Uncontested Investing

REI Ink Magazine
  • 5.0 (24)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Uncontested Investing is your no-frills real estate podcast, hosted by Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen. Designed for small to medium investors looking to scale their business, this podcast delivers practical advice that makes a difference. Each episode dives into the strategies, successes, and challenges of real estate investing, with Nate, Suzanne, and occasional expert guests sharing their insights. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to grow your portfolio, tune in every Tuesday for actionable tips, valuable lessons, and the motivation to take your investing to the next level.

  1. 13H AGO

    REIT Portfolio Strategy, Risks, and Real-World Considerations (Part 2 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we are back with Part 2 of our Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) series, and this time we're talking about REIT risks, real-world considerations, and how to actually use REITs inside your investing strategy. In Part 1, we covered what REITs are and why they can be a powerful income and diversification tool. In this follow-up, we dig into interest-rate sensitivity, stock-market volatility, sector-specific risk (like office and retail), and the fee and transparency differences between public, non-traded, and private REITs.   We also get tactical about portfolio allocation, how new investors can "learn from REITs" before buying their own doors, and how to think through equity REITs versus mortgage REITs based on your risk tolerance and stage of life. Finally, we touch on tax advantages, using REITs inside retirement accounts, scrutinizing fees and redemption rules on private REITs, and building a long-term nest egg without getting over your skis.    If you've ever wondered not just what a REIT is, but how much to put into them and what can go wrong, this episode will help you build a more informed, balanced REIT strategy.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:07 Market volatility and the double-edged sword of liquidity 02:08 When rents drop and markets underperform 03:13 Sector risk and leverage: retail, office, and COVID lessons 04:06 Why real estate is about playing the long game 05:05 Portfolio allocation: how much in REITs? 06:26 Asset selection: equity vs mortgage vs hybrid REITs 07:12 Diversifying across sectors, not just deals 08:21 Choosing between equity and mortgage REITs 09:41 Learning to read the current environment 10:20 Wrapping up REITs 101 in the alternative funding series   Quotables   "Sometimes if you only hear one side of the story, you can think something's great, there's no pitfalls, there's no reason to be concerned."   "With public REITs, they're going to fluctuate with equities. Unlike steady rental income from a physical property, that market volatility is always going to be prevalent."   "You don't want to get burned too early on in your career, something that's going to scare you out of the marketplace forever."   Links RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    12 min

  2. 2D AGO

    How Investors Earn Real Estate Income Without Owning Property (REITs Explained) (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Suzanne and I kick off a new mini-series on alternative funding sources by breaking down one of the most common — and most misunderstood — tools out there: Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs. We walk through what a REIT actually is, why they exploded after the 2008 mortgage crisis, and how they've shaped the single-family rental space over the last decade.   We cover the different types of REITs (equity, mortgage, and hybrid), the difference between public, non-traded, and private REITs, and what that means for access, liquidity, and risk depending on where you are in your investing journey. We also dig into the real advantages for real estate investors: consistent dividend income, daily liquidity compared to traditional property sales, built-in diversification across markets and asset classes, professional management, and powerful tax treatment — including holding REITs inside IRAs and 401(k)s.    If you've been curious how REITs fit into a real estate investor's portfolio (instead of just a Wall Street portfolio), this Part 1 episode will give you a clear framework to decide if they belong in your strategy.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:38 What is a REIT? 02:30 Publicly traded REITs and current market challenges 03:20 Types of REITs: Equity, mortgage, and hybrid 04:00 Public vs. Non-traded/private REITs 05:06 Consistent income stream from REITs 06:02 How REITs provide more liquidity for investors 06:50 Diversification of portfolio 07:34 Professional portfolio management 08:21 REIT tax structure benefits for investors 08:54 Holding in retirement accounts   Quotables   "A company that owns, operates or finances income producing real estate. They're required to distribute at least 90% of the taxable income to their investors or their shareholders."   "Well, the publicly traded REIT's probably going to give you the ease of entry in that. That's like buying a stock. No different than that."   "It's a great way for you to enter a different way of investing in real estate."   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    11 min

  3. MAR 5

    The Legal Landmines That Can Destroy Your Deal (Part 2 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we continue our deep dive on laws and regulations that every real estate investor needs to understand. In Part 1, we focused on what to know before you buy. In this Part 2, we move into post-purchase responsibilities: landlord–tenant laws, disclosures, security deposits, habitability standards, fair housing, pets and service animals, ongoing compliance, taxes, and insurance.   We unpack why your lease can't waive tenant rights, why you must disclose things like lead-based paint, how security deposits are supposed to be held and returned, and what "habitable" really means when it comes to heat, hot water, alarms, and repairs. We also dig into entry-notice rules, the Federal Fair Housing Act, how to handle pets and service animals without getting yourself in trouble, and why compliance is not a one-time box to check but an ongoing part of your job as an investor.    If you want to keep your assets protected, avoid nasty surprises, and build a reputation as a pro in your market, this episode will give you a practical framework to stay on the right side of the law after you own the property.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 00:33 Landlord–tenant laws and base-level lease requirements 01:03 Lead-based paint disclosure and due diligence 02:13 Security deposits: how much, where, and when 03:20 Habitability and required repairs 04:17 Hot-water safety and plumbing examples 05:10 Entry-notice requirements for landlords 06:02 Fair housing and anti-discrimination basics 07:40 Compliance reminders for investors 08:37 Service animals, pets, and insurance 09:01 Staying compliant is an ongoing job 10:44 Property taxes, assessments, and penalties on rentals 11:30 Insurance and liability coverage for investors   Quotables   "Leases can't waive tenant rights, and they must disclose lead-based paint if pre-1978."   "You can't just come in and do check-ups just because you want to. You really need to reach out to the tenant ahead of time, and it has to be for something that you want to check on the property."   "The thing about compliance, understanding laws and regulations, is it's something that's ongoing. It's a fluid situation."   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    14 min

  4. MAR 3

    The Legal Landmines That Can Destroy Your Deal (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we wrap up our "Understanding the Investor Mindset" series by digging into one of the least sexy but most important topics in real estate: laws and regulations. Before you buy another rental, flip, or multifamily property, you need to know exactly what local zoning, building codes, permits, licensing rules, and environmental issues you're stepping into.   We talk through why every real estate investor should treat the local code officer as a partner, not an enemy, and how skipping basic due diligence can lead to fines, profit loss, or even losing the property altogether. We cover zoning and land use, HOA restrictions, environmental hazards like septic and well water, building and safety codes, permits for multifamily and commercial projects, and licensing requirements for property managers and contractors.    If you want to protect your portfolio, sleep at night, and avoid learning the hard (and expensive) way, this "laws and regulations" episode will give you a practical checklist to work from before you ever let a tenant set foot in your property.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:06 Town-by-town zoning differences 02:10 Code officers are friends, not foes 03:30 Contracts, contingencies, and written agreements 04:02 Title companies, liens, and boundary issues 05:09 HOAs and condo rules as first-position roadblocks 05:39 Environmental hazards and health risks 06:31 Regular inspections and monitoring occupancy 07:55 Educating tenants for peace of mind 08:28 Building and safety codes at state and local levels 09:15 End-to-end solutions and tenant exit laws 09:52 Local permits and multifamily projects 10:19 Ask questions until you're "blue in the face" 11:10 Permits, inspections, and following the process all the way through 12:25 Licensed contractors, insurance, and OSHA compliance 13:01 Property management licensing 14:02 Security deposits, escrow accounts, and interest   Quotables   "Failure to perform this due diligence ahead of time can really lead to fines, substantial fines, profit loss and really sink your portfolio."   "You should not consider your code officer a foe. They are your friend. They know the nuance of every asset in that town."   "There's so many questions to ask and things to learn, and an investor that's an expert in this kind of thing is an investor that's going to be extremely successful."   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    16 min

  5. FEB 26

    Hitting Reset on a Property in Your Rental Portfolio (Part 2 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we pick up Part 2 of our "Hitting Reset on a Property" series and go past basic cleaning into what really separates a forgettable rental from a must-have home. We break down the repairs and touch-ups you cannot ignore, how to choose materials that are easy to maintain across multiple rentals, and why hiding flaws will always cost you more in reviews, referrals, and ROI.   We also talk about bringing in trusted pros to inspect plumbing and electrical, using smart-home tech for early-warning alerts, and simple wow-factor upgrades like lighting, fixtures, backsplashes, and welcome gifts that make tenants feel like they "have to live here." Finally, we walk through the final inspection process, photos, safety checks, and smart-home handoff so you can protect yourself, protect the asset, and erase "vacancy" from your investor vocabulary.    If you own rentals or manage properties for other investors, this episode gives you an A-to-Z turnover checklist that turns move-outs into opportunity.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:17 Durable, easy-to-clean flooring and carpet choices 02:13 Buying in bulk and standardizing across your rentals 03:15 Protecting countertops and high-wear surfaces 04:13 Plumbing and electrical: service before showings 05:11 Smart-home tech for early warning and protection 06:29 Hardware, smoke detectors, and safety compliance 07:47 Code issues, legal risk, and online reputation 09:31 Vacancy: an investor's least favorite word 10:20 Heat pumps and energy efficiency as selling points 11:10 Show off energy-efficient appliances and better lighting 12:04 Modern fixtures and neutral, stylish backsplashes 13:11 Using Home Depot and Amazon to track trends 14:15 Welcome gifts and starting the relationship the right way 15:37 Final walkthrough: your last quality check 16:16 Photo documentation, deposits, and future marketing 17:04 Protecting yourself in tenant disputes 18:37 Smart-home dashboards, tenant control, and privacy 19:45 The full turnover process from A to Z   Quotables   "Don't just reposition furniture in front of holes in the wall. Patch those holes up. Repaint any scuffs on the wall. These are things that the tenant's eye is going to always gravitate towards and check on." "You should now be confident going into the next turnover. Don't fret losing a tenant. Take that as an opportunity to give the property the desired facelift."   "We're going to erase 'vacancy' from the investor dictionary. That's the goal with this episode."   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    21 min

  6. FEB 24

    Why Turnover Is an Opportunity (Not a Problem) for Rental Investors (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we break down what really happens when you lose a tenant and need to hit reset on a rental property. Instead of panicking about vacancy, we walk through how to use the turnover process to upgrade the unit, improve first impressions, and attract better tenants who stay longer and take care of the property.   We cover how to think like a resident when you walk your own property, why digital first impressions matter more than ever, and the exact cleaning and prep details that separate a "broom swept" unit from a truly rent-ready home. We also talk about code issues, filters, fixtures, blinds, smells, and how a clean, tight turnover leads to better reviews and referrals.    If you own rentals or manage units for other investors, this first part of "Hitting Reset On A Property" will help you tighten up your turnover process and turn every vacancy into an opportunity.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:05 Digital first impressions and setting expectations 02:37 Renovation choices that make future turnover easier 03:11 Turnover is not "just hiring a cleaner" 05:03 Why you should fix small issues now 06:18 How turnover impacts reviews and referrals 08:01 Setting the base with a deep cleaning checklist 09:38 Bathrooms as a deal-maker for prospective tenants 11:00 Cleaning windows, blinds, fans, and vents 12:02 Air filters, HVAC protection, and tenant participation 13:37 Blinds, colors, and visual consistency   Quotables   "When you lose a tenant as a real estate investor, that can be a pretty scary time. But it is about hitting that reset button, giving the property a facelift, and being optimistic for the next tenant."   "A first impression truly does matter. Ask yourself the question: would you want to live there?"   "If you keep kicking those small repairs down the road, those can lead to bigger issues, tenant complaints, and maybe even an early move-out."   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    15 min

  7. FEB 19

    Cultivating Strategy As A Real Estate Investor (Part 2 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Suzanne and I wrap up our two-part series on cultivating strategy by dialing in one of the most important levers in your real estate business: your team. Inspired by our conversation with Tanya Willis, we break down the core partners every real estate investor needs around them to scale and stay in the game long term, including the right real estate agent, lender, contractor, and property manager.     We talk about how to vet an investor-friendly agent, why you should treat lenders and contractors like true partners instead of one-off vendors, and when it is time to hand the keys to a property manager so you can stop "fixing" and start "building." We dig into responsiveness, negotiation, unit count, renovation comfort zones, funding types, reviews, trial periods, and why every relationship should make your process smoother and your profits stronger.    If you are serious about growing a real estate portfolio that is sustainable and scalable, this episode will help you design a team that supports the strategy you built in Part 1.     Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:10 Process and profit: the two tests for every team member 02:35 What a good investor-focused agent actually does 03:30 How to vet a real estate agent for investing 05:23 Trust goes both ways: being a good client for your agent 06:40 Longevity, commitment, and not burning relationships 08:32 Why you need 1 or 2 go-to funding partners 09:25 Stop scattering deals across 12 lenders 10:31 Being top of the stack: documents, responsiveness, relationship 13:02 Private lenders versus conventional banks 14:35 Contractor as both rehab and maintenance partner 15:25 Setting up the relationship for steady work 16:30 How to structure and vet contractor work 17:23 Why a property manager becomes essential as you scale 18:47 How to vet a property manager 20:24 Reviews, responsiveness, and trial periods 23:25 Strategy plus team equals longevity   Quotables   "You do not want to be a love them and leave them kind of transaction. They want to be there. They want to be the partner. Give them the chance to earn it on the other side."   "If you are stuck fixing, you are not then building."   "A property management company that says no to that is that red flag that you are looking for."    Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    25 min

  8. FEB 17

    Cultivating Strategy As A Real Estate Investor (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we're kicking off a two-part mini-series on cultivating strategy as a real estate investor. Instead of talking about a specific asset class or loan product, we zoom out and break down the four levers that drive every deal you touch: condition, timeline, motivation, and price.   We walk through how to analyze a property's condition beyond the pretty photos, how to read the neighborhood standard, and why you should never let a seller's urgency shortcut your own due diligence. We also get into red flags like hidden mold, incomplete renovations, and mechanic's liens, the right way to use private lending and flexible timelines to create win–win deals, and how to negotiate price without being a vulture.    If you're trying to get better at deal analysis, negotiation, and seller conversations, this first part will help you ask smarter questions, protect your ROI, and line up more contracts that actually close.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 02:10 The 4 core levers of every real estate deal 03:41 When to tap the brakes: risk, weather, and hidden issues 04:28 Mold, hidden problems, and the flipper mentality 05:16 Reading the neighborhood: matching or beating the standard 06:11 Pricing, concessions, and marrying condition with strategy 07:04 Why distressed properties turn off homeowners but attract investors 09:17 Creative timelines: rent-backs and escalation clauses 10:11 Leverage vs. empathy (don't be a vulture) 11:23 Real-world example: school-year move and deposits 12:01 Seller expectations vs actual market value 13:13 Don't be the serial low-baller 14:01 Ask better questions: open-ended and break-even focused 15:31 Full transparency: water problems, walls, and cost reality   Quotables   "Make sure that you give yourself a timeline to evaluate and see the hidden elements that haven't been divulged yet."   "The bottom line is, does this renovation that's necessary to bring it up to that standard, does it undo your ROI projection?"   "An investor can be a seller's best friend because they're the people that want to come in, get that deal done quickly, make those renovations quickly if they need to, get that property cash flowing at a pretty quick pace."   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    17 min
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About

Uncontested Investing is your no-frills real estate podcast, hosted by Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen. Designed for small to medium investors looking to scale their business, this podcast delivers practical advice that makes a difference. Each episode dives into the strategies, successes, and challenges of real estate investing, with Nate, Suzanne, and occasional expert guests sharing their insights. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to grow your portfolio, tune in every Tuesday for actionable tips, valuable lessons, and the motivation to take your investing to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    REI Ink Magazine
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    197
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 RCN CAPITAL
  • Show Website
    Uncontested Investing