Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing Jonathan Greene

Single-family residential real estate may not be flashy, but it’s still a great investment—especially when you choose turnkey properties.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Marco Santarelli. Marco is an entrepreneur, investor, author, speaker, podcaster, educator, and the founder and CEO of Norada Capital Management and Norada Real Estate Investments, the largest nationwide provider of turnkey investment properties.
Jonathan and Marco begin their conversation by discussing Marco’s first property flip at just 18 years old. You’ll hear how Marco cultivated an entrepreneurial mindset and the personality trait that helped him get started down this path at a young age. He shares why ignorance is expensive, why he no longer budgets to the penny, and what led him to found Norada Real Estate Investments to help others invest in turnkey properties. Marco reveals two concepts every investor should know, his favorite asset class (hint: it isn’t flashy), and his advice for brand-new investors. Finally, you’ll hear why networking with like-minded people is critical to building your knowledge base as an investor.
Buying investment properties doesn’t have to mean purchasing fixers. Instead, you can consider working with someone like Marco, who specializes in matching investors with turnkey properties.
In this episode, you will hear:
Marco Santarelli’s first property flip at 18 years old and what interested him about real estate The entrepreneurial mindset, the time freedom it offers, educating yourself, and investing in assets that create an income and equity over time The personality trait Marco possessed that helped him get started at such a young age Why ignorance is expensive and creating a target to achieve success Understanding your finances and focusing on making money versus saving your way to wealth How Marco educated himself when he first began real estate investing and before the internet The story behind the founding of Marco’s turnkey real estate company The lure of turnkey properties and why no property is totally passive Two concepts Marco says investors should know Deciding whether you’re a cash flow investor or appreciation-based Marco’s exploration of other asset classes and what his favorite is Property management and caring for tenants like customers The advice Marco would offer to a brand-new investor and where he recommends starting Why networking with likeminded people is critical for building your knowledge base Norada Capital’s goal and what makes it great for investors Follow and Review:
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If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/142/ to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Marco Santarelli’s website - MarcoSantarelli.com
Find Marco on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@MarcoGSantarelli
Marco’s Instagram account - www.instagram.com/marcogsantarelli
Connect with Marco on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/marcosantarelli
Find Marco Santarelli on Twitter/X - twitter.com/MarcoSantarelli
Norada Real Estate’s website - NoradaRealEstate.com
Norada Capital’s website - NoradaCapital.com
Website - www.streamlined.properties
YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos
Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene
Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene
Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal
Bigger Pockets - www

Becoming the go-to wholesaler in your market can take time, but it can also establish trust within your community, leading to referrals and consistently good business.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jeremy Beland and Dan Toback of REI Freedom join Jonathan to share how they train others to become the go-to cash buyers and wholesalers in their local markets. In addition to REI Freedom, they own multiple home-buying companies and have successfully closed more than 400 off-market properties since 2017. Jeremy and Dan are entrepreneurs, coaches, and business owners finding houses everywhere.
Jonathan begins his conversation with Dan and Jeremy by exploring how they each started the business and how having a singular focus from the beginning contributed to their success. Dan and Jeremy share how they built a local portal to remain consistent, becoming the largest homebuyers in their markets. You’ll hear the credibility they built by “landmarking,” why they treat real estate as a business, and the two advantages a local wholesaler has over a virtual wholesaler. Jonathan covers the traits Dan and Jeremy say a new wholesaler needs for success, what makes this a people business first, and avoiding mistakes the competition makes. They discuss why you should be helping sellers even if you aren’t the right buyer for the house, the importance of empathy and transparency, and why patience and creating relationships are crucial for long-term success.
Wholesaling and cash-buying aren’t right for every investor, but with patience, empathy, and people skills, Jeremy and Dan are helping others find the same success in their own markets.
In this episode, you will hear:
Dan Toback and Jeremy Beland’s introductions to real estate Why having a singular focus has contributed to Dan and Jeremy’s success Building a local portal to remain consistent and how it led to becoming the largest homebuyer in their markets The credibility that “landmarking” builds within a market Treating real estate investing as a business The two advantages a local wholesaler has over a virtual wholesaler Traits Dan and Jeremy say a new wholesaler needs to be successful Why this is a people business first and commodity second Where people are moving when they sell their homes in Florida The mistakes their competition is making and how you can avoid those same mistakes Helping sellers even if they aren’t the right buyer for the house and building genuine empathy for their situation How transparency leads to the most success in real estate Setting expectations about the wholesaling process for sellers The necessity of patience for success Creating relationships with other investors for long-term success and support Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at http://www.trustgreene.com/podcast/zen/141 to download it.
Supporting Resources:
REI Freedom website - reifreedom.com
Visit REI Freedom on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/795700988329071
REI Freedom’s Instagram account - www.instagram.com/reifreedomcoach
Connect with Jeremy Beland on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-beland-164b8913
Connect with Dan Toback on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/dan-toback-6a9a8728
Website - www.streamlined.properties
YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos
Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene
Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgr

Industrial flex space may not be at the top of your mind—especially if you’re a new investor—but today’s guest makes a compelling case for getting into this asset class.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Cody Payne, Senior Vice President at Colliers International in Fort Worth, Texas. Cody specializes in selling office industrial space and flex investment properties. With almost two decades of experience behind him, Cody operates, owns, and sells as a real estate agent and industrial specialist.
Jonathan and Cody start their discussion by exploring how Cody began his career in the industrial space, who the typical flex space tenants are, and why more companies are choosing flex spaces as satellite locations. You’ll hear what’s contributing to the rise in popularity of industrial assets, Cody’s thoughts on developing new properties versus existing ones, and why he advises investors to develop new builds in phases. They delve into the appeal of industrial spaces for business tenants who can’t afford a traditional retail or office space, the demographics to look for in a potential investment area, and how Cody guides new investors into this asset class. Finally, Jonathan and Cody cover doing due diligence, the must-have amenities, and Cody’s advice for those interested in finding an industrial investment.
Industrial assets aren’t on every investor’s radar, and if they aren’t on yours, Cody makes an excellent case for considering this investment class.
In this episode, you will hear:
How Cody Payne began his career in industrial real estate The typical tenant profile of a flex space today versus in the past More parking in industrial spaces in comparison to retail, in addition to versatility Flex space as satellite locations of larger companies The qualities of industrial that make it a good investment Growth of this asset class and what’s contributing to its rise in popularity Cody’s thoughts on existing spaces in comparison to developing new properties Why he advises those who choose to build to do it in phases What’s driving office tenants toward industrial space instead of traditional office space The appeal of industrial spaces for business tenants who can’t afford traditional retail or office space Questions to ask to look for a great deal in the industrial asset class along with the ideal demographics of an area Finding the right investor for this asset class and who it appeals to How Cody guides new investors into the industrial asset class The importance of due diligence for these properties Areas around the country ripe for industrial flex space Amenities that are important right now in growing flex space income Cody’s advice for investors who are interested in getting into industrial Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at http://www.trustgreene.com/podcast/zen/140 to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Flex Parks USA website - flexbusinessparks.com
Cody Payne on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCftt0AieECHNnAFb_bhoGrQ
Find Flex Parks USA on Instagram - www.instagram.com/flexparksusa
Connect with Flex Parks USA on LinkedIn - /www.linkedin.com/company/flex-parks-usa
Website - www.streamlined.properties
YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos
Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene
Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene
Zillow - h

Home flipping might be the most well-known method for real estate investing, and while interest rates and home prices have pushed many investors out of the space and into others, some flippers are still making it work.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes guest Gabe Cole to the show. Gabe is a home flipper in Southern California, known as one of the most expensive markets in the country, and has flipped hundreds of homes. He is a licensed real estate agent and the founder and team lead of REALM Residential, brokered by Real.
As the show opens, Gabe explains how he initially got involved in real estate through his wife’s family, specifically his father-in-law, who was a top-producing agent in their market. Gabe’s father-in-law mentored and coached him while he learned the ropes. Jonathan and Gabe delve into how to identify properties that fit your buy box criteria, what he’s learned about buying outside of your buy box, and how he’s been successful in Southern California despite the high prices and low inventory. You’ll hear why you have to know who your end buyer is for a flip, the importance of raising capital through relationships, equity investors versus debt investors, and why you must have systems and processes in place. Gabe explains design’s role in a flip, the time freedom this career created for him and his family, the competitiveness of his market even for teardowns, and how other investors can find success even in Southern California.
If you’re interested in home flipping but don’t think it’s profitable anymore, you won’t want to miss this conversation with Gabe Cole.
In this episode, you will hear:
Gabe Cole’s introduction to real estate through his wife’s family, including coaching and mentoring What he learned from working in the business as an agent before becoming an investor Identifying good investment properties that fit into your buy box The lesson Gabe learned when he bought outside of his buy box and why he sticks to what he knows now Finding success in the Southern California markets despite low inventory and high prices Knowing how your end buyer is and designing the flip toward that buyer The hardest part of learning to be a flipper for Gabe Taking into account how much you can push value based on the house Why you have to learn how to raise money to do more than one or two deals a year Presenting a flip as an opportunity for the person who is loaning the money Equity investors vs debt investors The importance of systems and processes, particularly when doing multiple flips and implementing numerous contractors Design’s importance in flipping properties The time freedom Gabe now has in his schedule Competitiveness even for teardowns and rundown homes Why he doesn’t typically buy homes from wholesalers Teaching other agents how to invest, particularly in high-priced markets like Southern California Where Gabe’s business is going in the future Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at http://www.trustgreene.com/podcast/zen/139 to download it.
Supporting Resources:
REALM Residential website - www.realmoc.com
Gabe Cole on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@FreedomFlipperWithGabeCo-dt9fy
Find Gabe on Facebook - www.facebook.com/GabeColeRealEstate
Gabe’s Instagram account - www.instagram.com/gabecolerealestate
Connect with Gabe on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/gabecolerealestate
Website - www.stream

Mid-term rentals are an often-overlooked asset class that is gaining steam with investors. When short-term rentals prove to be too much work, mid-term rentals could be the answer.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan’s guest is Jamie Banks, a mid-term rental (MTR) investor who got her start with co-hosting. Jamie is also a multifamily investor and has quickly become an MTR expert with more than 20 managed properties under her supervision.
As their conversation begins, Jonathan uncovers how Jamie started her post-college career with commercial lending, which quickly piqued her interest in becoming an investor. She explains why you should always take the deal as long as the numbers work and the property cash flows, the importance of building real-life connections with other investors, how she decided on MTRs as her area of focus, and how she hopes to set an example for other minorities in this asset class. Jamie shares why MTRs can work in any market size, the criteria you can use to identify your ideal tenant, and why you must understand the area where you’re offering an MTR. You’ll also hear Jamie’s reasoning for including a video in every listing, who’s using MTRs, the pros and cons of co-hosting, and some strategies she uses to remain successful in this asset class.
If mid-term rentals aren’t on your radar, Jamie Banks makes a compelling case for why they should be.
In this episode, you will hear:
Jamie Banks’s introduction to real estate with commercial lending and asset management and moved into real estate investing Taking the deal as long as the numbers work and the property cash flows Having a healthy dose of imposter syndrome to overcome your fears and propel you forward Building real-life connections with other investors and deciding on medium-term rentals as the asset class to focus on Being a minority in the investing space and setting an example for others to follow Why MTRs can work in any market Identifying your ideal tenant for your MTR Doing your due diligence in an area and understanding the area where you’re offering an MTR Video versus photos in a listing and setting expectations about the property ahead of time Who uses mid-term rentals The properties in Jamie’s portfolio, where she sees gaps in the market availability, and what her focus is now Jamie’s strategy for narrowing down her next targeted market Her favorite things about mid-term rentals What makes mid-term rentals different from short-term rentals in terms of cleaning needs The pros and cons of co-hosting and how she does it effectively remotely The importance of having a runner to check in on things at an inexpensive rate that offers them experience as well Jamie’s advice for others who want to get into the mid-term rental asset class Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at http://www.trustgreene.com/podcast/zen/138 to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Radiate Real Estate website - radiatere.com
Find Jamie Banks on Instagram - www.instagram.com/jamiebanksrealestate
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-banks-mba-b491bab5
Radiate Real Estate on Instagram - www.instagram.com/radiaterealestate_
Website - www.streamlined.properties
YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos
Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene
Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene
Zillow - htt

Specializing in a real estate niche can be lucrative for you, but with a long-term strategy in mind, it can also position you as the go-to expert who can influence local politics.
On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Chantal Duame, a licensed real estate agent based in Denver, Colorado. Chantal is the founder and managing partner of Good Neighbor Realty and a real estate investor who discovered a love of short-term rentals early on in her investing career. Her realty company works with investors who believe the good life includes a great real estate portfolio.
Jonathan and Chantal start their conversation by exploring Chantal’s decision to become a licensed realtor, why she is an investor first and foremost, the benefits of having a license, and how being an investor herself benefits her clients. You’ll hear who fits Chantal’s ideal client profile, how she created multiple income streams with one property, and how politics can impact short-term rentals in local markets. She also explains how she remains competitive, professional, and successful in STRs, her thoughts on using mid-term rentals as a part of your strategy, and what it takes to be a great host.
Short-term rentals is a niche still full of potential, and Chantal Duame is helping her clients take advantage of the lucrative opportunities available in this market.
In this episode, you will hear:
Why Chantal Duame became a licensed realtor and considers herself an investor first The benefits of having a real estate license as an investor How being an investor helps Chantal serve investors because she understands the industry Her ideal client and why you have to be clear on your value proposition Chantal’s first experience in real estate and what she learned about real wealth Her first investment property following her primary residence and how she created multiple streams of income from one property The appeal of short-term rentals and how Chantal’s knowledge of the space helps grow her business Politics in local markets and the impact Chantal has on the decisions they make regarding short-term rentals What she’s doing to remain competitive, professional, and successful in the booming STR market Ambiance and marketing’s value in the short-term rental space Chantal’s thoughts on using mid-term rentals as a part of your investing strategy The first piece of advice she would give to a new investor interested in her market The huge advantage of STRs and what it takes to be a good host Chantal Duame’s goals for future investments Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at http://www.trustgreene.com/podcast/zen/137 to download it.
Supporting Resources:
Good Neighbor Realty website - thegoodneighbors.com
BnB Financially Free on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCxF1JoVdJignWz1sY5eFtCA
Fimd Chantal Duame on Facebook - www.facebook.com/chantal.crevier.5
Chantal’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/chantalduame
Connect with Chantal on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/chantalduame
Good Neighbor Realty on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/discover/Good-neighbor-realty
Website - www.streamlined.properties
YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos
Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene
Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene
Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal
Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/Tr