From Duplex to $10 Million Portfolio: Bob Biggins' Path to 500 Doors

What does it take to grow from a single duplex to managing 85 units worth nearly $10 million—and then set your sights on 500 doors? In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Bob Biggins, a Michigan-based investor, licensed realtor, and YouTube creator who has been in real estate for nearly 30 years. Starting with a house-hack duplex in the 1990s, Bob slowly built his portfolio while working a corporate job. Today, after exiting that career, he's fully focused on multifamily investing and scaling up. You'll learn: How Bob used education and persistence to build a solid foundation in real estate. Why his mindset shift from "thinking small" to "thinking big" is fueling his current growth. The challenges of managing and rehabbing older housing stock common in Michigan. Why self-managing has allowed him to reinvest, increase property values, and build cash flow. The role of mentorship, networking, and platforms like YouTube in sharing knowledge and attracting opportunities. How Bob plans to make the leap from 85 to 500 units over the next five years. This is a story of patience, persistence, and bold goals—perfect inspiration for anyone looking to scale their own real estate business. Find out more: Bob Biggins YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BobBigginsRealtor Robert Biggins, PhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-biggins-phd-093122310/ Biggins Property Management: https://bigginspropertymanagement.tenantcloud.com/ Biggins Team Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigginsTeam/?checkpoint_src=any Biggins Team Website: https://bigginsteam.com/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com    

How do you scale short-term rentals into a hospitality brand for large groups—and use bourbon tourism to keep your calendar full? In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Andrew Llewellyn, founder of Super Stays, about how he's turning old office buildings into boutique-style short-term rentals that host bachelor parties, weddings, and corporate retreats of 8 to 42 people along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Andrew shares: Why large group stays outperform traditional Airbnbs How to brand and differentiate your STR business from the competition The power of upsells: private chefs, curated bourbon tastings, and luxury vans How bourbon tourism fuels consistent demand and high occupancy Lessons from scaling his first 15-bedroom property and building his next one The role of AI automations in streamlining guest communication If you're exploring short-term rental investing, hospitality branding, or large group travel, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiration. Find out more: https://superstaysstr.com/ https://andrewllewellyn.com/ Instagram & Linkedin: @IamAndrewllewellyn Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

What if your rental properties could deliver strong cash flow and transform lives? In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Jim Boad, founder of Shelton Housing and author of Group Home Accelerator, about how investors can build profitable, non-licensed group homes—specifically sober living homes—that provide safe, structured housing for people in recovery. Jim has launched more than 14 recovery homes in just two years, with more on the way. He shares: Why the demand for sober living and recovery housing is exploding nationwide The difference between licensed vs. non-licensed group homes (and why non-licensed is often easier) How to structure your properties for maximum occupancy and accountability Typical costs, rents, and how investors are earning 5–10X more cash flow than traditional rentals The challenges, community concerns, and fair housing rules you need to know How Jim leverages AI to streamline his business and even secure grants If you've ever wondered how to combine real estate investing with real impact, this conversation will open your eyes to a niche with both heart and high returns. Find out more: Website: https://grouphomeaccelerator.com/ Amazon Book Link: https://a.co/d/hirOOF0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16x6EKmA8U/?mibextid=wwXIfr Calendly: https://calendly.com/jimboad/gha Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

What if the answer to West Michigan's—and America's—housing shortage isn't massive new developments, but small homes tucked into the neighborhoods we already live in? In this episode of the Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast, Brian Hamrick talks with Nathan Biller, accredited ADU specialist and co-founder of My Backyard Build. Nathan has built his own ADU, permitted several more, and is helping shape local policy as a member of Grand Rapids' ADU Task Force. You'll learn: What exactly an ADU is (granny flats, carriage houses, basement conversions, detached units, and more). Why investors should consider ADUs—from the math behind rental income to the 1% rule and reduced land costs. Local and national trends—how California, Portland, Seattle, and Denver have embraced ADUs, and what's happening in Michigan cities like Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City. Financing and cost considerations—real numbers on what it takes to build an ADU and how investors are paying for them. Practical challenges and solutions—utilities, zoning, setbacks, neighbor relations, and historic district restrictions. Future opportunities—policy changes and task force recommendations that could make ADUs more accessible and profitable. Whether you call them granny flats, backyard cottages, or carriage houses, ADUs are becoming one of the most practical solutions to today's housing crisis—and a smart investment strategy for rental property owners. Find out more: https://www.mibackyardbuild.com/ https://www.nathanbiller.com/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

What does it really take to bring a crumbling historic building back to life—and turn it into a thriving, income-producing community space? In this episode, Brian Hamrick sits down with Brad Andrus, commercial real estate investor, broker, and developer behind the ambitious restoration of the Fine Arts Theater in Denton, Texas. Brad shares the full story: from its beginnings as an undertaker's shop in the early 1900s, to its heyday as a bustling single-screen theater, to decades of vacancy after fire damage—and now, its rebirth as a live performance, film, and event venue. You'll learn: The hidden challenges of historic renovations—from roof failures to unexpected structural issues. How federal and state historic tax credits can make or break the capital stack. Why city and community partnerships are essential in adaptive reuse projects. How to balance profitability with legacy-minded investing. The role of AI tools in Brad's real estate business and his new podcast Weeks Ahead AI. Whether you're passionate about historic preservation, curious about adaptive reuse, or an investor exploring creative real estate strategies, this conversation reveals the opportunities—and the pitfalls—of breathing new life into old buildings. 📌 Resources & Links Connect with Brad on LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/brad-andrus Learn about his podcast: Weeks Ahead AI (available on all platforms) Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Episode 511 – Meg Epstein | CA South Development What happens when a UCLA finance grad skips Wall Street during the 2008 crash and instead dives into $60 million Bel Air construction projects? For Meg Epstein, that pivot led to a thriving development career and the founding of CA South, a Nashville-based real estate firm with over $380 million in projects across industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use. In this episode, Meg shares: How she went from walking luxury job sites in Beverly Hills to reshaping urban neighborhoods in Nashville Why great design is her secret weapon in a sea of bland multifamily builds How she's pioneering short-term rentable condos as a hybrid between investment and lifestyle What industrial outdoor storage (IOS) really is — and why it's her next big bet Her take on urban planning, walkability, and the future of Southeastern U.S. cities How she's leveraging AI to streamline due diligence and investor communications The unique opportunities found in non-institutional, niche asset classes Whether you're an investor curious about where development is headed, or a builder looking to differentiate your product, this conversation will give you a rare look inside the mind of a fast-scaling developer—and the strategies she's using to stay ahead of the curve. Find out more: https://www.youtube.com/@megaubaleepstein?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.casouthdevelopment.com Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Modern energy regulations and rising utility costs are reshaping commercial real estate. In this episode, veteran green-building contractor Robert Pulitzer of Green Street Global explains how owners can tap hidden operational savings, fund deep retrofits with zero out-of-pocket capital, and future-proof assets against tightening decarbonization rules. In This Episode You'll Learn: Where the Money Hides: How utility-bill audits uncover 10-20 % in overcharges and fund the first wave of improvements. The Retrofit Roadmap: Start with the building envelope, then right-size HVAC, lighting, and water systems for 20-40 % lower consumption. Financing That Pays for Itself: Using C-PACE, equipment financing, and shared-savings models to cover 100 % of soft and hard costs. Best-Fit Property Types: Hotels, senior housing, hospitals, industrial facilities, private schools—and any owner-occupied building with high OPEX. Value-Add for the 21st Century: Why lower carbon emissions translate directly into higher NOI, higher valuations, and lower regulatory risk. AI as a Force Multiplier: The everyday tools Robert uses to draft proposals, LOIs, and even legal responses at lightning speed. Key Takeaways: Treat energy efficiency as a profit center, not an expense. A holistic approach—tight envelope → right-sized HVAC → efficient fixtures—delivers the biggest ROI. Shared-savings contracts and tax strategies eliminate upfront capital barriers. Decarbonization mandates are accelerating worldwide; acting now preserves asset value and competitive edge. Resources & Links Mentioned: https://www.greenstreetglobal.com https://www.greenstreetglobal.com/case_studies/ [email protected] Enjoyed the show? Leave a rating, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow investor who's looking to cut OPEX and boost NOI through smart energy upgrades! Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Most investors stop at buying and renting—but what if your next move was developing the places your community actually needs? In this episode, real estate developer and consultant Kristi Kandel shares how everyday investors can become local developers without millions in the bank or a background in construction. With $450M+ in completed projects across retail, housing, clean energy, and adaptive reuse, Kristi breaks down what it really takes to turn vacant buildings or underutilized lots into thriving local assets. You'll learn: What development actually means (hint: it's not always ground-up construction) How to get started with adaptive reuse and infill projects Who to talk to first — from city managers to regional lenders to neighbors How to access local grants, incentives, and funding opportunities The step-by-step process Kristi uses to help investors become developers in their own towns Why small towns (under 10,000 people) are filled with overlooked development potential Kristi also shares her experience developing clean energy projects like hydrogen fueling stations, and how tech and AI are transforming how developers evaluate deals and make decisions faster than ever. Find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/   linkedin.com/company/local-real-estate-developers https://www.instagram.com/localrealestatedevelopers https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

What would Warren Buffett do if he invested in real estate? In this episode, Brian Hamrick welcomes back Paul Moore, Founder of Wellings Capital and author of multiple real estate investing books, to explore safer, smarter strategies in today's market. Paul shares why he believes Buffett's investing principles apply directly to commercial real estate—and even argues that Buffett might have been more successful in property than in stocks. Key topics we cover: Preferred Equity 101: where it fits in the capital stack and why it can deliver debt-like returns with equity-style protection Rescue Capital vs. Safer Structures: why Wellings avoids distressed bailouts and instead focuses on recapitalizations and acquisitions Hybrid JV Equity: the new strategy that combines the protections of preferred equity with the upside of common equity The Buffett Playbook: how timeless principles like intrinsic value, discipline, and saying "no" apply to real estate investors today Asset Management as Risk Control: why fraud and people problems—not pro formas—are the biggest investor risks Paul's upcoming book, Warren Buffett's Rules for Real Estate Investors His nonprofit mission with AIM to fight human trafficking Paul also opens up about the mistakes he's avoided (like floating-rate debt during the rate hikes) and the lessons he's learned from decades in the business. 📌 Resources & Links: Free investor resources: wellingscapital.com/resources Support AIM: aimfree.org/wellings Follow Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-moore-3255924/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Before you buy or lease commercial real estate, there's one report that can save you from six-figure surprises — the Property Condition Assessment. In this episode, Greg Trotter, a 50-year veteran of construction, consulting, and expert witness testimony, joins us to explain why PCAs are essential to investor due diligence. From flood damage and corroded fire systems to structural defects hiding in plain sight, Greg breaks down how a thorough PCA protects your capital, prevents lawsuits, and gives you leverage at the negotiation table. You'll learn: What's included in a PCA (and how it differs from a home inspection) The biggest deal-killers found in commercial properties Why banks and equity partners both rely on PCAs (but for different reasons) Real-world examples of surprises — including collapsing balconies, failed sprinkler systems, and one "missing" sewer line What happens when PCA reports are inaccurate — and why Greg sometimes ends up in court Whether you're buying an apartment building, leasing a warehouse, or investing in a strip center, this episode will change the way you look at physical due diligence. Find out more: https://www.thecbcteam.com/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com