • The power of transitioning from active landlord to passive investor through strategic partnerships
    • Why multifamily value-add projects and debt funds are attractive in the current market

    Want to learn more about transforming your real estate portfolio? If you’re looking to simplify your investments or scale through partnerships, this episode provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions in today’s market.

    Timestamps

    (00:59) 2024 Goals Review and Investment Strategy

    (05:59) Diversification: A Key to Stability

    (09:12) The Importance of Portfolio Analysis

    (10:51) 2025 Goals and Future Strategies

    (13:35) Embracing Partnerships in Investing

    Portfolio Analysis Mastermind

    Join our free Portfolio Analysis Mastermind starting January 8th to evaluate your own investment strategy. We’ll explore seven different investment approaches – from active rentals to tax-advantaged opportunities – helping you optimize your portfolio for 2025 and beyond.

    • Get a clear snapshot of market conditions affecting your investments
      See how your portfolio stacks up in today’s environment
    • Learn the key metrics that matter for 2025 planning
    • Discover which properties are helping (or hurting) your returns

    Register for our Portfolio Analysis Mastermind through this link!

    10 December 2024, 1:00 pm
  • 14 minutes 29 seconds
    #539: Red River Development Shows Why Every Deal Needs a Plan B

    How Red River Salvaged a Challenging Real Estate Deal

    When Red River Development’s planned build-to-rent project faced strong community opposition, their response demonstrated how careful planning and multiple contingencies can transform potential losses into gains. Their experience handling this real estate deal pivot provides valuable insights for developers and investors navigating similar challenges.

    Project Outcomes

    Red River Development originally purchased the land for $3.2M with plans for a 200-unit build-to-rent community, but after encountering significant local resistance, they successfully sold the property for $4.5M to another developer who had different plans for the site.

    How Red River Salvaged a Failed Real Estate Deal

    Rather than accepting a loss when their initial development plans weren’t feasible, Red River Development implemented a comprehensive recovery strategy that focused on identifying alternative exit options while protecting their investors’ capital throughout the challenging entitlement process.

    Key Development Lessons

    The project revealed that successful developers must secure necessary approvals before making major investments, maintain strong capital reserves during uncertain phases, and always prepare multiple exit strategies before acquiring property, especially in markets where community sentiment can significantly impact development plans.

    Risk Management Methods

    Red River Development’s approach to saving a challenging deal relies on a combination of thorough due diligence, carefully structured maximum price contracts, strategic use of internal funding for the riskiest development phases, and maintaining several viable backup plans throughout the development process.

    This case study examines practical approaches to recovering from development challenges while protecting investor capital, offering valuable insights for real estate professionals who want to better understand how to manage risk and navigate unexpected obstacles in their own projects.

    The discussion includes detailed analysis of site evaluation methods, deal structuring strategies, and capital preservation techniques that can help developers maintain profitability even when their original plans require significant modification.

    Timestamps

    (00:56) Navigating Challenges in Real Estate Deals

    (06:14) Lessons Learned from a Difficult Project

    (10:22) Risk Mitigation Strategies in Real Estate Investment

    Links in Podcast

    Interested in learning more about Red River Development?

    Schedule a call with our team here!

    Check out our other Red River Development podcasts:

    #520: Inside the Making of a $30M Build-to-Rent Community
    #516: The Rise of Build-to-Rent and Why Investors Should Take Note

    #524:How Build-to-Rent is Transforming Residential Real Estate

    Who is Red River Development?

    Red River Development is a vertically integrated real estate development company with a focus on developing and operating class-A build-for-rent residential communities under the management brand: Trulo Homes. A unique and growing space in the housing market, luxury rental communities provide the comfort and privacy of single-family homes with the convenience and amenities of high-end multifamily rentals. Red River Development sees extensive market opportunity in the Build-To-Rent (BTR) space throughout the Southern and Midwest U.S. with a substantial pipeline of developments planned to break ground later in 2024 and beyond. Red River Development is headquartered in Dallas, TX with a second office in Tulsa, OK.

    Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational and informational content only. It does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.

    5 December 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 36 minutes 38 seconds
    #538: How to House Hack a Property from a 3% Cap Rate to Cash Flowing Asset

    How can you turn a $525k triplex into your next house hack and maximize returns with Section 8 tenants? In this episode, we break down how an experienced investor spotted and acquired his 8th house hack triplex in the Denver market with Section 8 tenants. Join us as we sit down with the House Hacking expert Jeff White, Agent Jennifer Reinhardt, and Lender Troy Howell to examine how this deal came together using Fannie Mae’s 5% down program.

    https://youtu.be/WxtAdxLMpuE

    Key insights from this episode:

    • Side-by-side triplex strategy in Southwest Denver with Section 8 rents exceeding market rates by 50%
    • Using Fannie Mae’s 5% down program while optimizing tax strategies for maximum loan qualification
    • Understanding Denver’s C-class property opportunities amid rising operating costs and new regulations
    • Building relationships and structuring win-win deals between active investors and sellers seeking passive income

    Whether you’re an experienced investor or just getting started, this real-world deal analysis offers practical insights for finding and financing your next multifamily property. Learn how to spot opportunities, navigate complex financing, and create win-win transactions in today’s market.

    Timestamps

    (02:35) How to Actually Find a Deal

    (08:42) Navigating Financing and Tax Strategies

    (21:17) Investment Plan and Market Analysis

    (30:31) The 1031 Exchange and Future Investments

    Links from Podcast

    Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

    Atlas Real Estate: https://ambitionpropertyinvestments.com

    Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

    Email Jeff White: [email protected]

    Email Jennifer Reinhardt: [email protected]

    Who is Nova Home Loans?

    For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

    NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

    3 December 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 48 minutes 48 seconds
    #537: The Unusual Denver Fourplex That Creates $3K in Monthly Cashflow

    Denver Fourplex That Creates $3K Monthly Cashflow: A House Hack Case Study

    Is it still possible to house hack in Denver’s competitive market? Chris Lopez, Troy Howell of Nova Home Loans, and house hacking specialist Jeff White say yes. They recently broke down how one investor turned $40,000 into both free housing and $3,000 monthly cashflow using a fourplex strategy. Here’s how they did it.

    https://youtu.be/cUwAv-v3-sE

    The Deal Structure

    • Purchase price: $690,000
    • Down payment: 5% ($34,500)
    • Total cash needed: Under $40,000
    • Seller credit: $25,000 for closing costs and repairs

    The property, a brick fourplex near City Park, includes three one-bedroom units and one studio. Originally listed at $900,000, an inherited estate situation led to a dramatic price drop to $635,000. Jeff White, who helped find and analyze the deal, notes that daily market monitoring was key to catching this opportunity when the price dropped by $200,000 in a single day.

    Making The Numbers Work

    While living in the property:

    • Total rental income: $4,500/month
    • Monthly expenses: $3,540
    • Owner’s housing cost: $960/month

    After moving out and optimizing all units:

    • Total rental income: $8,408/month
    • Monthly cashflow after expenses: Nearly $3,000

    The Section 8 Strategy

    Troy Howell points out that current Denver Section 8 rates offer $2,147 for one-bedroom units—significantly above market rates. This approach provides guaranteed, recession-resistant income while only requiring a few extra hours of paperwork. Rather than rushing to fill vacancies with market-rate tenants, the owner lives in the smallest unit while gradually converting the other units to Section 8 as leases expire.

    Smart Management Decisions
    The property came with inherited tenants paying below-market rents, providing immediate cash flow while allowing for gradual optimization. Jeff White emphasizes the importance of professional screening standards and setting clear expectations with existing tenants. The Section 8 program provides additional security by covering 100% of rent if tenants lose income.

    Keys to Success:

    • Daily market monitoring to find the right deal
    • Professional tenant screening process
    • Understanding Section 8 requirements
    • Patience with inherited tenants

    The Power of House Hacking

    This Denver fourplex demonstrates how house hacking can accelerate wealth building through multiple channels. Chris Lopez highlights that while living nearly free, the owner builds equity through property appreciation and positions themselves for significant future cashflow. The combination of house hacking, Section 8 rentals, and low down payment financing made this possible even in today’s challenging market.

    Looking Forward

    This case study proves that with creativity and patience, investors can still find Denver properties that generate substantial monthly cashflow while building long-term wealth. Want to learn how you could replicate this success? Join Troy, and Jeff at their monthly Denver house hacking meetups where they analyze deals like this and connect with other local investors. Your path to generating $3,000 in monthly cashflow might be closer than you think.

    Timestamps

    (02:04) Case Study Overview: The Denver Fourplex

    (12:37) Challenges and Solutions in House Hacking

    (26:05) Understanding Loan Structures and PMI

    (29:32) How to Maximize Rental Income

    (40:50) Pros and Cons: Inherited and Section 8 Tenants

    Links from Podcast

    Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

    Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

    Email Jeff White: [email protected]

    Who is Nova Home Loans?

    For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

    NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

    26 November 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 33 minutes 26 seconds
    #536: Why Denver Rents Are Dropping 7.5% (And What It Means For Investors)

    Have Denver rents really dropped 7.5% since last year? Brandon Scholten, who manages 1,100 rental units across Denver, reveals why this dramatic shift is happening and which properties are being hit hardest in today’s changing market.

    Making the data even more compelling: While Denver sees significant declines, Colorado Springs rents remain flat year-over-year, pointing to unique market dynamics in each city. Two-bedroom, one-bathroom units are performing worse than ever before, while Class A apartments offer multiple months of free rent to attract tenants. This ripple effect is impacting smaller landlords and creating new challenges for property owners.

    Host Chris Lopez leads a dynamic discussion with Denver’s top real estate experts, including Brandon Scholten, who manages over 1,100 rental units with Keyrenter. Joining them is Troy Howell, residential lender from Nova Home Loans who breaks down current rate trends, along with House Hacking Expert Jeff White, who shares strategies from his latest successful deals. Together, they analyze market shifts and provide practical solutions for investors.

    Learn valuable insights about:

    • The exact property types seeing the steepest rent declines and why
    • How to adjust your rental strategy during slow seasons with proven techniques
    • Why Colorado Springs is outperforming Denver right now and what it means for investors
    • A real-world case study of an Arvada duplex purchase showing how to find deals in any market
    • Steps to protect your portfolio from rent decreases
    • Understanding how new Class A apartment construction affects existing rental properties
    • Strategies for competing with large apartment complexes offering significant concessions
    • How changing interest rates impact investment opportunities

    For Denver real estate investors watching rents decline, this episode provides the market clarity and actionable strategies you need to protect your portfolio and find new opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, you’ll gain practical insights to help navigate Denver’s evolving rental market.

    https://youtu.be/LPtivd3ta8Q

    Timestamps

    (01:57) Market Overview and Rental Trends

    (14:01) Mortgage Rates and Market Predictions

    (24:26) Successful Duplex House Hack Deal

    Links from Podcast

    Keyrenter Property Management Denver: https://keyrenterdenver.com/

    Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

    Connect with our Guests:

    Email Brandon Scholten: [email protected]

    Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

    Email Jeff White: [email protected]

    Email Jenny Bayless[email protected]

    Who is Keyrenter Property Management Denver?

    Keyrenter Property Management Denver provides rental solutions for homeowners and real estate investors in the metro area who are interested in transforming their properties into passive income. It offers various services, from property marketing and thorough applicant screening to tenant placement and 24/7 maintenance services. Keyrenter’s team of experts can take the clients’ burden of managing their rental off their hands so they can get back to what matters to them.

    Who is Nova Home Loans?

    For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

    NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

    19 November 2024, 2:00 pm
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