Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

By: Jonathan Greene
  • Summary

  • What if you could learn from experienced real estate investors, find out what got them to where they are now, get insight into their daily habits, and take these insights to inspire your own growth? That’s what each episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing brings. Hosted by Jonathan Greene, a real estate investor for more than 30 years, as well as advisor and coach, the founder of Streamlined Properties and the Team Leader of Streamlined Properties, brokered by Real, every episode is an in-depth look at the mindful approach to real estate investing. If you are looking to start from scratch, get to the next level, or just for a straightforward and honest approach to real estate investing, Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing is the free mentorship program you can take with you anywhere.
    2024
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Episodes
  • 220: How To Reduce Your Taxable Income Through Cost Segregation on Real Estate with Erik Oliver
    Feb 27 2025
    Cost segregation can save you a lot of money on your investment properties through taxes. Today’s guest is an expert on this topic and shares what you need to know about cost segregation. On today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan interviews Erik Oliver, Vice President of National Accounts at Cost Segregation Authority. His company reclassifies assets, which then allows you to accelerate the depreciation. Using this strategy could save you a ton of money on taxes. Jonathan and Erik explore cost segregation and who it benefits. You’ll hear Erik’s example of cost segregation for an office building, the importance of hiring an accountant specializing in this concept and real estate, and the audit considerations when you decide to do cost segregation. You’ll hear what Erik believes is the “must do” asset class for cost seg, the value of setting up a team to help mitigate your tax burden, and what Erik learned from his first disastrous rental property. Finally, Erik explains his involvement with micro apartments and opportunity zones as an answer to the affordable housing problem and the importance of cost segs in syndication investments. Taxes can take a big bite out of your investment income, and cost segregation can make a big difference in your returns. Don’t miss Erik Oliver’s expertise in making the most of cost segregation. In this episode, you will hear: What cost segregation is, and who needs itErik Oliver’s example of cost segregation for an office buildingThe importance of hiring an accountant who understands the concept of cost segregation and real estateWhy cost segregation is way deeper than just the “stuff”Audit considerations when performing cost segregationThe “must do” asset class for cost segSetting up a team that can help you mitigate your tax burdenApplying cost seg across multiple properties or in a house hacking scenarioErik’s first rental property, why it was a disaster, and what he learned from itMicro apartments and opportunity zones as an answer to the affordable housing problemThe importance of cost segs in syndication investments Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/220/ to download it. Supporting Resources: Cost Segregation Authority - www.costsegauthority.com CSA Partners on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/csapartners Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    46 mins
  • 219: The Blueprint To High-Performing Short-Term Rental Properties with John Bianchi
    Feb 24 2025
    Having the right data is one way to ensure your investment in a short-term rental is a good one. On today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, John Bianchi, the Airbnb Data Guy, sits down with Jonathan to explain the importance of data when buying a short-term rental. John is the founder of STR Search, which matches clients with the highest cash-flowing short-term properties. John is also the creator of Air Valuation and Air Optimization systems. Jonathan and John discuss how John became the Airbnb Data Guy. John shares the widespread availability of data and how it has impacted inexperienced investors getting into the STR market. He and Jonathan discuss why so many new Airbnb investors fail, how he developed an interest in STRs, and his start in real estate investing with arbitrage. John reveals the importance of balancing a worst-case scenario with taking action, what he looks for in a market for STRs, and the benefits of using AirDNA to evaluate a market. Finally, Jonathan and John cover his one piece of advice for those interested in STRs and the free course you can find on his website to help you get started. John Bianchi understands the importance of data in real estate investing and arguably knows more about short-term rental markets than anyone in the business. This episode is a must-listen if you’re contemplating entry into the STR world. In this episode, you will hear: How John Bianchi became the Airbnb Data GuyThe widespread availability of data and its impact on inexperienced investors entering the marketOperating an Airbnb and why so many new investors failJohn’s interest in short-term rentals and his thoughts on the acquisition of STRs by hotel chainsBuilding communities in resort areas, selling to an investor, and the various issues involved in that type of prospectHis start with arbitrage in Chicago and Scottsdale and why that method isn’t for everyoneBalancing a worst-case scenario with taking actionMarkers John looks for that indicate a good or bad market for STRsThe benefits of using AirDNA to evaluate a marketWhy high net-worth individuals are buying STRs and not necessarily looking for them to make moneyWhat John needs to know about someone to find the right market for their STRJohn’s one piece of advice for someone who hasn’t done short-term rentals but is interestedHis free course on his website that teaches about STRs and the services his company offers Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/219/ to download it. Supporting Resources: STR Search - strsearch.com John Bianchi on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@theairbnbdataguy Find John on Instagram - www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy Connect with John on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/john-bianchi-245608a6/ John’s TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@theairbnbdataguy The Bianchi Method - shop.strsearch.com/offers/hoQjGYBG/checkout Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 218: How To Become a Professional Remote Real Estate Investor with Michael Albaum
    Feb 20 2025
    With today’s technology, becoming a real estate investor is possible without ever seeing the properties you buy. This is the path many would-be investors take when they live in more expensive areas like California. Today’s guest is one such investor. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Michael Albaum, a professional real estate investor with over 12 years of experience. Michael is an Airbnb Superhost and the founder of myFI, which stands for financial independence. Jonathan and Michael begin their conversation by delving into Michael’s path to remote investing through a property in Southern California. Michael shares how he began to scale his business as he better understood costs in various parts of the country. You’ll hear how coliving with roommates helped Michael get his business off the ground, the importance of finding an unbiased party to evaluate properties for you remotely, and what drew him to multifamily and mixed-use properties as he expanded. He also outlines the difference between financial independence and financial freedom, the benefits of retaining a W2, and Michael’s recommendation to put in offers on homes even when you know they will be rejected. Finally, he shares why he loves midterm rentals and what he sees changing for them in the future. Real estate can be prohibitively expensive for investing in some parts of the country, but Michael Albaum teaches others how to find investing opportunities in lesser-known areas and create opportunities to build a legacy. In this episode, you will hear: Michael Albaum’s path to remote investing and his early interest in real estateThe fears surrounding remote investing and how systems can help mitigate the fearHis first property in Southern California and how his dad helped him evaluate the property with numbers instead of emotionsScaling the business and understanding costs in various parts of the countryColiving and community living while investing in real estateFinding an unbiased eye to help evaluate properties for you when buying remotelyMoving into multifamily and mixed-useThe difference between financial independence and financial freedom and the role a W2 plays in thatWhy it’s okay not to have all the answers when you start and making offers you know will be rejectedThe importance of firsthand experienceMichael’s plans for the future and his focus on his coaching and education businessWhat he likes about midterm rentals versus short-term and long-term Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/218/ to download it. Supporting Resources: myFI academy - www.myfiacademy.com Find Michael Albaum on Instagram - www.instagram.com/myfimike Connect with Michael on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michaelalbaum Michael on X - x.com/MichaelAlbaum Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    50 mins

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