Hey there, it’s Jay and Annie! In today’s episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving deep into the many creative and practical ways you can fund both the purchase and rehab of your investment properties. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, understanding your financing options is crucial to scaling your real estate business — and keeping more of your own money in your pocket.

We’re sharing everything from private money strategies and 401(k) rollovers to HELOCs, partnerships, and hard money lenders. We talk about real-life examples, mistakes we’ve made, and the smarter methods we use now that we wish we knew when we started. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into a deal with zero of your own cash or how to structure win-win terms with a lender, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

1. Traditional banks are often not the most efficient or cost-effective way to fund investment properties — explore private lenders and alternative options.

2. You can leverage retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and equity in your home or others’ to fund real estate deals creatively.

3. Vetting your lender thoroughly can save your deal — a reliable lender can make or break your transaction timeline and credibility.

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:14] - Why we rarely use traditional banks anymore

[3:06] - Cash is king — but it doesn’t always have to be your cash

[4:25] - Using old 401(k)s and self-directed retirement accounts for funding

[7:39] - Leveraging whole life insurance policies for real estate investing

[10:02] - Understanding and using HELOCs creatively and safely

[14:44] - The power of partnerships and joint ventures when you have no capital

[18:29] - What to look for in a trustworthy hard money lender

[21:06] - Typical loan terms, down payments, and interest rates across lenders

[23:00] - Traditional banks: when they make sense and when to avoid them

Links & Resources

• Quest IRA (Texas-based)

• Kingdom Trust (based in Wyoming/Kentucky)

• Hard money lenders mentioned: Wildcat Lending, Fund That Flip, RCN Capital

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• If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review — and don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to take the leap into real estate investing. Catch you in the next episode, and as always, happy house hunting!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, I walk you through the ins and outs of a live owner finance deal where I acquired a property with none of my own money. We dive deep into the numbers, from rehab costs to rental income, and explore two strategies for working with investors or using loans to fund deals. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just dipping your toes into creative financing, this episode gives you a clear, real-world example of how to make a deal work — even when you’re short on cash.

We also touch on an inspiring tenant success story, and I share insights into why owner financing is one of my favorite tools in real estate. You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can apply to your own deals, plus the motivation to get moving on your next project.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - How I bought a property with zero money down

[1:46] - Breaking down a 15% investor return and profit split

[2:59] - Purchase price, rehab estimates, and making it rent-ready

[8:03] - A fast lease-up story and helping a tenant in need

[10:52] - Why tax season is prime time for lease-option deals

[14:00] - Creative ways to reduce rehab costs through partnerships

[18:00] - The pros and cons of different flooring choices for rentals

[26:04] - Calculating a 30%+ annual return on investment

[32:04] - Partnering vs. borrowing: choosing the right funding approach

[35:00] - Why I love owner financing over traditional bank loans

[36:04] - Next steps for lining up funding and contractors

5 Key Takeaways

1. You can buy real estate with none of your own money — if you’re willing to be creative with financing.

2. A well-structured owner finance deal can deliver over 30% annual ROI.

3. Tax season is the perfect time to lock in lease-option deals, thanks to buyers with cash in hand.

4. Partnering with contractors or tradespeople can dramatically cut your rehab costs.

5. Choosing between a partner and a lender depends on whether you want to split profits or keep the full upside.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with someone you know who’s ready to start or scale their investing journey. Your support helps us keep bringing you real-life deal breakdowns and actionable strategies!

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Ride, I’m flying solo while Jay’s out with a migraine. I take the mic to talk candidly about the reality of being a woman in the construction and house-flipping business. This field isn’t traditionally a female-dominated one—and trust me, that shows up in a thousand little ways, from subtle undermining to outright dismissal. But after more than a decade in the industry, I’ve learned how to stand my ground, own my space, and lead with both knowledge and grit.

I’m sharing personal stories and hard-earned insights on how women can thrive in construction, rehab, and real estate investment. From navigating contractor conversations to leveraging tools like the DISC and Predictive Index for smarter team-building, this episode is a must-listen for anyone forging their own path in a challenging space. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, you’ll walk away with renewed confidence and clarity.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:59] - Why the construction and flipping space still isn’t welcoming to women—and how I handle it.

[2:47] - My hands-on experience and why it’s crucial to know your stuff.

[4:05] - How attention to detail and multitasking give women a natural edge in the business.

[6:18] - Advice to women entering or growing in the real estate and contracting world.

[7:22] - Finding your “unique genius” and aligning your role with your strengths.

[8:08] - The DISC and Predictive Index: two tools that changed how we hire and delegate.

[10:12] - Setting boundaries, leading with authority, and being respected as a woman in charge.

Links & Resources:

• DISC Personality Assessment – Tony Robbins

• The Predictive Index

If this episode hit home, take a second to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride. It helps us keep bringing you the real talk and real tools you need to thrive in this business. And don’t forget to share this one with a woman you know who’s building her empire, one project at a time.