Real Estate Educators Podcast with Kevin Amolsch

Hosted by Kevin Amolsch

Business Investing

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200

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Oct 2026

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About the show

We provide the real estate education you can build on. This podcast is unlike any I have seen where we not only focus on real estate investing but on the content creation behind it. We want to help real estate investors and real estate influencers build their wealth. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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60 recent

October 21, 202644 min

Mark Khuri - How to Evaluate Real Estate Investments Like a Professional

What separates a good real estate investment from one that looks good on paper? Mark Khuri, co-founder and CEO of SMK Capital Management, has spent more than 20 years investing in real estate and evaluating opportunities across multiple asset classes. Today, his team reviews approximately 600–700 private real estate deals annually but invests in only 5–10 of them. In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch and Mark discuss what makes an investment worth pursuing and why knowing when to say no is just as important as finding the right opportunity. One of the biggest takeaways is Mark's approach to due diligence. His team has screened more than 300 operating partners and uses a 40-point checklist when evaluating sponsors and opportunities. They discuss why track record, full-cycle experience, communication, transparency, and having the right team in place are critical considerations before committing capital. Mark also explains why investors shouldn't stop their research after finding a sponsor they trust. The conversation also explores where Mark is finding opportunities in today's commercial real estate market. From mobile home parks and self-storage to industrial outdoor storage, triple-net sale-leasebacks, private real estate debt, and select multifamily investments, Mark explains what attracts him to different sectors. They also discuss preferred returns, investment timelines, capital calls, and how fund structures can affect an investor's experience. With economic uncertainty influencing investment decisions, Kevin and Mark share their perspectives on real estate valuations, stock market risk, and the importance of diversification. Whether you're actively investing in real estate or considering passive opportunities, this episode offers insight into how experienced investors evaluate risk, choose operating partners, and make more informed investment decisions. 00:00 – How Mark got started in real estate investing 05:10 – From small rental properties to SMK Capital Management 09:30 – What is a real estate fund of funds? 13:25 – The benefits of diversification and professional due diligence 19:10 – How to find real estate investment opportunities 27:00 – Private real estate debt vs. equity investments 33:35 – Investment timelines and returning investor capital 38:15 – Investing during economic uncertainty Connect with Mark Khuri Mark Khuri is the co-founder and CEO of SMK Capital Management, a real estate investment firm focused on diversified private real estate opportunities and partnerships with experienced operators. To learn more about Mark and SMK Capital Management, search for SMK Capital Management online. A direct website or contact link was not provided in the transcript. Learn more about Pine Financial Group: www.pinefinancialgroup.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

October 14, 202634 min

Scott Craft - DSCR Loans Explained, The Rental Property Loan Every Real Estate Investor Should Understand

Looking to finance rental properties without relying on your personal income or tax returns? A DSCR loan (Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan) could be the financing solution you've been looking for. Unlike conventional mortgages, DSCR loans primarily qualify borrowers based on the rental property's income rather than their personal income, making them an option for real estate investors looking to build or expand their portfolios. In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch sits down with Pine Financial Group Loan Officer Scott Craft to break down how DSCR loans work, how lenders evaluate rental income, and what investors need to know about qualifying. They discuss everything from DSCR ratios and loan-to-value requirements to credit scores, appraisals, interest rates, and prepayment penalties. Kevin and Scott also explore four ways investors can use DSCR financing: acquiring multiple rental properties, refinancing a completed BRRRR project into long-term financing, converting a fix-and-flip that isn't selling into a rental property, and accessing existing equity through a cash-out refinance. Scott explains how the right financing strategy can help investors preserve capital, manage holding costs, and create more flexibility in their portfolios. Of course, not every DSCR loan is the same. Scott explains why different lenders have different qualification requirements, how prepayment penalties can affect interest rates, and why some programs may allow a DSCR below 1.0. Kevin and Scott also discuss the importance of understanding actual property expenses and cash flow before taking on additional debt. Whether you're purchasing your first rental, growing an established portfolio, or looking for an alternative to short-term hard money financing, this episode will help you understand when a DSCR loan might make sense and how Pine Financial Group can help you explore your options. 00:00 – Scott's background in real estate investing and lending 02:35 – What is a DSCR loan? 07:45 – Understanding the debt service coverage ratio 13:05 – Who benefits most from DSCR financing? 14:35 – Using DSCR loans to grow a rental portfolio 16:05 – Refinancing BRRRR projects into long-term loans 22:25 – Understanding DSCR loan prepayment penalties 27:05 – How DSCR interest rates are determined 31:10 – Four ways investors can use DSCR loans Connect with Scott Craft Scott Craft is a Loan Officer with Pine Financial Group, helping real estate investors find financing solutions for acquisitions, renovations, refinances, and long-term rental investments. Email: scott@pinefinancialgroup.com Website: www.pinefinancialgroup.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

October 7, 202642 min

John McNellis - 45 Years in Real Estate, The Lessons Every Investor Should Know

John McNellis has spent more than four decades developing commercial real estate, completing more than 100 projects throughout Northern California. But his real estate career actually began while he was still practicing law, when he turned a $1,500 investment in a duplex into roughly $90,000 through a series of early deals. In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch talks with John about his transition from attorney to developer, raising money for his first major shopping center development, and what real estate investing looked like when interest rates and cap rates were dramatically higher than investors became accustomed to over the past decade. John explains why higher rates don't necessarily mean deals stop happening, it may simply take time for buyers and sellers to adjust their expectations. They also dig into how John evaluates passive real estate investments. His first priority is the sponsor: Do they have their own money invested? What's their track record? Are their interests aligned with investors? And are they making their money from successful investments—or loading the deal with fees? Only after evaluating the "jockey" does John move on to underwriting the "horse." Timestamps 00:00 – From journalism to law school 03:25 – Why John left litigation for real estate 07:30 – Building deals while working full-time 17:20 – Why higher interest rates don’t kill real estate deals 21:10 – Preferred returns and profit splits explained 26:05 – How to evaluate a real estate sponsor 30:45 – Why experienced investors eventually lose money 32:25 – Underwriting the jockey AND the horse 34:15 – John’s book, Making It in Real Estate 36:20 – Understanding partnership structures and capital calls 40:05 – John’s advice for long-term real estate success About Making It in Real Estate John is the author of Making It in Real Estate: Thriving as a Developer . The book grew out of years of columns he wrote about real estate development and focuses on straightforward lessons designed to help investors and developers avoid mistakes he made throughout his career. John says the book has sold approximately 40,000 copies across three editions and has been used at universities including Stanford, Berkeley, UCLA, Georgetown, Cornell, Clemson, and Vanderbilt. The latest edition also includes a section devoted to some of John's biggest mistakes and ways investors can lose money in real estate. Connect with John McNellis John publishes essays on real estate through publications including the San Francisco Business Times and The Registry , and reposts his writing on LinkedIn. Learn more about John McNellis and McNellis Partners: https://mcnellis.com/ Learn more about Pine Financial Group: https://pinefinancialgroup.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

September 30, 202638 min

Ryan Thomson - Assumable Mortgages Explained, How to Take Over a 2–3% Mortgage in Today’s Market

When mortgage rates jumped in 2022, Ryan Thomson saw a problem. The house hacking strategy that had helped him build his own real estate portfolio was becoming harder for his clients to replicate. That led him to rediscover a financing tool that had largely been forgotten during decades of falling rates: assumable mortgages . In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch talks with Ryan, aka “The Assumable Guy,” about how assumable mortgages work and why they could offer an alternative for buyers and real estate investors in a higher-rate environment. Ryan explains how qualifying FHA and VA loans can be transferred from a seller to a buyer, including the existing loan balance, interest rate, and remaining term. Of course, there’s a catch: the buyer still needs to cover the seller’s equity. Ryan explains the different ways buyers may be able to bridge that gap, including cash, secondary financing, and potentially seller financing. He and Kevin also discuss why the value for investors may go beyond immediate cash flow, with low-rate debt potentially producing significant principal paydown over time. Ryan also shares his own journey from social work to house hacking, becoming a full-time real estate agent, and eventually building a niche around assumable loans. They discuss how specializing helped Ryan differentiate himself in a crowded real estate industry, why “education plus action” has been central to his success, and how he thinks through fear and risk when making major decisions. Whether you’re a real estate investor looking for alternative financing strategies, a homebuyer trying to navigate higher mortgage rates, or an agent looking for a way to differentiate yourself, this episode offers an introduction to assumable mortgages and the opportunities Ryan sees in this overlooked corner of real estate. 00:00 – From social work to real estate investing 05:05 – Living for free and cash flowing $1,500/month 09:25 – What is an assumable mortgage? 15:05 – Do assumable mortgages cash flow for investors? 18:25 – Assumable mortgages vs. subject-to deals 20:05 – Finding properties with assumable FHA & VA loans 26:40 – Expanding the assumable mortgage strategy 31:00 – Finding a niche in a crowded real estate industry 36:40 – Ryan’s advice for dealing with fear and risk Connect with Ryan Thomson Ryan shares assumable mortgage opportunities and educational content through The Assumable Guy. His team currently works throughout Colorado’s Front Range and is expanding into additional markets: https://assumableguy.com/ You can also find Ryan on Instagram by searching The Assumable Guy . Learn more about Pine Financial Group: https://pinefinancialgroup.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

September 23, 202641 min

Chris Prefontaine - How to Buy Real Estate With No Banks Using Creative Financing

Chris Prefontaine has been in real estate since the early 1990s, navigating multiple market cycles along the way. After getting hit hard during the 2008 crash, Chris found himself with little money and damaged credit—and had to find a different way to get back into real estate. That led him to creative financing and the strategies that eventually became the foundation of Smart Real Estate Coach. In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch and Chris break down three creative financing strategies: owner financing, subject-to, and lease purchases/options . Chris explains how each works, why terms can sometimes matter more than purchase price, and how investors can structure deals without relying on traditional bank financing. They also discuss why today's real estate market could be particularly interesting for creative investors. With sellers competing for fewer buyers and many homeowners still holding mortgages at rates well below what's available today, Chris explains how creative structures can help bridge the gap between what sellers want and what buyers can afford. Chris also shares the mistakes he's made along the way, including why he now prioritizes longer terms when structuring deals. He and Kevin discuss rent-to-own buyers, the importance of cash flow, mentorship, negotiating with sellers, and Chris's "Three Paydays" model for generating multiple potential income streams from a single deal. Whether you're struggling to make conventional deals pencil or simply want more tools in your real estate investing toolbox, this episode offers a practical look at creative financing from two investors who have used these strategies firsthand. Timestamps 00:00 – Chris's 35+ years in real estate 03:15 – Getting crushed during the 2008 crash 05:10 – Rebuilding with no money and damaged credit 07:10 – Why today's market favors creative financing 13:20 – Owner financing explained 16:45 – Lease options and controlling real estate without owning it 23:40 – How Smart Real Estate Coach got started 29:05 – Rent-to-own buyers and setting them up for success 35:00 – The Three Paydays model explained 39:45 – Chris's advice for newer real estate investors Connect with Chris Prefontaine Chris offers listeners a free hard-copy edition of his revised book, Real Estate on Your Terms . In the episode, he says the book and shipping are included at no cost. Get Chris Prefontaine's Free Book: https://3paydaysbooks.com/kevin You can also learn more about Chris and Smart Real Estate Coach here: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ Learn more about Pine Financial Group . Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

September 16, 202635 min

Ryan Chaw - How He Retired at 31 With Student Rental Properties

Ryan Chaw went from working long shifts as a pharmacist to becoming a millionaire at 28 and retiring at just 31 years old. His strategy? Building a portfolio of rental properties near colleges and renting them by the room to students. Today, he owns 14 properties and rents to approximately 90 tenants. In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch talks with Ryan about how he discovered the student housing niche and why renting by the room can dramatically increase a property's rental income. Ryan shares an example of taking a house that might rent for $1,800–$2,000 per month and configuring it into six bedrooms renting for $700 each, or approximately $4,200 per month. Of course, renting to multiple college students comes with its own challenges. Ryan shares the story of an 80-person party at his first property and explains how that experience helped him develop his PRIME method for finding better tenants. He also breaks down how he uses head tenants, virtual assistants, guarantors, and a step-by-step conflict resolution process to manage approximately 90 tenants without creating another full-time job. Ryan and Kevin also discuss financing, DSCR loans, overcoming analysis paralysis, and some of the costly lessons Ryan learned on his first property, including a $9,000 sewer line replacement that reinforced why investors should thoroughly inspect properties before buying them. Whether you're looking for ways to increase cash flow on rental properties or considering student housing for the first time, this episode offers a practical look at how rent-by-the-room investing works, how to manage it, and the systems Ryan used to turn the strategy into financial freedom. Timestamps 00:00 – How real estate created generational wealth for Ryan's family 03:05 – Becoming a millionaire at 28 and retiring at 31 06:15 – How renting by the room can double rental income 08:05 – Financing his first rental property 12:50 – Why Ryan targets graduate students 14:15 – The PRIME method for screening student tenants 23:25 – Overcoming fear and taking action in real estate 29:10 – Life after retiring at 31 32:05 – What Ryan would do differently starting over 33:25 – Why building your real estate network matters Connect with Ryan Chaw Ryan offers a free guide covering his student housing and rent-by-the-room strategy, including lessons and mistakes from building his own portfolio. He also discusses his one-on-one coaching program and YouTube channel in the episode. Ryan Chaw's Newbie Real Estate Investing Guide Learn more about Pine Financial Group . Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

September 9, 202641 min

Rod Khleif - 48 Years in Real Estate and the Biggest Lessons Learned

Rod Khleif has been investing in real estate for 48 years. He's owned more than 2,000 single-family homes, thousands of multifamily units, and is now investing in senior housing. But one of the biggest lessons of his career came from losing an estimated $50 million during the 2008 financial crisis. In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch talks with Rod about the mindset that helped him build his success—and, perhaps more importantly, recover after losing so much. Rod shares why investors shouldn't fear failure, how setting meaningful goals creates the motivation to take action, and why making a real decision means committing instead of waiting until every box is checked. They also dig into today's real estate market. Rod believes current distress in multifamily is creating significant opportunities as properties face rising expenses, capital calls, foreclosures, and values below previous purchase prices. He also explains why he's bullish on senior housing and why today's investors need to be much more conservative when underwriting multifamily expenses. Rod also looks back at what went wrong with his own portfolio during the financial crisis—including why even a relatively low loan-to-value didn't protect him—and explains why he ultimately came to favor multifamily over scattered single-family rentals. He and Kevin discuss the importance of peer groups, playing to your strengths, finding partners who complement your weaknesses, and surrounding yourself with people who push you forward. Whether you're just getting started or navigating your next market cycle, this episode is a reminder that real estate success isn't about avoiding every mistake. It's about learning from them, continuing to take action, surrounding yourself with the right people, and recognizing opportunity when others are afraid. 00:00 – 48 years of real estate investing experience 03:20 – From immigrant beginnings to real estate 07:25 – Losing $50 million in the 2008 crash 11:05 – Why your goals have to come first 15:05 – How to choose the right real estate strategy 21:35 – Where Rod sees opportunity in today's market 27:15 – Capital calls and struggling multifamily deals 33:10 – Single-family vs. multifamily investing 36:40 – Play to your strengths and partner for your weaknesses 38:10 – Achievement vs. fulfillment Connect with Rod Khleif Rod recommends Rod's Links as the central place to find his boot camps, goal-setting workshop, podcast, social media, books, and other resources. He also discusses his Warrior coaching program and multifamily investing community in the episode. Rod Khleif's resources at http://www.rodslinks.com/ . Learn more about Pine Financial Group . Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

September 2, 202636 min

James Gleeson - How He Built a $60M Real Estate Portfolio in Just 8 Years

James Gleeson started investing in real estate at just 21 years old. Eight years later, he's built a portfolio worth approximately $60 million with around 470 rental units, without using syndications. In this episode of the Real Estate Educators Podcast, Kevin Amolsch talks with James about how he got started using the BRRRR method and hard money, including his first deal: a $25,000 property with a $14,000 renovation that appraised for $65,000 and is worth roughly $180,000 today. James also explains how relationships with property managers, lenders, contractors, and other investors helped him scale. They also dig into the operational side of owning a large rental portfolio. James explains why he eventually brought property management and construction in-house, the hidden costs he experienced with third-party management, and why investors can't afford to ignore operations while focusing only on finding deals and raising money. Whether you're trying to buy your first rental or already managing a growing portfolio, this episode offers practical lessons on BRRRR investing, leverage, liquidity, property management, relationships, systems, and knowing when it might be time to stop chasing growth. 00:00 – From college basketball to real estate investing 04:10 – Buying his first property at 21 06:15 – Using the BRRRR method and hard money 08:30 – How relationships helped James get started 14:20 – The hidden costs of property management 17:10 – Bringing property management in-house 22:15 – Paying off debt vs. continuing to leverage 25:00 – Why liquidity matters as much as equity 30:15 – Why net worth can become a vanity metric 32:20 – Building systems instead of chasing more growth Connect with James Gleeson Learn more about James's real estate investing education and coaching at MultifamilyMethods.com . You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok at James Gleeson Real Estate . Learn more about Pine Financial Group at pinefinancialgroup.com Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

September 2, 202645 min

Colorado Real Estate Market Pulse Update with Joe Massey - Q3 2026

We are back with Joe Massey to chat Denver real estate. Curious what’s really happening in the Denver housing market? In this market pulse, we discuss what we are currently seeing during the third quarter of 2026. Joe Massey brings a ton of experience to the Denver real estate scene, making him someone you want to pay attention to if you care about market trends and smart investing. As part of Synergy One Lending, Joe helps people with everything from buying their first home to locking in financing for investment properties, including condos, single-family homes, and even multi-units up to four units. He’s worked with investors in the Denver area for well over a decade, so he’s seen all kinds of market cycles and knows the ins and outs of residential lending. Joe’s got a knack for explaining complicated stuff in a way that actually makes sense, and he’s always looking for ways to help clients grow their portfolios. With a reputation for being both knowledgeable and genuinely invested in the success of others, Joe Massey is a solid voice when it comes to making sense of Denver’s ever-changing real estate market. The resources mentioned in this episode are: * Visit Pine Financial Group to learn more about their private lending solutions and mortgage fund for passive investors: https://pinefinancialgroup.com * Contact Joe Massey at Synergy One Lending for information on new investor and second home loan programs, refinancing, or portfolio review. * Call to discuss your rental property financing options, including current rates for investment properties and second homes. * Reach out to review your real estate portfolio and explore opportunities to improve cash flow or access equity. * Follow and leave a five-star review for the Real Estate Educators podcast, and share the podcast with a friend. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

September 1, 202624 min

Twin Cities Real Estate Market Pulse Update - Q3 2026

Here’s your 2026 Q3 Market Pulse for the Twin Cities real estate scene. We break down what we are seeing in the market and what that means for real estate investors. Host Kevin Amolsch is joined by local pros Mike Jacka (President & Founder, MNREIA) and Sean Blomquist (Pine Financial Group) to sort through national headlines and local data. Guest bios: * Mike Jacka — President & Founder of MNREIA (est. 2002). Leads one of the largest real estate investor associations in the country, focused on education and local dealmaking. * Sean Blomquist — Minnesota Loan Officer at Pine Financial Group, specializing in private lending for fix‑and‑flip, buy‑and‑hold, and value‑add projects. Resources mentioned: * MNREIA — Meetings, education, and local investor community * Pine Financial Group — Private lending and fund info Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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