Jonathan Greene

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Channel • 4 Shows

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Updated 11/15/2018
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4D AGO

315: Thinking Outside the Short-Term Rental Box with Nick Korwin

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Nick Corwin, founder of Oak and Ember, to explore what it really looks like to move from long-term rentals into short-term hospitality and eventually into ground-up development. Nick shares how an engineering mindset, strong mentorship, and disciplined downside analysis shaped his early investing decisions. The conversation traces Nick's evolution from owning Midwest long-term rentals to building unique short-term experiences in the Wisconsin Dells. He explains why chasing the middle of the market can be a losing strategy, how combining units and serving overlooked guest segments created an edge, and why operating short-term rentals requires far more systems and empathy than most investors expect. Jonathan and Nick also unpack the realities of entitlement risk, zoning battles, and development timelines. Nick offers a candid look at what it takes to push a project through local approvals, manage rising costs, and stay grounded when timelines and budgets inevitably expand. In this episode, you will hear: Why testing whether you even like being a landlord matters before scaling How Nick identified underserved short-term rental niches instead of competing in crowded markets The operational differences between long-term rentals and hospitality businesses Lessons learned from zoning, entitlement hurdles, and community resistance Why doubling both your budget and timeline can save you from painful surprises Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Nick: Website: http://www.stayoakandember.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Korwinning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korwinning/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korwinning/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@korwinning Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

4d ago

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52 min
JAN 22

314: Why Higher Short-Term Rental Rates Start With Better Design with Bri West

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Bri West, co-founder of Somerled Designs, to explore how strategic design has become a competitive advantage in today's short-term rental market. Drawing on her background in marketing and real estate investing, Bri explains why design should be treated as a revenue-driving investment rather than a cosmetic expense. The conversation dives into how niching down on a clear guest avatar, using data to guide design decisions, and prioritizing high-impact spaces can dramatically increase ADR—even if occupancy is lower. Bri also shares insights from managing and designing hundreds of short-term rentals nationwide, including common mistakes investors make, how to think about amenities and bed configurations, and why lifestyle photography and branding are no longer optional. Listeners will come away with a clearer framework for evaluating short-term rental opportunities, aligning design with long-term investment goals, and standing out in increasingly saturated markets. In this episode, you will hear: Why short-term rental design should start with data and investment strategy, not personal taste How niching down on a specific guest experience can outperform "general" properties The role of amenities, durability, and bed layout in guest satisfaction and reviews Why branding and lifestyle photography directly impact bookings and pricing power How to think about long-term competitiveness as markets become more saturated Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Bri: Website: https://www.somerleddesigns.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somerled.designs/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/somerled-designs/ Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Jan 22

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59 min
1D AGO

316: How To Break Through Your Income Ceiling With Real Estate with Stuart Gethner

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene is joined by Stuart Gethner, a longtime real estate investor, educator, and connector who has spent decades helping investors move from analysis into action. Stuart shares insights from his experience coaching investors and building his own portfolio across multiple market cycles. The conversation centers on why real estate is ultimately a people business. Stuart explains how networking, local market knowledge, and face-to-face relationships help investors avoid costly mistakes—especially when investing out of state or relying too heavily on online education. He and Jonathan discuss the limits of "YouTube University" and why real confidence comes from real conversations with experienced investors. Jonathan and Stuart also dive into partnerships, property management, and investor self-awareness. From understanding your personal strengths to building complementary partnerships and avoiding shiny object syndrome, the episode emphasizes patience, humility, and long-term thinking as foundations for sustainable investing success. In this episode, you will hear: Why networking groups accelerate investor confidence and clarity The risks of relying solely on online education without local insight How partnerships work best when both sides have equal skin in the game Why investing close to home often reduces operational risk How patience and long-term thinking outperform "get rich quick" strategies Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Stuart: Website: http://www.stuartgethner.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StuartGethner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Gethner-Education-Consulting/61578852277422/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartgethner LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stuartgethner/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stuart_gethner Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

1d ago

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55 min
JAN 19

313: Learning To Invest Beyond Multifamily In Growth Markets with Ash Patel

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Ash Patel, a commercial real estate investor with more than 15 years of experience investing beyond multifamily. Ash shares how an early mixed-use deal opened his eyes to the advantages of commercial assets and ultimately reshaped his entire investing approach. The conversation explores why many commercial assets are misunderstood or overlooked, including office, retail, medical, and mixed-use properties. Ash explains how changing work patterns, suburban growth, and market cycles are creating rare opportunities to acquire high-quality commercial buildings at deep discounts, often well below replacement cost. Jonathan and Ash also dig into the mindset required to succeed in real estate, the dangers of chasing trends promoted on social media, and why newer investors may benefit from escaping overcrowded asset classes. This episode offers a grounded look at how flexibility, curiosity, and long-term thinking can open doors to less competitive—and often more resilient—investment opportunities. In this episode, you will hear: How Ash transitioned from residential and mixed-use into commercial real estate Why office, retail, and medical assets are misunderstood by many investors How market cycles create opportunities across different commercial asset classes The risks of following social-media-driven investment trends Why parking, location, and tenant mix matter more than asset labels How mindset plays a larger role than mechanics in long-term success Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Ash: Website: http://www.investbeyondmultifamily.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashpatel_official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ash.patel.58118 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashpatel_official/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-patel-95b1a25/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashpatel_official Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Jan 19

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56 min
JAN 12

311: Building a Wealth Creation Value-Add System with August Biniaz

Jonathan Greene is joined by August Biniaz, co-founder and CIO of CPI Capital, to explore how early exposure to real estate shaped August's investing philosophy and led him from single-family investing into large-scale multifamily and build-to-rent strategies. August shares how his family's experience with real estate as a hedge against inflation influenced his long-term view on housing and capital preservation. The conversation dives into the realities of syndication, from learning the GP/LP structure through trial and error to building investor trust, infrastructure, and discipline over time. August explains why CPI focuses on U.S. markets like Tampa and San Antonio, how oversupply cycles create both risk and opportunity, and why patience and underwriting discipline matter more than deal volume. Jonathan and August also discuss the value of passive investing, especially for professionals who want real estate exposure without taking on a second job. August outlines how investors can think clearly about asset classes, sponsors, and alignment before committing capital, emphasizing that trust and communication are just as important as returns. In this episode, you will hear: How early family exposure to real estate can shape long-term investing instincts Why August transitioned from development into real estate private equity The differences between Canadian and U.S. multifamily investing environments How CPI evaluates Tampa and San Antonio amid oversupply and shifting demand Why being a limited partner can be the best education for future operators What passive investors should consider when choosing asset classes and sponsors Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with August: Website: https://cpicapital.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@realestateinvestingdemystified Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soheil.biniaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustbiniaz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/ Twitter: https://x.com/CPI_Capital Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Jan 12

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52 min
JAN 15

312: A Playbook For Buying and Holding Rental Properties with Jennifer Ruelens

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Jennifer Ruelens, a longtime property manager and unapologetic truth-teller in the real estate industry. With more than two decades of hands-on experience, Jennifer shares what buy-and-hold investors often misunderstand about property management, tenant relationships, and the real work required to make rentals perform over time. The conversation explores why real estate investing is rarely passive, how deferred maintenance and avoidance cost investors far more than management fees, and why many landlords struggle when they underestimate the human side of housing. Jennifer explains how professional property management reduces risk, stabilizes assets, and helps investors focus on long-term wealth rather than short-term cash flow. Listeners will also hear a candid discussion about ego, DIY investing, family dynamics, and why many investors fail not because of bad deals, but because they avoid hard conversations and responsibility. This episode offers a grounded, experience-driven perspective on what it really takes to succeed with buy-and-hold real estate. In this episode, you will hear: Why buy-and-hold real estate is a business, not a passive investment How poor property management decisions erode long-term returns The true cost of deferred maintenance and conflict avoidance Why professional management often increases NOI despite added fees How stabilizing properties protects both tenants and investors The role of expectations, transparency, and service in tenant retention Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Jen: Website: https://holditwithpmjen.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@holditwithpmjen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoldItwithPMJen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holditwithpmjen/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jenniferruelens TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holditwithpmjen Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Jan 15

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1h 4m
JAN 8

310: Learning How To Invest Like a Billionaire with Bob Fraser

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Bob Fraser, bestselling author of Invest Like a Billionaire and CFO and Chief Macro Strategist at Aspen Funds. Bob shares how billionaire investors moved away from traditional 60/40 portfolios toward alternative investments—and why everyday investors can adopt the same mindset without billionaire-level wealth. Throughout the conversation, Bob explains why professionally managed real estate is often the most approachable entry point into alternatives, especially for investors who want exposure without taking on a second full-time job. He and Jonathan explore the differences between active and passive investing, the importance of aligned partnerships, and why many investors underestimate the operational demands of being a landlord. The discussion then dives deep into macro-driven investing, with Bob outlining why industrial real estate stands out today due to reshoring trends, logistics demand, and lower construction and operational complexity compared to multifamily. Bob also explains why fund structures can be more efficient than single-asset syndications, offering better capital deployment, diversification, and investor control—especially around taxes and liquidity. In this episode, you will hear: Why billionaires shifted away from traditional portfolios toward alternatives How everyday investors can think like billionaires without massive capital The difference between active real estate and truly passive investing Why industrial real estate is outperforming multifamily in the current cycle How fund structures can improve diversification, tax efficiency, and liquidity What macro trends Bob looks for when evaluating alternative investments Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Bob: Website: http://aspenfunds.us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspenfunds LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobfraser10/ Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Jan 8

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47 min
12/15/2025

303: Building Bold Brands For Your Short-Term Rental or Boutique Hotel with Steph Weber

Jonathan Greene sits down with Steph Weber, CEO of The Weber Co., to break down why short-term rental owners can't rely solely on Airbnb if they want long-term control and growth. Steph explains how direct branding protects your business from platform changes, helps guests connect emotionally to what you offer, and creates a clearer path to repeat stays and referrals. They also dig into what it actually takes to build a brand guests remember, beyond pretty photos and a few amenities. Steph shares how to define a real target audience (often starting with yourself or a past/future version of yourself), how to turn amenities into guided experiences, and why collecting guest emails is one of the simplest, most overlooked moves STR operators can make. The biggest takeaway: today's STR world isn't a side hobby—it's a hospitality business. And the operators who win are the ones who design intentionally, market consistently, and build a brand they own. In this episode, you will hear: Why direct branding matters when you don't control the platform that drives bookings How Airbnb changes can impact hosts—and why brand autonomy is the hedge What it means to create a "branded guest experience" (not just a place to sleep) How to define your avatar and design for a specific audience (not the masses) Why email lists are "low-hanging fruit" and how they power direct bookings Turning amenities into intentional rituals and guided experiences guests remember Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Steph: Website: http://theweberco.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/theweberco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephweberbrandcoach/ Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

12/15/2025

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1h 4m
12/22/2025

305: How To Flip Your Story and Build Real Wealth with Brian Tran

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Brian Tran, founding partner of 50 Hills, host of the Winners Club podcast, and a real estate investor with over 100 flips and a multimillion-dollar portfolio. Brian shares how his family's immigration story shaped his commitment to real estate, the early mistakes he learned from buying in tough neighborhoods, and how those lessons guided his long-term investing strategy. Brian breaks down how he balances appreciation markets like California with cash-flow markets out of state, treating his portfolio the way a financial advisor would diversify assets. He also dives into the role of wholesaling and flipping as active income engines, the importance of delaying gratification, and why mindset—not capital—is the biggest barrier for new investors. Listeners will hear practical guidance on getting started in real estate without shortcuts, why buying your first property matters more than perfect timing, and how treating real estate like a real business creates long-term freedom and stability. In this episode, you will hear: How Brian's parents' immigration journey influenced his approach to real estate Why buying in rough neighborhoods taught hard but valuable lessons How to balance appreciation and cash flow across different markets The role of wholesaling and flipping in building investable capital Why mindset and focus matter more than chasing quick wins How buying your first property creates long-term momentum Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Brian Website: http://mrbriantran.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr.BrianTran TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrbriantran?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.briantran/ Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

12/22/2025

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51 min
12/18/2025

304: The Case For Buying a Second Home First with Katie Cline

Jonathan Greene welcomes back Katie Cline, a senior global PR and communications leader turned hospitality and short-term rental expert, to explore her evolving philosophy behind Second Home First. Katie shares the personal story that led her to buy a vacation home before a primary residence—and how that unconventional decision unlocked both financial flexibility and deeper family experiences. They discuss why renting in high-cost cities can coexist with smart real estate investing, how short-term rentals can function like a hybrid between lifestyle asset and retirement strategy, and why mindset—not money—is often the biggest barrier holding people back. Katie also explains how designing properties around personal preferences creates stronger guest experiences, better reviews, and more resilient performance across markets. The key takeaway: real estate doesn't have to follow a single, traditional path. By aligning investments with lifestyle goals, hospitality values, and intentional design, investors can build assets that generate income today while still creating meaningful memories along the way. In this episode, you will hear: What "Second Home First" really means—and why it challenges the traditional homeownership timeline How short-term rentals can provide both lifestyle benefits and long-term financial security Why renting a primary home can offer flexibility while still building wealth through real estate The importance of designing properties around your own preferences and ideal guest avatar How hospitality mindset and intentional design drive better bookings and guest experiences Why breaking from conventional investing narratives can open up more creative opportunities Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth. Supporting Resources Connect with Katie: Website: http://buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondHomeFirst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buyyoursecondhomefirst/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-home-first/ Episode 216: https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/216/ Connect with Jonathan: Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinenj Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

12/18/2025

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59 min

This is the podcast channel for Jonathan Greene. Jonathan has been a real estate investor for 30+ years and he is the founder and Team Leader of Streamlined Properties On-Market, brokered by eXp Realty. He is also a real estate and life coach, podcast host of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, a writer, advisor, and most of all, a father.

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Jonathan Greene

Top Shows

315: Thinking Outside the Short-Term Rental Box with Nick Korwin

314: Why Higher Short-Term Rental Rates Start With Better Design with Bri West

316: How To Break Through Your Income Ceiling With Real Estate with Stuart Gethner

313: Learning To Invest Beyond Multifamily In Growth Markets with Ash Patel

311: Building a Wealth Creation Value-Add System with August Biniaz

312: A Playbook For Buying and Holding Rental Properties with Jennifer Ruelens

310: Learning How To Invest Like a Billionaire with Bob Fraser

303: Building Bold Brands For Your Short-Term Rental or Boutique Hotel with Steph Weber

305: How To Flip Your Story and Build Real Wealth with Brian Tran

304: The Case For Buying a Second Home First with Katie Cline

About

Jonathan Greene

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