Episodes

  • #290: From House Hack to Real Deals: Drew Tilgner’s Investor Playbook
    Feb 18 2026

    In Episode 290 of REIA Radio, hosts Ted Kaasch and Owen Dashner sit down with Drew Tilgner — a young investor who jumped into real estate at 19 and started stacking experience fast.

    Drew walks through how he got started with house hacking, what he learned by actually doing deals (instead of just doom-scrolling BiggerPockets and calling it “research”), and how living in his own properties helped him build momentum early.

    A big advantage in Drew’s story: his experience working at a title company. He breaks down why title matters more than most new investors realize, how title insurance can save your butt when things get messy, and how seeing transactions from the inside sharpened his decision-making as an investor.

    From there, the conversation expands into what it really takes to grow: moving from easier properties into heavier projects, learning renovation realities the hard way, and understanding risk before you scale. Ted and Owen also dig into the mindset side—consistency, taking action, and why strong relationships beat “perfect timing” every single time.

    They also talk money and lending: being financially prepared, using leverage wisely, and why “I’ll figure it out later” is not a strategy when you’re borrowing someone else’s money.

    If you like real conversations with real investors (no guru fluff), subscribe to REIA Radio and share this episode with someone who keeps saying they’re “waiting for the right time.”

    And if you’re local, come to an Omaha REIA event and meet the kind of people who actually do deals—not just talk about them.

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • #289: The Real Estate Rundown with Owen and Ted
    Feb 16 2026

    In this Real Estate Rundown episode, Ted and Owen break down the chaos in the markets and what it might mean for real-world investors who prefer assets you can actually touch. They talk through big swings in gold, silver, and Bitcoin, and how shifting expectations around Federal Reserve leadership and interest-rate direction can ripple into everything from investor sentiment to real estate strategy.

    From there, the conversation gets practical: the “fun” surprises that come with older buildings (like random code requirements and hidden infrastructure issues that only show up once you’re already committed). They walk through the decision-making math between spending money upfront to fix a problem properly versus paying ongoing operating costs that quietly crush building value over time.

    Golden Nugget: If a contractor wants a big chunk of money upfront “for materials,” don’t hand them a blank check and hope for the best. Have them build the materials list/cart at a big-box store and you buy it directly—protects you from getting burned and keeps discounts in your pocket. Bonus: check Pro Desk pricing on larger orders and stack any REIA discounts where available.

    Coming Up / Community: The guys preview Wednesday’s episode featuring Drew Tilner, plus upcoming Omaha-area events including the REIA Mastery Series session on self-storage with Fernando Angelucci and a March in-person event with Andrew Devlin.

    If you got value from this episode, subscribe to REIA Radio so you don’t miss the next drop—especially Wednesday’s episode. And if you’re local (or you like flying in for good rooms), come plug into the Omaha REIA community and the upcoming events Ted mentioned.

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    32 mins
  • #288: Multiple Streams, One Mission: How Andrea Foley Builds and Scales
    Feb 11 2026

    Andrea Foley is the definition of “don’t put me in one box.” In this episode, she breaks down how she’s built a stacked portfolio of businesses—from kids resale and retail, to real estate, to the car wash world—while keeping her eye on the long game: legacy.

    This conversation goes way beyond “here’s what I do.” Andrea gets real about the pressure small business owners are under right now, how her consulting background shaped the way she thinks about growth and decision-making, and why financial planning isn’t optional if you want to stay in the game.

    You’ll also hear practical investing/operator talk: why house hacking is still one of the cleanest on-ramps for new investors, how underwriting a car wash deal is basically the same discipline as underwriting real estate, and why city regulations can quietly torch your budget if you don’t plan for surprises.

    They wrap with real-life lessons that come from taking hits, rebuilding, and trying to leave something behind that matters—plus a straightforward parenting philosophy centered on responsibility and work ethic.

    Connect with Andrea Foley:

    • Pirates & Pixies: piratesandpixiesomaha.com
    • Undercover Kitchen: undercoverkitchenomaha.com
    • Koala Wash: koalawashusa.com

    If you got value from this episode, share it with a friend who’s building a business (or about to learn some lessons the hard way). Subscribe to REIA Radio so you don’t miss the next one.

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • #287: The Real Estate Rundown with Owen and Ted
    Feb 9 2026

    In this Real Estate Rundown, Ted Kaasch and Owen Dashner look back on 2025—what went right, what got messy, and what they learned the hard way. They break down personal growth, why goal-setting actually matters (even when you don’t feel like doing it), and how community and networking keep you moving when motivation isn’t showing up.

    They also talk through new business ventures, the reality of property management headaches, and why squeezing more value out of your current investments is often smarter than chasing the next shiny thing. The episode wraps with a clear, optimistic focus on what they’re building in 2026—and how self-reflection can be a real competitive advantage in real estate.

    Key Topics Covered

    • 2025 wins, lessons, and the stuff they’d rather not repeat
    • Goal-setting that’s practical, not cheesy
    • Community + networking as an “unfair advantage”
    • New business ventures and decision-making from experience (and scars)
    • Property management challenges and what they’d do differently
    • Maximizing existing investments instead of constantly adding more
    • Building momentum and clarity heading into 2026

    If you got something from this episode, share it with one investor friend who needs a reset going into 2026.
    And if you haven’t already—subscribe/follow REIA Radio, leave a quick review, and send Ted and Owen a message with what you’re working on this year.

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    39 mins
  • #286: Inspect What You Expect: Back to Basics with Jeri Schlickbernd
    Feb 4 2026

    In Episode 286, Jeri Schlickbernd returns to REIA Radio after multiple appearances—and Ted and Owen dig into what happens when real estate (and life) doesn’t follow the cute little plan you wrote on a whiteboard in 2021.

    Jeri walks through the real story behind the big moves: relocating from St. Petersburg, dealing with renovations that turned into a slow-motion disaster, and the emotional/financial pressure that comes when your “home run” project becomes your “why do I do this” project. She’s candid about hard seasons, the mindset shifts that got her through it, and why “back to basics” isn’t a downgrade—it’s survival, stability, and eventually, growth.

    The episode turns into a practical masterclass when Jeri breaks down how to avoid shiny-object syndrome by getting brutally clear on your “why” and your number—then using that clarity as a decision filter. She also drops one of the simplest rules that saves investors a lot of pain: “Inspect what you expect.”

    Finally, Jeri shares what she’s building now for newer investors: her Catalyst class—built for people with roughly three (or fewer) doors, covering the A-to-Z fundamentals (comps, rehab estimates, pro formas, financing), with mindset coaching baked in so students actually execute instead of just collecting information like Pokémon cards.

    If you got value from this episode, do the simple stuff that actually helps: follow/subscribe, leave a quick review, and send this to one investor friend who’s currently chasing 14 strategies at once.
    And if you’re newer (or feel like you need a reset), check out Jeri’s Catalyst program and see if it fits where you’re at right now.

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • #285: The Real Estate Rundown with Owen and Ted
    Feb 2 2026

    In this episode, Ted Kaasch and Owen Dashner get real about what’s working right now in real estate—and what’s been quietly wrecking people who try to skip the fundamentals.

    They talk about why “back to basics” keeps showing up (because the market doesn’t care about your feelings), why authenticity matters more than the highlight-reel version of investing, and why the best operators eventually have to roll up their sleeves again—whether they want to or not.

    They also recap takeaways from Jeri Schlickbernd, including lessons from the last few years of market shifts, tough project realities, and staying steady when things get messy. Expect some honesty, some laughs, and a few “yeah… I’ve done that too” moments.

    If you can’t explain how you make money on a deal in 30 seconds, you don’t understand it yet—and the market is about to charge you tuition.

    If you’ve been thinking about self-storage—or you just want a real edge in 2026—keep an eye out for the REIA Mastery Series event featuring Fernando Angelucci.

    Follow the show and Omaha REIA updates so you don’t miss the details and registration.

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    23 mins
  • #284: Real Estate the Hard Way: Lessons From Deals and Rehabs with David Chan
    Jan 28 2026

    In Episode 284 of REIA Radio, Ted Kaasch and Owen Dashner sit down with David Chan for a real-world conversation on investing through market cycles, picking the right neighborhoods, and navigating renovations without getting wrecked by bad assumptions and worse contractors.

    David Chan joins Ted and Owen for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real estate strategy, market cycle reality, and the kind of “how did you even end up here?” backstory you can’t make up. David breaks down why he’s been drawn to Omaha’s more established pockets—especially areas like Dundee—and why “block-by-block” neighborhoods behave differently than suburbs when you’re pouring real money into renovations.

    They get into what it looks like to invest through different cycles, how to think about location and long-term demand, and why sticking to fundamentals matters more than chasing whatever is trending on social media this week. The conversation also covers the renovation side of the business: managing timelines, avoiding expensive surprises, and why contractor relationships can make or break a deal.

    To wrap it up, Ted and Owen talk practical advice for newer investors—especially around vetting contractors, staying resilient after losses, and keeping the long game in mind. The episode ends with a solid reflection on legacy: what you build, how you’re remembered, and the impact you leave behind in your community.

    Subscribe to REIA Radio so you don’t miss future episodes, and share this one with a friend who’s about to start a rehab and thinks it’ll be “easy.”

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • #283: The Real Estate Rundown with Owen and Ted
    Jan 26 2026

    In Episode 283, Ted and Owen break down what’s actually moving the real estate market right now—interest rates, the noise around the Fed chair, and the nonstop headlines about institutional investors. The guys talk through how some sellers are holding off on listing because they think rates will drop soon—and how the “wait and see” mindset can stall your momentum.

    They also cover the reality that even if leadership changes, rates aren’t controlled by one person. The bigger picture still comes back to the bond market and the mechanics behind interest rates.

    On institutional investors, they discuss the idea of restricting publicly traded companies from buying single-family homes, why there are likely workarounds, and why it may not solve the real supply/cost problems.

    Owen shares a real lending snapshot: 6.95% on a commercial refi for a fourplex, 25-year amortization, 80% LTV—and the bigger point: deals (and lenders) still exist if you know where to look.

    They also throw out a call for help: if someone can run the show’s X/Twitter presence and do it well, they want to hear from you.

    And they tease the next Wednesday episode featuring Omaha investor David Chan and the wild backstory behind his journey.

    You can Join the Omaha REIA - https://omahareia.com/join-today
    Omaha REIA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/OmahaREIA
    Check out the National REIA - https://nationalreia.org/
    Find Ted Kaasch at www.tedkaasch.com
    Owen Dashner on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/owen.dashner
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odawg2424/
    Red Ladder Property Solutions - www.sellmyhouseinomahafast.com
    Liquid Lending Solutions - www.liquidlendingsolutions.com
    Owen’s Blogs - www.otowninvestor.com
    www.reiquicktips.com
    Propstream - https://trial.propstreampro.com/reianebraska/
    Timber Creek Virtual - https://timbercreekvirtual.com/services/
    MagicDoor - https://magicdoor.com/reia/
    ...

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    20 mins