Joe Meares has 130 rental units. If he were starting over, he’d slow down.

That got my attention.

Joe is a New York City real estate investor and former Wall Street analyst who bought his first rental in Indiana for $50,000 in 2018. We get into that first deal, the team that made long-distance investing possible, and how buying more properties can turn into a whole new job.

I also asked him about the part that tends to get skipped: what his finances actually looked like when he left banking. We talk about savings, uneven rental income, and why a growing portfolio doesn’t automatically mean you’re ready to replace a paycheck.

Joe was generous with the numbers, the lessons, and what he’d change. If you’re curious about real estate, this is a useful look at the work behind the property count.

What you’ll take away:

• Why Joe would prioritize cash flow per rental over the number of units he owns.
• The four local team members (aka "Core Four") he relies on to invest from another state.
• Why he separates long-term property wealth from the income needed to cover life today.
• Where he tells beginners to start: their own finances, upcoming expenses, and goals.

🔗 Links mentioned:

• Joe’s LinkedIn

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