Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast

Rental Property Owners Association with Brian Hamrick
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Welcome to the Rental Property Owner and Real Estate Investor Podcast, Brought to you by the Rental Property Owner Association - providing benefits and services to real estate investors and rental property owners for over 45 years. Hosted by Brian Hamrick from Hamrick Investment Group. Every Monday Brian and his special guest will discuss topics, tips, and techniques Designed to make you a more confident and successful Rental Property Owner and Real Estate Investor

  1. 6D AGO

    The Hidden Financial Tool Every Real Estate Investor Should Know: Surety Bonds with Gary Eastman

    Most real estate investors have never heard of surety bonds, yet these little-known financial tools can determine whether a project finishes on time—or falls apart. In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Gary Eastman, attorney turned entrepreneur and founder of Axcess Surety and Swiftbonds, two of the nation's leading surety bond brokerages. After 17 years as General Counsel for Fortune 500 companies, Gary discovered how surety bonds quietly drive the $22 billion construction and development industry. Gary explains why every developer, investor, and property owner should understand how surety bonds protect capital, guarantee performance, and keep projects moving even when contractors fail or materials run short. You'll learn: What a surety bond actually is—and how it differs from insurance How surety bonds protect investors from contractor default, liens, and delays Real-world examples of bonds preventing multimillion-dollar losses Why material shortages and labor constraints are making bonds more essential than ever How lenders are beginning to require bonds for new development projects The cost-benefit math behind when to bond and when not to How Gary uses AI to analyze project data and identify emerging risks in real estate If you're investing in multifamily, development, or rehab projects, this conversation will change how you think about risk management in real estate. 🔗 Connect with Gary Eastman https://swiftbonds.com/ https://x.com/swiftbonds https://www.facebook.com/swiftbonds https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-swiftbonds-76a4b861/ https://www.youtube.com/@SwiftbondsOverlandPark Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

    31 min

  2. FEB 9

    Why Distressed Office and Retail Could Be the Smartest Real Estate Play of 2026, with Scott Sherman

    Billions of dollars in office and retail buildings are trading at deep discounts right now. While most investors see risk, Scott Sherman, Founder and Principal of Torose Equities, sees opportunity. Scott has built a $700M+ portfolio by buying, repositioning, and re-tenanting distressed commercial assets — from South Beach retail to Florida office towers. In this episode, he joins Brian Hamrick to break down: Why the best deals are hidden inside distressed office and retail How to spot management problems and operational inefficiencies that destroy value The strategy behind buying retail condos and mixed-use ground floors before they're built How to work with institutions and family offices to finance value-add projects Why office space isn't dead — it's just being repriced The 2026 outlook for commercial real estate, from Florida to national markets Whether you're an investor, developer, or property owner, you'll learn how to turn distress into profit — and why the next wave of opportunity may already be here. Find out more: scott@toroseequities.com https://toroseequities.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-sherman-6019234/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

    27 min

  3. FEB 2

    New 1031 Exchange & Bonus Depreciation Updates for 2026: Tax-Smart Real-Estate Strategies with Dave Foster

    It's tax season — and the rules have changed again. With new updates to the 1031 exchange and bonus depreciation, real-estate investors have more ways than ever to defer taxes and build wealth in 2025. In this episode, Brian Hamrick welcomes Dave Foster, one of the nation's top Qualified Intermediaries and founder of The 1031 Investor. Dave breaks down what the new "Big Beautiful Bill" means for real-estate owners, and how to use the latest tax provisions to maximize returns and preserve legacy wealth. You'll learn: What's new (and now permanent) in the 1031 exchange rules How bonus depreciation and cost segregation help you eliminate taxable income this year How to combine 1031 exchanges with bonus depreciation for massive savings Why the step-up value in basis creates tax-free generational wealth The difference between Section 179, Section 121, and 1031, and how each applies to real-estate owners The role of LLCs, trusts, and estate planning in preserving tax benefits Creative strategies like setting up a family foundation for charitable giving and tax deductions Whether you're an active investor, flipper, short-term-rental owner, or planning for retirement, this episode will help you understand how to protect your profits and plan smarter for the future. Find out more: Website: https://www.the1031investor.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/The1031Investor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveFoster1031  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefoster1031/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveFoster1031  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davefoster1031/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

    40 min

  4. JAN 26

    Building Affordable Homes in Hawaii's Lava Zones: Fuzzy Jardine on Respecting the Land and Creating Generational Wealth

    Kolaiah "Fuzzy" Jardine, co-founder of HUI Mastermind, joins Brian Hamrick to share how he overcame adversity and built a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio across Hawaii—developing over 100 affordable homes for local families. From growing up in a multi-generational household on leased agricultural land and serving time in federal prison to becoming a real estate developer and mentor, Fuzzy's story is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, he reveals how he builds homes in Hawaii's lava zones, why he focuses on affordable housing, and how his "Pono Way" approach honors both the people and the land. You'll learn: How Hawaii's unique land and housing challenges create opportunities for developers What it takes to build in "lava zones" and why local lending still supports these projects The philosophy behind people before profits and respecting the land How Fuzzy scaled from $0 to over 150 completed homes How the HUI Mastermind is empowering Native Hawaiians and locals to build generational wealth 🎧 Listen now to discover how a local boy from Honolulu turned his life around, helped families stay in Hawaii, and is now teaching others to do the same — the Pono Way. Find out more: https://huimastermind.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hifuzz/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

    31 min

  5. JAN 22

    Conference Announcement: Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference April 27–28, 2026

    The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference (MREIC) is back April 27–28, 2026 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and this year's theme is Thrive. This quick special announcement features Erika Farley, Executive Director of the Rental Property Owners Association of Michigan (RPOAM), breaking down what's new, who it's for, and why you should lock in your ticket now. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) You'll hear how the 2026 agenda is built around systems, real-world strategy, and operating resilience, including major focus on AI integration and a grounded economic outlook for 2026 that investors can actually use. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) Conference Theme Thrive, with a clear emphasis on "Where Strategy Meets Systems" and building portfolios that can perform in changing market cycles. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) What we cover in this conversation Why "Thrive" matters right now and what attendees should expect to walk away with AI keynote with Steve Brown (former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel) and what practical AI strategy looks like for investors and operators Economic forecast keynote with Dr. Paul Isely (GVSU) and why it's consistently one of the most packed sessions  Featured speakers and what they're known for (private equity, tax and legal, multifamily, commercial, missing middle housing)  Networking, kickoff reception, vendors, and sponsor support that make the event worth showing up for  Featured speakers mentioned Steve Brown (AI keynote)  Dr. Paul Isely (2026 economic outlook keynote) John Burley, Mark Kohler, Anthony Chara, Paul Moore, Nathan Biller  Key agenda focus areas (2026 "Thrive" framework) Smart Systems and AI Integration Market Outlook and Economic Data Operational Risk and Compliance Capital and Acquisitions Strategy Sustainable Growth and Scaling Advanced Portfolio Management  Networking and Add-on Experiences MREIC Kickoff Reception: Sunday, April 26, 2026 (5:00–7:00 PM). Included with registration, RSVP required, space limited.  Private Keynote Strategy Forum: limited capacity add-on for deeper discussion (conference registration required).  Hotels and Lodging Discounted conference hotel options include the Amway Grand Plaza (connected to DeVos Place) and the JW Marriott Grand Rapids (short walk). Book through the official hotel block.  Pricing Note Super Early Bird pricing runs through January 31 and pricing increases February 1. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) Quick timestamps (approx.) 00:00 Conference dates, location, and why this matters 00:40 Theme: Thrive in Every Market 01:00 AI keynote and why it's front and center 02:00 Economic outlook with Dr. Paul Isely 02:40 Speaker lineup and topic variety 05:00 Networking and kickoff reception 06:00 VIP and deeper access opportunities 08:00 Sponsors, vendors, and early pricing Register Lock in your seat at midwestreiconference.com. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference)

    10 min

  6. JAN 19

    The Truth About Subject-To, Seller Finance, and the Risks Most Investors Miss with Caleb Christopher

    Creative financing opens amazing doors for real estate investors—but it can also destroy deals when done wrong. In this episode, Caleb Christopher, founder of Creative TC, breaks down how to use Subject-To and Seller-Financing strategies safely, legally, and ethically. Caleb shares real-world stories from the trenches—like taking over a mortgage where the sellers actually paid him—and explains what to watch out for when banks threaten the due-on-sale clause. You'll learn: What creative financing really means (and when you should—or shouldn't—use it) How to protect sellers, buyers, and your reputation The biggest legal and ethical mistakes wholesalers make What happens when banks call a loan due—and how to fix it How Caleb uses AI to streamline contracts, due diligence, and compliance If you've ever been tempted to close a deal "subject-to," this conversation will show you how to do it right—and keep yourself out of trouble. Find out more: Homepage: https://calebchristopher.io/ Creative Finance Consulting: https://creativetc.io Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fcalebchristopher YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/calebchristopherhimself LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebchristopher/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

    29 min

  7. JAN 12

    How Real Estate Investors Can Use AI Right Now: Chatbots, Automation & Smarter Decisions with Clay Lehman

    Artificial intelligence is transforming every corner of real estate—from how we analyze deals to how we manage tenants, leads, and operations. But most investors still don't know where to start. In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Clay Lehman, a longtime investor, property-management expert, and AI educator who helps entrepreneurs and agents use today's tools to save time, make better decisions, and grow their business. You'll learn: The fundamentals vs. hype of AI in real estate investing How to use Google Gemini, Notebook LM, and Claude for research, analysis, and automation Ways to map your ideal client using AI and psychographic data How to build AI-driven processes that improve communication, marketing, and customer service What's coming next: agentic AI tools like Manus and Comet that can complete multi-step tasks for you Clay also shares real-world use cases—how he runs a title company with AI assistance, automates team training, and even experiments with voice and text AI agents to follow up with leads. Whether you're an investor, property manager, or agent, this episode will show you practical ways to start integrating AI today and stay ahead of the curve in 2026. Find out more: www.imclaylehman.com www.facebook.com/claylehman www.facebook.com/unstuckai Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

    35 min

  8. JAN 5

    What Every New Developer Needs to Know Before the First Shovel Hits the Ground with Steve Achram and Peter Skornia

    Every successful real estate development starts long before the first shovel hits the ground. From concept and capital stack to design, construction, and operations—understanding the process is key to building with purpose. In this episode, Steve Achram and Peter Skornia of Cella Building Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, share a step-by-step guide to sustainable development and walk us through their Wealthy & Sheldon project—an example of how thoughtful design, solid financial modeling, and community collaboration can turn a vision into a high-performing building. We cover: What goes into a bulletproof proforma and capital stack How to conduct site due diligence and align with municipal priorities Using grants and incentives like the Emerging Developer Grant in Grand Rapids The full timeline from concept to construction to operations How sustainability and community equity drive long-term value Lessons learned from the Wealthy & Sheldon mixed-use development Why affordable and attainable housing starts with smart design How Cella is using (and approaching) AI tools in their business Whether you own land or are just exploring development, this episode demystifies what it takes to plan, finance, and deliver a successful project that serves both people and planet. Learn More: https://cellagr.com Contact Steve: sachram@cellagr.com RPOAM Webinar: Beyond Rent Checks: Boost Health, Go Green, and Unlock Hidden Profit in Your Portfolio – January 26, 2026 (Register here: https://bit.ly/49qGKV7) Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

    31 min
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About

Welcome to the Rental Property Owner and Real Estate Investor Podcast, Brought to you by the Rental Property Owner Association - providing benefits and services to real estate investors and rental property owners for over 45 years. Hosted by Brian Hamrick from Hamrick Investment Group. Every Monday Brian and his special guest will discuss topics, tips, and techniques Designed to make you a more confident and successful Rental Property Owner and Real Estate Investor

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