Hey, it’s Jay and Annie here, and in this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive deep into the evolving world of house hacking—what we’re calling “House Hacking 2.0.” With housing prices and interest rates reaching new heights, creative solutions are more essential than ever. We’re sharing innovative strategies for maximizing your property’s earning potential, including the rise of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), room rentals, and even boarding house setups.

You’ll hear real-world stories from our coaching clients who are successfully living for free—or even profiting—by renting out parts of their homes. We’ll also break down what to watch out for, from zoning regulations to managing utilities, and offer guidance on getting started with little or no money down. Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to optimize your current property, this episode is packed with insights to help you rethink your living space as a wealth-building tool.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Why ADUs are the future of house hacking

[2:54] - Renting to traveling healthcare professionals via Furnished Finder

[4:01] - Real-life case studies: room rentals and converting a home into a boarding house

[6:22] - The responsibilities and expenses of managing a room-by-room rental

[10:09] - The “starter pack” approach to Airbnb amenities

[11:26] - How buying multifamily units can let you live rent-free

[13:02] - Zoning restrictions and why checking local regulations is critical

[14:07] - Using grants and low-down-payment loans to buy investment properties

[17:31] - Creative financing strategies: lease options, land contracts, and subject-to deals

[22:26] - Zoning variances and how to navigate approvals for ADUs and conversions

5 Key Takeaways:

1. ADUs are on the rise – Converting garages, basements, or sheds into livable rental spaces offers a low-risk, high-reward way to house hack.

2. Short and mid-term rentals – Platforms like Furnished Finder cater specifically to traveling professionals and can generate steady income with more control over your tenant selection.

3. House hacking isn’t just for the young – From young adults to families, creative strategies like room rentals and owner financing are being used across generations.

4. Check your zoning laws – Always confirm what’s allowed in your area before investing in ADUs or multifamily properties. A missed regulation could double your rehab costs.

5. Creative financing options exist – You don’t always need a bank. Strategies like seller financing, lease options, and subject-to deals can make owning property more accessible.

Closing Note:

If this episode gave you some fresh ideas or helped you see your property in a new light, do us a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast! And don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to make their home start working for them. See you next time on The Real Estate Ride!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into a transformative conversation about the power of creating a clear, compelling vision for your life. Annie and Jay pull back the curtain on how they crafted their personal vision—from working 80-hour weeks to living a life with balance, purpose, and freedom. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unclear about your next steps, this episode will help you start building a blueprint for the life you truly want.

We unpack how to use the “Wheel of Life” to assess where you are and where you want to go, and how to turn dreams into actionable goals. We also share personal stories, real-life setbacks, and the mindset shifts that made it all possible. Whether you’re new to vision planning or ready to update yours, this episode offers practical tools and inspiration to help you live intentionally and on purpose.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:27] - Exploring the staggering stat that 83% of people don’t set goals—and why writing them down is a game changer

[5:00] - How Oprah Winfrey uses vision boards and neuroscience to manifest her goals

[8:05] - Annie and Jay share their journey from burnout to balance, living their original vision of 25-hour workweeks and five weeks of vacation

[14:44] - Understanding and using the “Wheel of Life” to evaluate the key areas of your life

[20:18] - Real talk: why you shouldn’t limit your vision by current circumstances like money or time

[25:09] - The power of public accountability and how it helped Annie transform her health and fitness

[33:40] - Why you should remove filters like job schedules and income limits when designing your ideal calendar

[41:12] - Goal stacking: how to blend life goals for maximum impact and fulfillment

[45:32] - Writing your vision in the present tense and tapping into your emotional “why”

[52:12] - Breaking down big dreams into weekly actionable tasks for long-term success

5 Key Takeaways

1. Write It Down: You’re 30 times more likely to succeed when your goals are written and reviewed regularly.

2. Think Without Limits: Create your vision without financial, time, or current reality constraints—your only limit is your mindset.

3. Use the Wheel of Life: A powerful tool to assess and improve all areas of your life, from health to personal growth.

4. Build Accountability: Sharing your vision with coaches or peers dramatically boosts your follow-through and success.

5. Action Triggers Progress: Break down your vision into small, specific weekly actions to steadily move toward your goals.

Links & Resources

• Contact: Annie@jayandannieadkins.com | Jay@jayandannieadkins.com

• Tools Mentioned: Wheel of Life assessment, Calendar Exercise, Vision Writing Templates

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride. Share it with someone who’s ready to start living with purpose. Let’s build your dream life—together.

Hey there, it’s Jay and Annie! In today’s episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving deep into the many creative and practical ways you can fund both the purchase and rehab of your investment properties. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, understanding your financing options is crucial to scaling your real estate business — and keeping more of your own money in your pocket.

We’re sharing everything from private money strategies and 401(k) rollovers to HELOCs, partnerships, and hard money lenders. We talk about real-life examples, mistakes we’ve made, and the smarter methods we use now that we wish we knew when we started. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into a deal with zero of your own cash or how to structure win-win terms with a lender, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

1. Traditional banks are often not the most efficient or cost-effective way to fund investment properties — explore private lenders and alternative options.

2. You can leverage retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and equity in your home or others’ to fund real estate deals creatively.

3. Vetting your lender thoroughly can save your deal — a reliable lender can make or break your transaction timeline and credibility.

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:14] - Why we rarely use traditional banks anymore

[3:06] - Cash is king — but it doesn’t always have to be your cash

[4:25] - Using old 401(k)s and self-directed retirement accounts for funding

[7:39] - Leveraging whole life insurance policies for real estate investing

[10:02] - Understanding and using HELOCs creatively and safely

[14:44] - The power of partnerships and joint ventures when you have no capital

[18:29] - What to look for in a trustworthy hard money lender

[21:06] - Typical loan terms, down payments, and interest rates across lenders

[23:00] - Traditional banks: when they make sense and when to avoid them

Links & Resources

• Quest IRA (Texas-based)

• Kingdom Trust (based in Wyoming/Kentucky)

• Hard money lenders mentioned: Wildcat Lending, Fund That Flip, RCN Capital

• 
  

• If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review — and don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to take the leap into real estate investing. Catch you in the next episode, and as always, happy house hunting!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, I walk you through the ins and outs of a live owner finance deal where I acquired a property with none of my own money. We dive deep into the numbers, from rehab costs to rental income, and explore two strategies for working with investors or using loans to fund deals. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just dipping your toes into creative financing, this episode gives you a clear, real-world example of how to make a deal work — even when you’re short on cash.

We also touch on an inspiring tenant success story, and I share insights into why owner financing is one of my favorite tools in real estate. You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can apply to your own deals, plus the motivation to get moving on your next project.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - How I bought a property with zero money down

[1:46] - Breaking down a 15% investor return and profit split

[2:59] - Purchase price, rehab estimates, and making it rent-ready

[8:03] - A fast lease-up story and helping a tenant in need

[10:52] - Why tax season is prime time for lease-option deals

[14:00] - Creative ways to reduce rehab costs through partnerships

[18:00] - The pros and cons of different flooring choices for rentals

[26:04] - Calculating a 30%+ annual return on investment

[32:04] - Partnering vs. borrowing: choosing the right funding approach

[35:00] - Why I love owner financing over traditional bank loans

[36:04] - Next steps for lining up funding and contractors

5 Key Takeaways

1. You can buy real estate with none of your own money — if you’re willing to be creative with financing.

2. A well-structured owner finance deal can deliver over 30% annual ROI.

3. Tax season is the perfect time to lock in lease-option deals, thanks to buyers with cash in hand.

4. Partnering with contractors or tradespeople can dramatically cut your rehab costs.

5. Choosing between a partner and a lender depends on whether you want to split profits or keep the full upside.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with someone you know who’s ready to start or scale their investing journey. Your support helps us keep bringing you real-life deal breakdowns and actionable strategies!

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Ride, I’m flying solo while Jay’s out with a migraine. I take the mic to talk candidly about the reality of being a woman in the construction and house-flipping business. This field isn’t traditionally a female-dominated one—and trust me, that shows up in a thousand little ways, from subtle undermining to outright dismissal. But after more than a decade in the industry, I’ve learned how to stand my ground, own my space, and lead with both knowledge and grit.

I’m sharing personal stories and hard-earned insights on how women can thrive in construction, rehab, and real estate investment. From navigating contractor conversations to leveraging tools like the DISC and Predictive Index for smarter team-building, this episode is a must-listen for anyone forging their own path in a challenging space. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, you’ll walk away with renewed confidence and clarity.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:59] - Why the construction and flipping space still isn’t welcoming to women—and how I handle it.

[2:47] - My hands-on experience and why it’s crucial to know your stuff.

[4:05] - How attention to detail and multitasking give women a natural edge in the business.

[6:18] - Advice to women entering or growing in the real estate and contracting world.

[7:22] - Finding your “unique genius” and aligning your role with your strengths.

[8:08] - The DISC and Predictive Index: two tools that changed how we hire and delegate.

[10:12] - Setting boundaries, leading with authority, and being respected as a woman in charge.

Links & Resources:

• DISC Personality Assessment – Tony Robbins

• The Predictive Index

If this episode hit home, take a second to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride. It helps us keep bringing you the real talk and real tools you need to thrive in this business. And don’t forget to share this one with a woman you know who’s building her empire, one project at a time.

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the real, boots-on-the-ground strategies that are helping investors connect directly with sellers in today’s shifting market. Whether it’s through organic outreach on Facebook, door knocking, or driving for dollars, I share actionable ways to make your approach stand out—and actually start conversations that lead to deals.

We also explore the challenges of the current real estate climate, including low housing inventory, rising interest rates, and the Section 8 housing program that’s leaving landlords and tenants equally frustrated. We unpack creative financing options, what it takes to get permits for home renovations, and how mindset and adaptability play a huge role in long-term success.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:17] - Finding sellers using Facebook groups, skip tracing, and direct outreach

[1:29] - Writing personal, inviting messages that resonate with homeowners

[2:46] - Storm damage and how it impacts the construction business

[3:08] - Why homeowners are reluctant to sell in a high-interest rate market

[4:17] - Lack of new housing developments and what it means for inventory

[5:50] - The rise of “affordable” housing projects and the real cost behind them

[8:25] - Breaking down the chaos in Columbus’s Section 8 program

[14:12] - A case study: managing delays and tenant transitions between properties

[20:40] - Social media marketing tactics that actually get attention

[23:42] - Buying fire-damaged properties when no one else will

[26:00] - The risks and realities of door knocking today

[30:07] - Text blast strategies and starting the conversation

[31:02] - Creative financing and owner-carry deals in a tight lending market

[34:13] - Planning and budgeting a home office addition

[39:02] - Navigating permits and working with local city guidelines

[43:03] - Business credit, funding delays, and how to be financially ready

[49:00] - Legal insights on how landlords can navigate Section 8 obligations

[57:14] - A personal story of faith, resilience, and financial recovery through recession

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Relationships matter more than credentials. Approaching sellers as a family or small team is often more effective than leading with your resume.

2. Facebook still works. Organic social posts can bring in more leads than expensive marketing campaigns—if you know how to play the algorithm.

3. The Section 8 system is broken. Understand the risks and delays involved before relying on it for consistent cash flow.

4. Creative financing is making a comeback. From short sales to owner-financed deals, flexibility is key in today’s environment.

5. Build with purpose. When expanding your home or adding value to a property, know your local permitting process and budget realistically to avoid delays.

Thanks for tuning in to The Real Estate Ride! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and follow the show, and share it with a fellow investor or friend. Your support helps us keep the conversations real and valuable.

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we take you behind the scenes of one of the most powerful and transformational exercises we’ve ever done—writing your personal and business vision. This practice, which we first embraced five years ago through a coaching mastermind, completely shifted the way we approached our lives and careers. It’s not about setting ordinary goals—it’s about crafting a vision so clear and compelling that it becomes the filter through which every decision flows.

We break down the “why” and “how” behind creating a living, breathing document that evolves with you. You’ll hear our personal experiences of writing seemingly impossible goals that later became reality, and we’ll guide you through the categories to focus on, from spirituality and personal development to career, fun, and family. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your path, this is your invitation to think bigger and live with intention.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - The life-changing impact of writing a personal vision

[2:24] - Why vision must come before goal-setting

[5:01] - Creating both personal and business visions for alignment

[7:14] - Using your written vision to stay grounded through tough times

[10:42] - Daily visibility: Where and how to keep your vision front and center

[12:23] - Morning routines that reinforce your vision and affirmations

[18:04] - Why your sacred morning time should be distraction-free

[23:13] - Thinking without limits—writing your vision without constraints

[26:01] - The eight life categories to include in your vision

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your vision should be limitless – When writing your vision, remove all constraints like time or money and dream as if nothing is holding you back.

2. It’s a living document – Your vision will evolve as you grow, so treat it as a dynamic part of your life, not a one-and-done task.

3. Clarity leads to alignment – A clear vision helps you say “yes” and “no” more easily in both your personal life and business.

4. Visibility matters – Keep your vision front and center—on your mirror, your desk, your phone—to stay connected to it daily.

5. Start with personal, then business – Your personal vision lays the foundation; when that’s solid, your business vision will follow more naturally.

If this episode sparked a new level of clarity for you, we’d love it if you followed, rated, and reviewed the show. And don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to rewrite their own vision!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, I break down a deal that looked promising on the surface—but quickly unraveled when we took a deeper dive into the numbers, comps, and financing terms. This is a must-listen if you’re in the early stages of flipping or still learning how to properly analyze a property.

We dig into a Cincinnati property where assumptions about the ARV and comparable sales led to flawed expectations and a denied private money loan. I show you how to use PropStream to uncover the real story, how to determine whether comps are valid, and why one misplaced financing term on your contract can cost you both money and legal protection. If you’ve ever wondered how to avoid getting burned on your first (or next) flip, this is your blueprint.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:51] - The importance of including financing contingencies in contracts

[1:13] - Overview of a Cincinnati deal lenders passed on and why

[2:25] - Using PropStream effectively when you don’t have MLS access

[3:05] - Evaluating PropStream’s valuation against agent insights

[4:21] - How closing and holding costs can quietly kill your profits

[5:30] - The danger of relying on optimistic resale values

[6:20] - How an appraiser dropped value by $8,000 despite multiple offers

[7:18] - Disputing appraisals: what works, what doesn’t

[8:20] - Expired comps, off-market listings, and misleading analysis

[10:29] - How to use PropStream to filter true comparables

[11:11] - Why you can’t depend solely on your Realtor’s advice

[12:00] - How using the term “cash” in a contract can become a legal liability

[14:08] - Consequences of misrepresenting loan terms on purchase offers

[16:41] - Why property type and structure must match in your comps

[17:11] - The one valid comp and what it reveals about real value

[18:24] - Inconsistent values across neighborhoods and why it matters

[20:09] - How to read heat maps of sales activity to gauge stability

[21:58] - The difference in value between ranch and multi-story homes

[23:17] - Seller markups and minimal rehabs that don’t add up

[24:02] - Spotting emotional decision-making in bad deals

[25:01] - Final advice: Don’t let this be your first flip

Key Takeaways

1. Run Your Own Numbers, Always

   Never rely solely on what a Realtor or wholesaler tells you. Use tools like PropStream to verify comps, value, and neighborhood trends for yourself.

2. Contracts Must Reflect Reality

   If you’re using private money, your contract should say so. Mislabeling a loan as “cash” can not only cost you earnest money but open you up to legal risk.

3. Thin Margins Are Not Worth the Gamble

   Even small holding costs and appraisal gaps can wipe out your profits. If your numbers only work in a best-case scenario, it’s not a deal—it’s a liability.

If this episode gave you a clearer lens on how to evaluate deals and avoid costly mistakes, take a second to rate, follow, and share The Real Estate Ride. Every review helps us support more investors making smart, informed decisions.