Podcast

Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing with Jonathan Greene

339: Buying Distressed Real Estate at Auction with Mike Russo

In this episode, Mike Russo dives into the realities of investing in distressed properties through online auctions and the lessons learned from years of experience. He shares how expectations often don’t match reality, especially for new investors entering competitive, fast-moving platforms.

He also highlights how seemingly small details can make or break a deal, from unexpected property management solutions to knowing when to walk away and protect your capital. These real-world stories show the importance of flexibility and disciplined decision-making.

Finally, Mike explains his hands-on approach to due diligence, including his five-door strategy for understanding neighborhoods. By going directly to the people who live there, he uncovers insights that help him make smarter, more confident investment decisions.

In this episode, you will hear:

Why online auctions can be frustrating without understanding reserve pricing and counter bidding
How small discoveries can turn a risky deal into a profitable opportunity
The importance of keeping earnest money low and knowing when to walk away
How direct neighborhood research can uncover hidden risks and opportunities
Why disciplined, market-driven decision-making leads to better outcomes

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