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. 1d ago

    Why Experience Beats Price in Real Estate Investing

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zilinski and Suzanne discuss how real estate investors can create a five-star customer experience throughout every stage of a transaction. From the first phone call and property walkthrough to presenting offers, maintaining communication through closing, and following up afterward, they examine the habits that build trust, strengthen relationships, and generate referrals. They also cover handling negotiations, overcoming unexpected obstacles, balancing efficiency with personalization, and using AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—authentic communication. Experience often becomes the deciding factor in today's competitive market.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   [00:00:00] Why creating a five-star experience sets investors apart. [00:01:24] Why experience often beats offering the highest price. [00:02:07] Building relationships throughout both buying and selling transactions. [00:02:48] Communicating with tenants before selling an occupied property. [00:03:08] Making a strong first impression during the initial conversation. [00:04:02] Presenting offers with empathy and clear reasoning. [00:05:19] Following up after closing to build long-term relationships. [00:06:23] Why responsiveness creates trust and competitive advantage. [00:07:35] Learning each client's situation before focusing on the transaction. [00:08:48] Earning the second conversation instead of rushing to close the first. [00:09:23] Asking better questions to understand long-term goals. [00:10:18] Identifying timelines, challenges, and emotional drivers. [00:10:56] Creating a professional property walkthrough experience. [00:12:34] Sharing your vision for the property while respecting the seller. [00:13:37] Being transparent about property issues before inspections. [00:14:04] Explaining investment offers instead of simply presenting a number. [00:15:09] Cash offers versus financed offers and providing certainty. [00:16:48] Maintaining communication between contract and closing. [00:18:08] Preventing uncertainty through scheduled updates. [00:19:50] Preparing for title issues, repairs, and timeline changes. [00:20:55] Responding quickly when unexpected problems arise. [00:22:42] Making the closing table a positive, memorable experience. [00:23:57] Capturing additional business after the transaction closes. [00:25:42] Earning referrals and Google reviews through exceptional service. [00:27:41] Turning great customer experiences into business growth. [00:29:06] Addressing negative reviews with transparency and accountability. [00:31:16] Balancing efficient systems with personalized communication. [00:32:04] Using AI to improve efficiency while maintaining authenticity.   Quotables   "Experience beats price… you don't always win because you offer the highest price. You win because you offer the best experience." "It's not about closing the deal on the first call. It's about earning the second call." "The closing table experience is paramount. Everyone wants to walk away a winner from that scenario. So make it smooth and celebratory, not transactional."   Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    35 min

  2. Jun 30

    Why Great Tenant Experiences Build Stronger Real Estate Portfolios

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zelinski and Suzanne Andreessen examine how exceptional customer service can transform tenant relationships into long-term assets for real estate investors. They explore proactive communication, preventive maintenance, transparency during rent increases, and the small gestures that build trust and encourage tenant retention. The discussion also covers balancing professionalism with personalization, leveraging technology and AI to improve responsiveness, and creating systems that strengthen investor reputations while reducing turnover. Strong tenant relationships ultimately lead to more stable cash flow, better referrals, and long-term portfolio growth. Key Talking Points of the Episode [00:00:00] Why communication is a competitive advantage for investors. [00:00:41] Creating proactive communication systems and seasonal maintenance updates. [00:01:11] Keeping tenants informed throughout maintenance requests. [00:01:54] Setting expectations for seasonal property responsibilities. [00:02:29] Building trust through transparency, including rent increases. [00:03:23] Framing lease renewals as relationship-building opportunities. [00:03:42] Preventing tenant frustration through thoughtful communication. [00:04:52] Small, low-cost gestures that create lasting tenant loyalty. [00:05:33] Building community through tenant appreciation events. [00:06:07] How customer service improves tenant retention and referrals. [00:06:36] Common customer service mistakes landlords should avoid. [00:07:16] Preventive property inspections as a proactive service strategy. [00:07:49] Balancing responsiveness without becoming overly accommodating. [00:08:43] Setting clear expectations while maintaining professionalism. [00:09:19] Connecting excellent tenant experiences to long-term portfolio growth. [00:10:22] Why reputation creates financing, partnership, and referral opportunities. [00:11:19] Three immediate actions investors can take to improve tenant experience. [00:12:10] Learning from tenant feedback early in an investing career. [00:13:35] Using technology and surveys to strengthen communication. [00:14:29] Leveraging AI to improve customer service efficiently. [00:15:47] Viewing tenants as long-term partners rather than income sources. [00:16:05] Customer service as a profit strategy through tenant retention. [00:16:50] Reducing vacancy and turnover costs through stronger relationships. [00:17:21] Planning tenant departures to minimize vacancy periods. [00:18:22] The financial benefits of longer tenancy and property care. [00:19:38] Why positive customer experiences generate powerful word-of-mouth marketing. [00:20:03] Understanding why tenants leave experiences—not necessarily properties. [00:20:49] Responsiveness as a core driver of tenant satisfaction. [00:21:27] Learning customer service from trusted vendor relationships. [00:22:12] Preventing resentment through timely communication during repairs. [00:24:37] Organizing maintenance requests with systems and technology. [00:26:36] Starting strong with an organized move-in experience. [00:27:56] Using tenant portals and digital tools to improve communication. [00:29:54] Leveraging technology for proactive property management. [00:30:36] Treating tenants like valued clients instead of obligations. [00:31:29] Creating memorable move-in experiences with thoughtful welcome touches. [00:31:59] Respectful communication and proper notice before property visits. [00:33:15] Remembering tenant milestones to strengthen long-term relationships.   Quotables "Your tenants are not just paying customers. They are the foundation of your portfolio's performance." "Tenants don't leave properties. They leave experiences." "Most investors see the tenant as income streams. The best investors see them as long-term partners." Links   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    34 min

  3. Jun 23

    Building a Property Services Empire: Scaling, Strategy, and Leadership with Bryan Lysikowski

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we sit down with Bryan Lysikowski, President of Property Services at Genstone, to talk about what it really takes to build and scale a vertically integrated real estate services company. Bryan shares his journey from starting ZVN Properties in 2005 on the field services and property preservation side, to navigating the challenges of COVID, taking on a strategic investment, and ultimately rebranding more than a dozen companies under the Genstone umbrella. It's a candid conversation about what happens when growth meets growing pains, and how leadership, integrity, and the willingness to get uncomfortable are what separate companies that survive from those that thrive. We also get into Bryan's philosophy on customer service across multiple verticals, how Genstone approaches AI and tech adoption, the origin story behind Acree Cabinetry, and what year two at Genstone looks like as the team shifts from laying the foundation to executing on it. Bryan also shares a passion project close to his heart, a nonprofit aimed at helping young entrepreneurs who may not follow a traditional college path but have the drive to build something of their own. If you're in property management, field services, or any service-based real estate business, this conversation is a strong reminder that the core fundamentals of integrity, accountability, and team-first leadership never go out of style no matter how much the market changes.   Key Talking Points of the Episode [00:00] Introduction [00:39] Bryan's start in field services and property preservation [01:06] Building Genstone's vertical integration strategy [01:56] ZVN Properties, the COVID crossroads, and joining Genstone [02:34] Core tenants of successful property management [04:08] Dealmaker/Dealbreaker: Pivoting through adversity [04:59] What leadership means to Bryan [05:39] Delivering world-class customer service at scale [06:21] How Genstone approaches AI and technology adoption [07:14] The story behind Acree Cabinetry [08:38] What's the Word: "Inspect what you expect" [09:18] Team as the foundation for 2026 success [09:52] Speaking on panels and advice for complex projects [11:21] Grading year one at Genstone and the road ahead [12:43] Passion project: A nonprofit for young entrepreneurs   Quotables "Success sometimes comes out of struggle." "Inspect what you expect." "What we're trying to do can't be accomplished by a single individual — it takes the entire team operating in unison."   Links Genstone www.genstonecompanies.com RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    15 min

  4. Jun 16

    Building a Real Estate Brand Through Social Media

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen conclude their series on the many paths to success in real estate investing by examining the role social media plays in today's market. They discuss how investors can leverage platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X to build credibility, attract opportunities, and strengthen relationships. The conversation highlights the value of combining industry experience with the skills of younger professionals who understand emerging technologies and digital marketing. Nate and Suzanne also cover content creation, paid advertising, analytics, community engagement, and how a strong online presence can help investors expand their reach while maintaining authenticity and local connections.    Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] The growing influence of younger professionals and social media in real estate investing.   [00:01:29] Understanding the social media landscape and choosing the right platform for your goals.   [00:02:08] Using Instagram for visual storytelling, renovations, team culture, and short-form content.   [00:04:14] Leveraging Facebook for community engagement, marketplace opportunities, and local networking.   [00:05:29] Building professional credibility and partnerships through LinkedIn.   [00:06:08] TikTok's role in brand awareness, viral content, and attracting new audiences.   [00:07:14] Using YouTube and X for education, market commentary, and audience engagement.   [00:08:30] Matching social media platforms to specific investing objectives.   [00:09:01] Creating a strong online presence through consistent branding.   [00:10:03] Expanding reach through engagement, commenting, and reposting content.   [00:10:49] Optimizing social media profiles to showcase credibility and experience.   [00:11:45] Building authenticity by sharing challenges, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes moments.   [00:13:07] Creating engaging content that balances value and authenticity.   [00:14:05] Using property transformations, walkthroughs, and personal stories to connect with audiences.   [00:14:59] Debunking industry myths through educational content.   [00:15:34] Making content easy to consume through strong visuals, captions, and storytelling.   [00:16:09] How paid advertising can amplify successful content and business growth.   [00:17:37] Strategic uses for paid ads, including capital raising, recruiting, and partnership development.   [00:18:11] Starting small with advertising budgets and scaling based on results.   [00:19:51] Monitoring analytics to measure engagement, shares, leads, and watch time.   [00:21:45] Letting performance data guide future content strategy.   [00:23:36] Conducting regular reviews to align content with business goals.   [00:24:00] Using social media to engage with local communities and strengthen market presence.   [00:26:12] Sharing local market knowledge, trends, and neighborhood updates.   [00:27:43] Building trust, referrals, and deal flow through authentic community engagement.   [00:28:28] Combining experience and digital expertise to create long-term investing success.   [00:29:10] Recap of the series on multiple paths to success and the traits of successful investors.   Quotables: "Show the entire journey, not just the wins. It's that human aspect that makes you real." "Marrying the two generations and being open to new ideas they can bring is going to allow you to succeed in the industry for years to come." "It's consistent branding over time that wins out."  Links: RCN Capital: https://rcncapital.com/ REI Ink: https://rei-ink.com/

    30 min

  5. Jun 11

    Decisiveness, Risk Tolerance, and Building Investor Momentum (Part 2 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen pick up where they left off, diving deeper into the traits that separate average investors from consistently successful ones. Focusing on how risk tolerance, risk management, decisiveness, and problem solving work together, they break down the decision-making framework that drives real results in real estate. Through practical scenarios including foundation issues, competitive offers, financing hiccups, and unexpected vacancies, they show how prepared investors find opportunity where others walk away. The conversation also covers the role of confidence, trusted vendor relationships, and a resilient mindset in building long-term momentum. Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of how combining these traits helps them act faster, negotiate smarter, and stay ahead through any market condition. Key Takeaways: [00:00:05] How risk tolerance, risk management, decisiveness, and problem solving work together to form a complete investor framework. [00:01:02] Using property issues uncovered during inspection as negotiating leverage against the competition. [00:01:22] Why decisiveness is the catalyst that allows all other investor traits to shine through. [00:01:58] How these combined traits create a decision-making engine that accelerates momentum and compounds growth. [00:02:16] The way confidence and momentum shape how investors are perceived and how deals get done. [00:02:55] Why success in real estate comes from managing and navigating risk rather than avoiding it. [00:03:39] Building a repeatable playbook for success by working through obstacles instead of around them. [00:04:09] How decisiveness builds confidence and problem solving builds resilience over time. [00:04:27] Recognizing opportunity in properties with foundation problems, roof damage, or structural challenges. [00:05:07] Real-world examples of how decisive investors win in competitive markets and financing setbacks. [00:05:56] Protecting your investment through proper tenant screening instead of rushing to fill a vacancy. [00:06:12] Planning ahead for weather-related damage, unexpected vacancies, and tenant relocation needs. [00:06:44] How risk tolerance helps investors dig deeper on distressed properties and negotiate better prices. [00:07:09] Why having trusted contractors and vendor relationships in place before problems arise matters. [00:07:36] Merging analytical thinking, networking, and problem solving to turn difficult deals into profitable ones. [00:08:23] Why running the numbers means nothing without the decisiveness to act on what they show. [00:09:07] How confidence, preparation, and clear execution position investors to win more transactions. [00:09:34] What separates top-tier investors from average ones and how listeners can close that gap. [00:10:08] Final thoughts on staying competitive through action, preparation, and the right investor mindset. Quotables: "Success doesn't come from avoiding all risk. It comes from understanding, preparing, and navigating risk better than others." "Decisiveness is going to build confidence and problem solving is going to build resilience." "Not every decision is based on price. Most of them are the person who's going to get the win — the one who walks in and says here's what it's going to take to fix this, here's how fast I can do it, and here's the price." RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    10 min

  6. Jun 9

    Risk, Readiness, and Real Estate Decision-Making (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen continue their discussion on the characteristics that contribute to long-term success in real estate investing. They examine the relationship between risk tolerance and risk management, emphasizing how successful investors balance confidence with preparation. The conversation covers due diligence, financial reserves, disaster preparedness, portfolio diversification, and the importance of having multiple exit strategies. Nate and Suzanne also discuss how decisiveness can help investors capitalize on opportunities, while strong problem-solving skills can transform challenges into value-adding opportunities. From managing unexpected setbacks to uncovering hidden potential in unique properties, they share practical perspectives on handling uncertainty and building a resilient real estate portfolio. Key Points From This Episode:   [00:00:00] Why risk tolerance is essential for success in real estate investing. [00:01:10] Understanding uncertainty as a natural part of investing and avoiding inaction. [00:01:59] The difference between risk tolerance and risk management. [00:03:07] Using due diligence, insurance, and preparation to protect investments. [00:03:49] Why elite investors balance risk-taking with strong downside protection. [00:05:40] Conservative underwriting and multiple exit strategies as risk management tools. [00:06:30] Disaster preparedness planning and protecting rental income. [00:07:00] How risk management supports faster and more confident decision-making. [00:08:11] Why sellers, brokers, and partners gravitate toward decisive investors. [00:09:12] The cost of analysis paralysis and the importance of taking action. [00:10:00] Problem-solving as a critical skill for handling real estate challenges. [00:11:05] Turning deal breakers into deal makers through creative problem-solving. [00:11:34] Finding value in unique properties that other investors overlook. [00:12:38] Unlocking the potential of older homes through renovation and restoration. [00:13:29] Identifying opportunities in properties with structural challenges. [00:13:47] Recap of risk tolerance, risk management, decisiveness, and problem-solving before Part Two.   Quotables: "Risk tolerance helps you say yes to opportunities most people are too afraid to consider." "Confidence will help you build more confidence as you go down the path." "Being decisive and having that problem solving nature about you — that's not just helpful in this industry. It's what's able to separate the average investor from the top tier and consistently successful ones."   RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/ info@rcncapital.com   REI INK https://rei-ink.com/

    14 min

  7. Jun 4

    Problem Solving, Risk Management, and Winning More Deals (Part 2 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen continue their discussion on the characteristics that help real estate investors succeed. Focusing on decisiveness, problem solving, risk tolerance, and risk management, they explain how these traits work together to create a strong decision-making framework. Through practical examples, including foundation issues, unexpected vacancies, financing challenges, and competitive market conditions, they demonstrate how successful investors identify opportunities, manage uncertainty, and maintain momentum. The conversation also highlights the importance of confidence, preparation, trusted vendor relationships, and resilience when overcoming obstacles. Listeners will learn how combining these qualities can help them make better investment decisions, negotiate more effectively, and build long-term success in real estate investing.    Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] How risk tolerance, risk management, decisiveness, and problem solving work together to create successful investors. [00:01:02] Using inspection findings and property issues as leverage during negotiations. [00:01:22] Why decisiveness helps investors secure opportunities before competitors act. [00:01:58] Building a decision-making engine that compounds momentum and growth. [00:02:16] How confidence and momentum influence reputation, networking, and deal flow. [00:02:55] Understanding that success comes from managing risk rather than avoiding it. [00:03:39] Building confidence by overcoming obstacles and creating a repeatable playbook for success. [00:04:09] How decisiveness builds confidence while problem solving creates resilience. [00:04:27] Finding opportunity in foundation problems, roofing issues, and structural challenges. [00:05:07] Real-world examples of decisive action in competitive markets and financing challenges. [00:05:56] Managing rental vacancies through proper tenant screening and long-term thinking. [00:06:12] Planning for vacancies, weather-related property damage, and tenant relocation strategies. [00:06:44] Using risk tolerance to uncover value in properties with major foundation issues. [00:07:09] The importance of trusted contractors, vendors, and professional partnerships. [00:07:36] Combining analytical thinking, networking, and problem solving to turn challenges into profitable investments. [00:08:23] Why analysis alone is not enough without the confidence to act decisively. [00:09:07] Using preparation, confidence, and execution to win more transactions. [00:09:34] How decisiveness and problem solving separate average investors from top performers. [00:10:08] Episode wrap-up and final thoughts on staying ahead through action and preparation. 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

  8. Jun 2

    Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity in Real Estate Investing (Part 1 of 2)

    In this episode of Uncontested Investing, Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen continue their discussion on the characteristics that contribute to long-term success in real estate investing. They examine the relationship between risk tolerance and risk management, emphasizing how successful investors balance confidence with preparation.  The conversation covers due diligence, financial reserves, disaster preparedness, portfolio diversification, and the importance of having multiple exit strategies. Nate and Suzanne also discuss how decisiveness can help investors capitalize on opportunities, while strong problem-solving skills can transform challenges into value-adding opportunities.  From managing unexpected setbacks to uncovering hidden potential in unique properties, they share practical perspectives on handling uncertainty and building a resilient real estate portfolio.  Key Talking Points of the Episode [00:00:00] Why risk tolerance is essential for success in real estate investing. [00:01:10] Understanding uncertainty as a natural part of investing and avoiding inaction. [00:01:59] The difference between risk tolerance and risk management. [00:03:07] Using due diligence, insurance, and preparation to protect investments. [00:03:49] Why elite investors balance risk-taking with strong downside protection. [00:05:40] Conservative underwriting and multiple exit strategies as risk management tools. [00:06:30] Disaster preparedness planning and protecting rental income. [00:07:00] How risk management supports faster and more confident decision-making. [00:08:11] Why sellers, brokers, and partners gravitate toward decisive investors. [00:09:12] The cost of analysis paralysis and the importance of taking action. [00:10:00] Problem-solving as a critical skill for handling real estate challenges. [00:11:05] Turning deal breakers into deal makers through creative problem-solving. [00:11:34] Finding value in unique properties that other investors overlook. [00:12:38] Unlocking the potential of older homes through renovation and restoration. [00:13:29] Identifying opportunities in properties with structural challenges. [00:13:47] Recap of risk tolerance, risk management, decisiveness, and problem-solving before Part Two. 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
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5
out of 5
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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
    227
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 RCN CAPITAL
  • Show Website
    Uncontested Investing