Real Estate Investor Growth Network Podcast

302 - From $5 to Million Dollar Deals: The Mindset That Changes Everything with Elle Anderson What if the real reason you're not making money in real estate… isn't your deals, your strategy, or your market—but your identity? In this episode, we break down the hidden force silently capping your income and keeping you stuck, even when you're doing "everything right." If you've ever felt like you're working harder but getting nowhere, this conversation will hit hard—and open your eyes. Elle Anderson shares how she went from losing everything twice—including being down to her last $5 with a child to feed—to closing a million-dollar deal in under a year. With 27 acquisitions under her belt and a luxury short-term rental brand, she reveals how shifting her mindset, decision-making patterns, and revenue strategy unlocked massive breakthroughs. From turning a struggling property into a $1.8M sale to building high-performing short-term rentals that generate $300K+ annually, Elle proves that the biggest lever isn't tactics—it's how you think. This episode is a must-listen for real estate investors, short-term rental hosts, and entrepreneurs who are tired of spinning their wheels and ready to scale. If you want to break through income ceilings, identify hidden revenue opportunities, and finally operate like a high-level investor, this is your moment. The market is evolving fast—and those who adapt their mindset will win. 5 Powerful Takeaways • Why your current identity—not your strategy—is the #1 factor limiting your income and deal size • How Elle turned a $477K property into a $1.8M sale with over $300K annual rental revenue • The exact mindset shift that took her from 0% sales conversion to 100% closing rate • Hidden short-term rental upgrades that can dramatically increase bookings and revenue • A simple but powerful rule: learn one skill, implement it immediately, and scale faster About the Guest Elle Anderson is a real estate investor, revenue architect, and founder of Wish Tree BnB, a luxury short-term rental brand focused on high-performing, experience-driven properties. With 27 acquisitions—including a $10 million deal in her twenties—Elle has built a reputation for spotting overlooked opportunities and turning them into profitable assets. Her expertise sits at the intersection of real estate strategy, revenue optimization, and mindset transformation. After losing everything twice and rebuilding from just $5, she now helps entrepreneurs uncover hidden patterns limiting their income. Elle is also a coach dedicated to helping investors scale their businesses and create true financial freedom. Resources & Websites Mentioned • https://wishtreeairbnb.com • https://therealjenjosey.com • https://reignmastermind.com • Instagram: @reallelleanderson • Instagram: @wishtreebnb • Facebook: Elle Anderson

301 - Why Most Airbnb Investors Fail Before They Even Launch with Kim Fitzpatrick What if the biggest mistake in short-term rentals isn't the deal… it's how you launch it? Too many investors lose time, money, and momentum before their listing even goes live. From blown budgets to slow setups and missed revenue windows, the launch phase can quietly kill your profits before you ever welcome your first guest. In this episode, short-term rental expert Kim Fitzpatrick reveals her proven 7-day property launch system that's 8x faster than DIY. Starting with just $40 and a plane ticket, Kim built a scalable process that helps investors set up properties with speed, precision, and profitability. You'll learn how to avoid costly setup mistakes, streamline your furnishing and design process, maximize ROI without over-renovating, and create guest-ready properties that actually convert. Plus, we dive into real-world strategies like automation, revenue management, and building systems that turn your rental into a true business. If you're a real estate investor, Airbnb host, or aspiring short-term rental owner who wants to launch faster, earn sooner, and eliminate chaos, this episode is a must-listen. The market is getting more competitive, and the investors who win are the ones who execute quickly and strategically. Don't let your next deal stall before it starts. 5 Powerful Takeaways • How to launch a fully furnished short-term rental in just 7 days without sacrificing quality or blowing your budget • The hidden mistakes that quietly destroy rental revenue before your listing even goes live • Why over-renovating kills ROI and what to upgrade instead for maximum profit • The exact systems and automation strategies that turn short-term rentals into scalable businesses • How to compete in saturated Airbnb markets without falling into the "amenities arms race" About the Guest Kim Fitzpatrick is a short-term rental owner, entrepreneur, and founder of Launch Host, a company specializing in rapid property setup systems. With a background as a single mom and former teacher, Kim built her business out of necessity, creating a replicable 7-day installation process that helps investors launch properties up to 8 times faster than traditional DIY methods. She has led property setups across the United States, helping clients streamline design, furnishing, and installation with precision and efficiency. Kim is known for her systems-driven approach, focus on ROI, and ability to turn chaotic property launches into structured, revenue-generating assets. Her expertise empowers investors to scale faster while reducing stress and costly mistakes. Resources & Websites Mentioned • https://launchhost.com • https://therealjenjosey.com • https://reignmastermind.com 🔗 Learn More & Connect with Jen Josey:https://www.therealjenjosey.com – Real estate investing resources, podcast episodes, and more. 👑 Join the REIGN Mastermind:https://www.reignmastermind.com – Network with real estate investors nationwide. 🔥 Stuff Jen Josey Loves (Recommended Tools & Resources):https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources – Handpicked tools, books, and services for real estate investors. 📚 Buy Jen Josey's Book: From Beginner to Badasshttps://a.co/d/bstKlby – Step-by-step guide to real estate investing success.

300 - The Mentor Who Changed Everything, Than Merrill What if everything you've been doing to "learn" real estate is actually keeping you stuck? In this powerful 300th episode, Jen Josey sits down with legendary investor and mentor Than Merrill to expose the truth about why so many aspiring investors stay trapped in learning mode, and what it really takes to break through, take action, and build a profitable real estate business. With over $2 billion in real estate transactions and nearly two decades of experience, Than shares the exact mindset shifts, systems, and strategies that separate successful investors from those who never get started. From overcoming the fear of failure to building a systems-driven business that runs without you, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, real-world lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights from FortuneBuilders and Equity Street Capital. If you're a new or scaling real estate investor tired of spinning your wheels, this episode is your wake-up call. Learn how to stop second-guessing, avoid costly mistakes, and finally step into confident action. The opportunity is real, but only if you move. 5 Powerful Takeaways • Why fear of failure, not lack of knowledge, is the number one reason investors stay stuck, and how to break through it fast • How building systems instead of just chasing deals creates long term wealth and true time freedom • The exact evolution from technician to entrepreneur that unlocks scalability and sustainable growth • Why investing in education accelerates results and helps you avoid costly beginner mistakes • The real reason successful investors take action before they feel ready and how you can start doing the same immediately About the Guest Than Merrill is a nationally recognized real estate investor, educator, and entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience and more than $2 billion in real estate transactions. As the co-founder of FortuneBuilders and a principal at Equity Street Capital, he has helped thousands of investors build profitable, systems-driven real estate businesses. Than's expertise spans marketing, underwriting, raising capital, and business scaling, making him a true authority in the industry. A former NFL player and Yale graduate, he brings a unique combination of discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking to everything he does. Today, he focuses on large-scale commercial investments while continuing to impact lives through mentorship and education. Resources & Websites Mentioned • https://equitystreetcapital.com • https://therealjenjosey.com • https://reignmastermind.com

299 - The Short-Term Rental Safety Mistakes That Could Destroy Your Business Your short-term rental could be one overlooked hazard away from a lawsuit, a tragedy, or the end of your investing career — and you probably don't even know it. In this eye-opening episode of REIGN, the Real Estate Investor Growth Network, host Jen Josey sits down with Justin Ford, Director of Safety and Certification Programs at Breezeway, to expose the hidden dangers that most STR hosts completely ignore. With nearly 30 years in the short-term rental industry, Justin reveals why over 80% of incidents have nothing to do with fire — and everything to do with what happens in the first hour your guest arrives. Justin shares the real story behind how a rusty hammock and a near-fatal injury launched the short-term rental industry's first-ever safety checklist, now used in 72 languages worldwide. From grill fires and appliance maintenance to pool drownings and fire pit hazards, this conversation is packed with practical, no-fluff guidance that every STR host and property manager needs. You'll learn why childproofing your rental could actually increase your liability, how documentation in platforms like Breezeway can protect you in court, and why safety is quickly becoming the most powerful marketing tool in the short-term rental space. Whether you own one cabin in the woods or manage hundreds of vacation rentals, this episode is your wake-up call. Regulations are tightening in markets like the Smoky Mountains, Palm Springs, and Maui — and the investors who get ahead of safety standards now will be worth significantly more when those rules hit their market. If you want to protect your guests, protect your assets, and build a rental business that actually lasts, this conversation is non-negotiable. 5 Powerful Takeaways Slips, trips, and falls cause over 80% of STR incidents — most happen within the first hour of arrival, meaning your walkway, lighting, and entry approach could be your biggest liability right now Fire extinguishers under the sink are a code-compliant mistake — Justin explains exactly where extinguishers should be mounted and why the placement most hosts use could cost them everything in an emergency Childproofing your rental actually increases your legal exposure — discover the counterintuitive reason why Justin warns hosts to never install outlet covers or attempt to make their property childproof Safety is your most underutilized marketing advantage — a survey found that 62% of people who have never stayed in an Airbnb cite safety as the reason, meaning hosts who lead with safety standards can convert a brand-new audience of guests Regulatory changes are coming to your market — STR safety codes already hitting Gatlinburg, Palm Springs, and New Orleans will eventually reach every market, and the investors who upgrade now will have properties worth tens of thousands more when compliance becomes mandatory About the Guest Justin Ford is the Director of Safety and Certification Programs at Breezeway and one of the most recognized voices in short-term rental safety globally. With nearly 30 years of experience in the vacation rental industry, Justin developed the STR industry's first safety checklist in 2014 — a resource now available in 72 languages and used by hosts and property managers around the world. A former U.S. Coast Guard serviceman and 15-year volunteer firefighter, Justin brings real-world emergency experience to an industry that desperately needs it. He has trained thousands of professionals across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and beyond, and currently serves on committees for the International Residential Code and the NFPA to help write safety standards specifically for short-term rentals. Justin's approach is practical, direct, and deeply human — because for him, safety is personal. Resources and Websites Mentioned Email Justin Ford directly for free access to his safety course: [email protected] Breezeway (safety checklist software and certification platform): https://www.breezeway.io Consumer Reports smoke alarm ratings (free): https://www.consumerreports.org REIGN Mastermind community: https://www.reignmastermind.com Jen Josey's website: https://www.therealjenjosey.com 00:00 Show Intro and Warning 00:52 Creative Financing with Bad Credit 04:01 Meet Justin Ford 06:54 Justin's STR Origin Story 08:23 Why Safety Matters 09:54 The Hammock Incident 11:22 Fire Extinguishers and Alarms 13:38 Toddlers and Guest Assumptions 16:58 Top Risk Slips and Falls 19:32 Grill Fire Prevention 25:05 Appliance Maintenance Hazards 26:38 Safety Without Overwhelm 27:11 Smoke And CO Alarms 28:17 HOA Liability Boundaries 30:09 New STR Safety Regulations 32:46 Market Safety As Amenity 34:55 Common Host Safety Mistakes 36:49 Checklists And Documentation 40:09 Fire Pit Safety Rules 43:23 BADASS Rapid Fire 49:49 Safety First Industry Vision 51:00 Where To Find Justin 52:05 Podcast Wrap Up 🔗 Learn More & Connect with Jen Josey:https://www.therealjenjosey.com – Real estate investing resources, podcast episodes, and more. 👑 Join the REIGN Mastermind:https://www.reignmastermind.com – Network with real estate investors nationwide. 🔥 Stuff Jen Josey Loves (Recommended Tools & Resources):https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources – Handpicked tools, books, and services for real estate investors. 📚 Buy Jen Josey's Book: From Beginner to Badasshttps://a.co/d/bstKlby – Step-by-step guide to real estate investing success.

298 - The Hidden Real Estate Strategy No One Talks About: Seller Finance Notes Explained What if the biggest opportunities in real estate aren't in flipping houses… but in buying paper? In this eye-opening conversation, Will Harvey breaks down the hidden world of seller finance notes, hard money lending, and how savvy investors are capitalizing on valuation gaps between public and private markets. If you've ever felt stuck relying on traditional flips or unpredictable buyers, this episode reveals a smarter way to create consistent returns. Will shares the real strategies he uses through Harvey Capital, from evaluating borrowers and underwriting conservative ARV projections to structuring deals with strong exit strategies like DSCR loans. You'll also learn how note investing works, why buying seller finance notes can generate passive income without owning property, and how partial note purchases create win-win liquidity opportunities. This episode is packed with practical insights from real deals, including lessons from house hacking, hard money lending, multifamily investing, and transitioning from operator to finance-focused investor. If you're a real estate investor navigating today's uncertain market, looking for creative financing strategies, or wanting to shift toward passive income, this conversation is essential listening. Whether you're flipping houses, building rental portfolios, or exploring note investing for the first time, these insights could help you reduce risk, improve deal analysis, and unlock new income streams right now. 5 Powerful Takeaways • How focusing on borrower quality and exit strategy can dramatically reduce lending risk and protect your capital • Why conservative ARV calculations can make or break your flip, even when everything else goes wrong • How seller finance note investing creates passive income without owning or managing property • The power of partial note purchases to generate liquidity for sellers while creating yield for investors • A simple strategy to strengthen your credibility with lenders by presenting a clear refinance or DSCR exit plan About the Guest Will Harvey is the founder and principal of Harvey Capital, a real estate investment firm focused on active and passive strategies across both private and public markets. He has hands-on experience in house flipping, hard money lending, multifamily investing, hospitality assets, and seller finance note acquisitions. After transitioning from operator to finance-focused investor, Will now specializes in identifying valuation disconnects and structuring capital solutions. His real-world background allows him to evaluate deals from both the borrower and lender perspective. Through Harvey Capital, he focuses on short-term lending, note investing, and helping investors access capital with strong risk management. Will brings practical, numbers-driven insight rooted in real transactions. Resources & Websites Mentioned • https://harveycapital.com • mailto:[email protected] 00:00 Show Intro 00:57 Mindset Bestowment 01:46 Five Mindset Shifts 03:42 Badass Bottom Line 04:15 Meet Will Harvey 05:50 Will Origin Story 07:01 From Mortgages to Rentals 09:23 Pivot to Finance Side 10:46 House Hacking Question 12:52 Borrower vs Deal Filters 15:41 What Makes Good Borrower 20:58 Deal Math for Flips 23:14 Underwriting Red Flags 25:58 Exit Strategy DSCR Loans 27:18 Proving Refi Plan 28:42 Seller Notes Explained 29:30 How Notes Get Created 32:48 Buying Paper For Cash 35:04 Discounts And Underwriting 35:58 Partial Note Purchases 37:37 Sourcing Notes And States 40:03 Pricing Notes Basics 42:12 90 Day Learning Plan 43:33 Borrower Tips For Lenders 45:26 Investing In The Fund 46:21 Badass Book Pick 47:39 Advice Action Wins 48:55 Drive Faith And Family 49:35 Aspiration Using AI 51:32 Systems Morning Routine 53:02 Success Being Present 54:03 Final Contact And Wrap 🔗 Learn More & Connect with Jen Josey:https://www.therealjenjosey.com – Real estate investing resources, podcast episodes, and more. 👑 Join the REIGN Mastermind:https://www.reignmastermind.com – Network with real estate investors nationwide. 🔥 Stuff Jen Josey Loves (Recommended Tools & Resources):https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources – Handpicked tools, books, and services for real estate investors. 📚 Buy Jen Josey's Book: From Beginner to Badasshttps://a.co/d/bstKlby – Step-by-step guide to real estate investing success.