The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

Hosted by Stephen Husted

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

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November 5, 2026Episode 9440 min

EP 94: He Inspects His Rental Properties Every 3 Months. Here's Why | Alex Ridhibhinyo?

Real estate investing can build wealth, but owning rental properties isn't as passive as social media often makes it seem. In this episode of The Breakthrough, I sit down with Alex, a real estate investor and agent in Columbus, Ohio, who bought his first duplex in 2012 for $195,000. Today, he estimates the property is worth nearly $500,000. Alex shares how one conversation inspired him to start investing, how rental income changed his financial future, and why he believes landlords need to stay involved even when they have property managers. We also discuss tenant communication, property inspections, choosing the right renters, and the importance of finding a mentor when starting in real estate. Stephen and Alex talked about: 📌How a conversation with a neighbor inspired Alex to buy his first duplex 📌Buying a duplex for $195,000 and watching its estimated value grow to nearly $500,000 📌Why rental property investing requires ongoing attention and isn't truly passive 📌How quarterly property visits can help identify plumbing leaks and other costly problems 📌Building good relationships with tenants while maintaining professional boundaries 📌Why new real estate agents should consider joining a team or finding a mentor 📌How to assess whether real estate investing fits your personality, finances, and capacity for stress If you're thinking about buying your first investment property, this conversation offers a realistic look at the responsibilities that come with being a landlord. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel, left a comment, and shared this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Find Alex‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/alexsellscolumbus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsellscolumbus/?isSelfProfile=false Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast ⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

October 30, 2026Episode 931 hr 0 min

EP 93: How This Couple Divides Work, Money, and Real Estate Decisions | Ryan and Leah Slicer

What does it take to build wealth through real estate while raising a family, managing careers, and navigating the risks of investing? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan and Leah, a husband-and-wife team who began their real estate journey by renovating their own homes before purchasing their first investment property in 2018. What started as a way to improve their finances gradually grew into a portfolio that includes rental properties, flips, and short-term rentals. Ryan and Leah share how their early projects helped them pay off student loans, attract investment partners, and create opportunities they once thought were out of reach. They also open up about the challenges, including working exhausting hours, balancing their responsibilities as parents, and losing $60,000 on a deal they purchased without personally walking through the property. We also discuss why they have become more selective about flipping houses, how they divide responsibilities based on their individual strengths, and why knowing when to pause can be just as important as knowing when to take action. Stephen and Ryan and Leah talked about: 📌How renovating their first home sparked their interest in real estate 📌Turning profits from home renovations into investment opportunities 📌Buying their first investment property in 2018 📌How the BRRRR strategy influenced their investing journey 📌The challenges of flipping houses while raising three children📌How they divide responsibilities based on their individual strengths📌Investing in rental properties and short-term rentals📌What they learned from losing $60,000 on a deal 📌Why they have slowed down their house-flipping business 📌Balancing business growth, marriage, and family life 📌Why new investors should take action before they know everything 📌Why hiring your weaknesses can help you focus on your strengths Ryan and Leah's story is a reminder that building wealth isn't always a straight line. Some decisions create opportunities, others teach expensive lessons, and sometimes the best move is to wait for the right deal. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel, left a comment, and shared this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Find Ryan & Leah‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/iflippingloveyou/?hl=en Ryan Slicer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rslicer/?isSelfProfile=false Leah Slicer: https://www.facebook.com/iflippingloveyou/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

October 23, 2026Episode 921 hr 9 min

EP 92: How to Reduce Vacancies and Protect Your Rental Income | Daniel Bell

Property management can make or break a rental property's profitability. From setting the right rental price to keeping vacancies low and managing maintenance costs, the small decisions can have a major impact on an investor's bottom line. In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Bell, founder of Stonebrook Properties, to discuss what effective property management looks like and what rental property investors should watch out for when choosing a management company. Daniel shares his journey from college athletics and car sales into real estate wholesaling before building a property management business overseeing approximately 410 units across East Tennessee. We discuss why overpricing a rental can lead to lost income, how property managers can prepare for tenant turnover, and why investors need to pay close attention to maintenance expenses and communication. We also get into the systems Daniel uses to track upcoming vacancies, manage late rent payments, communicate with landlords, and keep rental portfolios running smoothly. Stephen and Daniel talked about: 📌Building a property management business from the ground up 📌Why rental pricing can make or break your cash flow 📌How vacancies quietly reduce rental income 📌Self-guided rental tours versus in-person leasing 📌Marketing rental properties and generating more showings 📌The hidden costs of lawn care, trees, and property maintenance 📌What investors should know about in-house maintenance teams 📌The staff-to-unit ratio every investor should ask about 📌How monthly lease renewal meetings help prevent vacancies📌Tracking late rent payments and communicating with landlords 📌Choosing a property manager who can scale without sacrificing service If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel, left a comment, and shared this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Find Daniel‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/propmanagerdan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bell-realtor/?isSelfProfile=false Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

October 16, 2026Episode 9150 min

EP 91: How to Find Better Rental Property Deals in Today's Market | Marc Rice

A rental property can look like a great investment on paper, but the real test comes when you start managing it. I sit down with Marc Rice, an investor-friendly real estate agent based in Columbus, Ohio, to discuss what investors should consider before buying rental properties and why chasing high cash flow can sometimes backfire. Marc works with investors, many of whom live outside Ohio, who want to build wealth through real estate. He explains how tenant turnover, vacancies, evictions, repairs, and property management costs can eat into projected returns, especially in lower-priced neighborhoods. We also discuss how investors can evaluate neighborhoods, set realistic rental expectations, and decide whether strategies like BRRRR, short-term rentals, mid-term rentals, or co-living make sense for their goals. Marc shares his perspective on the Columbus market, why investors need to be more selective with deals, and how he got started in real estate after graduating from Ohio State University. He also talks about his 60-acre campground project in Asheville, North Carolina, and how real estate can become a way to pursue bigger personal goals. Stephen and Marc talked about: 📌 Why high cash flow doesn't always mean a good investmen 📌 The hidden costs of tenant turnover and evictions 📌 Choosing between B-class and C-class neighborhoods 📌 Setting realistic rental prices 📌 Tenant screening and property management 📌 The BRRRR strategy in today's market 📌 Interest rates and refinancing challenges 📌 Short-term, mid-term, and co-living rental strategies 📌How to evaluate neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio 📌Why local market knowledge matters 📌House hacking and buying a first investment property 📌Building wealth through real estate One important takeaway from this conversation is that buying a property is only the beginning. Investors need to understand the neighborhood, the tenant pool, the management requirements, and the costs that may not appear in their initial calculations. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel, left a comment, and shared this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Find Marc‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/marcricerealestate/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcrice/?isSelfProfile=false Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast ⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

October 8, 2026Episode 901 hr 7 min

EP 90: The Real Estate Trap Behind Cheap Rental Properties with David Garner

What happens when a real estate portfolio grows faster than the systems behind it? David Garner experienced it firsthand. After getting into US real estate investing in 2016, David scaled from his first rental property to 124 houses in just a few years. On paper, everything looked like it was working. But eventually, vacancies, maintenance, property management problems, contractors, and poor buying decisions all caught up with the business. What followed was a major financial collapse that forced David to completely rethink how he invested. In this conversation, David opens up about what went wrong, what he learned from rebuilding, and why his approach to real estate today looks very different. We talk about cheap rental properties, the reality of passive income, property management, cash reserves, remote investing, and why spending more upfront can sometimes prevent much bigger problems later. Stephen and David talked about: 📌 Scaling from one rental property to 124 houses 📌 Why the numbers on a spreadsheet aren't the whole story 📌 The problems that eventually brought David's portfolio down 📌 Why cheap rental properties can become expensive 📌 Property management and tenant relationships 📌 The importance of properly renovating properties 📌 Building cash reserves 📌 Managing real estate from overseas 📌 Having backup vendors and strong team 📌 Why real estate isn't truly passive 📌 Cash flow vs. long-term wealth 📌 The lessons David learned from 2023 📌 How he rebuilt his investment strategy David's story is a reminder that growing a bigger portfolio isn't necessarily the same thing as building a stronger business. His experience offers a candid look at what can happen when scale gets ahead of systems, and what it takes to rebuild afterward. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel, left a comment, and shared this episode with someone who might find it valuable . Find David‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/davidgarnerofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidgarner/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

October 1, 2026Episode 8955 min

EP 89: How Civil Engineers See Real Estate Differently with Rachel Weinberg

I sit down with Rachel Weinberg, a civil engineer, real estate investor, and owner of a civil engineering consulting firm specializing in residential land development. Rachel's work focuses heavily on projects around the greater Seattle area, where she helps clients understand what they can actually do with a property before moving forward. We talk about what happens during the initial feasibility stage, why critical areas and wetlands can completely change a development, and why investors should understand zoning, setbacks, utilities, and permitting before they buy. Rachel also explains some of the less obvious costs developers can run into, including water and sewer availability requirements, and why seemingly small details can add significant time and money to a project. We also talk about ADUs and DADUs, the growing opportunities around multiple units, working with cities and counties, and why development is truly a team effort. One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is simple: don't assume. Get as much information as possible upfront. Stephen and Rachel talked about: ✨ Rachel's journey into civil engineering ✨ What civil engineers actually do in land development ✨ How the initial feasibility process works ✨ What investors should look at before buying land ✨ Critical areas, wetlands, and steep slopes ✨ Why zoning and setbacks matter ✨ Water and sewer availability ✨ Unexpected development costs ✨ Why permitting can take months ✨ How utilities can impact a project ✨ Why developers need a strong team ✨ How Rachel approaches real estate investing ✨ Finding opportunities in properties others might overlook ✨ Why you should never assume a property is buildable If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel, left a comment, and shared this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Find Rachel‘s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-weinberg-pe-3a645959/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

September 24, 2026Episode 881 hr 10 min

EP 88: How Roman Partyka Went From Mechanic to Real Estate Investor

I sit down with Roman, a contractor and real estate investor who built his career from the ground up. Roman started out working on cars and eventually became a lead mechanic before moving into construction. After the 2008 crash forced him to rethink his path, he opened his own auto repair shop. Years later, that construction background and his experience working with contractors helped him make the transition into real estate. We talk about his first flip, the unexpected $30,000 setback that taught him the importance of contingencies, and how he discovered house hacking and the BRRRR strategy. Roman also shares how he has been converting single-family properties into multiple units to create additional rental income. We also get into our Seattle projects, development challenges, working with cities and utilities, why buying the right property matters, and how developers need to manage all the moving pieces of a project. Most importantly, Roman shares the mindset that helped him keep moving forward when things didn't go according to plan. Stephen and Roman talked about: 📌 Roman's journey from mechanic to contractor and real estate investor 📌 How the 2008 crash changed his career path 📌 Starting an auto repair business from scratch 📌 How he landed his first real estate opportunity 📌 The $30,000 lesson that changed how he approaches projects 📌 House hacking and the BRRRR strategy 📌 Turning garages and basements into additional rental units 📌 The Seattle development projects we're working on 📌 Managing architects, contractors, inspectors, utilities, and cities 📌 The importance of building the right team 📌 Taking action instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel, left a comment, and shared this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Find Roman‘s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-partyka-48437b410/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

September 17, 2026Episode 8756 min

EP 87: CJ Catrambone on Real Estate Development, Capital, and Risk

Today's guest is CJ Catrambone , a real estate developer based in San Diego who owns a full-scale development company handling everything from acquisition and capital raising to feasibility, permitting, architecture, and construction. CJ grew up in construction, working alongside his father and wearing a tool belt from age 10 through 21. Seeing his father operate as a general contractor eventually led CJ to realize that he wanted to be on the ownership and development side of the business. His first real estate purchase was an eight-plex outside Nashville, but after realizing he wanted to be more hands-on, he moved into flipping in his own backyard. He eventually completed roughly 50 to 60 flips before scaling into ground-up development. A major advantage of CJ's current model is keeping much of the development operation in-house. He says having people on salary allows his company to build for roughly 30 to 40% less than many competitors in San Diego. We talk about San Diego's changing development landscape, including new zoning and density incentives that have created opportunities for infill developers. CJ explains how increased supply has also created a gap between what sellers want and what buyers are willing to pay. We also get into one of CJ's current projects, a roughly 10,000-square-foot building that is being converted into large Airbnb units. The project is expected to increase gross revenue from approximately $120,000 to $550,000–$600,000 per year . Finally, CJ shares his advice for anyone looking to get into development: education plus action equals results . He recommends learning the fundamentals, surrounding yourself with the right people, starting small, underwriting plenty of deals, and ultimately getting that first deal done. STEPHEN AND CJ TALKED ABOUT: CJ's construction background and transition into development Building a full-scale development company in San Diego Why in-house teams can reduce construction costs by 30–40% San Diego's infill development and changing zoning Finding deals through brokers and seller land contributions Building a reliable development team Using less leverage to reduce risk Converting an office building into large Airbnb units Raising capital and structuring deals with LPs The importance of starting small in real estate development Find CJ‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/cjcatrambone/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cj-catrambone-8065167b Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

September 10, 2026Episode 8653 min

EP 86: Chauncey Pham on Real Estate, Flipping, Design, and Building for Freedom

Today's guest is Chauncey, a real estate investor, interior designer, TV show host, speaker, coach, and flipper who has built her career around marketing, creativity, and real estate. Chauncey's real estate story started somewhat unexpectedly. She got her license because she wanted extra money to go to Disney World, but within three months she had closed 10 transactions and made more than her annual salary. Her marketing background quickly became one of her biggest advantages, especially as she started using video for lead generation and client communication. From there, Chauncey built a brokerage, joined a national brokerage, recruited more than 400 agents in her first year, and eventually transitioned into the investment side of real estate with her husband. We talk about how she built systems that allowed her to grow without creating a business that controlled her life. Chauncey also walks Stephen through her first flip, which she acquired for $125,000 and sold to another investor for $186,000 after doing very little to the property. That first $60,000 profit gave her the confidence to take the next step into investing. We also get into television, public speaking, social media, ADHD, creativity, and the pressure entrepreneurs can feel to constantly produce and scale. And ultimately, Chauncey shares the lesson she's carrying into this next chapter of her life: build your business for freedom, not for money. Stephen and Chauncey talked about: 📌 How Chauncey got into real estate and closed 10 deals in her first three months 📌 Why video became the cornerstone of her real estate marketing 📌 Building a brokerage and recruiting 400+ agents 📌 Chauncey's first flip and the $60K profit she made in 10 days 📌 Why she believes flips should be designed for the end buyer 📌 Building systems without constantly scaling the busines 📌 Why entrepreneurs should build for freedom instead of money Find Chauncey‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/the_chaunceyshow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chauncey-pham-129078b2/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

September 3, 2026Episode 8556 min

EP 85: America Needs to Bring Back the Starter Home | Dr. Skylar Olsen

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Skylar Olsen, a housing economist, proptech expert, educator, and entrepreneur who spent 11 years at Zillow studying housing from the customer’s perspective. She shares what she learned about the complexity of buying a home and why helping people understand the housing market is just as important as having the data itself. We also talk about the new venture she’s building, which helps landowners redevelop their lots into communities of six to 10 smaller homes. Her goal is to create more options for people who want to become homeowners but can’t afford the traditional single-family home. A major focus of our conversation is the missing middle of the housing market. Dr. Skylar explains how the current market often serves renters and existing homeowners with significant equity, while leaving many potential first-time buyers without an affordable path to ownership. We also get into the challenges of actually developing this type of housing, including zoning, parking, construction costs, finding the right lots, and getting landowners, buyers, funders, and developers aligned. Finally, we discuss housing in the Bay Area, the impact of technology wealth and mortgage rates, cooperative housing, and why the built environment may need to change if communities want to remain accessible to the next generation. Stephen and Dr. Skylar talked about: 📌 Dr. Skylar's 11 years at Zillow and what housing data taught her 📌 Redeveloping single-family lots into six to 10-home communities 📌 The missing middle and the struggle to become a first-time homeowner 📌 The challenges of zoning, parking, construction, and development 📌 How landowners can benefit from upzoning instead of simply selling to developers 📌 San Jose, East Palo Alto, and the unique dynamics of Bay Area housing 📌 Cooperative housing, shared spaces, and creating more accessible paths to ownership Find Dr. Skylar‘s: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylar-olsen-9823aa53/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast ⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠