Living Off Rentals

Kirby Atwell
  • 4.9 (84)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

We believe that a high quality rental property is the best investment a person can make. This podcast equips listeners to build a rental portfolio of their own. Each week host, Kirby Atwell, interviews someone who is living off rentals and identifies best practices, advice, and potential investing pitfalls to avoid!

  1. 3d ago

    #336 - The Financial Systems Every Real Estate Investor Needs - David Richter

    In this episode of Living Off Rentals, we are joined by the CEO of Simple CFO and the author of "Profit First for Real Estate Investing." David Richter returns to the show to explain why so many real estate investors struggle with cash flow, even as their businesses grow. Listen as he explains how the Profit First system helps investors gain financial clarity, reduce stress, and build a business that supports the life they actually want. You'll also learn practical strategies for managing cash flow and making smarter financial decisions as your business grows. Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing David Richter and his background [03:42] His background in real estate [07:20] Understanding the Profit First system and how it works [09:18] The actual Profit First setup [11:22] The five core bank accounts every real estate business should have [12:57] First account: Income account [13:10] Profit Account, Owner's Comp Account, and Tax Account [14:22] What is an OpEx Account? [19:30] Weekly, monthly, and quarterly habits for managing cash flow [26:28] The four stages of becoming a successful business owner [34:17] What a fractional CFO does [36:33] How a fractional CFO lays the financial foundation [41:25] The habits that separate successful business owners from those who struggle [46:48] Systems matter more than hustle for long-term success [47:45] Profit First is not just a system but a tool for your business [49:47] Connect with David Richter [51:28] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://simplecfo.com/gift  Show Links: Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals  Want to start investing in short-term rentals? Book a call to see if my STR Blueprint program is a good fit for you: livingoffrentals.com/call

  2. Jul 15

    #335 - Retiring Early with 4 STRs Using the Path of Progress Strategy - Sandy Lee

    In this episode of Living Off Rentals, we are joined by someone with nearly 30 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. Sandy Lee is a former engineer and construction professional who retired early by building a portfolio of just four short-term rental properties. She discovered short-term rentals, developed what she calls the "Path of Progress" strategy, and created enough passive income to leave her full-time job. Listen as Sandy shares how she transitioned out of her corporate career, the lessons she's learned as a short-term rental investor, and why keeping your investing strategy simple can lead to financial freedom. Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Sandy Lee and her background [02:40] Getting into short-term rental investment [04:24] Buying her first short-term rental property [06:41] What gave Sandy the confidence to purchase a big rental investment [10:35] Looking beyond today's cash flow when buying properties [12:20] Determining if a property is going to appreciate in cash flow [18:29] Importance of hiring a revenue manager [20:24] Hospitality is the most important part of the business [21:55] How does she get high reviews [24:26] Managing her properties in four different locations [26:12] How technology helps simplify property management [29:15] The milestone that gave Sandy the confidence to leave her full-time career [31:14] What separates people who have more success from those who struggle [32:41] The importance of building the right tech stack from day one [33:46] Software tools Sandy recommends for managing short-term rentals [35:49] Sandy shares details about her upcoming book, Building Joy [36:56] Connect with Sandy Lee [38:11] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://www.strjumpstart.com/  Show Links: Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals  Want to start investing in short-term rentals? Book a call to see if my STR Blueprint program is a good fit for you: livingoffrentals.com/call

  3. Jul 8

    #334 - How Grit, Trial and Error, and the Midwest Beat the Vacation Rental Hype - Yiwei Cheng

    Joining us in this episode of Living Off Rentals is Yiwei Cheng, a short-term rental investor and the founder of Pink Cash Cow Property Management. Through plenty of trial and error, she built a portfolio and a successful property management company while proving that strong cash flow doesn't have to come from expensive vacation markets. Listen as Yiwei talks about finding profitable deals in the Midwest, managing short-term rentals, avoiding common investing mistakes, and why she believes the best opportunities are still ahead.  Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Yiwei Cheng and her background [03:35] What more do people actually make money on real estate? [06:04] The first property she purchased [09:02] Her real estate experience during COVID [12:23] Replacing her corporate income through short-term rentals in 2022 [16:38] Choosing profitable properties over popular vacation destinations [23:50] What makes a perfect deal for Yiwei [32:04] How Yiwei finances her rental properties [35:24] DSCR loans explained [38:40] Yiwei on managing her team [46:10] Quality matters more than growing a large management company [51:19] Building systems to manage rental properties efficiently [55:20] Connect with Yiwei Cheng [56:16] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://www.pinkcashcow.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiweicheng1/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YiweiCheng1  Show Links: Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals  Want to start investing in short-term rentals? Book a call to see if my STR Blueprint program is a good fit for you: livingoffrentals.com/call

  4. Jul 1

    #333 - Building a Passive 7-Figure Rental Portfolio with the Lazy Investor Method - Melissa Nash

    In this episode of Living Off Rentals, Kirby Atwell sits down with Melissa Nash, a real estate investor, wealth strategist, and host of the Passively Rich with Rentals podcast. After losing a multimillion-dollar clothing business during the 2008 financial crisis, Melissa rebuilt her financial future through real estate investing. Today, she has built a seven-figure rental portfolio using what she calls the "Lazy Investor Method." Listen as Melissa shares how she got started, why she believes long-term rentals remain one of the best wealth-building tools available, how she evaluates deals, and the strategies she teaches busy professionals who want passive income through real estate.  Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Melissa Nash and her background [03:14] Losing a multimillion-dollar business during the 2008 crash [06:43] The confidence that made her move forward with real estate [08:18] Purchasing her first out-of-state rental property in Birmingham, Alabama [10:00] Defining the "Lazy Investor Method" [13:47] Redefining the word "turnkey" [15:29] Relationships are critical when investing out of state [21:28] The key metric Melissa uses to evaluate every rental property [25:05] Different ways investors can fund rental property purchases [26:41] How DSCR loans make investing easier for busy professionals [27:40] Building long-term wealth through a rental portfolio strategy [30:14] LLCs, insurance, and protecting rental property assets [32:52] Transitioning to short-term rentals [37:23] Lessons learned from investing in short-term rentals [39:50] Relationships still matter in the age of AI [43:07] Connect with Melissa Nash [45:03] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://www.passivelyrichwithrentals.com/  Show Links: Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals  Want to start investing in short-term rentals? Book a call to see if my STR Blueprint program is a good fit for you: livingoffrentals.com/call

  5. Jun 24

    #332 - From Amish Upbringing to Building Financial Freedom Through Real Estate - Anthony Lynn Miller

    Joining us for today's episode of Living Off Rentals is Anthony Lynn Miller, a young real estate investor with a unique background and an inspiring story. Anthony shares what it was like growing up Amish without electricity, leaving school after eighth grade, and eventually stepping into the world of business and real estate investing.  Despite having no traditional real estate background, he built momentum through short-term rentals, private money, and smart investing strategies. In this episode, Anthony talked about buying his first properties, managing short-term and midterm rentals, and building a path toward financial freedom through real estate.  Listen and enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Anthony Lynn Miller and his background [02:51] Growing up Amish and life without electricity [04:29] The transition from no electricity to using modern technologies [07:32] How the Amish business mindset shaped his confidence [08:52] Buying his first short-term rental property with his sister [12:44] Why multifamily short-term rentals stood out to Anthony [15:21] Using private money and DSCR loans to fund the deal [18:54] What a Helping Fund is  [22:30] Lessons learned from his first larger investment [24:40] Anthony's future investing plans [26:57] Anthony's long-term goal of financial freedom through rentals [30:51] Advice for people wanting to get started in real estate [32:21] His experience inside the Blueprint program [33:58] How to connect with Anthony Lynn Miller [34:21] Outro Guest Links: Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/users/profile/1463687994996193041  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevibrantcollections2025/  Show Links: Want to start investing in short-term rentals? Book a call to see if my STR Blueprint program is a good fit for you! - livingoffrentals.com/call  Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals

  6. Jun 17

    #331 - How to Build Systems to Scale to 16 Short Term Rentals - Michelle Norman

    Joining us in this episode of Living Off Rentals is a real estate broker and short-term rental investor who has built a 16-unit Airbnb portfolio across multiple states while keeping family and lifestyle a top priority. In her second appearance on the show, Michelle Norman shares how she and her husband went from purchasing their very first Airbnb five years ago, to a thriving multi-state portfolio without physically ever going to their properties. She opens up about the early mistakes, the growing pains, and the systems she put in place to finally make it feel manageable. She also gets into the numbers — how she chooses her markets, what she looks for in a deal, and how she finances properties using DSCR loans and private lenders. She also talks about her 18-year-old son buying his very first Airbnb — a full-circle moment for a family that has built a lifestyle by design from short-term rentals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale without sacrificing the things that matter most, Michelle's story is one you'll want to hear. Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Michelle Norman and her background [03:25] Getting into real estate investing [04:07] Growing from 0 to 16 Airbnb units [07:27] Passive income became the goal [10:44] Lessons learned while scaling the business [13:28] Hiring a virtual assistant to run operations [15:57] Mistakes and growing pains in the early years [17:12] Using Turno to manage cleaners and maintenance [20:00] Choosing investment markets [22:40] Michelle's 18-year-old son buys his first Airbnb [29:14] Building confidence to invest remotely [32:45] What they look for in Airbnb deals [34:34] Financing properties with DSCR loans and private lenders [36:39] Michelle's advice for first-time investors [39:36] How she structures her work-life balance [45:03] Setting boundaries in running multiple businesses [45:52] Connect with Michelle Norman [47:30] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://www.itsmichellenorman.com/    M&J Getaways: mandjgetaways.com Instagram: @mandjgetaways Show Links: Want to start investing in short-term rentals? Book a call to see if my STR Blueprint program is a good fit for you: livingoffrentals.com/call Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals

  7. Jun 10

    #330 - Scaling to 10 Rental Units by 25 with Midterm Rentals - Bailey Kramer

    Joining us in this episode of Living Off Rentals is Bailey Kramer, a 25-year-old real estate investor who built a portfolio of 10 rental units by focusing on mid-term rentals. Bailey shares how he got started in college, why he chose mid-term rentals over traditional Airbnb listings, and how he scaled his business by learning operations, networking with experienced investors, and taking action early. Listen as he breaks down the lessons he learned from running 30 short-term rentals, buying properties remotely, and building a rental business that creates strong cash flow without the constant headaches of nightly turnovers. Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Bailey Kramer and his background [02:49] Building rental income while still in college [06:43] Pursuing business and real estate through YouTube University [09:19] The power of networking and joining a real estate mastermind [11:20] Taking action after months of analysis paralysis [15:22] The idea of pursuing midterm rentals [18:28] Managing 30 short-term rentals and the burnout that came with it [25:54] Buying his first property for $115,000 [28:43] Why Bailey prefers midterm rentals over traditional short-term rentals [30:09] The types of tenants that fill his midterm rental properties [36:53] Building systems and teams to manage rentals remotely [38:32] Simple, consistent deals often outperform flashy investments [41:35] Bailey's goal in the business [48:57] What makes a good deal in midterm rentals? [51:37] Ideal cash you must leave in the deal [53:52] Advice for young investors trying to get started in real estate [57:28] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://baileykramer.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@baileykramer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bailey_kramer/ Show Links: Want to start investing in short-term rentals? Book a call to see if my STR Blueprint program is a good fit for you: livingoffrentals.com/call Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals

  8. Jun 3

    #329 - 7 Short-Term Rental Units Earning $7,000/mo Cash Flow in Her First 9 Months - Stephanie James

    For today's episode of Living Off Rentals, we are joined by someone who made an empowering transition from short-term rental arbitrage to building her own portfolio of cash-flowing properties. Stephanie James spent 15 years serving veterans as a social worker with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs before she discovered real estate investing. She is a member of my STR Blueprint program with properties in Indiana and Michigan. Starting with rental arbitrage, she quickly scaled multiple units before realizing that true wealth-building comes from ownership.  That shift led her to learn how to raise private capital and eventually build her own private lending business, Private Lending with Stephanie, where partners invest alongside her to fund her deals. Listen as she shares her journey from fear and uncertainty to confidently closing her first deal, raising private capital, and building a scalable real estate business. Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Stephanie James and her background [03:38] Transition to real estate from her 15-year career serving veterans at the VA [07:58] Getting started in real estate investing around 2016–2017 [10:26] About rental arbitrage [13:31] Overcoming fear of property ownership [16:43] The mindset shift from arbitrage to ownership and investing [19:57] Managing fear through education and mentorship [21:11] Landing her first property under contract [24:33] Raising private money for the deal [26:00] From asking for money to offering an opportunity [28:47] Securing her first private money lender [35:51] Structuring a deal using DSCR loans and private money [41:51] Breaking down the numbers on Stephanie's deal [46:05] The biggest mistake: letting emotions drive investment decisions [52:07] Best advice for beginners: define your "why" to stay resilient [54:56] Recommended book: Servant Leadership [01:00:07] Connect with Stephanie James [01:00:54] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://privatelendingwithstephanie.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18dukayC3g/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-james-b65469300 Show Links: READY TO BUY YOUR FIRST SHORT TERM RENTAL? Book a call with me or my team here: https://www.livingoffrentals.com/call Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals

See All (100)

4.9
out of 5
84 Ratings

About

We believe that a high quality rental property is the best investment a person can make. This podcast equips listeners to build a rental portfolio of their own. Each week host, Kirby Atwell, interviews someone who is living off rentals and identifies best practices, advice, and potential investing pitfalls to avoid!

Information

  • Creator
    Kirby Atwell
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Living Off Rentals | Kirby Atwell
  • Show Website
    Living Off Rentals

You Might Also Like