EP005 APOD and financial analysis with Russ VandenToorn

James Loftus is a buy & hold investor who has been around long enough to have experienced the ups and downs of real estate investing.  he not only weathered the great recession, he came out stronger and wiser because of it. Today we sit down to talk about James' investing and property management techniques, his recent decision to switch some of his properties over to a professional management company, and the course he teaches for the RPOA on housing codes, rental inspections and property maintenance.

21 Mars 201640min

Whether you're a new investor who is wondering how to start your buy and hold portfolio, or a seasoned pro looking for tips on how to manage your property and get higher rents, you're going to enjoy my interview with Rob Minch. Today Rob will share his journey with us from owning his own mortgage company to becoming a full-time buy & hold rental property owner.  Rob will tell us how he built his portfolio, share his story about the flip that went wrong, and disclose techniques he uses to find the best tenants and get the highest rents possible. (tags: Buy and Hold, Flipping, Rehabbing, Property Management, Getting high rents)

14 Mars 201648min

Historic Districts seem to be a hot button issue lately across the country.  There are several states where legislation is being proposed that would effectively weaken or eliminate historic districts.  Michigan is one of those states.  Investors will often find that owning rental property in a historic district can be a more expensive proposition, and getting approval for changes to the exterior of their property can be a time-consuming process as well. But do the benefits outweigh the costs of owning property in a a historic district? Today I talk with Suzanne Schulz, the Planning Director for the city of Grand Rapids, to discuss this question.  We'll also learn more about historic districts, their purpose, and the proposed legislation in Michigan that could end them all together. (tags: Historic District Modernization Act, Michigan, Property Rights, Rental Property)

7 Mars 201638min

Kathy Dennison Adrianse Interview:  Kathy is the owner & broker of Lighthouse Property Management, a West Michigan startup company that has been in business for thirteen years.  Kathy has a passion for buying and selling real estate, and lately that passion has led her to a new market in West Michigan. Today we will reveal that market and discuss the types of rental properties Kathy owns, her use of private money, and her philosophy on finding and maintaining success in real estate investing. (tags: Apartment Investing, Commercial Office, Multi Family, Buy & Hold, Grand Rapids, Muskegan, Lansing, Michigan)

29 Feb 201647min

Clay Powell Interview:  If you've been listening to this podcast then you know that there is a lot of experience and expertise in the RPOA community.  What you may not know though, is what the RPOA is all about and how it can benefit you. The Rental Property Owners Association does provide education, networking, tools, services and a great value for rental property owners and real estate investors.  Today I sit down with Clay Powell to discuss how the RPOA can help you become a more confident and successful owner and investor.

24 Feb 201627min

Tom Koetsier Interview:  Tom is an award winning broker with Compass Realty Services and teaches two popular courses for the RPOA: Buying and Selling Rental Property and Successfully Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment. Tom also sits on the Grand Rapids Planning Commission and is a successful real estate investor as well.

22 Feb 201639min

Justin Workman Interview:  On the surface Justin Workman seems to be a rehabber, flipper, and buy & hold investor. But in reality he’s employing some very creative investing strategies that have allowed him to transition from a job to full-time real estate investor/owner. Five years ago Justin and his wife lost everything in a devastating fire. Today you’ll find out how he was able to bounce back stronger and smarter than ever.

14 Feb 201649min