🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers

Kristi Kandel

🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers Podcast with Kristi Kandel & Raphael Collazo This podcast was created to break down the barriers of entry into development and make it as familiar as flipping a house or house-hacking a duplex. We feature: - Weekly interviews with local developers sharing their projects - Think Like a Developer Minisodes: live in-progress deals - Insights from strategic partners like brokers, architects, engineers, and lenders - Exclusive Developer Vault Most US Cities have fewer than 10,000 residents. We don’t need more outside investors, we need more locals taking action.

  1. 3D AGO

    She Walked Away from the Golden Handcuffs and Built a Tiny Home Village | EP#39

    What would it take for you to walk away from a 14-year corporate career with no clear plan and bet on yourself?For Dedria Kolb, it was the pull to build something real.In this episode of the Local Real Estate Developers Podcast, Kristi sits down with Dedria Kolb, a former corporate attorney turned first-time developer who left the legal grind to build a tiny home village in rural North Carolina. With no prior development track record, Dedria bootstrapped her first deal, navigated zoning gray areas, managed construction herself, and opened a fully leased 10-acre tiny home community in under a year.This conversation is a raw look at what it actually takes to start from zero, learn in public, and push a project forward when the path is anything but clear. From hitting rock in the ground to hitting walls with banks and bureaucracy, Dedria shares the real lessons that don’t show up in textbooks but define every developer’s journey.If you are on the fence about development or knee-deep in your first project wondering what you signed up for, this episode is your reminder that you are not starting from scratch and that building with purpose is worth the long game.What We Cover: ✅ Leaving a 14-year corporate legal career to pursue development ✅ Why you are never starting from zero, only starting from experience ✅ Bootstrapping a first development and self-funding phase one ✅ Building and leasing a tiny home village with a lot-lease model ✅ Working through zoning, permitting, and legal gray areas ✅ Managing construction without a general contractor ✅ Lessons learned from rock, water, and blown timelines ✅ Why community, not just housing, was the real goal ✅ The long game of development and why money cannot be the only motivator ✅ Supporting more women at the development tableBold Truth:You do not need a perfect plan or permission to build. You need the courage to start, the grit to adapt, and the commitment to keep going when it gets hard.🎧 Listen now to hear how Dedria chose purpose over comfort and built something real when the path was anything but clear.Connect with Dedria: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey_dedriak/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dedriaharper/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town?Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Deidre Kolb01:35 Transitioning from Attorney to Developer06:07 The First Project: Tiny Home Village11:33 Challenges and Lessons Learned16:11 Community Impact and Relationships21:06 Finding Contractors and Managing Construction27:26 Learning Through Experience28:55 The Importance of Mentorship30:36 Building a Support Network32:11 Staying Motivated in Challenges36:38 Advice for Aspiring Developers40:17 Future Aspirations and Community Impact#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    48 min

  2. JAN 27

    Building with the Right Capital and the Right Community | EP#38

    Local development is not just about finding deals. It is about people, trust, and choosing the right kind of capital. In this episode, Kristi Kandel and Raphael Collazo sit down for an in person conversation about what it really takes to scale local development while staying true to your mission. From juggling hundreds of moving parts in a development to deciding when to bring in partners, they break down the real decisions developers face behind the scenes. They talk openly about the limits of using only personal capital, the difference between JV partnerships and syndications, and why not all money is good money. Drawing from years of experience with private equity, venture capital, and local projects, Kristi and Raphael share why being intentional about who you work with is just as important as the deal itself. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026 and beyond. They explore the vision for Elevate as a community driven project, the importance of building locally with locals, and why growing a national community of local developers starts with small, consistent action. From informal meetups to walking projects together, this episode highlights how connection creates momentum. This episode is a grounded reminder that no one starts at the top. You start small, build skills, earn trust, and over time open the door to bigger projects with bigger impact. What We Cover: ✅ Why development means managing a thousand moving parts at once ✅ The limits of using only your own capital ✅ JV partnerships versus syndications and when each makes sense ✅ Why not all money is good money ✅ Lessons learned from private equity and venture capital ✅ Protecting your vision while scaling impact ✅ Building projects with locals, for locals, with locals ✅ Starting small and growing into larger community driven development ✅ The vision for meetups and a national local developer community in 2026 Bold Truth: You can make real impact without starting big. Start small, choose your partners wisely, and stay intentional as you grow. Connect with Kristi: 🌐 Website: https://kristikandel.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ Connect with Raphael: 🌐 Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist → 👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship 🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper #localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    50 min

  3. JAN 20

    Building Infill the Hard Way in San Diego: Why Slow, Local Development Wins | EP#37

    Most people look at San Diego and say, “It’s too expensive.” Brian Koons looked at it and said, “There has to be a smarter way.” From serving in the military to house hacking, ADUs, and small-scale infill development, Brian didn’t break into real estate with big money or shortcuts. He built it one disciplined decision at a time in one of the toughest markets in the country. In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Brian Koons to unpack the unglamorous but powerful reality of local development. The learning curve. The deals that barely pencil. The partnerships that test you. And the slow, intentional approach that keeps you in the game when fast money would wipe you out. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to develop locally in high-barrier cities like San Diego. It is not about hype or scale at all costs. It is about control, patience, and building something you can stand behind. If you are an aspiring or active local developer trying to figure out how to move from small wins to real projects without blowing yourself up, this episode is required listening. What We Cover: ✅ How Brian used house hacking and ADUs as a real entry point into development ✅ The transition from small projects to urban infill in a high-cost market ✅ Why partnerships can make or break a deal and how misalignment shows up fast ✅ The real risks of development that no one puts on Instagram ✅ Why some deals technically work but still lose money ✅ The importance of slowing down to protect your downside ✅ What it actually means to take ownership as the developer ✅ Why no one will care about your project as much as you do ✅ Teaching and mentoring local developers without selling false promises Bold Truth: Local development is not about moving fast. It is about making disciplined decisions, owning your mistakes, and building projects that still make sense when the market stops being friendly. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Brian approached development locally, navigated high costs and real risk, and built discipline before chasing bigger projects. Connect with Brian: 🌐 Website: https://linktr.ee/thebuilderbrian?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=661ec2ca-999a-4662-a688-062df6e4c772 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist → 👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship 🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development 02:44 Brian Koons' Journey into Real Estate 05:52 The Importance of Learning Through Experience 08:41 Overcoming Initial Hurdles in Real Estate 11:27 Navigating the First Projects 14:34 The Role of Team Dynamics in Development 17:16 Challenges in Development Projects 20:09 Lessons Learned from Early Projects 26:15 The Cost of Poor Planning 27:32 The Importance of Team Coordination 29:42 Setting Projects Up for Success 32:52 The Role of Accountability in Development 33:41 Maintaining Motivation in Development 37:34 Advice for New Developers 42:14 Community-Driven Development 47:17 Future Projects and Goals #localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    53 min

  4. JAN 13

    From Live Streams to Construction Sites: Betting on 3 Lots with No Experience | EP#36

    After years glued to a screen building income through social media, Christopher Oester hit a breaking point.He was burned out. Tired. And looking for a way to turn short term hustle into something real.So he took a leap. A big one.In this episode of the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Chris to unpack what it actually looks like to jump into ground up development with no construction background, no design experience, and a whole lot on the line.From buying his first lot in a conservation district to taking on three builds at once, serving as his own general contractor, and staring down massive monthly interest payments, Chris shares the unfiltered reality of learning development in real time.This is a raw conversation about fear, financing, partnerships, mentorship, and the mental pressure that comes with building something from the ground up. It is not about getting it perfect. It is about taking responsibility, asking questions, and continuing to show up when things get uncomfortable.If you are a local investor wondering whether development is really possible for someone without experience, this episode pulls the curtain back and shows you what it actually takes.What We Cover: ✅ Transitioning from social media income to real estate development ✅ Why starting in Dallas made more sense than Miami ✅ Buying a lot in a conservation district and what that really means ✅ Acting as your own general contractor with no prior experience ✅ The financial reality of interest payments, soft costs, and lending terms ✅ How mentors and partners actually work in practice ✅ Why asking questions early can save time, money, and stress ✅ The mindset required to keep going when fear and pressure set in ✅ How development impacts community and why locals matterBold Truth:Local development is not about knowing everything before you start. It is about taking initiative, staying accountable, and being willing to learn in public while building something that outlives you.🎧 Listen now to hear how Chris took action before he felt ready, learned development in real time, and proved that the deal that changes your life is often the one you commit to before you have all the answers.Connect with Christopher: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschrisdifferent/ 📲 Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6GjapSC/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast00:32 Chris Different's Journey into Real Estate03:34 The Leap of Faith: Transitioning from Social Media to Development06:21 Understanding the Challenges of Development11:11 Navigating Conservation Districts and Regulations13:38 Current Construction Progress and General Contracting16:00 Financial Realities of Real Estate Development19:11 Future Plans: Selling vs. Holding Properties21:31 Finding Motivation in Adversity24:00 The Importance of Loving What You Do25:57 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool29:16 The Value of Mentorship and Partnerships33:07 Advice for New Developers35:23 Community-Driven Development37:17 Future Projects and Aspirations#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    45 min

  5. JAN 6

    From One Airbnb to a 5-Year Masterplan: How Jacqueline DiMaggio Built Her Own Lane | EP#35

    What if the people closest to you can’t see the vision you’re building… but you know deep down you’re right? In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Jacqueline DiMaggio, a designer-turned-developer who’s quietly building a hospitality ecosystem in rural Wisconsin. What started as two Airbnbs with a pond and a beach turned into land acquisitions, a multi-phase farmhouse project, and a growing design and co-hosting business that locals now recognize by name. Jacqueline shares the real story behind creating experiences guests actually feel, navigating family skepticism, partnering with her dad after decades of him swearing he’d never partner with anyone again, and learning to follow the deals that give you goosebumps instead of the ones that drain your soul. This episode is a reminder that local development isn’t just spreadsheets. It’s intuition, it’s walkability, it’s boots on the ground, and it’s knowing when the universe is redirecting you toward something better. What We Cover: ✅ Following the “goosebumps” instead of forcing a bad deal ✅ Why boots on the ground beats any spreadsheet ✅ How walkability and vibe shape real retail markets ✅ Building a hospitality experience where families can unplug ✅ Partnering with family even when they don’t see the vision ✅ Why real estate can be forgiving when you buy in the right areas ✅ How Jacqueline built a design and co-hosting business from her own Airbnbs ✅ Growing a team so you can work in your zone of genius ✅ Using cash flow from hospitality to fund long-term development ✅ Staying patient and focused while carrying a multi-phase land project Bold Truth: You can’t spreadsheet your way into vision. The people who build locally are the ones who trust their gut, walk the land, and create places that outlive the doubts around them. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Jacqueline followed the goosebumps, pushed through the doubters, and proved that the project that changes your life is usually the one you build even when no one else can see the vision. Connect with Jacqueline: 🌐 Website: https://jpatriciadesign.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_dimaggio/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-dimaggio-aab508315/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist → 👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship 🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast 01:44 Jacqueline's Journey into Real Estate Development 06:58 Vision for the 200-Acre Property 09:54 Community Engagement and Overcoming Challenges 17:42 Building Partnerships in a New Market 22:57 Phased Approach to Development 26:49 Bootstrapping the Project 33:20 Advice for Aspiring Developers 39:45 Future Plans and Collaborations #localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    50 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    A Year of Local Wins: Our Year-End Thank You | EP#34

    If you’ve been rocking with us all year, listening, learning, sending messages, showing up every week, thank you. Truly.In this short but powerful episode, Kristi and Raphael pull back the curtain and share what this podcast is really about: not big-money developers, not corporate initiatives, but locals with grit who are stepping up to shape their cities one project at a time.It’s a thank-you, a reset, and a rally cry for the next chapter of local development.Whether you’re already building or still gathering the courage to start, this episode is a reminder: you’re part of something bigger than your zip code.What We Talk About in This Year-End Message: ✅ Why this podcast was created and who it’s REALLY for ✅ The community impact Kristi and Raphael are seeing across the country ✅ The mission for 2025 and how locals are taking development into their own hands ✅ A genuine thank-you to listeners, builders, and future developers ✅ A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like hosting this platform every weekBold Takeaway:Local development isn’t a trend, it’s a movement. And every movement needs people willing to build where they stand.Connect with Kristi: 🌐 Website: https://kristikandel.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ Connect with Raphael: 🌐 Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    3 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Burnout, Breakdown, Breakthrough: Alan Underwood’s Rebuild | EP#33

    What happens when life knocks you flat, your business burns you out, and your next move isn’t obvious? Most people wait for clarity. Alan Underwood started building anyway. In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Alan, a high-performance coach and real estate developer who went from owning restaurants to reshaping his entire life around purpose, discipline, and community-focused development. Alan talks openly about the years he spent chasing work that drained him, the moment he realized he needed a different path, and the slow climb into a career that finally aligned with who he wanted to become. His story is raw and real: navigating the entitlement process without a roadmap, pushing through doubt, learning to take imperfect action, and discovering that the right mindset isn’t just helpful in development, it is the foundation. This episode is for anyone who’s rebuilding, starting over, or grinding quietly toward a project that feels bigger than their current resources. Alan’s journey proves that you don’t need certainty to get moving. You just need the courage to bet on yourself. What We Cover: ✅ How burnout from restaurant ownership pushed Alan to rethink everything ✅ The shift from chasing money to building a life with purpose ✅ Why action beats perfection in development and entrepreneurship ✅ Navigating the entitlement process without experience ✅ Alan’s community-first approach informed by personal challenges ✅ His commitment to service through Angel Flight West ✅ What’s next for his development journey and coaching work ✅ Alan’s advice to anyone trying to step into real estate development for the first time Bold Truth: You don’t rise to the level of your resources. You rise to the level of your grit and your willingness to act before you feel ready. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Alan trusted the process, navigated setbacks with grit, and found out that the project that changes your life is often the one you choose to start before you’re prepared. Connect with Alan: 🌐 Website: https://thealanunderwood.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealanunderwood/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-alan-underwood/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist → 👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship 🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 01:26 Alan Underwood's Background and Journey 06:46 Transitioning from Restaurants to Real Estate 09:46 Lessons from Entrepreneurship and Grit 16:37 The Shift to Real Estate Development 19:43 The 100-Unit Apartment Complex Experience 25:03 Challenges in the Entitlement Process 28:48 Navigating Utility Challenges in Development 30:34 Finding Motivation Through Adversity 34:01 The Importance of Taking Action 36:59 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Investing 41:08 Community-Driven Development and ADUs 45:22 The Impact of Angel Flight West 52:02 Future Aspirations and Legacy Building #localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    58 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    The Deal That Nearly Broke Him: How Brett McManus Fought His Way Into Development | EP#32

    What happens when your first big project goes sideways, the money runs tight, and every choice feels like the wrong one?Most people quit. Brett McManus didn’t.In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Brett McManus, a local developer who learned the business the hard way by getting punched in the mouth on his very first project. Brett walks through how a simple investment turned into a full-blown development education he never asked for. Budget surprises, contractor issues, lender pressure, and the emotional toll of feeling in over your head… he lived every line of that story.But instead of running, Brett got obsessed. He found better partners, learned how to build a team, figured out how to navigate city requirements, and rebuilt his confidence one problem at a time. This episode matters because Brett’s journey is exactly what development looks like for real people building projects in their own backyard, messy, humbling, and worth it.What We Cover: ✅ How Brett stumbled into development before he even realized that’s what he was doing ✅ The moment he knew he was in trouble and couldn’t turn back ✅ What really happens when you choose the wrong contractor ✅ How lender expectations and cost overruns pushed him to rethink everything ✅ The emotional side of development that no one talks about ✅ Why the right partners, operators, and local professionals changed the trajectory of his business ✅ What Brett wishes he knew before ever touching his first project ✅ How he rebuilt trust, systems, and confidence for the deals he’s now taking onBold Truth: Real development isn’t clean or glamorous. It’s survived by the people who stay in the ring long enough to figure it out.🎧 Listen now to hear how Brett learned the hard way, stayed in the game when it got messy, and discovered that the next big win in your community is closer than you think.Connect with Brett: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innvestors/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development Journey00:31 Understanding Market Fit in Hospitality#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers Podcast with Kristi Kandel & Raphael Collazo This podcast was created to break down the barriers of entry into development and make it as familiar as flipping a house or house-hacking a duplex. We feature: - Weekly interviews with local developers sharing their projects - Think Like a Developer Minisodes: live in-progress deals - Insights from strategic partners like brokers, architects, engineers, and lenders - Exclusive Developer Vault Most US Cities have fewer than 10,000 residents. We don’t need more outside investors, we need more locals taking action.

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