The Freedom Investor Podcast

Matt Sanderson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Freedom Investor podcast! I'm Matt Sanderson, and together with my wife Amanda, we share two passions: helping you succeed in real estate investing, and showing you what true freedom means through Jesus Christ. Our mission goes beyond just building wealth - we believe storing up treasures in heaven far exceeds any earthly return on investment. Each episode combines practical real estate strategies with eternal truths that can transform lives. This is the Freedom Investor podcast.

Episodes

  1. Aug 22

    Find It Friday! - How to Find a 50% Cash-on-Cash STR Deal in a “Saturated” Market

    Is Broken Bow, Oklahoma too saturated for short-term rental investors? In this episode of Find It Friday Live, we put that assumption to the test by underwriting a real four-bedroom cabin currently for sale with a pool—and the numbers get very interesting. Using STR data, comparable properties, and the expertise of Broken Bow real estate agent and investor Kelly House, we explore how this property could potentially generate $175,000+ in annual revenue and deliver roughly a 36% cash-on-cash return with relatively little additional investment. The conversation goes beyond the initial underwriting to uncover what separates average properties from top-performing STRs. Kelly shares how amenities like pools, pickleball courts, bunk rooms, fire pits, saunas, and outdoor experiences can create a significant revenue premium—especially when only a small percentage of competing listings offer them. We also break down how “amenity stacking” can help investors stand out in a competitive market. Finally, we explore creative ways to structure the investment, including capital partnerships, financing strategies, and the potential tax benefits of owning a short-term rental. Whether you're looking for your first STR or trying to take your portfolio to the next level, this episode offers a practical framework for finding opportunities that the average investor might overlook. What You'll Learn How to evaluate a real STR deal using market data and local expertiseWhy average market revenue can be misleading when analyzing a specific propertyHow much a pool can potentially increase STR revenueWhy adding pickleball courts and other amenities can create a competitive advantageHow increasing sleeping capacity can drive additional revenueWhy “saturated” markets can still have opportunities for luxury and highly amenitized propertiesHow to use comparable properties to identify revenue upsideStrategies for partnering with investors who provide capitalHow financing can dramatically change cash-on-cash returnsWhy professional photography, reviews, and property management can have a major impact on performance

  2. 05/07/2025

    Navigating Debt Structures for Commercial Real Estate

    In this episode of the Freedom Investor Podcast, Matt interviews Beau Brehm from CBRE about the intricacies of financing commercial real estate. Beau explains his background and role on the debt and structured finance team, where he assists developers and investors with securing loans for acquisitions, refinances, and construction projects. Matt and Beau delve into the specifics of evaluating a commercial property in Northwest Houston, highlighting the differences between short-term rental properties and commercial real estate in terms of financing structures. They cover key terms like triple net leases, where tenants assume all operating expenses, making this model attractive for landlords. The conversation also explores the factors lenders consider when sizing loans, including loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios. They discuss the nuances of interest rates, loan terms, and amortization periods, stressing the importance of understanding tenant financials and market rents. Beau elaborates on different capital sources, including banks, credit unions, and life companies, noting their respective pros and cons. The discussion includes the importance of compensative vacancy factors and potential additional costs like property management fees. Beau also underscores the significance of the borrower's net worth, liquidity, and experience in securing a loan. They reflect on the current market conditions, highlighting that while interest rates have risen, demand for industrial and multifamily assets remains strong. The episode concludes with a detailed analysis of potential cash-on-cash returns and the impacts of interest rates on investment metrics. Beau invites listeners to reach out to him for further assistance with their commercial real estate financing needs.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:15 Understanding Commercial Real Estate Financing02:23 Evaluating a Real Property05:33 Deep Dive into Lease Structures13:37 Loan Analysis and Sizing28:06 Insurance Premiums and Commercial Real Estate Lending28:43 Recourse and Non-Recourse Loans29:43 Deposit Requirements and Prepayment Penalties31:58 Summary of Capital Sources34:21 Lender Criteria for Loan Qualification38:09 Understanding Comps in Commercial Real Estate40:18 Sources and Uses of Funds44:17 Closing Costs Breakdown48:13 Cap Rates and Cash on Cash Returns54:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

  3. 04/23/2025

    Maximizing Real Estate Investments and Tax Benefits with Matt Bontrager

    In this episode of the Freedom Investor Podcast, Matt Sanderson welcomes Matt Bontrager from True Books. They discuss various aspects of real estate investing with a focus on tax benefits and strategies. Matt shares his journey and the services offered by True Books, a CPA firm specializing in real estate that provides tax planning, tax preparation, and accounting without audit work. They talk about material participation, cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and Real Estate Professional (REP) status, providing a teaser on these topics. Matt explains how True Books started in 2020, his partnership, and the growth to currently serving 650 to 720 clients. They highlight the importance of bookkeeping in the accounting and tax strategy for real estate investors. The conversation dives deep into tax benefits, with Matt detailing scenarios for high-income earners like doctors and ways to leverage real estate to save on taxes. They discuss accelerated depreciation, offering scenarios about buying properties to offset high incomes, highlighting the potential issues and opportunities. The discussion addresses the STR loophole and different types of real estate investments, with Matt explaining the difference between long-term and short-term rental properties. They provide insight into how unique structuring can maximize tax savings, including strategies for business owners who buy properties for their business use. Matt emphasizes that success in leveraging these strategies involves meticulous time tracking and meeting IRS requirements, particularly material participation. Finally, they touch upon market opportunities for baby boomers with substantial equity tied up in real estate and investments, exploring how these funds could be redirected towards short-term rentals for better tax benefits. The episode concludes with information on how to contact Matt and True Books for further consultation and services. 00:00 Welcome to the Freedom Investor Podcast 01:15 Introduction to True Books 03:28 The Importance of Bookkeeping 06:52 Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners 09:17 Understanding Depreciation and Cost Segregation 11:08 Real Estate Tax Advantages 14:24 Practical Examples and Scenarios 25:43 Maximizing Savings: Real Estate Investment Strategies 26:53 Client Insights: Balancing Real Estate Investments and Taxes 27:10 Syndications: A Passive Investment Approach 28:47 Leasing vs. Buying: Strategic Decisions for Business Owners 29:44 Real Estate Professional Status: Key Considerations 37:54 Material Participation: Understanding the Requirements 42:21 Short-Term Rentals: A Loophole for Tax Benefits 46:50 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

  4. 04/16/2025

    Taking the Leap: From Unemployed to Airbnb Arbitrage Success

    In this episode of the Freedom Investor Podcast, host Matt Sanderson sits down with Lauren Sedler, a successful entrepreneur in the real estate arbitrage space. Lauren shares her journey from being unemployed and having minimal funds to becoming an expert in rental arbitrage, with a portfolio of eight properties. They discuss how they first met at Host Con and formed a bond over real estate and faith. Lauren talks about the initial challenges and fears she had, including investing $17,000 in a mentor and dealing with the high costs of furnishing properties. She emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and faith in overcoming hurdles. Matt and Lauren also dive into personal anecdotes, including skydiving and dealing with life’s unexpected challenges. They highlight the significance of having a supportive network and the mindset required for entrepreneurship. Lauren explains the rental arbitrage model in detail and discusses how properties in Houston have been profitable for her. The conversation also covers the value of creating memorable experiences for guests and how it's a driving force behind Lauren's dedication to Airbnb. They both share their faith journeys and how it has influenced their professional lives. Lauren concludes with advice for aspiring real estate investors, stressing the importance of finding a mentor and being part of a supportive community. https://www.instagram.com/lauren.sedlar/ 00:00 Welcome to the Freedom Investor Podcast 00:21 Meeting Lauren Sedler: The Queen of Arbitrage 01:40 Skydiving vs. Rental Arbitrage: Facing Fears 05:58 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 10:13 Understanding Rental Arbitrage 15:40 Creating Memorable Experiences Through Airbnb 19:26 Starting from Ground Zero: Lauren's Story 23:27 Navigating the Airbnb Market 24:08 First Property Challenges 25:01 Scaling Up Quickly 25:59 Financial Risks and Rewards 27:39 Paying Off Debts and Future Plans 34:08 Joining STR IQ Team 36:18 Faith and Business 46:16 Final Advice for Real Estate Newcomers

  5. 04/09/2025

    How To Scale Your Short-Term Rental Business

    In this episode of the Freedom Investor Podcast, host Matt Sanderson sits down with special guest Marissa Grover to dive deep into scaling short-term rental businesses effectively. Marissa, an expert in property management and systems optimization, shares her journey from accidental property management to becoming an industry specialist. The discussion begins with Marissa recounting how she transitioned from managing properties for her family to building a robust property management company. She emphasizes the importance of systems over tools, drawing a clear distinction between the two and stressing that systems are essential for scaling a business efficiently. Marissa shares insights into her own operations, detailing how having comprehensive documentation for every process is crucial. She also discusses the role of virtual assistants (VAs) in her business and the need for clear communication styles to maintain professionalism and consistency. Host Matt outlines his current property management scenario, including the tools he uses like Guesty for hosts and Price Labs for dynamic pricing, and seeks Marissa's advice on optimizing his operations. They explore issues such as bookkeeping challenges, building a structured team, and integrating VAs effectively into the business. Marissa stresses the importance of boundaries and setting clear expectations with clients to ensure smooth operations. She also introduces tactical tools like Get Clearing for streamlined bookkeeping and Monday.com for task management. In the latter part of the episode, Marissa explains her consulting approach for short-term rental entrepreneurs, which includes a thorough five-month program designed to build out and optimize clients' systems. She highlights how her services can help reduce bottlenecks, provide training for teams, and ultimately allow business owners to scale efficiently. Finally, Marissa invites listeners to connect with her via Instagram and discusses her community where ongoing support and professional development for VAs are offered. Wrapping up, Matt expresses interest in hiring Marissa for her expertise, recognizing the immense value she offers. https://www.instagram.com/marisa.grover/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Marissa's Journey into Property Management 02:44 Challenges and Lessons Learned 07:18 Building Systems and Operations 09:12 Matt's Property Management Experience 13:40 Streamlining Property Management

  6. 04/02/2025

    Maximizing Rental Profits Through Self-Management

    In this episode, Matt welcomes his best friend, Josh Gua, to discuss a significant decision in Josh’s real estate investment journey. Josh owns a property in Seaside, Florida, and is debating whether to continue with a property manager or to manage it himself. Having bought the property in July and with a property manager in place for an easy transition, Josh has noticed several inefficiencies and underperformance issues with the property manager. They discuss the possibility of taking control to ensure dedicated attention and maximize the wealth from his condo. Matt and Josh share similar experiences in managing properties, including fears, challenges, and the transition process. Matt provides a step-by-step plan for Josh to take over management. They discuss setting up Airbnb and VRBO listings, utilizing property management systems like Hospitable, and using automated pricing tools like Price Labs. Further, they emphasize building a strong relationship with cleaners and handymen and the importance of automating guest communication and other processes. Josh talks about his motivations, including diversifying his investments and creating a family-friendly space for personal use. They highlight the challenges and the financial benefits of managing the property themselves, including higher revenue potential without paying property management fees. The episode wraps up with Josh feeling more confident about self-managing his property, supported by practical tips and systems shared by the host. Both express optimism about revisiting the outcome after the peak season to evaluate the success of the transition. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:05 Introducing Josh Gua and His Property Dilemma 00:33 Debating Property Management vs. Self-Management 03:02 Josh's Real Estate Journey 08:07 The Decision to Self-Manage 16:45 Setting Up for Success 24:22 Automated Guest Messaging 27:00 Setting Up Automated Pricing 32:37 Building Relationships with Cleaners 35:48 Managing Handyman and Maintenance 41:38 Stocking and Supplying Your Property 45:34 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

  7. 03/26/2025

    How to Save Thousands on Property Taxes

    Matt is joined by special guest Amanda Rem Ryan from REM Ryan Property Tax Advisors. Amanda shares her unique journey into the niche field of property tax consulting, revealing that she stumbled into the profession via an internship while in college. Initially planning to go to law school, Amanda decided to pursue a career in property tax consulting due to the lucrative offer she received. Over the years, she has enjoyed developing strategies to help clients minimize their tax liabilities, emphasizing that property taxes are a major line item in operating statements. Amanda recently launched her own company to better serve clients, focusing on their needs rather than revenue targets. The discussion delves into the intricacies of property tax operations, with Amanda elaborating on her methods to help clients save on taxes, such as protesting property tax assessments annually. She highlights that her compensation model is success-based, which makes her services a no-brainer for clients. Amanda also discusses typical clients she serves, primarily property owners and operators in Texas, and the types of properties she deals with, including industrial, multifamily, retail, and office buildings. Matt and Amanda also discuss the challenges and strategies of protesting property assessments, using an example property near the Galleria to illustrate potential savings and the process involved. Amanda also touches on her pre-acquisition due diligence services, which clients find invaluable. She provides insights on the importance of knowing local property tax laws and staying on top of property classification changes that can significantly impact tax liabilities. Finally, Amanda offers advice to real estate investors: understand how property taxes are handled in your investment state and consider hiring a professional to handle tax protests. Amanda’s contact information is provided for those interested in her services. 00:00 Welcome to the podcast 00:11 Meet Amanda Rem Ryan 00:37 Diving into Property Tax Consulting 01:04 Amanda's Journey into Real Estate 03:21 Starting a New Venture 07:58 The Importance of Protesting Taxes 10:58 Role Play: Tax Savings Analysis 18:10 Consulting Services and Strategies 23:24 Final Thoughts and Advice 31:10 Contact Information and Farewell

  8. 03/19/2025

    How To Achieve Financial Freedom Through Short-Term Rental Investing

    In this Episode, Matt welcomes Blue from Funk It Interiors to discuss financial freedom and wealth acceleration via short-term rental investing. Blue shares his journey that began during COVID-19, when he and his partner Bridge, both recent college graduates, found themselves needing to get creative with their career paths. They started by flipping items from Goodwill and then moved on to Airbnb arbitrage. Blue emphasizes the importance of design and good mentorship in succeeding with real estate investments. They touched on how important it is to cater to niches, such as the bachelorette market in Nashville, which helped them stand out in a competitive market. Blue highlights the ROI of proper property design, both interior and exterior, detailing how it can place properties in the top 90th percentile, leading to higher revenues and occupancy rates. He also talks about joining a community for support and guidance. The conversation shifts to their experience working with Rob, integrating unique designs for various properties, including a cowboy-themed Airbnb in Austin. Blue stresses the significance of having a comprehensive approach to property investment from the outset to ensure long-term success and minimize the fear of not getting bookings. They also discuss the future of short-term rentals in light of increasing institutional investments and the rising competition. Blue's key advice to new investors is to join a community, take calculated risks, and put 100% effort into their investments straight away. The episode wraps up with a call to action for aspiring real estate investors to get in touch with Funk It Interiors for help with their properties. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:32 Blue's Journey into Real Estate 02:00 Starting with Goodwill and Facebook Marketplace 02:51 Venturing into Airbnb Arbitrage 06:41 The Van Life Adventure 09:47 Nashville Arbitrage and TikTok Fame 10:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Nashville 14:03 Moving to Austin and Meeting Rob 19:10 Launching Funkit Interiors 21:44 Client Success Stories 22:07 The Importance of Design and Furnishing 23:12 Competing in the Short-Term Rental Market 24:49 Personal Experience with Property Listings 26:48 Institutional Investments in Short-Term Rentals 30:19 Role Play: Evaluating a Property 38:30 Design Services and Cost Structures 43:11 Final Advice for New Investors

  9. 03/14/2025

    Welcome To The Freedom Investor Podcast

    In this inaugural episode of the Freedom Investor Podcast, host Matt Sanderson and his wife Amanda welcome listeners to their new show. Originally intended to focus on wealth acceleration and financial freedom, the podcast took a pivot after Matt experienced a transformative spiritual journey. Matt shares how God spoke to him, emphasizing that true freedom extends beyond financial wealth to include spiritual wisdom and eternal treasures in heaven. He quotes scriptures from the Bible, including Romans 12 and Matthew 6, to highlight the importance of not conforming to worldly patterns but being transformed by renewing one's mind. The podcast aims to integrate discussions about real estate investments with conversations about faith, featuring guests from both spheres. Matt hopes this integrated approach will transform listeners’ minds, bodies, and souls, leading to a deeper relationship with God. As the podcast progresses, Matt and Amanda aim to help individuals become excellent stewards of their finances while also focusing on storing treasures in heaven. He concludes by urging listeners to reflect on where their true treasures lie. The podcast promises a unique blend of financial wisdom and spiritual growth. www.striq.com

  10. 03/12/2025

    How To Maximize Your Revenue With This Tool

    In this episode Matt sits down with data expert Preston Pope from strIQ. Preston discusses the development of the new strIQ comps dashboard, designed to enhance revenue estimation for short-term rentals. Frustrated by subpar revenue estimations from standard software, Preston and his team built this tool to refine the process of determining comparable sets (comps) in specific areas, utilizing a variety of data 'recipes' to estimate enhanced revenue projections. The dashboard can slice and dice data based on location, bedroom count, and other factors to help investors make informed decisions. The tool filters out less relevant data like properties with low ratings or insufficient reviews, ensuring the most accurate comps are used. The episode explains how the dashboard analyzes different markets, such as Austin, Texas, showing how different property types and sizes perform. High performing areas within Austin are identified, and the impact of factors like location and amenities on revenue is highlighted. There is also a glimpse into potential AI features of the dashboard, which will provide more in-depth analysis and recommendations based on MLS photos and other data. Preston hints at future updates and beta features, inviting interested users to participate in testing. The episode emphasizes the tool's utility for both property investors and managers, making it easier to optimize listings and maximize revenue.

  11. 03/05/2025

    Turning Underperforming Properties into Profit: Eric Nelson’s STR Success

    In this episode Matt Sanderson welcomes Eric Nelson to discuss his swift transition into short-term rental investments. The conversation starts with their initial meeting when their children were looking at schools, which led to Eric's keen interest in short-term rentals. Within 60 days of their first conversation, Eric made his first purchase. Eric shares his background in residential real estate, initially starting as a flipper before transitioning into brokerage alongside his wife. They have a fresh approach to serving families in the real estate market. The discussion then delves into Eric's motivations for entering the rental market, primarily driven by a desire to create a lasting legacy for his children through real estate investments. They review how Eric bypassed traditional investments for a more hands-on approach to real estate because it's what he knows best. Eric’s first rental property is a house in Fredericksburg, Texas, bought without him ever visiting the town. He details the strategy of selecting Fredericksburg and the reasons for investing there, based on family preferences and market potential. Eric highlights the importance of leveraging data from property evaluation tools like STRIQ. By using STRIQ, he quickly identified, evaluated, and decided to invest in a property that was significantly underperforming. The conversation then shifts to the renovation processes, where Eric discusses the $50,000 investment into the property, which was efficiently managed due to good contacts and contractors. They also emphasize the importance of having a reliable local team for property maintenance. Matt and Eric review the property's performance metrics and discuss how close attention to detail and amenities like hot tubs and fire pits have significantly boosted the property's appeal. Eric describes how the property is expected to generate substantial revenue, possibly reaching $75,000 annually. They advise would-be investors to undertake due diligence but not let fears of financial constraints or lack of experience hold them back. Opportunities for financing and partnerships are plentiful. Eric reveals that his long-term plan is to own 10-15 high-performing properties and discusses the importance of continuous education and adaptation in this investment sphere. The episode wraps up with Eric sharing contact details for listeners interested in his brokerage services, especially for those focused on Houston and other parts of Texas.

  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Freedom Investor podcast! I'm Matt Sanderson, and together with my wife Amanda, we share two passions: helping you succeed in real estate investing, and showing you what true freedom means through Jesus Christ. Our mission goes beyond just building wealth - we believe storing up treasures in heaven far exceeds any earthly return on investment. Each episode combines practical real estate strategies with eternal truths that can transform lives. This is the Freedom Investor podcast.

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