Becoming W-2 Optional: How Patrick Grimes Built Real Wealth Through Diversification

Cost segregation is powerful—but easy to misunderstand. CPA Mitchell Baldridge joins Kathy to break down how cost seg really works, who actually benefits, and how high income earners take passive losses. Before you chase big deductions, listen to this episode and learn how to make cost seg work in your favor. If you are interested in Cost Segregation, visit  www.RECostSeg.com/RealWealth and use promo code: REALWEALTH for 10% off. 📌 CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com.   

This episode originally aired in 2024.  If buying your first rental felt intimidating, you're not alone—most investors start with fear, then realize how quickly they can scale once they get that first win. In this replay, Dr. Elaine Stageberg shares how she hit the Fannie/Freddie 10-loan limit and kept going, building a portfolio of 200+ single-family rentals, plus additional properties through joint ventures and private equity. Elaine is a psychiatrist, mother of four, and private equity firm owner who reached financial freedom at 30 and now manages over 1,000 doors worth more than $300M. 📌 Are you looking for an end of the year deal? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more.  LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com. 

First-time homebuyers used to be in their early 30s. Today? The median first-time buyer is nearly 40 years old — and the ripple effects are reshaping America's housing market. In this conversation, Kathy Fettke sits down with NAR's Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz to break down the newest data on affordability, delayed homeownership, rising rents, the surge in all-cash buyers, and why so many Americans are locked out of the market longer than ever. They also discuss how this impacts real estate investors long term.  📌 Are you looking for an end of the year deal? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more.  LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com. 

Economist Dr. Chris Thornberg joins Kathy Fettke to share his perspective on today's economy and why he believes many popular narratives around inflation, housing, debt, and policy don't match the underlying data. They explore how media, sentiment, and information overload shape public perception, and discuss the indicators Dr. Thornberg watches most closely. A thoughtful, data-oriented conversation for investors navigating 2025. LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com. 

Kathy Fettke sits down with Ali & Josh Lupo — The FI Couple — to share how they built financial independence through real estate investing, house hacking, and intentional money habits. They discuss paying off $110K of debt, growing their portfolio, becoming parents, and how FI looks different when your family grows. You'll also learn how they find seller-financed deals, why creative finance still works in today's market, and their simple strategies for staying on budget during the holidays. A practical and inspiring look at building real wealth. 💡Want to learn more about RealWealth? Just visit www.RealWealthShow.com LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com. 

What does it really take to become "work optional"? Kathy Fettke sits down with Patrick Grimes to uncover how he replaced his W-2 income through diversified passive investments. From multifamily real estate to energy and alternative assets, Patrick shares practical strategies to protect capital, create steady cash flow, and build long-term wealth. If you're ready to move beyond your paycheck and design a life of true financial independence, this episode is a must-listen. 💡Want to learn more about RealWealth? Just visit www.RealWealthShow.com LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com  

The Midwest is having a moment — and for good reason. While many coastal markets struggle with high prices and volatile cycles, investors are finding steady growth, strong rent ratios, and landlord-friendly laws across Kansas City, Wichita, and beyond. In this Market Deep Dive, Kathy Fettke sits down with Andy to explore why more investors are turning to the heartland for reliable cash flow and long-term appreciation. They discuss how AI-resistant jobs and reshoring trends are fueling demand, why build-to-rent communities are thriving, and how smart investors are using 1031 exchanges to trade out of high-cost markets into newer, more profitable properties. If you've been looking for stable returns in an unpredictable economy, this episode shows why the Midwest might just be the best-kept secret in real estate investing. LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

Real estate veteran Brian Burke joins Kathy Fettke to share how experienced investors navigate — and even thrive in — changing housing market cycles. With nearly four decades of experience through booms, busts, and everything in between, Brian explains how market psychology, timing, and loan strategy all play a role in long-term success. He also discusses his latest pivot into senior housing and the key lessons he's learned from flipping homes, managing multifamily portfolios, and avoiding common investor mistakes. Whether you're just starting or looking to level up, this episode will help you understand how to adapt to every phase of the real estate market. LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

This Halloween, we're talking real estate horror stories — and the scary lessons behind them. 🎃 Host Kathy Fettke is joined by Henry Washington, James Dainard, and Jamil Damji to share their biggest nightmare deals and what they learned the hard way. From a "ghost house" that haunted James, to Jamil's property packed with dogs, to Henry's costly lesson about sewer and well policies — these real estate pros aren't holding anything back. You'll also hear one of Kathy's own investing mistakes from overseas, and how she turned it into a valuable lesson. If you've ever worried about making a bad deal, this episode will help you spot the red flags, protect your money, and invest smarter. Listen now for a spooky good episode of Real Estate Nightmares — and learn how to avoid frightful investing mistakes! LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com

Most people think retirement accounts are only for stocks and bonds—but what if you could use them to buy real estate? In this episode, Kathy Fettke talks with Chris Barnette, Business Development Manager at Inspira, about how self-directed IRAs open the door to investing in real estate syndications and other alternative assets. You'll learn how these accounts work, the key compliance rules to watch out for, and what to expect when using IRA funds in a deal.  💡 Want to learn more? Visit www.Realwealth.com/Inspira 💡 LINKS CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE & BECOME A MEMBER (IT'S FREE)! https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FREE RealWealth® EDUCATION & TOOLS RealWealth Market Reports: https://realwealth.com/learn/best-places-to-buy-rental-property/ RealWealth Videos: https://realwealth.com/category/video/ RealWealth Assessment™: https://realwealth.com/assessment/ RealWealth® Webinars: https://realwealth.com/webinars/ READ BOOKS BY RealWealth® FOUNDERS The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/thewiseinvestorbook Retire Rich with Rentals by Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/retirerichwithrentals Scaling Smart by Rich & Kathy Fettke: https://tinyurl.com/scalingsmart DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or course of action. For more information, go to www.RealWealthShow.com