Podcast

Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing with Jonathan Greene

264: Building Real Estate Wealth Through Rental Properties with Joel Miller

In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with experienced investor and author Joel Miller, who has spent nearly five decades building wealth through rental properties. Joel walks through his early days as a mobile DJ, his accidental path into real estate, and how he grew a portfolio of rentals, flipped over 100 houses, and became a trusted hard money lender in his community.

Joel shares his unique perspective on incorporating real estate into an existing career without sacrificing a passion or day job. He emphasizes that real estate doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It can be a powerful supplement to whatever you’re already doing. He also breaks down the value of education, long-term thinking, and community involvement through local investor associations.

The episode dives into Joel’s practical framework for sustainable investing, highlighting the critical role of tenant selection, relationship-driven lending, and maintaining high property standards. As an educator and leader in his regional landlord association, Joel also explains how building trust with fellow investors and tenants creates long-term results.

His book, “Build Real Estate Wealth: Enjoy the Journey of Rental Property Investment,” is a comprehensive guide that combines mindset, math, strategy, and best practices for anyone interested in rentals, whether part-time, full-time, or somewhere in between. From managing expectations to preparing personal financial statements and structuring deals, Joel’s approach is rooted in decades of firsthand experience.

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to avoid the mistakes new landlords often make, Joel offers clarity, candor, and the tools to build a long-lasting business through real estate.

In this episode, you will hear:

Joel’s method for building a rental portfolio alongside a full-time career
Ways strong tenant screening sets the foundation for long-term success
Approaches to investing in small multifamily properties with upside potential
How personal relationships support deal flow and private lending
The benefits of joining local investor associations and staying engaged
Key practices that experienced landlords use to protect cash flow
Tips for preparing your financials and being ready to act on a good deal
Lessons from flipping 100+ homes and lending to local investors

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