Built For This Show

Built For This
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement

Built For This is the show where real-life skills meet real estate success. Hosted by Andrea Lane and Alissa Bickar, we spotlight everyday investors who bring the best of who they are into their rental strategies. Whether you’re managing a few doors or just getting started, you’ll hear real stories, honest struggles, and unique insights from people who are building wealth their way. If you’re a high-earning professional using your edge to grow in real estate — you’re in the right place. 🎧 New episodes weekly 🎤 Want to be a guest? Apply at BuiltForThisShow.com/Guest

  1. 1d ago

    S2E12: From Clean-Outs to Closing Deals: Phyllis McConnell’s Journey into Real Estate

    Guest: Phyllis McConnell | Contact: Phyllis.McConnell@gmail.com About Phyllis Phyllis is the founder of Zhe Rockz (ZHEROCKZ), a cleaning company serving all of New Jersey and New York. Her journey into real estate began when she was hired to do a clean-out for a female contractor, who inspired her by building homes and creating opportunities for others. Real Estate Experience Previously owned a home in Augusta, Georgia Completed a flip in 2020 Currently holds land in the south, in the process of well and septic development Presently at a rehab property expected to take 6–8 months to complete What Phyllis Loves About Real Estate The potential to build value — to take something from nothing and create. Phyllis is passionate about affordable housing and helping low-income families achieve homeownership. Future Goals (Next 6–12 Months) Build a rental portfolio / explore being a landlord Develop affordable homes, including exploring ADUs, in partnership with a business partner already active in that space Key Takeaways Real estate is a team sport — mentorship shortens the learning curve. Skills from the cleaning business translate directly to real estate projects. Every deal, good or bad, is a learning opportunity. Resources Mentioned 🌐 BuiltForThisShow.com 📥 Free Guide — 7 Systems for Real Estate Investing at ownyourincome.co 📞 She Rockz: 908-546-3623

  2. Sep 25

    S2E11: The Metrics That Make or Break Your Deals: Real Estate KPIs with Andrea Lane

    Andrea Lane, the Fearless Real Estate Investor, joins co-host Alissa Bickar to break down Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) — what they are, why they matter, and what to measure when buying and selling investment properties. Note: rental portfolio KPIs are not covered in this episode. What You'll Learn Why KPIs Matter KPIs indicate how your business is performing across different functions and help you stay in the driver's seat rather than being at the mercy of whatever happens. Without tracking, you risk wasting time and money — Andrea shares a real story of spending $100,000 over 3 months with zero results due to insufficient tracking.   Marketing KPIs Track responses across channels: bandit signs, direct mail, postcards Review marketing performance every 2 weeks; direct mail monthly Change course early — don't send 200+ letters before realizing something isn't working.   Deal Analysis KPIs Track your repair estimator and statement of work accuracy Monitor change orders throughout the deal   Financial KPIs Compare expected vs. actual income per deal Investigate variances — was it pricing, change orders, or market shifts? Key Takeaway Start tracking KPIs from your very first deal. As your business grows, the depth of tracking should grow with it. Resources Mentioned Free guide & checklist: OwnYourIncome.co Watch all episodes: BuiltForThisShow.com

  3. Sep 18

    S2E10: Avoiding Real Estate's Biggest Pitfalls with Andrea Lane & Alissa Bickar

    In this co-host-only episode, Andrea Lane — the Fearless Real Estate Investor — breaks down why understanding your location is the single most critical step before analyzing any real estate deal. Key Takeaways Location must come before deal analysis — your location defines how well your property will perform and whether you'll actually make money. Three layers of "location": Your marketplace (city/region) Your neighborhood (block by block) Does it fit your strategy and end user? Common traps to avoid: Buying because it's cheap — the biggest shiny object Assuming a good city means a good block Skipping physical due diligence (day and night walkthroughs) Andrea's personal story: Purchased a property just one mile from a familiar, trusted neighborhood — and discovered the renter quality and income level were far lower than expected. Methodology for deep location diligence: Walk the neighborhood (with a local partner, realtor, or trusted contact) Research crime rates, school systems, and resident demographics Match location data to your strategy and your target end user (renter or buyer) Final Words of Wisdom "Make sure you understand the location before you buy, and cheap doesn't make it good." Resources Visit ownyourincome.co to download the free guide on the seven systems required for a profitable and systematized real estate investment portfolio.

  4. Sep 11

    S2E9: Free and Low-Cost Resources Every Real Estate Investor Should Use

    In this host-only conversation, co-hosts Alissa Bickar ("The Consultress") and Andrea Lane ("The Fearless Real Estate Investor") break down the essential free and low-cost resources every real estate investor should leverage. Whether you are caught in "analysis paralysis" or jumping straight into action without a blueprint, Alissa and Andrea highlight powerful tools hiding in plain sight—from local government programs to library archives—to help you build a structured, sustainable real estate business without spending tens of thousands on hyped-up programs. Key Takeaways The Small Business Administration (SBA) as an Investor Asset: Funded by tax dollars, the SBA offers free mentoring, business planning guidance, and entity structuring education (such as LLCs vs. Corporations). They can also help investors identify specialized opportunities like affordable or urban housing grants. Librarians Are Free Research Partners: While AI and Google can surface generalized information, local librarians are trained researchers who can pull local property data, archives, and localized market insights at zero direct cost. Avoid the "Shiny Object" Trap: Real estate offers countless strategies (wholesaling, creative financing, buy-and-hold, STRs/Airbnbs). Success comes from picking one North Star strategy for 6 to 12 months and mastering the operational process rather than juggling multiple models simultaneously. Treat Real Estate as a Business of Systems: Sustainable wealth does not come from treating investing like a casual side hustle; it requires operating agreements, entity planning, and systematic portfolio management. Protect Your Capital on Education: You do not need to drop $20,000–$40,000 on guru programs before knowing your focus. Leverage free municipal resources, attend affordable local REIA (Real Estate Investors Association) meetings, and seek accessible mentorship first. Timestamps & Episode Highlights **** – Welcome to The Built For This Show and setting up the host-only conversation. **** – Hiding in plain sight: Why the Small Business Administration (SBA) isn’t just for traditional tech or retail businesses. **** – Entity structures and guidance: How the SBA helps evaluate LLCs vs. Corporations and build an initial business plan. **** – Navigating grants for urban and affordable housing initiatives. **** – The untapped power of your local library and partnering with research librarians. **** – Overcoming ADHD and shiny object syndrome: Choosing one investment vehicle for 6–12 months. **** – The role of mentorship and the Own Your Income 8-Week Real Estate Investor Intensive. **** – Andrea’s golden rule: Spend the least money to learn the most, leverage REIA meetings, and guard your nest egg. Featured Resources & Links Small Business Administration (SBA): sba.gov (Explore local district offices, SCORE mentorship, and business plan templates). Local Real Estate Investor Associations (REIA): Connect with local investors and vendors in your specific market. Own Your Income: Visit OwnYourIncome.co to learn more about the 8-Week Real Estate Investor Intensive and download the free 7 Systems You Need in Your Real Estate Business guide.

  5. Sep 4

    S2E8: From Social Work to Ground-Up Real Estate with Andrea Mullen

    Andrea Mullen shares her real estate journey across nearly 20 years, from social worker to pharmaceutical sales rep to real estate investor. Guest Background Graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick; started in social work Transitioned to pharmaceutical sales, then pursued a real estate license Licensed at a brokerage specializing in bank-owned properties Real Estate Portfolio Previously owned two triplexes in Newark and Carteret, NJ Currently a partial owner of 3 land parcels in New Jersey and Delaware (held ~3–4 years with 2 partners) Goal: develop multifamily apartment complexes Key Themes Discussed What got Andrea into real estate: a magazine article noting that renting over $650/month meant you could buy a house Survived the 2008 real estate crash; still loved the industry Core advantages from prior careers: patience (social work) + tenacity (sales) + connecting with people Importance of maintaining income while pursuing long-term development deals Future Plans (Next 6–12 Months) Exploring opportunities in Cleveland, North Carolina, and Georgia Delaware waterfront land project currently on hold due to potential city acquisition Open to investing outside New Jersey Key Takeaway "Don't get stuck on one specific area — open up your horizon to other states." Resource Mentioned Visit ownyourincome.co for the free download: 7 Systems You Need in Your Real Estate Business

  6. Aug 28

    S2E7: Maintenance vs. Reserves – Budgeting the Right Way

    Andrea and Alissa tackle a topic most real estate investors oversimplify: the difference between maintenance budgets and reserve funds — and why treating them as one bucket can cost you dearly.  🔑 Key Takeaways Maintenance Budget = day-to-day repair costs  Covers small fixes: broken toilet, floor repair, minor plumbing A starting point of ~10% of monthly rent is common  Over time, as the property stabilizes, this may drop to 3–5%  Reserves = long-term capital expenditure fund  Built to cover big-ticket items: roof replacement (~$12,000), furnace/boiler, HVAC  Most lenders require reserves when buying apartment buildings  Recommended: 10% set aside monthly, grown consistently over time  The Core Distinction: Maintenance covers what breaks today; reserves protect against what will need replacing in 2, 5, or 15 years.  Real-Life Lesson: A mentee had only a small maintenance bucket with no reserves — 2 years into ownership, the furnace failed and they had to take out a loan to cover the new boiler.  Fiscal Responsibility Framing: You may not be "making money" the first 5 years — and that's okay, because those funds are building your safety net.  📊 Tools Mentioned Spreadsheet tracking mechanical install dates, projected replacement timelines, and separate budget line items  Free downloadable PDF covering 7 systems for a real estate investment business  📚 Resources & Next Steps Real Estate Investor Intensive – 8-week course  📧 Contact: teams@ownyourincome.co

  7. Aug 21

    S2E6: Asset Management vs. Property Management

    In this episode, Andrea and Alissa break down a topic that's near and dear to every real estate investor's heart: the difference between asset management and property management and why understanding both is critical to protecting your investment.  🔑 Key Takeaways Property Management = day-to-day operations  Tenant satisfaction, complaints, lease compliance Reactive: fix what's broken, keep it livable  Asset Management = strategic, long-term protection  Tracking when mechanicals were installed (HVAC, water heater, roof)  Proactively planning replacements before failures occur  Annual walkthroughs: start from the top (attic) and work down  The Real Cost of Reactivity: A broken water heater can flood a basement, damaging everything stored there — a lesson learned firsthand early in the investing journey.  Best Practice: Walk the property with your property manager annually — your eyes are on asset protection, theirs are on day-to-day liability.  📊 Tools Mentioned Spreadsheet tracking: square footage, unit details, rent, utility costs, mechanical install dates  Free downloadable PDF covering 7 systems needed in a real estate investment business  LINK TO DL 📚 Resources & Next Steps Real Estate Investor Intensive – 8-week course with systems, spreadsheets, and proactive planning tools  📧 Contact: teams@ownyourincome.co

  8. Aug 15

    S2E5: From Debris Removal to Real Estate Investing: Building an Unfair Advantage

    From Debris Removal to Real Estate Investing: Building an Unfair Advantage In this episode of Built For This, Alissa Bickar, The Consultress, sits down with Anthony Forque of A&A Debris Removal to explore how growing up around real estate, working in demolition, and running a service business have shaped his path as a real estate investor. Anthony’s real estate journey started early. By eighth grade, he was already helping his parents with their first flip doing floors, demolishing cabinets, and learning firsthand what it takes to transform a property. Today, his experience in junk removal and demolition has become more than just a business. It has given him an unfair advantage as an investor: the ability to walk into properties and recognize problems, renovation needs, and potential issues that other investors may overlook. From century-old buildings and hidden structural problems to a major addition project that required lifting a house and digging out its foundation by hand, Anthony shares what he has learned from being on the front lines of real estate renovations. The conversation also explores his long-term goal of moving beyond single-family flips and building a portfolio of larger multifamily properties while still staying active in the field. In This Episode How Anthony got introduced to real estate at a young age What working alongside his parents taught him about flipping houses Why entrepreneurship and independence attracted him to real estate How demolition and debris removal became his real estate “unfair advantage” The hidden problems investors can discover during renovations Why understanding renovation costs can make or break a deal Anthony's experience with a challenging add-a-level project Lifting a house and digging out a complex foundation by hand Why having the right team can make difficult deals possible Anthony's vision for investing in 10–12+ unit apartment buildings The difference between being active and being “passive” in real estate Building real estate income alongside an active business Why Anthony doesn't see himself ever completely stepping away from the field How investors can connect with A&A Debris Removal Key Takeaway Your existing experience can become your biggest advantage in real estate. Anthony didn't enter investing with only a desire to own properties. He brought years of hands-on experience from demolition and debris removal. That experience allows him to see behind the walls, recognize potential problems, understand what needs to be removed or repaired, and approach renovation projects with a perspective many investors don't have. The bigger lesson? Don't overlook the skills and experience you already possess. Your current business, career, or life experience may be the exact advantage that helps you build your real estate portfolio. Meet Anthony Forque Anthony Forque is the owner of A&A Debris Removal and a real estate investor. His hands-on experience in demolition, junk removal, and property renovations has given him a unique perspective on real estate investing. A&A Debris Removal serves customers throughout parts of New Jersey, Philadelphia, and eastern Pennsylvania, with the ability to travel farther for larger projects. Connect with Anthony and A&A Debris Removal through: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube About Built For This Built For This brings you real conversations with people who are actually doing the work building businesses, investing in real estate, creating wealth, and designing lives around who they are and what they know. Hosted by Alissa Bickar, The Consultress, and Andrea Lane of Own Your Income, the show highlights real people, real deals, real challenges, and the lessons that come from building something of your own. Whether you're a seasoned investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply wondering whether you're “built for” entrepreneurship and real estate, this show brings you stories and insights from the front lines. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Built For This for more conversations with entrepreneurs and real estate investors who are building businesses, portfolios, and lives on their own terms. #BuiltForThis #AlissaBickar #AndreaLane #AnthonyForku #TheConsultress #RealEstateInvesting #RealEstateInvestor #RealEstateEntrepreneur #HouseFlipping #FixAndFlip #MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstateEntrepreneurship #PropertyInvesting #RealEstateBusiness #Entrepreneurship #PassiveIncome #CashFlow #WealthBuilding #NewJerseyRealEstate #PhiladelphiaRealEstate #AAndADebrisRemoval

    S2E5: From Debris Removal to Real Estate Investing: Building an Unfair Advantage
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Built For This is the show where real-life skills meet real estate success. Hosted by Andrea Lane and Alissa Bickar, we spotlight everyday investors who bring the best of who they are into their rental strategies. Whether you’re managing a few doors or just getting started, you’ll hear real stories, honest struggles, and unique insights from people who are building wealth their way. If you’re a high-earning professional using your edge to grow in real estate — you’re in the right place. 🎧 New episodes weekly 🎤 Want to be a guest? Apply at BuiltForThisShow.com/Guest

Information

  • Creator
    Built For This
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Built For This Show