In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the nitty-gritty of managing construction projects and working with contractors. Whether you’re tackling a historic property renovation, flipping houses, or simply trying to avoid the common pitfalls of home improvement, this episode has you covered.

We share personal stories, lessons learned, and actionable tips from our decade of experience in flipping houses and running a construction company. From vetting contractors and navigating permits to managing timelines, budgets, and holding costs, we break down the essentials you need to know to make your next project as smooth as possible.

If you’ve ever wondered how to avoid costly mistakes, hire the right contractors, or handle unexpected challenges with grace, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights. Don’t miss out!

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:14] - Why we started our own construction company (and how it saved our profit margins).

[3:30] - Navigating permits and approvals for historic properties: lessons learned in Columbus.

[8:07] - Key red flags to watch out for when hiring contractors.

[10:29] - The importance of multiple bids and understanding price variations.

[15:21] - How to structure contracts with clear timelines, penalties, and bonuses.

[20:45] - Payment schedules, lien waivers, and managing expectations with contractors.

[28:35] - The power of using checklists to streamline property walkthroughs and renovations.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Vet Your Contractors Thoroughly - Always ask for references, verify their licenses and insurance, and ensure they’ve worked on similar projects before committing.

2. Don’t Skimp on Permits - Know the local requirements for permits, especially if working on historic properties where delays and additional approvals may arise.

3. Use a Checklist - Develop a detailed checklist for walkthroughs to evaluate plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and other essentials to avoid overlooking costly repairs.

4. Structure Your Contracts Clearly - Include detailed timelines, penalties for delays, and bonuses for early completion to keep contractors accountable.

5. Avoid Upfront Payments - Pay contractors in phases or use a draw system to protect yourself and maintain leverage until the work is completed satisfactorily.

Thanks for tuning in to The Real Estate Ride! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share it with your fellow real estate enthusiasts—we’ll see you on the next episode!

Welcome back to The Real Estate Ride! Today, we’re diving deep into the power of vision, time, and actionable steps to create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Drawing from personal stories, big ambitions, and practical strategies, we explore how to align daily actions with long-term goals. Whether it’s achieving financial freedom, optimizing your time, or dreaming big with unconventional approaches—like boat clubs or private plane shares—this episode is all about making your vision a reality.

We also hear from listeners who share their ambitious plans, from investing in real estate to pursuing health goals, all while navigating the hustle of daily life. Tune in to find inspiration, actionable tips, and the encouragement you need to tackle your big dreams one step at a time.

Episode Timeline:

[0:05] - Why time is the ultimate commodity and how it influences decision-making.

[1:29] - Breaking down grand visions into achievable daily steps.

[2:36] - Rethinking traditional ownership with creative alternatives like boat and airplane clubs.

[10:00] - The journey to Florida: transitioning through small steps to big moves.

[15:09] - Listener spotlight: exploring cash flow opportunities in laundromats, bars, and short-term rentals.

[24:45] - Achieving health milestones: sustainable weight-loss goals and fitness routines.

[34:00] - The importance of prioritizing family time while juggling ambition and business goals.

[45:07] - Wrapping up with actionable advice to put your vision into practice.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Time is the Most Precious Commodity

Life is short, and time is irreplaceable. Prioritize what truly matters to you and align your daily actions with your long-term goals. Small, intentional steps today can lead to a fulfilling future.

2. Break Big Goals into Manageable Steps

Whether it’s moving to a new location, owning luxury experiences, or pursuing financial freedom, start with smaller, actionable steps. For example, rent before buying or plan short trips before committing to extended stays.

3. Think Creatively to Achieve Your Dreams

Traditional ownership isn’t always necessary. Explore innovative options like boat or airplane clubs to enjoy the lifestyle you desire without the financial and logistical burden of ownership.

4. Build Sustainable Habits for Long-Term Success

Achieving health or business goals requires consistency and realistic planning. Commit to steady progress, whether it’s losing weight gradually or dedicating a few hours weekly to explore new ventures.

5. Balance Ambition with Quality Time

While the hustle is necessary, it’s important to carve out time for family and personal enjoyment. Prioritize activities that align with your values, like family vacations or special celebrations, to stay grounded while pursuing your dreams.

Closing Note:

Thank you for joining us on this episode! If you found value in today’s discussion, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share this episode with someone who needs inspiration to take their dreams to the next level. See you next time on The Real Estate Ride!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the transformative process of creating a personal vision for your life and business. Are you living intentionally, or just going through the motions? We discuss the importance of designing a life that aligns with your goals, values, and desires—whether it’s improving your health, nurturing relationships, or achieving financial milestones. Learn how to reverse-engineer your dreams into actionable steps, overcome limiting beliefs, and align your daily schedule with your long-term vision.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, personal anecdotes, and inspiring examples to help you take control of your time, live with purpose, and enjoy the journey.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:05] - Why time is your most valuable asset and how to maximize it

[1:24] - Breaking life into categories for vision-setting (health, family, career, and more)

[8:48] - Placing personal priorities on your calendar before business commitments

[17:22] - Reframing limiting beliefs about time and money

[28:12] - Practical tips for improving health through small, consistent actions

[37:56] - Aligning personal and professional goals for a balanced life

[47:18] - Goal-stacking: How to make progress on multiple goals simultaneously

5 Key Takeaways

1. Time is your most valuable resource – Prioritize how you spend it by aligning daily actions with long-term goals.

2. Create a vision without limits – Forget time or financial constraints during the vision-planning stage. Dream big, then strategize how to make it happen.

3. Reverse-engineer your goals – Break down big ambitions into small, actionable steps, and track your progress regularly.

4. Stack your goals – Combine activities to achieve multiple objectives, like walking with loved ones to boost health and relationships.

5. Reframe limiting beliefs – Challenge ideas like “I don’t have time” or “I can’t afford this” by focusing on creative solutions and intentional planning.

Closing Thoughts:

Thank you for tuning into The Real Estate Ride! If this episode inspired you to take control of your time and start living intentionally, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with us on Facebook to share your own vision and goals!

In this insightful episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the importance of setting a clear vision and achieving balance across all areas of life. Drawing from personal stories and experiences, we explore the concept of the “wheel of life,” identifying the various spokes such as health, family, career, and leisure that make up a fulfilling existence.

We discuss actionable strategies to create achievable goals, overcome challenges, and stay consistent while striving for personal and professional growth. Tune in to discover practical tips on goal-setting, staying motivated, and fostering meaningful relationships that enhance both life and business.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:34] - Introduction to the “wheel of life” and its critical role in achieving balance.

[2:10] - The importance of setting achievable yet ambitious goals with actionable waypoints.

[4:28] - Goal stacking: Combining fitness goals with quality family time.

[8:14] - Building professional expertise and enhancing client value through continuous learning.

[14:25] - Creating sustainable habits and tracking progress with digital tools.

[19:00] - Prioritizing family time with board meetings, date nights, and meaningful traditions.

[22:06] - Strategic approaches to increasing passive income and setting long-term financial goals.

[37:05] - Overcoming personal fears to improve communication and negotiation skills.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Balance is Essential: Success in one area of life, such as business, is unsustainable without balance across health, relationships, and leisure.

2. Set SMART Goals: Achievable, measurable waypoints are critical to maintaining motivation and ensuring progress toward big-picture visions.

3. Combine Goals for Maximum Impact: Stack goals creatively, such as pairing fitness routines with family bonding, to maximize your efforts.

4. Track and Reflect: Use digital tools to monitor your progress and recalibrate weekly to avoid slipping off course.

5. Invest in Relationships: Dedicate intentional time to family, friends, and personal connections to enrich both personal and professional life.

Closing Remark:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share The Real Estate Ride! Subscribe for more actionable insights and join our Facebook community to keep the conversation going.

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving into the art of crafting a vision that aligns with the life you want to live, both personally and professionally. We reflect on our journey of defining success, balancing hustle with lifestyle goals, and setting clear priorities for the new year. Whether it’s making big decisions about business opportunities, setting family or health goals, or finding ways to create a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle, we share our strategies and actionable tips for staying aligned with your vision. Join us as we outline how to break down goals into actionable steps, manage challenges, and make life-changing progress.

This is not just about real estate—it’s about building a life you love, avoiding burnout, and creating flexibility for the things that matter most. Tune in for insights, practical advice, and a little inspiration to kick off your year with purpose and clarity.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Introduction

[01:54] - Why vision setting is essential for staying aligned with your goals and values.

[03:34] - How to create actionable, measurable goals instead of fleeting resolutions.

[10:24] - Reframing “I can’t” into “How can I?” for overcoming challenges.

[13:14] - A real-life example of flipping houses to fund big personal milestones.

[16:29] - The importance of putting in the work to achieve your dreams and how to break goals into manageable steps.

[18:26] - Finding unconventional solutions, like cutting expenses, to reach life goals faster.

[21:56] - Balancing ambition with maintaining personal well-being and family relationships.

[31:07] - SMART goals for spirituality and health: Examples of small steps leading to big changes.

[45:40] - Goal-stacking and the benefits of combining activities to maximize fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Define Your Vision Clearly: Crafting a vision helps you filter opportunities and focus on what aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals.

2. Turn Resolutions into Measurable Goals: Forget vague resolutions—break your goals into actionable steps with measurable outcomes to increase your success rate.

3. Overcome Challenges with “How Can I?” Thinking: Replace limiting beliefs with proactive problem-solving to stay on track despite obstacles.

4. Balance Hustle and Lifestyle: Avoid burnout by setting boundaries and aligning your professional goals with your personal values.

5. Leverage Accountability: Share your goals with others and seek feedback to stay committed and on course.

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Real Estate Ride if you enjoyed this episode. Share it with someone who could use a little inspiration for setting and crushing their goals this year! See you in the next episode.

In this inspiring episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re thrilled to welcome real estate mogul, author, and philanthropist Frank McKinney. Known for crafting multimillion-dollar oceanfront mansions and building self-sustaining villages in Haiti, Frank shares his journey from flipping $100,000 homes to developing properties valued at over $50 million. Frank discusses the mindset shifts necessary to conquer fear, the value of taking calculated risks, and how a passion for artistry and innovation shaped his remarkable career.

We also explore Frank’s unique approach to philanthropy—“philanthro-capitalism”—and his incredible work building 31 villages in Haiti to provide sustainable living for thousands. This episode is packed with actionable insights for new and seasoned real estate professionals alike, emphasizing the importance of giving back and crafting a legacy beyond financial success.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:22] - Frank shares his early challenges, from flipping crack houses to embracing artistry in real estate.

[6:15] - The origin of Frank’s philanthropic journey and why he chose Haiti for his self-sustaining village projects.

[15:42] - Practical tips on flipping homes, including the importance of staging and creating emotional connections for buyers.

[20:08] - Frank explains how he transitioned from $100,000 homes to multimillion-dollar mansions by exercising his “risk tolerance muscle.”

[29:03] - The psychology of real estate sales: appealing to buyers’ five senses to move them from “want” to “need.”

[36:48] - Advice on embracing fear and taking bold steps to avoid regrets in business and life.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Fear is Temporary; Regret Lasts Forever – Taking risks may be intimidating, but fear dissipates once you act. Focus on avoiding regrets by stepping out of your comfort zone.

2. Artistry and Innovation Elevate Success – Approach real estate as an art form, focusing on quality and creativity to stand out in a competitive market.

3. Give Back Through Purposeful Philanthropy – Frank’s “philanthro-capitalism” combines the best of charity and capitalism, proving that business success and social impact can coexist.

4. Master the Emotional Sale – Engage buyers’ five senses to create an emotional connection, moving them from wanting a home to needing your home.

5. Build Reputation First, Profits Will Follow – Sacrificing short-term margins for quality and reputation pays off in the long term, establishing trust and loyalty with clients.

Links & Resources:

• Explore Frank’s work, books, and philanthropy: Frank-McKinney.com

• Donate to Caring House Project: Help fund sustainable villages in Haiti.

• Check out Frank’s latest book, Aspire: How to Create Your Own Reality and Alter Your DNA.

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for tuning in to The Real Estate Ride! If you found value in today’s episode, please rate, follow, and review our show. Don’t forget to join our Facebook community for ongoing discussions and exclusive content. See you next time!

In this exciting episode of The Real Estate Ride, we sit down with Stephanie O’Brien, a marketing and real estate powerhouse with over 25 years of experience. Stephanie is known as the “Lead Gen Queen” for her innovative and effective methods of finding off-market properties and creating value in real estate investments. We explore how to spot hidden opportunities in the market, creative financing strategies, and practical tips for both new and seasoned investors. Whether you’re looking to score your first deal or optimize your existing strategies, Stephanie shares actionable insights to level up your game.

Get ready to learn about leveraging your local connections, navigating zoning laws for land investments, and making the most of distressed properties. Stephanie also reveals her secrets to using virtual assistants and social media to streamline processes and keep costs low. This episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you unlock the potential in every deal!

Five Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Use FHA Loans for a Smart StartEven with less-than-perfect credit, you can enter the real estate game using FHA loans. Stephanie shared her story of purchasing her first property with a 560 credit score, showing that determination and strategy can open doors for first-time buyers.

2. Low-Hanging Fruit = Big OpportunitiesDistressed properties, vacant homes, and tired landlords offer great opportunities for real estate investors. Stephanie emphasizes looking for properties with visible signs of neglect (like overgrown grass) and absentee ownership to snag off-market deals.

3. Creative Financing Can Be a Game-ChangerExplore lease options, land contracts, and subject-to deals to acquire properties without significant upfront cash. Stephanie’s example of turning a $4,000 land deal into a consistent income stream showcases the power of thinking outside the box.

4. Maximize Marketing with Virtual Assistants and Social MediaStephanie highlighted the importance of delegating tasks like list organization, CRM management, and ad creation to virtual assistants. She also shared insights on leveraging Facebook ads and groups to reach targeted audiences cost-effectively.

5. Do Your Due DiligenceWhether it’s ensuring proper zoning for a land deal or scrubbing marketing lists for compliance, Stephanie stressed the importance of thorough research to avoid pitfalls. Proper preparation ensures your investments and marketing efforts succeed.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:55] - Meet Stephanie O’Brien: Her journey from telemarketing to real estate marketing mastery.

[3:10] - How Stephanie bought her first property with an FHA loan and a 560 credit score.

[7:45] - The concept of “slow flips” and turning primary residences into investments.

[12:32] - Finding off-market deals: tired landlords, vacant properties, and HOA liens.

[20:15] - The role of virtual assistants in scaling your business efficiently.

[25:40] - Leveraging Facebook ads and groups for targeted real estate marketing.

[34:10] - Creative financing: land contracts, lease options, and subject-to deals.

[42:00] - Real-life success stories: How Stephanie turned a $4,000 land purchase into a profitable rental deal.

Closing Thoughts

Stephanie O’Brien’s expertise demonstrates that creativity, persistence, and resourcefulness are key to real estate success. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, this episode is a must-listen for actionable advice. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share Real Estate Ride. Your support helps us bring you more insightful content every week!

In this episode, we dive into the world of land investing with our special guest, Ray Zhang. From his humble beginnings in Hawaii as a car dealer to becoming a successful land flipper, Ray shares his incredible journey. He explains why land flipping can be a simple and profitable way to get into real estate and offers insights into making it work, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Ray unpacks the strategies that helped him scale his business, including how he navigated challenges, structured creative deals, and stayed focused to achieve consistent success. If you’re looking for a flexible and lucrative real estate niche, this episode provides invaluable tips and inspiration to help you start or improve your journey in land investing.

Timeline Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:10] – Meet Ray Zhang: From car dealer to land flipping expert.

[5:30] – Why land investing is easier and more hands-off compared to other real estate strategies.

[11:45] – How Ray went from living in his car to earning $15,000 per month flipping land.

[14:25] – The mistakes Ray made early on and how he pivoted to larger, more profitable deals.

[21:05] – How to structure land deals with no money and why there’s always a buyer for every piece of land.

[26:45] – Ray shares his most creative deal involving legal maneuvers and unexpected twists.

[30:50] – Ray’s advice on starting in land investing and staying focused amidst distractions.

Links & Resources

• Follow Ray Zhang on Instagram: @virtualflipland

Closing Remarks

Thank you for tuning into The Real Estate Ride! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and leave us a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with anyone interested in real estate or land investing. Stay connected, and we’ll see you next time!