The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

Stephen Husted
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  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

  1. 2D AGO

    EP 65: VA Loan + Midterm Rentals: How Katie Newman Made It Work in DC

    What if your first house could pay most of your mortgage… without becoming a full-time landlord? In this episode, Stephen sits down with Katie Newman, a real estate investor and healthcare professional who has quietly built a powerful portfolio using house hacking, midterm rentals, and VA loans in a high-cost market near Washington, DC. Katie walks through how she bought an $800,000 home with zero money out of pocket, converted the basement into a fully separate midterm rental for around $10,000, and now rents it for $2,100 per month. She breaks down exactly how she structured the layout, screened tenants, priced rent, and avoided common mistakes that cost investors time and money. Stephen and Katie also get honest about contractor issues, tenant horror stories, security deposits, background checks, and why being slightly under market rent can actually protect your cash flow. This episode is packed with real numbers, real systems, and real lessons for anyone serious about house hacking or midterm rentals. Stephen and Katie talked about:  How Katie used the VA loan multiple times to acquire properties with little to no money out of pocket The exact basement conversion strategy that turned a single-family home into a cash-flowing house hack Why midterm rentals outperform long-term rentals in high-cost, transient markets How to identify the perfect tenant pool (healthcare, military, government, police academy) Tenant screening process using TurboTenant, background checks, and job verification Why Katie keeps security deposits low to reduce friction and vacancy The importance of professional photos for Furnished Finder listings Real contractor mistakes, how she handled them, and what she’d do differently Why chasing max rent can backfire and how longer stays reduce headaches Stephen’s real-world lesson on tenant damage and why midterm rentals still require systems Find Katie‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/midshift_investor/reels/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynenewman/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    1h 3m

  2. FEB 5

    EP 64: The Real Estate Path Nobody Explains: Rentals → Development → Freedom? | David Rosenbeck

    What happens when you stop chasing properties and start building assets on purpose? In this episode, Stephen sits down with David, a former nurse practitioner whose investing journey started during the pandemic while working in high-pressure hospital environments like the ER, ICU, and oncology. While caring for patients, David noticed a growing issue that most investors were missing. Traveling nurses had money, but they didn’t have comfortable, reliable places to stay. That insight became the foundation of his real estate strategy. David shares how that simple observation led him into midterm rentals, why he chose to scale intentionally instead of chasing doors, and how that mindset eventually pushed him toward ground-up development and residential assisted living. What makes David’s story compelling isn’t just the asset classes he chose, but how methodical and patient his approach has been at every stage. 📌 Why many investors naturally progress from long-term rentals → midterm rentals → short-term rentals → development, and how chasing “movement” is often mistaken for real progress 📌 Midterm rentals as a foundation strategy, including why hospitals and traveling professionals create stable, predictable demand. 📌 The biggest difference between owning old properties vs new builds, and why predictability matters more than hype 📌 Ground-up development in Sedona, including: - Choosing lots based on views, not square footage - How land appreciation can offset permitting and planning costs - Why patience is the real skill in development 📌 Private money strategies that don’t require giving up equity, including: - Using old 401(k)s rolled into self-directed IRAs - Structuring promissory notes correctly - Avoiding SEC and securities issues 📌 Why development offers multiple exit strategies, such as: - Selling approved plans - Cash-out refinancing - Holding as a high-end short-term rental 📌 The reality of working with cities, engineers, and contractors, and why being “too nice” can cost you months 📌 Why small, unique stays and ultra-luxury properties are winning, while the middle gets squeezed 📌 Residential Assisted Living (RAL) as a long-term play, including: - SBA financing advantages - Cash flow potential compared to traditional rentals - Why this asset class has decades of runway 📌 The mindset shift from chasing deals to designing a life, and how fewer properties can create more freedom This conversation goes beyond tactics. Stephen and David talk openly about progression in real estate, the risks of moving too fast, why development requires a different level of discipline, and how building wealth is often more about waiting and positioning than constant action. Find David‘s IG here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/davidrosenbeck/⁠ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠⁠

    1 hr

  3. JAN 16

    EP 63: Building an ADU in 2026: What to Expect, What to Avoid, What Works with Sergio Rodriguez

    What if the biggest skill in real estate isn’t finding deals… but learning how to handle problems without falling apart? In this episode, Stephen sits down with Sergio Rodriguez, a high-performing general contractor who has built 40 to 50 ADUs in a year and continues to scale with strong systems, steady execution, and an honest approach to client relationships. They talk about what real construction looks like behind the scenes, why investors get distracted by shiny strategies, and how the best results come from staying locked in, solving bigger problems, and keeping long-term tenants instead of chasing top-dollar rent. Sergio also drops real-world advice for homeowners and investors: what to look for when hiring a contractor, how to avoid getting burned by renovations, why communication is half the job, and the construction trends he’s seeing heading into 2026. Stephen and Sergio talked about: Why investing always comes with problems, and the faster you solve them, the bigger the reward How Sergio focuses on adding density through ADUs and why it’s such a strong long-term real estate play Why keeping good tenants matters more than pushing rent to the max Tip: Vacancy + turnover costs (repairs, repaint, marketing, delays) can wipe out the extra rent you think you’re gaining Red flags with property management companies and why some investors choose to manage in-house Tip: PMs may push rent increases and turnover because they earn fees from leasing and repairs How to protect yourself when hiring a contractor Tip checklist: licensed, insured, workers’ comp (non-negotiable) Best move: meet them first, check job sites, test their communication before you pay anything Why remodels and construction projects are stressful and expose bad communication fast Real construction timeline problems like inspection delays and why you need patience + planning What’s changing in ADU builds (gas allowed again for ADU water heaters) Design trends Sergio is seeing right now neutral finishes, limewash/plaster looks less gray floors/cabinets travertine coming back Find Sergio’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/integrumgc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrum-construction/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    47 min
  4. EP 62: Real Estate Investing Isn’t Easy Anymore. Here’s What Still Works with Joe Hammel

    JAN 1

    EP 62: Real Estate Investing Isn’t Easy Anymore. Here’s What Still Works with Joe Hammel

    What really separates real estate investors who scale from those who burn out early? In this episode, Stephen sits down with Joe to unpack what long-term real estate investing actually looks like when the market is tight, margins are thinner, and emotions can quietly sabotage good deals. They dive deep into real estate investing mindset, building a repeatable rental portfolio, and why boring “bread and butter” properties often outperform flashy strategies over time. Joe shares how he built a cash-flowing real estate portfolio in the Metro Detroit market, why real estate investing is more about discipline than hype, and how new investors can avoid the most common mistakes that kill momentum early. This conversation is packed with real-world lessons on rental properties, delegation, team building, and why your first investment property is really your education. Stephen and Joe talked about: 📌 How real estate investing changed after the “easy money” years 📌 Why -and-butter rental properties outperform risky deals 📌 Tight margins, interest rates, and realistic cash flow expectations 📌 The mindset difference between new investors and experienced investors 📌 Why your first rental property is your real education 📌 Building a real estate team you can trust 📌 Delegation, systems, and letting go of control 📌 Avoiding shiny object syndrome in real estate investing 📌 Long-term wealth through rental properties, not quick wins 📌 Why vacancy is more dangerous than lower rent Find Joe’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/joeham_frt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-hammel-ab3972264/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    54 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    EP 61: Why Success Without Identity will Eventually Break You with Trevor Mauch

    What happens when your identity is no longer tied to your achievements, revenue, or titles? In this episode, Stephen sits down with Trevor Mauch, founder of Carrot, to talk about entrepreneurship beyond the numbers. Trevor shares his journey from buying his first rental property as a college student to building an eight-figure, bootstrapped software company, and the internal shifts that mattered more than any milestone. This conversation goes deep into energy, vision, discipline, and why timelines, mentorship, and action beat endless learning. Trevor breaks down how he stopped chasing validation through growth and started building businesses that support freedom, impact, and alignment. Stephen and Trevor talked about: 📌 Trevor shares how buying his first rental property came down to setting a real deadline, not knowing everything 📌 The danger of “just in case learning” versus learning through real action 📌 Why is identity rooted in achievements, eventually leading to burnoutHow energy, vision, and personal alignment shape sustainable success 📌 The “iron sharpening iron” principle is  explained through proximity, pressure, and movement 📌 Why businesses should be built to serve people, not just hit revenue targets 📌 How mentorship, coaching, and environment accelerate growth faster than solo grinding Find Trevor’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/trevor.mauch/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevormauch/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    1 hr

  6. 12/04/2025

    EP 60: How Sabrina Smai Turned One House Into Four Using the BRRRR Strategy

    What happens when a tech professional discovers the power of turning one house into four?In this episode, Sabrina Smai shares her journey from house hacking on cup noodles to building multi-unit developments, scaling a 20-door portfolio, and managing everything with one virtual assistant in the Philippines. She opens up about her first massive project, why adding density is the future, how she uses custom GPT models for property management, and the deeper mission behind her real estate success, creating truly affordable homes for families who need them most. Sabrina is a Seattle-based investor, developer, mentor, and tennis-obsessed matcha lover. She teaches people how to get into infill development and believes that solving bigger problems leads to bigger rewards. This conversation is packed with real stories, real lessons, and real shortcuts for anyone interested in scaling smarter. Stephen and Sabrina talked about: 📌 Sabrina started with house hacking, shaving living costs while working in tech, but couldn’t scale until she found the BRRRR method 📌 Her first project turned out way bigger than expected. A simple ADU became a multi-unit development after discovering the lot was zoned multifamily 📌 She turned one single-family house into four units, refinanced both sides, pulled out around $300K tax-free, and kept everything 📌 Uses a virtual assistant in the Philippines to manage all 20 doors, including virtual showings, tenant communication, and maintenance coordination 📌 Built a custom GPT that her VA uses to stay compliant with Washington, California, and Arizona landlord-tenant laws 📌 Shares candid experiences with tenants discovering her identity, negotiating rent, and trying to bypass property managers 📌 Breaks down the issues with traditional PM companies and why she brought everything in-house 📌 Talks about completing three development projects, buying a turnkey fourplex in Arizona, and targeting a new eight-unit deal 📌 Opens up about her mission: building affordable density because she grew up without housing stability 📌 Her long-term vision includes teaching development, creating housing solutions, traveling more for joy, not just work Find Sabrina’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/sabrina.smai/?hl=en LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sabrinasmai Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    1h 3m

  7. 11/20/2025

    EP 59: He Quit Amazon to Start Investing… Here’s What Happened with William Thing

    Ever wonder how someone goes from writing code to flipping homes and building a real estate career from scratch? In this episode, Stephen sits down with Seattle-based investor and agent William Thing, who went from a full-stack software engineer working at Amazon and Twitch to building a real estate business through pure action, curiosity, and consistency. William shares how learning construction by doing, partnering with the right people, and staying disciplined allowed him to grow even when he didn’t feel “ready.” This conversation goes deep into what it really takes to start investing, not with perfect knowledge, but with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and keep showing up even when you feel like a beginner. Stephen and William talked about: 👉🏼 How William became a first-generation investor without any family blueprint. 👉🏼 The real story of learning construction by showing up, asking questions, and doing the work 👉🏼 Why he walked away from a stable tech career at Amazon and Twitch to chase real estate full-time 👉🏼 The mindset shift that helped him move past the fear of “not knowing enough” 👉🏼 How mentorship and the right relationships accelerated his growth 👉🏼 The discipline habits he built through fitness that shaped his investing journey 👉🏼 The power of staying curious, resourceful, and hungry for opportunities 👉🏼 Why you don’t need to be perfect — you just need to start Find William’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/william_thing/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamthing/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    1h 1m

  8. 11/06/2025

    EP 58: Inside the Mind of an Investor: How Discipline Shapes Success with Michal Palczewski

    This episode brings a full-circle conversation between Stephen and his first-ever business partner, Michal. From a chance encounter as a hairstylist-client duo to building a thriving real estate portfolio together, their partnership tells a story of trust, risk-taking, and growth across industries. Stephen and Michal talked about: 👉🏼 How their friendship evolved into a real estate partnership 👉🏼 Lessons learned from selling a San Jose condo in a declining market 👉🏼 The power of solving small problems to build client trust 👉🏼 Balancing risk and reward in property investment and tech careers 👉🏼 Investing in Seattle and adapting to shifting housing laws 👉🏼 How to build a strong team and navigate unexpected challenges 👉🏼 Why fitness, discipline, and mindset play a key role in success 👉🏼 The importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and teaching others This conversation dives deep into business, mindset, and the realities of building wealth through real estate and self-improvement. It’s a mix of strategy, humility, and humor that will resonate with anyone navigating growth in business or life. Find Michal’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/mpalczew/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-palczewski-40510213/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    1h 7m
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About

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

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