Your First Rental Property: Build Passive Income Without Becoming a Landlord

Lane Kawaoka
  • 5.0 (2)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Your First Rental—the podcast for high-earning professionals and business owners who want to build passive income without dealing with tenants, toilets, or quitting their day job. 🎁 Start your journey with Lane’s free Remote Rental eCourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal Host Lane Kawaoka bought his first rental in 2009 while still working as an engineer. By 2015, he owned 11 rentals and has since participated in over $2.1 billion in real estate acquisitions. This podcast is where Lane gives back, breaking down real estate investing into simple, actionable steps so you can buy cash-flowing properties remotely, avoid newbie mistakes, and finally stop trading time for money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. FEB 6

    The Hidden Costs of HVAC Repairs and the Realities of Stock Trading

    📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/firstdeal 🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/club In this episode, Lane shares his recent experiences with HVAC repairs, explaining the costs and logistics involved. He then transitions into a critical discussion about the stock market, highlighting the downsides of individual stock trading and questioning the long-term reliability of market returns. Lane contrasts the work of engineers who create tangible products with financial traders, and expresses concerns about the influence of large corporations on government policies. The episode concludes with a call for awareness and a teaser for upcoming real estate-focused content. 00:00 Introduction and HVAC Troubles 01:46 The Problem with the Stock Market 03:03 Technical Analysis and Trading Strategies 04:27 The Pitfalls of Stock Trading 06:42 Corporate Influence and Economic Realities 07:37 Conclusion and Future Content Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevator Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevator Lane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator. To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min

  2. JAN 2

    Top Questions to Ask Your Turnkey Real Estate Provider

    📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/firstdeal 🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/club In this episode, the host addresses a series of 22 critical questions to ask turnkey real estate providers to ensure successful property investment. Topics include understanding the structure of the provider's company, their processes, financing options, property inspections, and the importance of due diligence. The video emphasizes the necessity of interviewing providers, learning through conversation, and fine-tuning one's BS detector to avoid pitfalls. Viewers will learn how to approach turnkey real estate investments critically and strategically to mitigate risks and make informed decisions. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Video 00:16 Importance of Interviewing Turnkey Providers 00:59 Detailed Breakdown of Key Questions 02:35 Financing and Inspection Considerations 04:22 Understanding the Turnkey Process 06:36 Evaluating Turnkey Providers 09:56 Final Thoughts and Action Plan Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevator Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevator Lane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator. To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    10 31 Exchange: Repositioning Real Estate Investments for Better Cash Flow

    📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/firstdeal 🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/club In today's episode, the focus is on a real estate investor's personal portfolio and the strategic decisions made to enhance cash flow. The host shares details of a significant transition involving a series of property sales and purchases spanning from October 2015. Dubbed the '10 31 Orama,' this phase aimed at increasing monthly cash flow from $1,000 to over $3,000 by trading less profitable properties for better ones. Key topics include the importance of Return on Deployable Equity (ROE), strategies to maintain financial buffers in rental investments, and the challenges and lessons learned in navigating Fannie Mae loan processes. The discussion also touches on pitfalls in the due-diligence process and best practices for managing 10 31 exchanges. The episode culminates with the host's current focus on writing a book to guide new investors in their first rental property purchase and an invitation for interested individuals to get involved. 00:00 Introduction to My Personal Portfolio 00:12 The 10 31 Orama Explained 00:36 Seattle Real Estate Market Insights 01:04 Repositioning Investments for Better Returns 02:10 Challenges and Strategies in Real Estate Investing 04:00 Navigating the 10 31 Exchange Process 05:00 Conclusion and Future Plans Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevator Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevator Lane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator. To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Navigating BiggerPockets: Tips for Passive Real Estate Investors

    📚 Unlock the secrets to building wealth! My book and 12-module Masterclass cover everything I’ve learned about passive investing and creating financial freedom. Watch it on-demand for FREE: http://thewealthelevator.com/firstdeal 🤝 Join the Hui Deal Pipeline Club and get a one-on-one call with me to discuss your investment goals: https://thewealthelevator.com/club In this video, I discuss how to effectively use BiggerPockets as a passive real estate investor. I'll share insights on why it's important to take advice from the forums with a grain of salt and highlight the difference between active and passive investors. While BiggerPockets is a fantastic resource, it's essential to recognize that many vocal users are seasoned pros in real estate. Despite this, I'll explain why real estate remains the best investment vehicle and how even lukewarm deals can outperform the stock market. Join me as I share personal experiences and valuable tips for navigating the world of real estate investment as a passive investor. 00:00 Introduction to Using BiggerPockets Wisely 00:15 Evaluating Personal Investment Strategy 00:35 Understanding BiggerPockets Community Dynamics 00:57 The Reality of Passive Investing 01:26 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthElevator Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheWealthElevator Lane Kawaoka is a developer and multi-family syndicator who owns 10,000+ rental units and is the leader of “Hui Deal Pipeline Club” which has acquired over $2.1 Billion AUM of real estate by syndicating over $200 Million Dollars of private equity and most importantly distributed more than $45M back to our investors since 2016. Check out our Top-50 Investing Podcast, The Wealth Elevator. To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min

  5. 10/23/2025

    Mindset, Money & Real Estate: From Competition to Collaboration

    🎁 Start your journey with Lane’s free Remote Rental eCourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal In this episode, we dive into the impact of mindset and money in real estate investing. We compare the past caste system to modern financial divides and share personal experiences transitioning from single-family homes to apartments. Learn the importance of collaboration over competition and gain actionable insights into networking with an abundance mindset in the real estate community. Concluding with a practical action plan, this talk encourages building synergies and fostering helpful relationships. 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Reviews 00:02 Mindset and Money: The Modern Caste System 00:20 Starting in Real Estate: My Journey 00:36 Challenges in Wholesaling and Bird Dogging 01:03 Competition in Rental Investments 01:20 The Scarcity Mindset in Real Estate 01:39 Shifting to a Collaborative Approach 01:57 The View from the Top: Investing in Apartments 02:19 The Abundance Mindset and Success 02:57 Action Plan for Real Estate Success 03:30 Conclusion and Farewell To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    4 min

  6. 10/02/2025

    Top 7 Books Every Passive Real Estate Investor Should Read

    🎁 Start your journey with Lane’s free Remote Rental eCourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal In this episode, we explore essential reads from a passive investor's perspective. The host shares recommendations, including four critical real estate books: 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', 'Millionaire Real Estate Investor', 'Cashflow Quadrant', and 'Equity Happens'. Additionally, three top business books are suggested: 'The Four-Hour Work Week', 'E-Myth', and 'Think and Grow Rich'. The episode emphasizes the importance of taking action alongside reading and offers an action plan to get started in real estate investing. Visit simplepassivecashflow.com for more resources and to support the site through affiliate links. 00:00 Introduction to Passive Investing 00:25 Essential Real Estate Books 02:21 Key Business Books for Investors 03:27 Taking Action Beyond Reading 04:38 Final Thoughts and Resources To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 min

  7. 09/11/2025

    Capital Expenditures Demystified: Strategies for Accurate Property Underwriting

    🎁 Start your journey with Lane’s free Remote Rental eCourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal In this episode, we dive deep into Capital Expenditures (CapEx) assumptions for property underwriting. You'll learn what CapEx is and how it differs from repairs and maintenance. We discuss three methods to calculate CapEx: using one month's rent, using 10-15% of your income, and creating a lifecycle cost analysis spreadsheet. The host also shares tips on financing upfront repairs to manage costs and ensure long-term savings. Don't miss the valuable action plan provided at the end to help you accurately reflect CapEx in your property analysis. 00:00 Introduction to Capital Expenditures (CapEx) 00:10 Understanding CapEx and Its Importance 00:52 Calculating CapEx: Three Methods 01:17 Pro Tips for Managing CapEx 02:01 Building Your Own CapEx Spreadsheet 02:39 Final Thoughts and Action Plan To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 min

  8. 08/20/2025

    Why I Sold My Seattle Rentals: Calculating Return on Equity - Real Estate Investing Tips

    🎁 Start your journey with Lane’s free Remote Rental eCourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal In this episode, Lane discusses his decision to sell his Seattle rental properties despite the recent market appreciation and tech money influx. He explains the concept of Return on Equity (ROE) and its importance in evaluating real estate investments. Lane shares specific metrics and calculations, revealing that a 2% ROE from his Seattle properties was insufficient compared to other investment opportunities. He emphasizes the need to analyze and leverage 'lazy money' in real estate portfolios to achieve better returns. Lane concludes with actionable advice for investors to evaluate their properties systematically to optimize financial performance. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:06 Seattle Real Estate Market Insights 00:26 Evaluating Property Performance 00:49 The Concept of Return on Equity (ROE) 01:42 Decision to Sell and Reinvest 02:28 Action Plan for Investors 02:46 Conclusion and Call to Action To help you get started grab our remote rental ecourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal. The preceding is not tax, legal, or investment advice, nor an offer to sell securities or investment products. Always make informed decisions with professional guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Your First Rental—the podcast for high-earning professionals and business owners who want to build passive income without dealing with tenants, toilets, or quitting their day job. 🎁 Start your journey with Lane’s free Remote Rental eCourse at theWealthElevator.com/firstdeal Host Lane Kawaoka bought his first rental in 2009 while still working as an engineer. By 2015, he owned 11 rentals and has since participated in over $2.1 billion in real estate acquisitions. This podcast is where Lane gives back, breaking down real estate investing into simple, actionable steps so you can buy cash-flowing properties remotely, avoid newbie mistakes, and finally stop trading time for money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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